Tag:

Inflation

Shoplifting Costs Retailers Billions: These Are Most Frequently Stolen Items Shoplifting Costs Retailers Billions: These Are Most Frequently Stolen Items
Shoplifting Costs Retailers Billions: These Are Most Frequently Stolen Items Shoplifting in the US is a costly epidemic, with retailers losing over $120 billion last year. The trend focuses on easily concealed, high-demand products at major retailers like Walmart and Target, posing a nationwide challenge for store owners and law enforcement. Electronics, health and beauty products, and food items are among the most commonly stolen goods, Capital One Shopping reports.  Small gadgets such as headphones and phone chargers, alongside over-the-counter medications and cosmetics, are frequent targets.  Alcohol, baby formula, and packaged meats are also popular …
How Does $500 'Inflation Refund' Check Sound? Here's Who Qualifies Under Hochul's Proposal How Does $500 'Inflation Refund' Check Sound? Here's Who Qualifies Under Hochul's Proposal
How Does $500 'Inflation Refund' Check Sound? Here's Who Qualifies Under Hochul's Proposal New Yorkers could soon see some relief from rising costs. Around 8.6 million taxpayers statewide could stand to benefit from a historic $3 billion in “inflation refund” checks that were proposed by Gov. Kathy Hochul during a speech in the Bronx on Monday, Dec. 9. If approved by lawmakers, the initiative would deliver $300 checks to single taxpayers earning up to $150,000 annually and $500 to joint filers with incomes up to $300,000. The refunds would be funded by surplus sales tax revenue generated during the recent period of high inflations. Hochul said the one-time payments would provide…
Popular Fast Casual Dining Chain Files For Bankruptcy Popular Fast Casual Dining Chain Files For Bankruptcy
BurgerFi Files For Bankruptcy A popular fast casual dining chain has filed for bankruptcy after months of reporting financial distress. BurgerFi International, Inc., announced the Chapter 11 filing on Wednesday, Sept. 11. The Florida-based company is also the parent company of Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza. All 144 locations of the two brands across the the nation will remain open and continue normal operations. BurgerFi makes up 93 of the eateries, and Anthony's the other 51. The Chapter 11 filing includes the 67 corporate-owned locations of both brands. "BurgerFi and Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza & Wings are dyn…
Big Lots To Close Pair Of NY Stores Big Lots To Close Pair Of NY Stores
Big Lots To Close Pair Of NY Stores Discount retail chain Big Lots plans to close around 40 stores this year, according to a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC). It currently has around 1,425 stores nationwide. Six stores in New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts are slated to close, with both New York stores on Long Island. No store closures are scheduled for New Jersey. The company cited rising costs and inflation as reasons for the move and said a bankruptcy filing could be coming. Stores in the Northeast slated for closure are as follows: New York 260 Voice Road, Carle Place 231 Centere…
Clothing Under $110 Now Exempt From Sales Tax In This Hudson Valley County: Here's How Long Clothing Under $110 Now Exempt From Sales Tax In This Hudson Valley County: Here's How Long
Clothing Under $110 Now Exempt From Sales Tax In This Hudson Valley County: Here's How Long Those who purchase any clothing or footwear cheaper than $110 in one Hudson Valley county will not have to pay sales tax thanks to a new piece of legislation.  Effective on Friday, March 1, clothing and footwear under $110 purchased in Putnam County will be exempt from sales tax for two years, officials announced.  The exemption comes thanks to a piece of legislation signed into law by Putnam County Executive Kevin Byrne in 2023. The legislation was passed unanimously by the County Legislature in November as part of a series of initiatives in the 2024 County Budget. …
'McFlation': $7 Egg McMuffin At McDonald's In Region Sparks Outrage 'McFlation': $7 Egg McMuffin At McDonald's In Region Sparks Outrage
