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☆ Consumer agency calls out ‘junk’ fees that parents pay for online school lunch accounts
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-30 | by ( Jeanne Sahadi | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

New York CNN —The fees parents pay to make online deposits into their children’s school lunch accounts are under scrutiny at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which found that some parents may pay up to 60 cents in fees for every dollar they deposit. “Transaction fees and other types of junk fees can take an economic toll on American families just trying to pay for basic school expenses, including school lunch for kids,” said CFPB director Rohit Chopra in a statement. Based on data the agency collected, it determined such families pay roughly $72 a year for 180 days of lunches plus $42 in fees when they make two deposits a month into their child’s account. The agency estimates that payment processors collect between $28 million and $92 million in fees from families paying full fare for lunch, and between $1.9 million and $10.2 million from those paying reduced prices. On top of transaction fees, parents may be charged a small program fee when they open an account or a convenience fee to transfer funds between their children’s accounts.

Persons: ”, Rohit Chopra, CFPB Organizations: New, New York CNN, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Locations: New York

Before saving for a down payment, calculate how much you'll need and set a deadline. Exploring down payment assistance programsDown payment assistance programs can help cover part or all of your down payment. Saving windfalls and bonusesWindfalls — or sudden influxes of cash — are a great way to pad your down payment savings. Not having a clear savings planDepositing a few bucks here and there isn't going to make much of an impact on your down payment savings. Yes, high-yield savings accounts, CDs, and investment accounts can be excellent tools for saving your down payment, especially if you have a longer time horizon.

Persons: You'll, you'll, windfalls, Windfalls Organizations: Netflix, Spotify, Federal Deposit Insurance Corp, PMI Locations: homebuyers, Chevron

To show proof of disability income, you'll need to provide some verification that you're currently receiving benefits and that they aren't set to expire within the next three years. Benefits of home loans for disabled individualsMany loan programs allow you to use disability income to qualify. Disabled individuals can use FHA loans, VA loans, USDA loans, and special programs from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Yes, disability income is considered as part of your total income, which can help qualify for various home loan options. What are the benefits of FHA loans for disabled individuals?

Persons: Fannie Mae HomeReady, Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, you'll, Brian Quigley, Quigley, you've Organizations: Federal Housing Administration, US Department of Agriculture, Social Security Disability Insurance, Social Security Administration, SSI, SSA, Department of Veterans Affairs, Beacon Lending, USDA, Social Security, Chevron Locations: Chevron

You can find foreclosed properties for sale on online listing sites or in your local newspaper. Often, you can browse foreclosed properties in your area using the same methods you would to buy a regular home, such as online listing sites like Zillow. Foreclosed properties owned by the government-sponsored enterprises Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac can also be found online. Fannie Mae's program for Fannie-owned foreclosed properties is called HomePath, while Freddie Mac's is called HomeSteps. Just be prepared for repair costs, as many foreclosed properties need significant updates before they're habitable.

Persons: they're, they'd, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae's, Freddie Mac's, you'd, Kofi Nartey, it's Organizations: Fannie, HUD, REO Locations: Chevron

You can get down payment assistance through CHFA's Down Payment Assistance Program or the Time To Own program. VermontThe Vermont Housing Finance Agency offers mortgages, down payment assistance, a first generation homebuyer program, and a mortgage credit certificate. NebraskaThe Nebraska Investment Finance Authority is another state housing finance agency that offers programs for first-time and repeat buyers alike. State first-time homebuyer programs FAQsHow do first-time homebuyer programs differ by state? You may be able to combine multiple forms of state-backed first-time homebuyer assistance, or get state assistance in addition to other, unrelated programs.

