What you need to know; student loan relief applications now open in beta test: Monday, Oct. 17

President Joe Biden first announced the program, which will impact millions of Americans, this summer. It's expected to provide relief for up to $10,000 in student loan debt for those making less than $125,000 a year or as much as $20,000 for eligible borrowers who were also Pell Grant recipients.We have a huge first round victory," Said Melissa Byrnes, with 'We the 45 Million.'Byrnes, who is also a student loan borrower, says this is a historic first step."I'm partly holding my breath, but I'm glad to see the administration moving forward," she said.Applications won't be processed until the website officially opens, but those who apply during the beta testing phase will not need to reapply.This comes as the Department of Education is facing several lawsuits challenging the policy, but along with those challenges - many are left wondering if any money forgiven would be considered taxable income by the state."In those states, you'll have a tax burden that may be the equivalent of a few months. Some of those states are trying to change the laws to make it tax-free, but it seems unlikely it will happen this year," said Mark Kantrowitz, a student loan expert with Cerebly.com.He says people living in certain states, like Minnesota, may want to weigh their options first. "You may want to wait until next year, hoping it becomes tax-free at the state level, however, there's also a reason to apply immediately, there are several legal challenges, and if any are successful, they may block the president's plan," he said.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/money/what-you-need-to-know-student-loan-relief-applications-now-open/89-2abbdbaf-b481-49ce-8b5f-ff1779a385a8A fired head coach, multiple rough losses in a row, and now an embattled receiver are on the list of problems for the Carolina Panthers this season.In another disappointing performance, the Panthers lost 24-10 to the Los Angeles Rams on the road in Steve Wilks's first game as head coach.The Panthers led 10-7 at halftime thanks to a Donte Jackson interception touchdown, but Carolina failed to muster any offensive production in the second half and let the Rams run away with the game.To make matters worse, wide receiver Robbie Anderson was seen visibly arguing with coaches and asked to leave the field by his own team. Anderson headed to the locker room possibly for the last time as a Panther as rumors swirl about the team's trading ventures heading in the coming days.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/sports/nfl/panthers/panthers-game-sunday-carolina-rams-la/275-71484d71-9501-4616-9ef2-fa19c3ae866bWatch Wake Up Charlotte each weekday morning from 4:30 to 7 a.m. on WCNC Charlotte, and as always, join the conversation on social media using #WakeUpCLT!