'McFlation': $7 Egg McMuffin At McDonald's In Region Sparks Outrage A pricey breakfast sandwich purchased at a Connecticut McDonald’s is sparking outrage on social media. The Fairfield County breakfast order, which was shared by Bespoke Investment Group on X, was placed on Saturday, Jan. 27 just off of I-95 in the town of Fairfield, according to the posted picture of the receipt. “What has the world come to??” the user asked, showing that the receipt included two Egg McMuffins, costing a total of $14.58 — or $7.29 each — and a bacon, egg, and cheese McGriddle for another $7.19. “Outrageous pricing,” Bespoke wrote. $7.29 for one McDonald’s Egg McMuf…
Minimum Wage Increase In Westchester: Here's How Much It Will Rise As New Year Begins Minimum Wage Increase In Westchester: Here's How Much It Will Rise As New Year Begins
Minimum Wage Increase In Westchester: Here's How Much It Will Rise As New Year Begins As the New Year draws closer, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul is reminding residents that the state's minimum wage will increase as soon as the ball drops.  Beginning on Monday, Jan. 1, the minimum wage in New York City, Westchester County, and Long Island will go up to $ 16 per hour, and $15 per hour for the rest of the state, Hochul reminded residents on Wednesday, Dec. 27.  Earlier Report - Minimum Wage To Go Up In New York: Here's When, How Much Additionally, the minimum wage for home care aides will increase to $18.55 per hour in New York City, Westchester, and Lon…
Minimum Wage Increase In Westchester: Here's How Much It Will Rise As New Year Begins Minimum Wage Increase In Westchester: Here's How Much It Will Rise As New Year Begins
Minimum Wage Increase In Westchester: Here's How Much It Will Rise As New Year Begins As the New Year draws closer, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul is reminding residents that the state's minimum wage will increase as soon as the ball drops.  Beginning on Monday, Jan. 1, the minimum wage in New York City, Westchester County, and Long Island will go up to $ 16 per hour, and $15 per hour for the rest of the state, Hochul reminded residents on Wednesday, Dec. 27.  Earlier Report - Minimum Wage To Go Up In New York: Here's When, How Much Additionally, the minimum wage for home care aides will increase to $18.55 per hour in New York City, Westchester, and Lon…
Minimum Wage To Go Up In Westchester: Here's When, How Much Minimum Wage To Go Up In Westchester: Here's When, How Much
Minimum Wage To Go Up In Westchester: Here's When, How Much To help those struggling with rising costs, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has announced that the state's minimum wage will be increasing when the new year begins.  Effective on Monday, Jan. 1, the minimum wage in Westchester County, Long Island, and New York City will increase to $16 per hour, and $15 per hour in the rest of the state, Hochul announced on Monday, Dec. 11.  The current minimum wage in Westchester, Long Island, and New York City is $15 per hour, while it is $14.20 in the rest of the state.  According to Hochul, the increases come thanks to an agreement between he…
Despite Rave Reviews, Father/Daughter Westchester Restaurant Struggling In 'Difficult Economy' Despite Rave Reviews, Father/Daughter Westchester Restaurant Struggling In 'Difficult Economy'
Despite Rave Reviews, Father/Daughter Westchester Restaurant Struggling In 'Difficult Economy' Although a Westchester County restaurant specializing in cheesesteaks has received much praise since opening, the owners say that they are still struggling because of inflation.  Earlier Report - Newly Opened Father/Daughter Westchester Restaurant Specializes In Cheesesteaks Crotty's Cheesesteaks, located in New Rochelle at 8 Eastchester Rd., was opened in January 2021 by father and daughter Joe Crotty and Lindsay Walsh. In addition to a wide variety of cheesesteaks with vegetarian & gluten-free options, the restaurant also serves salads and "delicious extras" such as fried pickles, ac…
Here's How Much Tappan Zee Bridge Toll Could Increase If NY Thruway Proposal Takes Effect Here's How Much Tappan Zee Bridge Toll Could Increase If NY Thruway Proposal Takes Effect
