Thursday, October 17
2025 COLA: What SSI Recipients Can Expect from the Annual 2.5% Increase
Social Security

2025 COLA: What SSI Recipients Can Expect from the Annual 2.5% Increase

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced a 2.5% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) increase for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments in 2025. This adjustment, mandated by law, helps ensure that federal benefits rise in line with inflation, measured by the Department of Labor’s Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W). More than 72.5 million Americans, including retirees, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) beneficiaries, and SSI recipients, will benefit from this increase. How the 2025 COLA Will Affect SSI Payments For SSI recipients, the 2.5% increase means that their monthly payments will rise starting with their December 31, 2024, payment. SSI recipients typically receive lower monthly benefits than retirees, but the COLA ...
Social Security Payment of $1,920 This Week: Check If You Will Get the 2025 COLA Increase
Social Security

Social Security Payment of $1,920 This Week: Check If You Will Get the 2025 COLA Increase

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced that the 2025 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) increase of 2.5% will not be applied until December 31, 2024, for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients. For retirees, the COLA boost will be included in their January 2025 payment. This means that any Social Security payments sent in October 2024 will not reflect the 2025 COLA adjustment. However, these payments still contain the 3.2% increase from the 2024 COLA. Social Security Payments This Week: October 16, 2024 The SSA’s payment schedule indicates that this week’s Social Security payments will be sent on October 16, 2024. To qualify for this payment, recipients must meet specific requirements: They must not have received Social Security payments before May 1997. T...
Understanding the 2025 Social Security COLA: Who Will Receive $600 Extra Per Year?
Social Security

Understanding the 2025 Social Security COLA: Who Will Receive $600 Extra Per Year?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has revealed that the 2025 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) will increase benefits for retirees, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) recipients by 2.5%. Though slightly lower than the 3.2% adjustment in 2024, this boost will still provide vital financial support to millions of Americans. Who Will Receive $600 Extra Per Year from the 2025 COLA? The 2.5% COLA will result in an additional $50 per month for retirees currently receiving the average Social Security retirement benefit of $1,920, which translates to an extra $600 per year. For instance: If your current monthly benefit is $1,920, your payment will increase to $1,968 after the 2025 COLA adjustment. Those receiving smaller benefit...
Social Security Payments: What to Expect on October 16 and COLA Adjustment for 2025
Social Security

Social Security Payments: What to Expect on October 16 and COLA Adjustment for 2025

Social Security is more than just a financial support system. It provides recipients with a stable source of income that contributes to their mental and emotional well-being. This security is particularly vital for vulnerable populations such as the elderly and individuals with disabilities, many of whom rely on Social Security as their primary source of income. By ensuring regular payments, Social Security allows beneficiaries to live independently, maintain their homes, and participate in their communities. This stability fosters a stronger social fabric, offering individuals a sense of belonging and support. Who Will Receive Social Security Payments on October 16? If you're wondering about the next Social Security payment, October 16 is significant. Beneficiaries born between t...
German Court Convicts Former Polish Secret Police Officer for Stasi-Linked Crimes
Crime News

German Court Convicts Former Polish Secret Police Officer for Stasi-Linked Crimes

A German court recently delivered a significant verdict in the ongoing quest for justice related to past political repression during the Cold War. The court convicted a former Polish secret police officer for his involvement in crimes linked to the Stasi, East Germany's notorious secret police. The case sheds light on the broader implications of communist-era abuses in Eastern Europe. Details of the Verdict The court found the former officer guilty of aiding and abetting the illegal arrest and imprisonment of a political dissident in the 1980s. The victim, who had fled from East Germany to Poland, was forcibly returned to East Germany due to the collusion between the Polish authorities and the Stasi. This collaboration exemplified the extensive networks of surveillance and repression...
Woman Arrested in Cabool After Positive Meth Tests with Son
Crime News

Woman Arrested in Cabool After Positive Meth Tests with Son

In a concerning incident, a 26-year-old woman from Mountain Grove, Megan Russo, was arrested by Cabool Police after both she and her juvenile son tested positive for methamphetamine. The situation came to light in June when officers responded to a domestic assault report at their residence. Investigation and Discovery of Drug Use Upon arrival, police found Russo and her son in the same room where a smoking pipe, suspected to be used for meth, was located. This discovery raised significant concerns regarding the child's welfare, prompting authorities to initiate further investigation. The police collected samples for testing, which ultimately revealed the presence of methamphetamine in both Russo and her son. In September, the lab results confirmed that they had both tested positiv...
Free and Cheap Events in Houston: Weekend of October 18
Local News

Free and Cheap Events in Houston: Weekend of October 18

If you’re looking for affordable activities in Houston this weekend, there’s plenty to explore without breaking the bank! Here are some of the top free and cheap events happening on the weekend of October 18: 1. Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern Tours Dive into Houston’s history with a guided tour of the Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern. This unique underground reservoir is both an architectural marvel and a glimpse into the city’s past. Tours are offered on Saturday and Sunday, and tickets are just $5. 2. Houston Zoo’s Free Tuesdays Visit the Houston Zoo for free on Tuesday, October 17, as part of their monthly free admission day. Experience the diverse wildlife and engaging exhibits without any cost. Reservations are recommended to ensure your entry. 3. Art and Soul Houston Head ove...
Whooping Cough Cases Rise in Galveston County: A Public Health Concern
Local News

Whooping Cough Cases Rise in Galveston County: A Public Health Concern

Galveston County, Texas, is facing a concerning rise in whooping cough (pertussis) cases, with local health officials urging the community to be vigilant and take preventive measures. According to the Galveston County Health District (GCHD), there have been at least 11 reported cases of whooping cough this year, significantly higher than the typical annual count, which usually ranges from 1 to 3 cases. This spike has alarmed health authorities, prompting them to warn residents about the potential for further outbreaks. Whooping cough is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. It is characterized by severe coughing fits that can make it difficult for infants and young children to breathe, leading to serious complications. The GCHD emphasizes ...
Ceramic Coins Found in Kyoto: A Unique WWII Discovery
US News

Ceramic Coins Found in Kyoto: A Unique WWII Discovery

A recent discovery in Kyoto, Japan, has brought attention to a lesser-known aspect of World War II history: ceramic coins. These coins, found in a warehouse near an old mint in Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, were not made of the typical metal materials associated with currency but instead of ceramic. This surprising find has captured the interest of historians, collectors, and numismatists alike. According to reports from the Japan Mint, more than 500,000 ceramic coins were uncovered. These coins were created during World War II, a period when Japan, like many other nations, faced a significant shortage of metals. In response to this scarcity, the government turned to alternative materials, and ceramic was one of the solutions they implemented for producing currency. While metal was prioritiz...
Target Announces Changes to Its Return Policy to Combat Fraud
US News

Target Announces Changes to Its Return Policy to Combat Fraud

Target, a leading retailer, has announced changes to its return policy aimed at addressing increasing instances of return fraud. The company has decided to tighten its rules on refunds and exchanges, especially for transactions suspected of fraudulent activity. New Return Policy Updates Target's new return policy still allows returns for unopened items within 90 days, but the retailer now reserves the right to deny refunds or exchanges if there is suspicion of fraud. This shift is in response to the significant financial losses retailers experience from fraudulent returns, which have collectively cost U.S. businesses over $100 billion last year. Fraudulent practices include returning stolen merchandise or swapping genuine items for counterfeits. These changes reflect an industry-w...