Persons: you'll, CHFA, DSHA, MaineHousing, NJHMFA, MHDC, UHC Organizations: Connecticut Housing Finance Authority, FHA, Housing Authority, Maine MaineHousing, Loan, Massachusetts MassHousing, New Hampshire New Hampshire Housing, New Jersey Housing, Mortgage Finance Agency, New Jersey Police, New York Mortgage Agency, Pennsylvania Housing Finance Authority, Vermont Housing Finance Agency, Alabama Housing Finance Association, Arkansas, Finance Authority, of Columbia Homebuyers, DC Housing Finance Agency, D.C, Florida Housing Finance Corporation, Georgia Department of Community Affairs, Georgia, Plus, Kentucky Housing Corporation, Louisiana Housing Corporation, Maryland Department of Housing, Community Development, Mississippi The Mississippi Home Corporation, North Carolina Housing Finance Agency, Carolina South, Carolina South Carolina Housing, Palmetto, SC, South Carolina National Guard, Tennessee Housing Development Agency, Virginia Virginia Housing, Virginia Department of Housing, West, West Virginia The West, West Virginia The West Virginia Housing Development Fund, Illinois Housing, Authority, Indiana, Indiana Housing, Community Authority ., Iowa Finance Authority, IFA, Kansas Housing, Assistance, Michigan, Housing Development Authority, Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, Missouri Housing, Commission, Nebraska, Nebraska Investment Finance Authority, North, North Dakota Housing Finance Agency, Ohio Housing Finance Agency, South Dakota Housing Development Authority, Economic Development Authority, Arizona The, Arizona The Arizona Industrial Development Authority, New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority, Oklahoma, Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency, Texas The, Affordable Housing Corporation, Texas, Homes, Texas Heroes, Alaska Housing Finance Corporation, California Housing Finance Agency, Colorado, Colorado Housing, Hawaii Housing Finance, Development Corporation . Idaho, Idaho Housing, Finance Association, Montana, Montana Montana Housing, Nevada Housing Division, Oregon Oregon Housing, Community Services, Utah Housing Corporation, Washington, Washington State Housing Finance Commission, Wyoming Community Development Authority Locations: Connecticut, Delaware, New Hampshire New Hampshire, New Jersey, York The State, Pennsylvania, Rhode, Vermont, Alabama, Arkansas, Washington ,, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Carolina, Carolina South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia Virginia, West Virginia, West Virginia The West Virginia, Illinois, Indiana Indiana, Community Authority . Iowa, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, NIFA, North Dakota, North, Ohio, OHFA . South Dakota, Wisconsin, WHEDA . Southwest, Arizona, Arizona The Arizona, Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, Texas The Texas, TSAHC ., Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana Montana, Nevada, Oregon Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, Chevron

Determining your budgetYou can figure out how much house you can afford to buy using our free mortgage calculator. While you may already have an idea of what you think you can afford, you'll need to find out how the bank sees you. It will include a list of all of your finalized closing costs and how much cash you'll need to close. The final walkthroughBefore closing, you'll also get a chance to view the home one more time. How to buy a house FAQsHow much down payment do I need to buy a house?

Persons: You'll, George Chedid, Dana Bull, They're, Bull, you've, Don't, it's, They'll, you'll, they've, Chedid Organizations: Compass, Federal Housing Administration, US Department of Veterans Affairs, US Department of Agriculture, you'll, Homeowners Insurance Allstate, Insurance Locations: Kendall Park , New Jersey, Chevron, Boston

Can a non-U.S. citizen get a mortgage loan? Challenges non-U.S. citizens may faceThough it's possible to get a mortgage as a non-U.S. citizen, that doesn't mean it will be easy. Buying a home as a non-U.S. citizen FAQsCan non-U.S. citizens get a mortgage loan? Yes, non-U.S. citizens can get a mortgage loan if they meet the lender's eligibility requirements and they provide necessary documentation. Eligibility for non-U.S. citizen mortgage loans is usually based on legal residency status, credit history, income verification, and down payment.

Persons: homebuyers, Nora Aguirre, she's, they've, Aguirre, — Organizations: Migration Policy Institute, Taxation, National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals, USDA, ., Internal Revenue Service, Social, Chevron Locations: U.S, Nevada, Chevron

In America's 20 biggest cities, a 20% down payment ranges from $39,127 in Oklahoma City to $263,392 in San Jose, California. On a $200,000 home, a 3% down payment means you'll need $6,000. FHA mortgage: 3.5%To get an FHA mortgage, you'll need at least a 3.5% down payment. The exact amount you'll pay depends on your down payment and whether you've gotten a VA loan previously. PMI protects lenders on mortgages with high loan-to-value ratios, and it's added to the borrower's monthly mortgage payment.

