Friday Scoop: Pay Taxes with Student Loans
The big story…
Maine Helps Residents Pay Student Loans
Maine officials have implemented an incentive plan to get more young people to move to Maine by offering to help graduates pay off their student loans. The incentive is part of a solution to strengthen Maine’s dwindling workforce as the state draws about 36 million yearly tourists but only boasts a population of about 1.3 million. The plan, which started for state residents in 2008, allows people to subtract their student loan payments from what they owe for state income taxes. People in STEM could even make money off of the program if their payments outweigh their income taxes. Although some universities and specific regions across the country have implemented similar plans, Maine’s statewide policy is the first of its kind.
In national news…
Spies Are Listening in on Trump’s Calls
On Wednesday a New York Times report cited insight from current and former officials that Trump often uses his personal iPhone despite being told that Russian and Chinese spies are likely listening to his calls. Trump disputed these claims by tweeting that the article was “long,” “boring,” and “incorrect.”
In other national news…
The President Plans to Change Medicare Drug Prices
In fulfillment of his campaign promise, Trump unveiled a plan to lower the cost of Medicare drugs, as other nations typically pay much less than the U.S. The proposal is part of his “America-first” agenda, claiming the United States will no longer pick up the slack by absorbing higher drug prices and funding innovation in the pharmaceutical industry.
In weather…
The First Nor’easter of the Season
The hurricane that hit Mexico earlier this week will fuel the East Coast’s first Nor’easter storm of the season this weekend. Residents from Virginia to Maine can expect flooding, power outages, and lots of rain.
In history…
Someone Tried to Steal the Magna Carta
A man has been arrested for attempting to steal the Magna Carta from Salisbury Cathedral. The document in question is the most well-preserved of four original copies. The suspect, who is now in custody, was caught smashing holes in the glass case surrounding the Magna Carta, but the document remained unharmed.
In global news…
Plans for Peace in North and South Korea
In an attempt to bring peace and unity, North and South Korea have agreed to eliminate the 22 guard posts at the fortified border between the nations by December of this year. This development is part of a military pact to end hostility between the countries.
In other global news…
Myanmar Journalists Freed on Bail
Three journalists in Myanmar, who were jailed for writing an article questioning government spending, have been freed on bail. The next hearing is scheduled for November 9th when the journalists will be facing the possibility of two years in prison.
Developing Stories:
- After ten suspicious packages were sent to prominent Trump critics, the latest including Joe Biden, federal investigators have concluded that the potentially explosive devices were likely sent from Florida.
- There have been several developments in the case of Jamal Khashoggi’s murder: Saudi Arabia has finally admitted that Khashoggi’s killing was likely premeditated, Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is demanding that the location of Khashoggi’s body be revealed, and Khashoggi’s eldest son, Salah Khashoggi, has left Saudi Arabia for the United States.
- The midterms are really heating up with news of racism accusations and missing voter applications.
- The migrant caravan of about 5,000 people is still weeks away from the U.S. border. The U.S. is sending 800 troops for logistical support, and Trump is considering implementing a travel ban on members of the caravan.
Trending today…
A Last-Minute Banksy Costume for Halloween
Friday’s Morning Scoop was made possible by Britney Hoobraj and the CMN Staff. Happy Halloweekend CMNers! We hope you have fun, and don’t forget to celebrate safely! Also, happy #NationalPumpkinDay.