Here's How Much Tappan Zee Bridge Toll Could Increase If NY Thruway Proposal Takes Effect It could soon cost more to drive on the New York State Thruway, and that includes the Tappan Zee Bridge. The New York State Thruway Authority's (NYSTA) board of directors will meet Monday, Dec. 5, to consider a proposed toll hike that would begin in 2024, WIVB in Buffalo reports.  Tolls would increase by 5 percent for E-ZPass customers in 2024 and 5 percent again in 2027, according to the outlet.  Those with out-of-state E-ZPasses or who are paying by mail would pay 75 percent more than the tolls for New York E-ZPass holders. That’s up considerably compared to the current 15 percent dif…
Historic: House Democrats Elect NY Rep. As Leader, First Black Person To Head Party In Congress Historic: House Democrats Elect NY Rep. As Leader, First Black Person To Head Party In Congress
Historic: House Democrats Elect NY Rep. As Leader, First Black Person To Head Party In Congress History has been made after House Democrats elected New York Congressman Hakeem Jeffries as their leader, marking the first time a Black person will lead a party in either chamber of Congress. The move came in a closed-door meeting on Capitol Hill Wednesday morning, Nov. 30, CNN reports. Earlier Report: NY Congressman Seen As Favorite To Become Dems' Congressional Leader After Pelosi Departure Jeffries, the caucus chair who represents New York’s 8th Congressional District covering eastern Brooklyn and southwestern Queens, was unopposed in running for leader, the outlet reports. The 52-ye…
Westchester County Given Aa1 Bond Rating By Moody's Westchester County Given Aa1 Bond Rating By Moody's
Westchester County Given Aa1 Bond Rating By Moody's Westchester County has just received an Aa1 bond rating by Moody's Investors Service, reflecting the county's "diverse and resilient economy," according to the company. In addition, it has upgraded the county’s rating outlook to positive from stable.  Earlier Report - County's Bond Rating Outlook Upgraded By Fitch Ratings According to the report that came with the rating, the county has benefitted from "strong resident wealth, a sizeable corporate base, and healthy full value per capita," as well as a home for workers commuting to New York City, according to Moody's.&n…
'Incredibly Grateful': Republican Marc Molinaro Prevails In NY's 19th District Race 'Incredibly Grateful': Republican Marc Molinaro Prevails In NY's 19th District Race
'Incredibly Grateful': Republican Marc Molinaro Prevails In NY's 19th District Race In another win for Republicans, Marc Molinaro has prevailed over Democrat Josh Riley in New York’s 19th Congressional District, NBC News projects.  Molinaro, the Dutchess County executive, was leading Riley 51.1 to 48.9 percent with 99 percent of the vote counted as of Wednesday evening, Nov. 9. Earlier Report: Republican Marc Molinaro On Track To Win In NY’s 19th District (Developing) The 19th District includes the counties of Columbia, Delaware, Greene, Otsego, Schoharie, Sullivan, and Ulster, as well as portions of Broome, Dutchess, Montgomery, and Rensselaer counties. President Bide…
Rep. Pat Ryan Edging Out Republican Colin Schmitt In NY’s 18th District Race (Developing) Rep. Pat Ryan Edging Out Republican Colin Schmitt In NY’s 18th District Race (Developing)
Rep. Pat Ryan Edging Out Republican Colin Schmitt In NY’s 18th District Race (Developing) This story has been updated. New York Rep. Pat Ryan appeared likely to continue serving in Congress after results showed him leading Republican Assemblyman Colin Schmitt in the 18th District early Wednesday, Nov. 9.  Ryan, the former Ulster County executive, was leading Schmitt by just 0.84 percentage points, 50.42 to 49.58 percent, with more than 95 percent of the vote counted. Among the most closely watched in the state, the 18th District is located in the Hudson Valley and includes all of Orange and Putnam counties, as well as portions of southern Dutchess County and northeast…
Republican Marc Molinaro On Track To Win In NY’s 19th District (Developing) Republican Marc Molinaro On Track To Win In NY’s 19th District (Developing)
