Breaking News

Business

What to know about this year’s Social Security cost-of-living adjustment

NEW YORK — Tens of millions of older Americans will see an increase in benefits this January when a new cost-of-living adjustment is added to Social Security payments. The 2.5% raise is intended to help meet higher prices for food, fuel, and other goods and services. The average recipient will see an increase of about $50 per month, according to agency officials. Social Security recipients received a 3.2% increase in their benefits in 2024, and some retirees are concerned that this year’s increase is not big enough to meet their needs. The Social Security Administration will ...

Hope Foundation selects chair for board of directors

The Hope Foundation recently named Kristie Healy as chair of the board of directors. Hope Enterprises Foundation Inc., drives funding to HOPE Enterprises in the support of people with diverse abilities. “In her role, Healy will lead the 12-member volunteer board in The Hope Foundation’s support of providing grants and opportunities to the disABILITY community,” a news release said. “Kristie has served as a volunteer of HOPE’s board of directors since 2019 and has worked diligently on the Human Resources Committee, Golf Invitational Committee, 5K Planning Committee, and ...

Utility hardship relief up for debate

(The Center Square) – An expiring state law protects utility customers from rising bills, winter shut-offs and unaffordable reconnection fees. House lawmakers took a big step on Wednesday, passing legislation to reauthorize an expanded version of the law for another decade, but not without ...

District office names employee of the quarter

Sandi Duke is the District Office Employee of the Quarter for the fourth quarter, 2024. As secretary for the Design Unit, Duke coordinates unit travel arrangements and performs a wide range of clerical duties, including producing letters for signing, filing documents, answering phones, covering the reception desk, processing mail, organizing calendars, scheduling meetings, taking meeting minutes, creating and sending emails, and reviewing district memorandums. In 2022, 2023 and 2024, she periodically performed the clerical duties of the Design Unit and the Right-of-Way (ROW) Unit, ...

Aviation conference coming to region’s airport in October

This fall marks the 44th year of the Annual Pennsylvania Aviation Conference, the only conference of its kind in the Commonwealth, which begins on Oct. 7. According to a news releas, the three-day conference and trade show brings together the people, companies, and innovations that generate ...

Real estate group reminds public of market changes

The West Branch Valley Association of Realtors is reminding consumers that changes in the homebuying process are now in effect locally and nationwide. The changes promise to make buyer agent services and fees clearer for consumers. According to a news release, two changes went into effect Aug. 17: • Property listings in databases known as Multiple Listing Services (MLS) will no longer include an offer of compensation to buyer agents. Instead, homebuyers and buyer agents will discuss fees directly. • Before touring a home with a buyer agent, either in-person or virtually, ...