Wednesday, October 16
CalFresh 2025: SNAP Payments Set to Increase with COLA Adjustment
Finance

CalFresh 2025: SNAP Payments Set to Increase with COLA Adjustment

Starting October 1, 2024, CalFresh recipients in California will see a slight increase in their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits due to the 2025 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA). Though the increase is modest, it aims to help low-income families as grocery prices rise. What is CalFresh? CalFresh is California’s version of the federal SNAP program, providing financial assistance to low-income households to purchase nutritious food. The program is designed to alleviate hunger and improve the health of residents who qualify for assistance. 2025 COLA Increase: What to Expect The 2025 COLA will bring minor increases to CalFresh benefits. For instance, a single-person household will see their benefits rise from $291 to $292. Similarly, a family of four will r...
New York Rent Control and Rent Stabilization Laws: A Guide for Landlords and Tenants
US News

New York Rent Control and Rent Stabilization Laws: A Guide for Landlords and Tenants

New York's rent control and stabilization laws have long been a central issue in the state's real estate market. These regulations, particularly in New York City, are designed to limit rent increases and protect tenants in an increasingly expensive housing market. Overview of Rent Control and Rent Stabilization Rent control limits rent increases to a capped amount, usually applied to buildings constructed before 1947, with leases signed before July 1, 1971. Rent stabilization allows for incremental rent increases within state-imposed limits and covers buildings constructed between February 1, 1947, and December 31, 1973. The 2019 Housing Stability and Tenant Protection Act (HSTPA) introduced stricter regulations, preventing many units from "graduating" out of rent stabilizati...
SNAP Benefit Increases Begin on October 1: States Seeing the Biggest Boosts
Finance

SNAP Benefit Increases Begin on October 1: States Seeing the Biggest Boosts

Starting October 1, 2024, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits are set to increase to help low-income households cope with rising grocery prices. Although these increases are modest, they come at a time when inflation continues to push food costs higher. New Maximum SNAP Benefits For households in the 48 contiguous states and Washington D.C., the new maximum monthly benefits are as follows: 1-person household: $292 2-person household: $536 3-person household: $768 4-person household: $975 5-person household: $1,158 6-person household: $1,390 7-person household: $1,536 8-person household: $1,756 For each additional person, an extra $220 is added to the monthly allotment. Last year’s increases were slightly higher due to more severe inf...
Sleeping in Your Car: What You Need to Know About DUI Laws in Pennsylvania
US News

Sleeping in Your Car: What You Need to Know About DUI Laws in Pennsylvania

New York's rent control and stabilization laws have long been a central issue in the state's real estate market. These regulations, particularly in New York City, are designed to limit rent increases and protect tenants in an increasingly expensive housing market. Overview of Rent Control and Rent Stabilization Rent control limits rent increases to a capped amount, usually applied to buildings constructed before 1947, with leases signed before July 1, 1971. Rent stabilization allows for incremental rent increases within state-imposed limits and covers buildings constructed between February 1, 1947, and December 31, 1973. The 2019 Housing Stability and Tenant Protection Act (HSTPA) introduced stricter regulations, preventing many units from "graduating" out of rent stabilizati...
California Seniors and Driving: Key Considerations for Safe Driving
US News

California Seniors and Driving: Key Considerations for Safe Driving

Driving can be a significant part of maintaining independence, especially for seniors. However, aging can affect physical, visual, and mental abilities, which are essential for safe driving. Here are important factors and resources for seniors in California to consider when it comes to driving safely. Warning Signs of Unsafe Driving For many seniors, there may come a time to reassess their driving capabilities. Some common signs of unsafe driving include: Getting lost in familiar areas. Accumulating dents or scrapes on the car or surrounding objects like fences and mailboxes. Frequent near-miss incidents or collisions. Seniors may also choose to limit driving under certain conditions, such as avoiding nighttime driving, choosing well-lit routes, or driving only short di...
SNAP Benefits Set to Increase to $1,756 in October 2024
Finance

