Virginia State

Columbus, OH

Military.com

Veterans who served at Karshi-Khanabad Air Base in Uzbekistan after Sept. 11, 2001, and have a chronic illness that isn't easily diagnosed are now eligible for expedited disability benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs.The VA announced Friday that those who served at the installation, known as K2, and have symptoms similar to Gulf War Illness, which the VA calls "medically unexplained chronic multisymptom illness," have a presumptive condition that will make it easier for them to apply for disability compensation.While K2 veterans already are eligible for health care benefits under the PACT Act, and those with health conditions related...

VA Takes Steps to Expedite Claims for K2 Veterans with Chronic Illnesses

The first of three numbers the Social Security Administration (SSA) will use to determine the 2025 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) is in, and it points to a more modest increase in monthly benefit payments next year. The Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) rose by 2.9...

Social Security COLA 2025: How Much Will Payments Increase Next Year?

Millions of beneficiaries will receive their Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments for September in just five days. These payments, which can be as high as $943, are scheduled to be distributed on September 1, according to the Social Security Administration (SSA). SSI payments are intended for individuals with severe disabilities...

Social Security update: September direct payment worth $943 goes out in five days

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NewsNinja

‘Any meat items my dogs refuse to eat, I no longer eat.’ It’s said that animals have a “sixth sense,” which affords them an insight human beings cannot match. There are clips of security camera earthquake footage where pets can be seen wigging out seconds before tremors begin.

‘It ain’t food anymore.’: Dairy Queen customer warns against chicken after his dog refuses to eat it

Writers represent independent, third-party users who have joined our contributor program and self-verified their accounts. Writers are expected, like all users, to adhere to our Community Standards.

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Veronica Charnell Media

New maximum payment amounts for SNAP benefits have been announced by the U.S. Food and Nutrition Service (FNS). In October 2024, the top amount available for claimants of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will increase across all 49 states and U.S. territories. There is one state that will see its maximum benefit drop. The new maximum rates will be in place for the duration of the 2025 fiscal year until the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) is set again for the 2026 fiscal year.

SNAP Update: New Snap Benefits COLA Payment Increase

J. Souza

Tipping on cruise ships is always a controversial topic. Some cruise passengers believe that tipping should be a personal choice, and others argue that automatic tipping policies are necessary to ensure fair compensation for crew members.

Carnival Responds to Cruise Passenger Wanting to Remove All Tips from Bill

SNAP is not just for households with children. It’s a federal program that offers assistance to adults of any age having a difficult time affording the food they need to maintain healthy lives. In Virginia, AARP is working to reach older people who may be eligible for these benefits and direct them to call 2-1-1 to sign up.

Many people may qualify for food assistance benefits and not know it: AARP encourages a call to 2-1-1.

Douglas, GA

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Daily Coffee Press

A man out on probation for drug charges less than a year ago and a woman from Douglas were recently arrested following a search at a local apartment. On August 7, 2024, at around 1:00 PM, Detectives from the Coffee County Sheriff's Office Drug Unit were conducting a proactive narcotics patrol in Douglas. During their patrol, a detective spotted 30-year-old Christopher Lamar Hawkins, who had outstanding warrants for fleeing police and methamphetamine possession, driving a white 2021 Kia Sorento. Hawkins was stopped in front of apartment 203/204 on N Wheeler Ave, where two detectives approached him. Breanna Henderson, 33, then came out of apartment 203 to "investigate what was going on with Hawkins" and appeared to whisper with Hawkins during his arrest. The report states that Henderson, who temporarily lived with Hawkins, began whispering with him "presumably about nefarious activities due to Hawkins's previous history with drug distribution and evading law enforcement."

Douglas Man and Woman Arrested Following Drug Bust and Search at Apartment

A "record-breaking backlog" of pending actions has led to an estimated $1.1 billion in improper beneficiary payments, according to a new report. Experts say the Social Security Administration needs more funding in its budget to properly address a "customer service crisis." The Social Security Administration faces a "record-breaking backlog" of...

'Record-breaking backlog' leads to $1.1 billion in improper Social Security payments, report finds

The Hill

(NEXSTAR) — For a second time this year, some Social Security recipients are on track to receive two payments in the same month. Those who receive Supplemental Security Income usually get one payment a month. According to the Social Security Administration, this comes on the first day of the month — for August, that was Thursday.

Some Social Security recipients getting extra payment in August: Here’s why

Over 34% of young Americans say they can’t save enough for a down payment to buy a home. Additionally, 29% believe high mortgage rates have worsened this situation. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t become a homeowner. Down Payment Assistance (DPA) programs can help. These programs cover...

Down Payment Assistance: Get Your Down Payment Covered for Free!

Maine State

Sagadahoc County, ME

Lewiston, ME

The Maine Monitor

Editor’s note: This story contains references to suicide. When a bill to strengthen Maine’s yellow flag law went into effect earlier this month, Sagadahoc County Sheriff Joel Merry said he felt a sense of relief.

Law enforcement officers can now get a warrant to take someone into protective custody

Starting next month, changes will be noticeable in the monthly benefit distribution schedule for Social Security beneficiaries, especially those dependent on Supplemental Security Income (SSI). These adjustments mean recipients may receive payments earlier or later than they typically expect. As a result, it’s vital that all SSI beneficiaries adapt their budgeting strategies to accommodate these changes.

Adjustments to social security payment schedule incoming

The Senior Citizens League estimates that Social Security benefits will receive a 2.6% COLA next year, the smallest raise for retired workers since 2021. Social Security benefits have reportedly lost 20% of their purchasing power since 2010, and benefits will lose more buying power next year if the COLA underestimates inflation.

The Social Security Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) Forecast for 2025 Was Just Updated. There's Good News and Bad News for Retirees.

Quitman, MS

Clarke County, MS

Mississippi News Group

Written with artificial intelligence assistance. Memory Smith, a former bookkeeper for Quitman High School, has been charged with embezzlement following an investigation by the State Auditor’s office.

Former High School Bookkeeper Charged with Embezzlement in Clarke County

GOBankingRates

Social Security is the foundation of retirement planning for millions of Americans, and front-line banking professionals see firsthand the financial strategies that beneficiaries use to get the most...

I’m a Bank Teller: My 5 Top Banking Tips for Social Security Recipients

Business Insider

Long-term care comes in many forms at many costs, which is why I'm taking the time to think carefully about my future needs.

I don't have a spare $150,000, so long-term care insurance is absolutely worth the cost

Salem, OH

Northern Kentucky Tribune

Every day, 8-year-old Emma sits in a small garden outside her grandmother’s home in Salem, Ohio, writing letters to her mom and sometimes singing songs her mother used to sing to her.

Thousands of parents die of overdoses; advocates say their kids need more help

Social Security benefits are set to increase in 2025, with updated figures on the exact amount scheduled for release this fall. Here’s what you need to know about the upcoming adjustment. Projected Increase for 2025. The official numbers for the 2025 Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) will be announced...

BIG ANNOUNCEMENT: Social Security Cola Increase 2025 (What We Know)

NewsBreak

VA debt management continued, Part 4

This is the culmination of a series of four articles on managing debt to the VA. It aims to equip you with more knowledge, inspire veterans’...

VA debt management continued, Part 4

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