Persons: you'll, Insider's, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, you've, You'll, it's Organizations: Phoenix, Fort, Oklahoma, PMI, Opportunity, National Association of Realtors, Chevron, USDA Locations: Oklahoma City, San Jose , California, Government, York City, NY, Angeles, LA, Chicago, Houston, AZ, Philadelphia, Antonio, Diego, Dallas, Austin, Jacksonville, Jose, Fort Worth , TX, Columbus, Charlotte, NC, Indianapolis, Francisco, Seattle, WA, Denver, homeownership, Chevron

Here are the best mortgage lenders for first-time homebuyers and the affordable loans they offer, as chosen by Business Insider editors in 2024. If you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards customer, you can get discountsCheck mark icon A check mark. Offers many unique types of mortgagesCheck mark icon A check mark. Low Cost Mortgages come with only $295 in closing costsCheck mark icon A check mark. Mortgage credit certificatesSome HFAs also offer mortgage credit certificates to first-time homebuyers.

Persons: It's, Chase, Grant, You'll, Carrington, Carrington doesn't, forbearance, HELOC, homebuyers, Truist, doesn't, Flagstar, they're, homeownership, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac's, you'll, Anthony Park, Molly Grace, Julie Aragon, There's, Lauryn Williams, —, there's, PenFed, USAA, Wells, Wells Fargo, Ally Organizations: Homebuyers Bank of America Mortgage, Mortgage, Chase, Federal Credit Union Mortgage, New, U.S, Bank Mortgage, Federal Savings, Loan, Truist, Flagstar Bank, Business, Bank of America, of America, FHA, Bank, Bank of, Bank of America's, Miami . Bank of America, USDA, Guild Mortgage, Veterans, Navy, Credit, Federal, Navy Federal, Navy Federal Credit Union, Department of Defense, Student Loan, . Bank, US Bank, U.S . Bank, Carrington Mortgage, Carrington Mortgage Services, Consumer Financial Protection, DC, Private Mortgage Insurance, PMI, Down Payments, Quicken, Rocket Mortgage, Rocket, CrossCountry Mortgage, CrossCountry, Loans, Flagstar Bank Mortgage, Federal Housing Finance Agency, Federal Housing Administration, US Department of Housing, Urban, US Department of Veterans Affairs, US Department of Agriculture, Best, Chevron, CFP, Pentagon Federal Credit Union, BBB, Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation, Veterans United, Movement Mortgage, NBKC, PNC Bank, Better Business Bureau Locations: VA, HELOC, Washington, DC, Charlotte, Dallas, Detroit, Los Angeles, Miami, Delaware, Vermont, Delaware , Vermont, Wyoming, J.D, New York, ., U.S, Massachusetts, North Dakota, Ohio, Florida, California , Colorado , Connecticut, Georgia , Illinois , Indiana , Kentucky, Maryland , Massachusetts , Missouri , New Hampshire , New Jersey , New York, North Carolina , Ohio , Oregon , Pennsylvania, South Carolina , Tennessee, Virginia, Tennessee, Arizona , Alaska, Hawaii, Arizona , California, Florida , Indiana , Michigan , New Jersey , New York , Ohio, Wisconsin, Flagstar, Arizona , California , Connecticut , Idaho , Michigan, Nevada , Ohio, New Mexico, Chevron, Wells Fargo

You can also use our guide to the best low credit score mortgage lenders to see which lenders accept borrowers with lower scores. Minimum credit score by mortgage typeConforming mortgage: 620 or higherConforming mortgages, which are the most common type of mortgage, are only available to borrowers with credit scores of 620 or higher. Get copies of your credit reportUnderstanding your credit history is key to understanding what's affecting your credit score. Review your credit report again to see what is impacting your credit score, then take steps to improve it. Getting a mortgage with bad credit frequently asked questionsCan you get a mortgage with a 500 credit score?

Persons: it's, US Department of Veterans Affairs doesn't, you've, It's, you'll, You'll Organizations: US Department of Veterans Affairs, Rocket Mortgage, Freedom, Carrington Mortgage, HUD, Federal Housing Administration, Chevron Locations: CreditRepair.com, Chevron

When you apply for a mortgage loan, lenders will review your finances and check to make sure you meet the requirements of the loan program. The exact requirements you'll need to meet vary by loan type, though. Additional factors affecting mortgage qualificationThe above are the major mortgage loan requirements, but sometimes, other factors can play in as well. Mortgage credit score requirement FAQsWhat is the minimum credit score needed for a mortgage? There's no set amount, but your income should be sufficient to cover your debt payments and the proposed mortgage payment comfortably.

