Wednesday, January 8
SNAP 2025 COLA Increase: New Food Stamp Benefit Payment Dates
8Oct By Grace ThompsonNo Comments
Finance

SNAP 2025 COLA Increase: New Food Stamp Benefit Payment Dates

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a significant increase in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for 2025 due to the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA). This adjustment affects 48 contiguous states, the District of Columbia, Alaska, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Hawaii stands out as an exception, where benefits have decreased rather than increased. For most households of four, the maximum monthly SNAP benefit now rises to $975. However, Alaska tops the list with the highest benefit amount, reaching up to $1,953 for families living in rural areas. SNAP Payment Schedules SNAP payment schedules vary across different states, with many distributing benefits throughout the month of October. For instance: Florida: Payments are issued between...
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7 ‘Secret Spots’ Burglars Check First When Invading Florida Homes
7Oct By Michael PalanNo Comments
Local News

7 ‘Secret Spots’ Burglars Check First When Invading Florida Homes

Home security is a serious concern for many Florida residents, especially in light of the recent rise in property crimes in the Sunshine State. According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, there were 267,559 burglaries reported in 2022, an increase of 8.7% from the previous year. While some burglaries are random and opportunistic, others are planned and targeted by savvy criminals who know where to look for valuables. If you think you have a clever hiding spot for your cash, jewelry, or other precious items, you may want to think again. Here are seven ‘secret spots’ that burglars check first when invading Florida homes. 1. Under the Mattress This is probably the oldest and most obvious hiding spot in the book, but some people still use it for convenience or lack of be...
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7 Of The Most Dangerous Gangs Taking Over Pennsylvania
7Oct By Michael PalanNo Comments
Local News

7 Of The Most Dangerous Gangs Taking Over Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is a state with a rich history, culture, and economy, but it also faces some serious challenges from crime and violence. Among the most notorious sources of criminal activity are the gangs that operate in various cities and regions of the state. These gangs are involved in drug trafficking, firearms violations, murder, robbery, and other offenses that threaten the safety and well-being of the residents and communities. In this article, we will look at seven of the most dangerous gangs that are taking over Pennsylvania, based on their size, scope, and impact. 1. The Hazelwood Mob The Hazelwood Mob, also known as the Down Low Gang, is a violent neighborhood gang based out of the Hazelwood neighborhood of Pittsburgh. The gang has been active since the early 2000s and has be...
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Discover the 3 Most Historic Battlefields in California
7Oct By Michael PalanNo Comments
Local News

Discover the 3 Most Historic Battlefields in California

California is not only known for its sunny beaches, Hollywood stars, and Silicon Valley, but also for its rich and diverse history. The state has witnessed some of the most important and dramatic events in American history, from the Mexican-American War to the Civil War, from the Gold Rush to the World War II. Some of these events left behind traces of their battles, which can still be visited and explored today. In this article, we will introduce you to three of the most historic battlefields in California, where you can learn more about the stories, heroes, and consequences of these conflicts. San Pasqual Battlefield State Historic Park The San Pasqual Battlefield State Historic Park is located near Escondido, in San Diego County. It commemorates the Battle of San Pasqual, ...
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Pennsylvania City Named The Worst Place To Drive In The State
7Oct By Michael PalanNo Comments
Local News

Pennsylvania City Named The Worst Place To Drive In The State

Driving can be a stressful and frustrating experience, especially in some cities where traffic, road conditions, safety, and costs are major concerns. According to various sources, one Pennsylvania city stands out as the worst place to drive in the state, and among the worst in the country. That city is Philadelphia, the largest and most populous city in Pennsylvania. Traffic and Infrastructure One of the main factors that makes driving in Philadelphia a nightmare is the traffic and infrastructure. According to WalletHub, Philadelphia ranked 6th worst in the country for traffic and infrastructure, based on metrics such as congestion, commute time, road quality, bridge quality, and public transit. Philadelphia drivers spend an average of 37 hours per year stuck in traffic, acc...
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Florida City Named The Worst Place To Drive In The State
7Oct By Michael PalanNo Comments
Local News