SNAP Benefits Set to Increase to $1,756 in October 2024

As inflation continues to drive up the cost of groceries, SNAP benefits are set to increase slightly beginning October 1, 2024. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as the Food Stamp Program, provides financial assistance for low-income families to help cover grocery costs. This year's increase in SNAP benefits will offer some relief, although it is modest compared to previous years. New Maximum SNAP Benefit Amounts Starting October 1, 2024, the new maximum SNAP allotments for households in the 48 contiguous states and Washington D.C. will be as follows: 1 person: $292 2 people: $536 3 people: $768 4 people: $975 5 people: $1,158 6 people: $1,390 7 people: $1,536 8 people: $1,756 For each additional person, the household wi...
SNAP Benefits to Increase in 2025 with New COLA Adjustment
Finance

SNAP Benefits to Increase in 2025 with New COLA Adjustment

The 2025 Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) is set to increase Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for millions of Americans. This adjustment, which occurs annually, is aimed at helping low-income households keep up with inflation and rising living costs, especially in essential areas like food, housing, and utilities. With inflation impacting the price of goods, the COLA ensures that SNAP benefits are more reflective of current economic conditions. Updated SNAP Benefit Levels for 2025 Starting in 2025, households receiving SNAP benefits will see their monthly payments increase to the following maximum amounts, depending on household size: 1 person: Up to $304 2 people: Up to $558 3 people: Up to $799 4 people: Up to $1,015 5 people: Up to $1,205 ...
Texas SNAP Payments Up to $1,751: Final September Distribution and October Increases
Finance

Texas SNAP Payments Up to $1,751: Final September Distribution and October Increases

In Texas, recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are set to receive their final payments for September. While many have already accessed their benefits, the remaining disbursements will be processed from September 26 through September 28, depending on the recipient’s Eligibility Determination Group (EDG). Texas SNAP Payment Schedule for September The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has confirmed that the last round of SNAP benefits will be issued to Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards based on the final digits of a recipient's EDG number. For example, beneficiaries with EDG numbers ending in 35-38 and 89-92 can expect their payments on September 26, while others with different EDG endings will receive theirs on September 27 or 28. The dist...
Macy’s 98th Thanksgiving Parade: A Star-Studded Spectacle to Remember
Local News

Macy’s 98th Thanksgiving Parade: A Star-Studded Spectacle to Remember

This year marks the 98th edition of the iconic Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, set to take place on November 28, 2024, at 8:30 a.m. The 2.5-mile route stretches from West 77th Street and Central Park West to Macy's Herald Square, offering prime viewing spots along Central Park West and 6th Avenue. Exciting Performances and New Additions The 2024 parade promises to be a grand event with performances from music groups, Broadway stars, and various celebrities. It will be broadcast live nationwide on NBC-TV and streamed on Peacock, allowing millions to join in on the festivities from 8:30 a.m. to noon. Among the exciting new additions to this year’s lineup are balloons featuring beloved characters like Extraordinary Noorah, Marshall from PAW Patrol, Dora, and the debut float from the...
NYCHA’s New Trash Terminal Aims to Eliminate Rats and Pests
Local News

NYCHA’s New Trash Terminal Aims to Eliminate Rats and Pests

The New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) recently unveiled a state-of-the-art trash disposal system designed to reduce rodent infestations and other pest issues at the Polo Grounds Towers in Upper Manhattan. The $31 million vacuum-powered trash terminal, which has been in the works since 2021, is expected to make a significant difference in waste management at the 60-year-old residential complex. Innovative Trash Disposal System The new system, designed by Trans-Vac, utilizes powerful 150-horsepower fans that suck trash through 20-inch steel pipes from each of the four 31-story buildings. Garbage will travel underground at speeds of up to 60 miles per hour, making the process both efficient and hygienic. This system will handle about 30 tons of trash per week, directly transportin...