Organizations: Chevron, USDA Locations: AnnualCreditReport.com

☆ As cartels take a stake in ‘green gold,’ US and Mexico rethink how avocados reach American kitchens
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-13 | by ( David Shortell | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

CNN —When two US avocado inspectors were assaulted and detained at a police roadblock in the Mexican state of Michoacán last month, it sparked a costly international crisis. ‘Green gold’Avocados, the creamy fruit with the industry nickname “green gold,” are big business. Nearly three-quarters of Mexican avocados come from Michoacán, a state along the country’s Pacific coast with a volcanic belt running through it that makes its soil ideal for farming. The office of the Michoacán state prosecutor told CNN last month that they’ve opened an investigation into the incident. In 2022, exports of Mexican avocados were similarly halted for several days after one of the US inspectors working in Michoacán received a threatening phone call.

Persons: Weeks, “, Ario de, Cristopher Rogel, ” Romain Le Cour, Alfredo Ramírez Bedolla, Mexico Ken Salazar, they’ve, ”, Le Cour, Michoacán, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, Victor Villalobos, Ken Melban, Brian, Melban, Brad Adams, ” Adams Organizations: CNN, US, US Department of Agriculture, Global, Transnational, Local, USDA, Plant Health, Service, Agriculture, ”, US State Department, AP, Climate Rights, US Forest Service Locations: Mexican, Michoacán, Mexico, Ario, Ario de Rosales, avocados, California, Michoacan

☆ John Deere to lay off roughly 600 employees from three US factories
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-07 | by ( Eva Rothenberg | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

New York CNN —John Deere announced it will lay off about 600 employees across three US factories as the Illinois-based company shifts production to a newly planned facility in Ramos, Mexico. In total, the three factories have roughly 4,175 production and maintenance employees. The Illinois factory primarily produces harvesting equipment such as combines, while the two Iowa factories manufacture construction and forestry equipment. “We do expect incremental demand decline in the back half of 2024,” Josh Beal, the company’s director of investor relations, said in the May earnings call. At the same time, manufacturing jobs across the country have plateaued at 13 million employees after recovering from a sharp pandemic-related downswing in 2020, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Persons: John Deere, Deere, “, Josh Beal Organizations: New, New York CNN, CNN, Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Labor Statistics Locations: New York, Illinois, Ramos, Mexico, Iowa, Dubuque, Davenport, East Moline , Illinois, United States, South America, Europe, North America

Around 8 in 10 people infected with West Nile virus don’t show symptoms. These symptoms can often be confused with those of other viruses, so the majority of West Nile cases are never diagnosed. The CDC’s tally for West Nile cases this year is likely an undercount, since several states have reported additional human cases in recent weeks. Raman said he’s worried about more West Nile transmission during monsoon season in the Las Vegas area, which is expected to start soon. The county announced in late June that one person, a blood donor, had tested positive for West Nile virus.

Persons: “, ” Kate Fowlie, “ WNV, ”, Scott Weaver, Weaver, ” Weaver, Vivek Raman, Raman, he’s, Lindsay Huse, Dranda Hopps, “ It’s Organizations: Centers for Disease Control, Prevention, USDA Agricultural Research Service, Agricultural Research Service, AP, Institute, Human, University of Texas Medical Branch, U.S, CDC, West, Southern, Southern Nevada Health District, Southern Nevada Health, The Texas Department of State Health Services, NBC, Dallas, Fort, Texas Department of State Health Services, Scott County Health Department Locations: Arizona , Arkansas , Kansas , Maryland , Michigan , Mississippi, Tennessee, West Nile, West, U.S, Texas, Colorado, Southern Nevada, Nile, Las Vegas, Douglas County , Nebraska, Houston, Springtown , Texas, Fort Worth, Springtown, Clark County , Nevada, Scott, Illinois

☆ Dangerous feral hogs that destroy lawns and eat plastic are growing across the US, and states can't kill them fast enough
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-04 | by ( Jenny Mcgrath | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

The US has been trying to keep the feral pig population — estimated to be between 6 and 9 million — in check for over a decade. Feral pigs will eat almost anythingAlan Biggerstaff of Nuisance Wildlife Management & Control set up hog traps in Texas in 2019. Mayer has seen feral hogs forage at landfills and feed on diapers, rubber bands, and plastic. AdvertisementWhen feral pigs start rooting in grass, they can leave a mess behind, as this photo from 2014 shows. Mayer said another factor that makes controlling wild hogs difficult is that the entire country is a mosaic of different methods.

