Wednesday, October 16
NYC Streets Near Times Square to Be Closed for Festival
5Oct By Grace ThompsonNo Comments
Local News

NYC Streets Near Times Square to Be Closed for Festival

As excitement builds in New York City, part of Times Square will be closed to traffic for the highly anticipated Times Square Festival this Saturday. The New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) has announced the closure, emphasizing the festival's role in celebrating the vibrant culture and energy of the city. The Essence of Times Square According to the Times Square Alliance, “Times Square has always been a window into the soul of the city.” The area serves as a reflection of New Yorkers' fantasies, fears, dreams, desires, and aspirations. As a central hub for entertainment, dining, and shopping, Times Square embodies the essence of urban life in New York, showcasing both the love residents have for their city and the diverse experiences it offers. Street Closures and Fe...
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Police Seek Public Help to Catch Suspect in Manhattan Box Truck Thefts
5Oct By Grace ThompsonNo Comments
Crime News

Police Seek Public Help to Catch Suspect in Manhattan Box Truck Thefts

The New York Police Department is investigating two separate incidents of theft involving box trucks in Manhattan, which have left local businesses and residents concerned about safety in the area. The suspect, identified as 41-year-old Carlo Longhi, was seen committing the crimes in broad daylight, raising questions about security in the bustling city. Details of the Incidents The first incident took place around 10:40 a.m. on Thursday, December 7, 2023, in the Meatpacking District. According to officials, Longhi approached a box truck parked in front of 422 West 16th Street and stole approximately $1,134 worth of property. After the theft, he fled the scene in a gray 2020 Acura RDX SUV, heading eastbound on West 16th Street. In a previous incident on August 22, 2023, around 9:30...
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Memorial Grows for 29-Year-Old Woman Fatally Stabbed Outside Bronx Bodega
5Oct By Grace ThompsonNo Comments
Crime News

Memorial Grows for 29-Year-Old Woman Fatally Stabbed Outside Bronx Bodega

A memorial has been set up in the Bronx to honor Gwendolyn "GiGi" Guyton, a 29-year-old woman who was tragically stabbed to death outside a local bodega. The incident has left the community in shock as friends, family, and neighbors light candles and gather in remembrance of her life. This heartbreaking event unfolded on Thursday afternoon, and police are actively investigating the case. Details of the Fatal Stabbing The stabbing occurred around 3:30 p.m. on Southern Boulevard. According to authorities, Gwendolyn Guyton was attacked and sustained fatal stab wounds to both her neck and torso. Despite immediate medical attention, the injuries were too severe for her to survive. The suspect, described as a female wearing a green hooded sweater and blue sweatpants, fled the scene on a bi...
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Goodbye to Social Security: Key Date for the 2025 COLA Increase
5Oct By Grace ThompsonNo Comments
Finance

Goodbye to Social Security: Key Date for the 2025 COLA Increase

Over 71 million U.S. retirees, VA veterans, and disability beneficiaries are anxiously awaiting news of the 2025 Social Security Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) increase. With inflation continuing to impact everyday expenses, the COLA is vital in helping retirees keep up with rising costs. Predicted 2025 COLA Increase: 2.5% Experts predict that the 2025 COLA will bring a 2.5% increase to Social Security payments. This estimate follows the 2024 increase of 3.2%, a figure the same experts accurately forecasted last year. Although this year's increase is expected to be lower, it still provides essential relief for millions of Americans who rely on Social Security as a primary source of income. Official Announcement Date The U.S. Government has set October 10, 2024, as the officia...
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IRS Tax Refund Checks Targeted in Major Theft Scheme
5Oct By Grace ThompsonNo Comments
Finance

IRS Tax Refund Checks Targeted in Major Theft Scheme

A significant number of taxpayers who chose to receive their IRS tax refunds via mail have fallen victim to a widespread theft operation, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal. Over 200 individuals have reported that their refund checks, some valued at up to $500,000, were stolen. This large-scale fraud has resulted in millions of dollars in losses, sparking concerns over the security of mailed IRS refund checks. Representative Nicole Malliotakis Responds to Stolen Checks Nicole Malliotakis, a Republican representative from Staten Island, has taken on 218 cases involving stolen refund checks, amounting to $3.8 million in missing funds. One of her constituents faced the issue of having to refile multiple times to receive their refund, only to have reissued checks stolen as ...
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2025 Social Security Disability Benefits: What You Need to Know
5Oct By Grace ThompsonNo Comments
Finance