Republican Marc Molinaro On Track To Win In NY’s 19th District (Developing) This story has been updated. Republicans appeared poised to win in New York’s 19th Congressional District, with Marc Molinaro seemingly on track to defeat Democrat Josh Riley early Wednesday, Nov. 9.  Molinaro, the Dutchess County executive, was leading Riley by 2.2 percentage points, 51 to 49 percent, as of early Wednesday morning, Nov. 9, with more than 95 percent of the votes in. The 19th Congressional District includes the counties of Columbia, Delaware, Greene, Otsego, Schoharie, Sullivan, and Ulster, as well as portions of Broome, Dutchess, Montgomery, and Rensselaer counties. …
Hochul Elected To First Full Term As NY Governor, Defeats Trump-Backed Zeldin Hochul Elected To First Full Term As NY Governor, Defeats Trump-Backed Zeldin
Hochul Elected To First Full Term As NY Governor, Defeats Trump-Backed Zeldin This story has been updated. New York’s Democratic incumbent Gov. Kathy Hochul has been elected to her first full term in office, fending off her Republican challenger, Long Island Rep. Lee Zeldin, NBC News projects. Hochul is leading Zeldin, who represents the state’s 1st Congressional District covering much of Suffolk County, by five percentage points, 52.7 to 47.3 percent, as of 6 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 9, with 93 percent of the vote counted. "I'm deeply honored to be elected Governor of the State of New York," Hochul posted on Twitter shortly after the race was called. BREAKING: I’m…
New Poll Shows How Hochul-Zeldin Race For Governor Looks As Election Day Gets Closer New Poll Shows How Hochul-Zeldin Race For Governor Looks As Election Day Gets Closer
New Poll Shows How Hochul-Zeldin Race For Governor Looks As Election Day Gets Closer With just over a week until New Yorkers choose their next governor, incumbent Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul is maintaining her lead over Republican Rep. Lee Zeldin, new polling shows. Hochul garnered 50 percent support to Zeldin’s 44 percent in an Emerson College poll released Friday, Oct. 28. Earlier Report: New Poll Reveals Who NYers Favor In Governor's Race Based On Inflation, Crime, Abortion Four percent of respondents were undecided, while 2 percent said they plan to vote for someone else, pollsters said. Zeldin, who represents the state’s 1st Congressional District covering east…
New Poll Reveals Who NYers Favor In Governor's Race Based On Inflation, Crime, Abortion New Poll Reveals Who NYers Favor In Governor's Race Based On Inflation, Crime, Abortion
New Poll Reveals Who NYers Favor In Governor's Race Based On Inflation, Crime, Abortion As Election Day draws nearer, new polling is highlighting the issues that are top of mind for New York voters when choosing their next governor. Overall, incumbent Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul leads her Republican opponent, Rep. Lee Zeldin, by six points, 47 to 41 percent, according to a SurveyUSA poll released Thursday, Oct. 20. Earlier Report: Zeldin Holds Edge Over Hochul In NY's Suburbs, Among Independents In Brand-New Poll Four percent of likely voters said they plan to vote for another candidate, while 8 percent were undecided. Hochul’s lead has shrunk dramatically from August …
Around 2 Million NYers To Get Nearly $500M In Tax Relief Checks: Here's Who Qualifies Around 2 Million NYers To Get Nearly $500M In Tax Relief Checks: Here's Who Qualifies
Around 2 Million NYers To Get Nearly $500M In Tax Relief Checks: Here's Who Qualifies New Yorkers may want to keep an eye on their mailbox in the coming weeks as the state has begun sending out tax relief checks to some families in an effort to alleviate rising costs of living.  The New York Department of Taxation and Finance announced that it started sending out $475 million worth of checks to 1.8 million residents who received at least $100 in Empire State child credits or the state’s earned income credit on their 2021 state tax return. Payments will average $270 per eligible recipient. Checks are being mailed automatically and recipients don’t need to do anything in orde…
New Poll Reveals How Hochul-Zeldin Race Looks Among Those Who Say They Will 'Definitely Vote' New Poll Reveals How Hochul-Zeldin Race Looks Among Those Who Say They Will 'Definitely Vote'