Florida City Named The Worst Place To Drive In The State

Florida is known for its sunny weather, beautiful beaches, and diverse attractions. But it is also notorious for its traffic congestion, road rage, and high insurance rates. According to a recent report by 24/7 Wall St., a financial news website, Florida has one of the worst cities for drivers in the country: Orlando. Why Orlando? Orlando is the most visited city in the United States, attracting millions of tourists every year who flock to its theme parks, resorts, and entertainment venues. However, this also means that the city has to deal with a large influx of vehicles, both local and rental, on its roads. According to the report, Orlando has the following statistics that make it a nightmare for drivers: The average commute time in Orlando is 28.2 minutes, which is higher than...
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New York City Named The Worst Place To Drive In The State
7Oct By Michael PalanNo Comments
Local News

New York City Named The Worst Place To Drive In The State

New York City, the most populous and iconic city in the United States, is also the worst place to drive in the state of New York, according to several studies and rankings. The Big Apple has the worst traffic and infrastructure, the highest parking rates, and the lowest number of auto-repair shops per capita among the 100 largest cities in the country. Traffic and Infrastructure New York City is notorious for its congested and chaotic traffic, especially during rush hours. According to a WalletHub study, New York City ranked last in traffic and infrastructure out of 100 cities, based on metrics such as annual hours spent in congestion, road quality, bridge quality, and public transit accessibility. The study also found that New York City drivers spend an average of 133 hour...
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This City Has Been Named the Most Dangerous City to Live in North Carolina
7Oct By Michael PalanNo Comments
Local News

This City Has Been Named the Most Dangerous City to Live in North Carolina

North Carolina, a state renowned for its diverse geography, from the Atlantic Ocean beaches to the Appalachian Mountains, has a city that stands out as the most dangerous in the state. That city is none other than Lumberton, located in Robeson County. Crime Statistics According to the latest FBI crime data, Lumberton has been designated as the most dangerous city in North Carolina. With a population of 19,025, the city’s crime rate is 132.30 per 1,000 residents. This rate is significantly higher than other cities in the state. In fact, the likelihood of falling victim to a crime in Lumberton is 1 in 27, making it 435% more perilous than the North Carolina average. North Carolina’s violent crime rate is 2,262 per 100,000 people, whi...
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This City Has Been Named the Most Dangerous City to live in Massachusetts
7Oct By Michael PalanNo Comments
Local News

This City Has Been Named the Most Dangerous City to live in Massachusetts

Massachusetts, the seventh smallest state in the US by land area, is home to over 350 cities, with 26 of them having a population exceeding 50,000. Despite its size, the state boasts a diverse array of cities, each with its own distinctive characteristics and difficulties. Among these cities, one stands out for an unfortunate reason: it has been designated as the most perilous city in Massachusetts. Holyoke: The Most Dangerous City The city that has gained this dubious distinction is Holyoke¹. Situated near East Mountain, Holyoke has a population of 38,238. The city’s overall crime rate stands at 4,020 per 100,000 residents, resulting in a 1 in 25 chance for its inhabitants to become victims of any type of crime. This crime rate surpasses the national average by 195%, solidifying Hol...
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This Place in Pennsylvania Is Known as One of the Scariest Places in America
7Oct By Michael PalanNo Comments
Local News

This Place in Pennsylvania Is Known as One of the Scariest Places in America

Pennsylvania is a state with a rich and diverse history and culture, but it also has a dark and sinister side. Among its many attractions, there is one place that stands out as the most haunted and terrifying in the whole country. This place is Gettysburg, the site of the bloodiest and most decisive battle of the American Civil War. The History of Gettysburg Gettysburg is a small town in Adams County, in the south-central part of Pennsylvania. It was founded in 1786 by Samuel Gettys, a local tavern owner. The town prospered peacefully until the summer of 1863, when it became the center of a major military confrontation between the Union and Confederate armies. The Battle of Gettysburg lasted from July 1 to July 3, 1863, and involved more than 150,000 soldiers. It was the largest a...
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