2025 Social Security Disability Benefits: What You Need to Know

Social Security Disability benefits play a vital role in supporting millions of U.S. citizens who are unable to work due to disabilities. As inflation continues to impact living costs, beneficiaries eagerly await the 2025 Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) to help cope with rising expenses. Although the official COLA announcement is yet to be made, there are already predictions for the increase in monthly payments for disability recipients. What Is the 2025 Disability Benefit Increase? The Senior Citizens League has estimated that the 2025 COLA could bring a 2.5% increase to Social Security payments. This means that individuals receiving disability benefits, or SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance), could see their checks rise accordingly. For those receiving the maximum SSDI ...
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October 2024 SNAP Payment Schedule: When Will You Get Your Food Stamps?
5Oct By Grace ThompsonNo Comments
Finance

October 2024 SNAP Payment Schedule: When Will You Get Your Food Stamps?

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as Food Stamps, provides crucial financial assistance to millions of low-income households in the United States. With rising inflation, the USDA has announced a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for SNAP recipients in October 2024. While the increase may not be substantial, it will offer some extra support to those who rely on these benefits. How SNAP Payments Are Scheduled Unlike Social Security payments, which are based on a recipient's retirement date or birthday, SNAP payments are distributed on different dates depending on the state. Each state has its own schedule for SNAP payments, which typically occur between the 1st and the 28th of the month. It's important for recipients to check their state's specific cal...
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Social Security COLA in 2025: What Retirees Need to Know
5Oct By Grace ThompsonNo Comments
Social Security

Social Security COLA in 2025: What Retirees Need to Know

For millions of retirees, Social Security is a vital source of income, making annual cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) crucial for managing inflation and rising living expenses. As we approach 2025, the new COLA is expected to introduce changes that retirees should be prepared for, marking a new era for Social Security recipients. Lower COLA Expected for 2025 In 2025, retirees can anticipate a lower COLA increase compared to the 3.2% adjustment in 2024. Based on inflation data from July and August, estimates project a 2.5% COLA for the upcoming year. However, this figure is subject to change depending on the September inflation data, which the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) will release soon. Despite the final percentage still being unknown, the increase in 2025 is expected to be l...
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October Social Security Payments: Are You Eligible for the October 23 Payout?
5Oct By Grace ThompsonNo Comments
Social Security

October Social Security Payments: Are You Eligible for the October 23 Payout?

Social Security payments for retirees vary based on specific rules, particularly around your birthdate and when you started receiving benefits. October has several payment rounds, and if you're eligible, your payment may arrive earlier or later in the month. Some retirees, for example, will receive their cheque or direct deposit as late as October 23, 2024. Despite the wait, these payments are scheduled and on time, with no delays. Who Qualifies for the October 23 Payment? The Social Security Administration (SSA) has a clear schedule for payments based on your birthdate. If you were born between October 21 and October 31, you will receive your Social Security payment on October 23. Here’s a breakdown of the payment dates: Birthdays from October 1 to October 10: Payment on October...
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You Could Receive Up to $4,873 Today if You Missed Social Security Due to the 2025 COLA Increase
5Oct By Grace ThompsonNo Comments
Social Security

You Could Receive Up to $4,873 Today if You Missed Social Security Due to the 2025 COLA Increase

The Social Security Administration (SSA) is responsible for disbursing retirement benefits to millions of Americans, but not all retirees receive their payments on the same day. Eligibility for certain pay dates depends on when you started receiving benefits, your birthdate, and whether you are eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). In October, several rounds of payments will be sent, so it’s important to know which date applies to you. October 3 Payment for Early Retirees For retirees who began receiving Social Security benefits before May 1997, the SSA sent out payments on October 3, 2024. This payment date also applies to individuals who receive both SSI and retirement benefits. Those who fit this category may have already seen their direct deposit or cheque arrive. If y...
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