New Poll Reveals How Hochul-Zeldin Race Looks Among Those Who Say They Will 'Definitely Vote' With less than a month to go until New Yorkers choose their next governor, fresh polling shows Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul remains the favorite over her Republican opponent, Rep. Lee Zeldin. Hochul holds a 10-point lead over Zeldin, 51 to 41 percent, among registered voters statewide, including those who are undecided, according to a new Marist poll.  Earlier Report: Debate Over Debates: Zeldin Rips Hochul's Offer Of Single Matchup Before Gubernatorial Election Among those who say they "will definitely vote," Hochul's lead is down to an eight-point edge over Zeldin, 52 to 44 pe…
New Report Reveals Percentage Of Americans Living Paycheck To Paycheck New Report Reveals Percentage Of Americans Living Paycheck To Paycheck
New Report Reveals Percentage Of Americans Living Paycheck To Paycheck Many Americans are living paycheck to paycheck as inflation continues to impact their finances, according to a new report.  PYMNTS and LendingClub published their September 2022 report on inflation and the United States paycheck-to-paycheck landscape. Researchers found that 60 percent of consumers reported that inflation has impacted how they manage their finances. The report also found that 60 percent of US consumers are living paycheck to paycheck as of August, an increase from 57 percent in September of 2021. According to the report, 45 percent of consumers who are earni…
Brand-New Poll Reveals NYers' Reaction To Student Loan Forgiveness Plan Brand-New Poll Reveals NYers' Reaction To Student Loan Forgiveness Plan
Brand-New Poll Reveals NYers' Reaction To Student Loan Forgiveness Plan When it comes to President Biden’s sweeping plan to forgive thousands of dollars in federal student loans, a majority of New Yorkers support the move, according to a fresh Siena College poll.  The poll found that by 56 to 33 percent, New Yorkers supported the plan, which would forgive up to $20,000 in debt for those who received Pell Grants with loans held by the Department of Education. Non-Pell Grant recipients would have $10,000 in student debt canceled. Among those polled, 29 percent think Biden’s plan goes too far, while 21 percent said it doesn’t go far enough. Thirty-nine …
Brand-New Poll Reveals Shift In NYers' Consumer Sentiment Brand-New Poll Reveals Shift In NYers' Consumer Sentiment
Brand-New Poll Reveals Shift In NYers' Consumer Sentiment New Yorkers are feeling more optimistic about the economy, according to a new Siena College poll released Wednesday, Sept. 14. The New York State Index of Consumer Sentiment was up 9.1 points to 70.8 in the third quarter of 2022, the poll found. That’s 12.6 points above the nation’s Index of 58.2. The current index rose nearly 12 points from the previous quarter to 64.1 and the future index increased nearly eight points from 67.6 to 75.2, researchers found. Future confidence in the state is 17.2 points higher than the nation’s 58.0. “New Yorkers’ collective sentiment continues to o…
Will You Get One? 1.75 Million NYers Will Receive Checks Averaging $270 Will You Get One? 1.75 Million NYers Will Receive Checks Averaging $270
Will You Get One? 1.75 Million NYers Will Receive Checks Averaging $270 New Yorkers may want to keep an eye on their mailbox in the coming weeks as the state gears up to send out relief checks to low income families aimed at combating inflation and improving affordability. The New York Department of Taxation and Finance will soon begin sending out checks with an average payment of $270 per eligible recipient to those who received the Empire State Child Credit and/or the Earned Income Credit on their 2021 state tax returns. Checks will be mailed automatically and recipients don’t need to do anything in order to receive them, the department said. The exact amou…
Hudson Valley County Exec's Congressional Special Election Win Cited Nationally As Bellwether Hudson Valley County Exec's Congressional Special Election Win Cited Nationally As Bellwether
Hudson Valley County Exec's Congressional Special Election Win Cited Nationally As Bellwether Democrats received a major confidence boost heading into the November midterms after Pat Ryan won a special election for New York's open 19th House seat in a race that's considered a national bellwether. Ryan, the Ulster County executive, was leading Republican Marc Molinaro, the Dutchess County executive, with 51 percent of the vote when the Associated Press called the race just after midnight Wednesday, Aug. 24. The swing district, located in the Catskills and mid-Hudson Valley regions and which includes Ulster and Dutchess counties, was left vacant when Democrat Antonio Delgado became …
