Thursday, December 26
Alert: New York Woman Sentenced for Using Counterfeit Money in Hudson Valley
Local News

Alert: New York Woman Sentenced for Using Counterfeit Money in Hudson Valley

A New York City woman has been sentenced to three to six years in prison for her involvement in a counterfeit currency scheme that targeted businesses in the Hudson Valley. Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler announced the sentencing of Carol Ntuli, 39, of Manhattan, after she pleaded guilty to Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument in the First Degree. This incident is particularly concerning as it highlights the impact of counterfeit money on local businesses. In March, Ntuli executed her fraudulent activities over two separate days, making purchases at various stores in the Town of Wallkill and a shop in the Town of New Windsor using counterfeit $100 bills. After her arrest the following week, police found her wearing the same clothes she had on while passing the fak...
Tragic Discovery: Body of Missing New York Woman Found in Hudson Valley
Local News

Tragic Discovery: Body of Missing New York Woman Found in Hudson Valley

In a tragic turn of events, authorities have confirmed that a missing New York woman was found dead in the Hudson Valley. The discovery has prompted an investigation, shedding light on the circumstances surrounding her disappearance. The woman, who was reported missing earlier this month, was discovered by a search team in a wooded area near the Hudson River. Police had been searching for her for several days after her family expressed concern about her well-being. The circumstances of her death remain unclear, and authorities are treating the case as suspicious. An autopsy is planned to determine the cause of death and to gather further evidence. Local residents have expressed shock and sadness over the incident. Many knew the victim personally and described her as a kind and caring...
SSDI Payments Reaching Up to $2,452 for Eligible Families This October: Important Information
Social Security

SSDI Payments Reaching Up to $2,452 for Eligible Families This October: Important Information

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a vital program that offers financial aid to individuals and families when a disability prevents a worker from earning a living. For those who qualify, SSDI payments can be crucial for managing daily expenses. In October, many families are set to receive payments as high as $2,452, with some receiving funds within hours and others within six days. Understanding SSDI SSDI is a federally run program under the Social Security Administration (SSA) that provides monthly benefits to individuals who cannot work due to a qualifying disability. To be eligible, workers must have contributed to Social Security through payroll taxes for a specified number of years and must have been unable to work for at least one year because of their disability. T...
Who Can Receive the $3,822 Social Security Payment on October 3?
Social Security

Who Can Receive the $3,822 Social Security Payment on October 3?

Retirees are set to receive their first Social Security Administration (SSA) payment of October, with some already having received their Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. For certain beneficiaries, the October 3 payment will be significant, especially for those who started receiving benefits before May 1997. For those who filed later, payments are scheduled on specific Wednesdays throughout the month, depending on their birthdate. Who Can Receive the $3,822 Payment? To receive the large $3,822 payment on October 3, you must meet several important conditions set by Social Security: Filing at Full Retirement Age (FRA): You must have filed for Social Security benefits at 66 years and 8 months old. Contribution Base for 35 Years: You must have worked and earned enough t...
Who Receives Social Security Payments in October?
Social Security

Who Receives Social Security Payments in October?

As October begins, millions of Americans are looking forward to receiving their Social Security (SSA) payments, which have been adjusted by the 2024 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA). However, not all recipients will get their payments at the same time. Those participating in the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program will receive their payments earlier than others. SSI payments are typically distributed on the first day of each month, unless the first falls on a weekend or federal holiday. In such cases, the payments are sent out early. Who Qualifies for SSI? The SSI program provides monthly financial assistance to individuals with limited income and resources, particularly those facing financial hardship due to age, disability, or blindness. The program, created in 1972 as p...
2025 COLA Increase: What Social Security Beneficiaries Can Expect
Social Security

2025 COLA Increase: What Social Security Beneficiaries Can Expect

Millions of Americans who rely on Social Security benefits eagerly anticipate the yearly Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA), which is designed to help keep up with inflation. The Social Security Administration (SSA) determines this adjustment annually, ensuring that payments to beneficiaries reflect changes in the national cost of living. For 2025, the COLA increase is predicted to be 2.5%, although the final figure will be officially announced in October 2024. This increase will go into effect starting January 1, 2025. Understanding the Impact of the 2025 COLA Increase The COLA increase directly affects several categories of beneficiaries, including retirees, disabled workers, and survivors. For 2025, here’s how the predicted 2.5% increase may impact various groups: Retired Wo...
New $1,750 Stimulus Check for New Jersey Residents Under ANCHOR Program
Finance

New $1,750 Stimulus Check for New Jersey Residents Under ANCHOR Program

New Jersey is easing the financial strain of its high property taxes through the ANCHOR (Affordable New Jersey Communities for Homeowners and Renters) program. Eligible homeowners and renters can receive up to $1,750 in stimulus checks, offering substantial financial relief in a state where the cost of living, particularly housing, is high. What is the ANCHOR Program? The ANCHOR program was created to support both homeowners and renters facing the burden of high property taxes. Homeowners with incomes up to $150,000 can receive a $1,750 check, while those earning between $150,000 and $250,000 are eligible for $1,000. Renters earning up to $150,000 qualify for a $450 check. This tiered system ensures that relief goes to those who need it most, offering support that helps offset hou...
SNAP Payments Begin Across Several States Starting October 4: Up to $1,756 for Large Families
Finance

SNAP Payments Begin Across Several States Starting October 4: Up to $1,756 for Large Families

Starting October 4, many states in the U.S. will begin issuing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) payments to eligible recipients. While some states initiated payments on October 1, others—such as Alabama, Arkansas, Maryland, Minnesota, and Mississippi—will begin distributing benefits from October 4. These payments provide vital financial support, helping low-income families and individuals purchase food using Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards. Overview of SNAP Benefits SNAP, formerly known as food stamps, is an essential aid program for millions of Americans. The amount of assistance a recipient receives depends on factors such as household size, income, and local living costs. In 2025, after a recent Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) increase, the maximum monthly...
SNAP Beneficiaries Get Extra Money Under New York’s ‘Money in Your Pockets’ Program
Finance

SNAP Beneficiaries Get Extra Money Under New York’s ‘Money in Your Pockets’ Program

New York City has unveiled a new initiative designed to provide additional financial support to residents receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Dubbed the ‘Money in Your Pockets’ initiative, the program aims to raise awareness about the benefits available to low-income households across 20 neighborhoods. By increasing access to resources and promoting healthier food options, the initiative is a significant effort toward alleviating financial stress for New Yorkers. The program includes a major component called ‘Get the Good Stuff,’ which incentivizes healthier eating by offering a dollar-for-dollar match on select food purchases. For every dollar spent using SNAP benefits on eligible fruits, vegetables, and beans, participants receive an equal amount o...
Hurricane Helene Leaves Devastation Across the Southeast, 95 Dead and Millions Without Power
Local News

Hurricane Helene Leaves Devastation Across the Southeast, 95 Dead and Millions Without Power

Hurricane Helene has wreaked havoc across the Southeast, leaving a trail of destruction after making landfall in Florida's Big Bend region as the strongest hurricane on record. The storm, which hit on Thursday, has claimed at least 95 lives and left millions of residents in the dark across six states, including North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Virginia, and Tennessee. Widespread Fatalities and Missing Persons North Carolina has been hit the hardest, with at least 36 deaths confirmed by state and county officials. South Carolina has reported 25 fatalities, including two firefighters in Saluda County. Georgia has suffered 17 deaths, two of which were caused by a tornado in Alamo. Florida has seen 11 deaths, with many victims drowning in Pinellas County, while Virginia ...