New Poll Reveals Percentages Of NYers Squeezed by Gas Prices, Hit By Food Costs New Poll Reveals Percentages Of NYers Squeezed by Gas Prices, Hit By Food Costs
New Poll Reveals Percentages Of NYers Squeezed by Gas Prices, Hit By Food Costs If you’ve been feeling the pinch at the gas pump or grocery store lately, you’re not alone, according to a new poll from the Siena College Research Institute (SCRI). Pollsters found that 69 percent of New Yorkers said that current gasoline prices are having a very serious or somewhat serious impact on their financial condition.  That’s up from 66 percent last quarter. And even more New Yorkers reported feeling burdened by the cost of groceries, with 80 percent of respondents saying that the amount of money they spend on food is having either a very serious or somewhat serious impact …
Here's How Long NYers Will Get Relief At Pump As Gas Tax Holiday Takes Effect Here's How Long NYers Will Get Relief At Pump As Gas Tax Holiday Takes Effect
Here's How Long NYers Will Get Relief At Pump As Gas Tax Holiday Takes Effect With gas prices reaching record heights across the nation, New Yorkers will see some financial relief at the pump as the statewide gas tax holiday goes into effect. As of Wednesday, June 1, New York is suspending certain taxes on fuel for the rest of the year to help limit the strain motorists have been feeling for months amid record inflation. The tax suspension will reduce prices by at least 16 cents per gallon statewide, with some counties offering additional savings to aid consumers who have struggled with rising gas prices. Related story - Gas Sales Tax Cap To Take Effect In Th…
Gas Sales Tax Cap To Take Effect In This Hudson Valley County Gas Sales Tax Cap To Take Effect In This Hudson Valley County
Gas Sales Tax Cap To Take Effect In This Hudson Valley County Motorists in one Hudson Valley county will see some financial relief at the gas pump as prices continue to rise to record levels nationwide. In Rockland County, beginning on Wednesday, June 1, the local sales cap tax on gas will be capped at $2 per gallon, amid the record spike in prices at the pump. According to officials, the change means sales tax will only be applied to the first $2 of a gasoline purchase, as opposed to the full gas price. The cap will be in effect through Feb. 28, 2023. Officials said that inspectors from the Rockland County Office of Consumer Protection "have been…
Gas Prices In New York Reach Record High, AAA Says Gas Prices In New York Reach Record High, AAA Says
Gas Prices In New York Reach Record High, AAA Says Gas prices in New York have reached a new record high as the country deals with rising oil prices and nationwide inflation amid tensions overseas. On Monday, May 9, AAA was reporting that the average price per regular gallon of gas in New York has hit $4.52, the highest recorded average price in history. Likewise, truck drivers are also seeking relief at the pump, as the price of diesel fuel price also set a record on May 9 when it hit $6.38 per gallon. In New York, the price per gallon is up 17 cents from a week ago, 28 cents from a month ago, and $1.51 from May 9, 2021. Gas prices…
Concerns Increase As US Baby Formula Shortage Worsens Concerns Increase As US Baby Formula Shortage Worsens
Concerns Increase As US Baby Formula Shortage Worsens The months-long baby formula shortage that has plagued parents and retailers across the country is getting worse, according to reports. In the first half of 2021, the out-of-stock baby formula hovered below 10 percent in the first half of 2021, according to Datasembly, though that number has jumped above 30 percent between November 2021 and April 2022. According to reports, that rate has increased above 40 percent in certain states, with some completely selling out of formula during the week of Sunday, April 24. Original story - Parents, Retailers Deal With National Baby Formula Shortag…