Persons: —, Jack Mayer, Mayer, Alan, Brett Coomer, they're, wilder, Gerald Herbert, Robert F, You've Organizations: Service, Business, Laboratory, Management, Control, Houston, Getty, Texas Locations: San Antonio , Texas, Texas, Florida, Georgia, Savannah, North America, England, Louisiana, Ohio, Kentucky, Oklahoma

☆ Sizzling out? As peak barbecue season begins, fewer Americans are buying grills
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-30 | by ( Erika Tulfo | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

Lockdown was a grill (seller)’s best friendIt’s not a result of Americans cooking outside on grills less. Roy Morchian, owner of American Royal Hardware in Montclair, New Jersey, says grill sales have returned to pre-pandemic levels at the local True Value franchise. Downey sees Home Depot’s grill sales stabilizing now following the lockdown-driven high. Weber Grills are offered for sale at a home improvement store on July 23, 2021 in Palatine, Illinois. Traeger Grills holds demos and activations at Home Depot, Ace Hardware, and specialty retailers across the country.

Persons: Weber, ”, Brian Bushfield, It’s, Roy Morchian, Paul Glader, Joe Downey, Jessica Hernandez, ” Corey Martin, Traeger’s, Covid, ” Martin, Downey, Scott Olson, Jeremy Andrus, Simeon Siegel, they’re, “, Price, Shikhiu Ing, fryer, Andrus, Ayla Dunkley, Dunkley Organizations: CNN, West, Barbecue Association, American, Hardware, Depot Senior Merchant, CNN San Diego Grill, Texas, Grill, Downey, Getty, Weber, Rewards, Depot, BMO Capital Markets, US Department of Agriculture, “, ”, American Farm Bureau Federation Locations: Traqline, San Diego , California, Covid, Montclair , New Jersey, Montclair , NJ, Houston, Palatine , Illinois, Bloomfield , New Jersey, Newark , New Jersey, Pennsylvania

☆ Here's why your July 4th barbecue may be pricier this year
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-27 | by ( Greg Iacurci | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Miodrag Ignjatovic | E+ | Getty ImagesAmericans firing up their grills for Fourth of July celebrations will likely pay more for some traditional barbecue staples this year. The average cookout for 10 people will cost $71.22 this year, up 5% from 2023 and about 30% five years ago, according to an American Farm Bureau Federation estimate. That said, consumers have seen prices fall for some specific barbecue items like chicken breast and potatoes, the Farm Bureau said. Meat (including ground beef, pork chops and chicken breast) accounts for 50% of the total cost of an Independence Day barbecue, according to the Farm Bureau. Two pounds of potatoes cost $1.53, down 17%, the Farm Bureau said.

Persons: Miodrag Ignjatovic, That's, Courtney Schmidt, Luke Sharrett, Adene Sanchez, Schmidt Organizations: Getty, American Farm Bureau, Food Institute, CNBC, Farm Bureau, Bloomberg, Farm Locations: U.S, Wells, Wells Fargo's, Louisville , Kentucky, Wells Fargo

☆ My partner and I spend $40 a week at Aldi. Here are 17 things we love to buy and how we use them.
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-27 | by ( Joe Opaleski | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

My fiancée and I spend about $40 buying groceries at Aldi each week. Sign up to get the inside scoop on today’s biggest stories in markets, tech, and business — delivered daily. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . Two years ago, we could get by on a grocery budget of $20 a week, but rising inflation changed all that. This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers.

Persons: — Organizations: Aldi, Service, Business

☆ I made hot dogs on the grill and in my air fryer, and one appliance took less than half the time
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-27 | by ( Meredith Schneider | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

Hot dogs are the perfect summer food, so I compared making them with an air fryer and a grill. I couldn't believe how quickly my air fryer produced perfect results. The grilled hot dogs took significantly longer, and the texture still wasn't perfect. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . But I wanted to know, once and for all, the best method for making hot dogs, so I cooked some franks on the grill and in my air fryer.

Persons: fryer, — Organizations: Service, Business

☆ These 13 states — including Florida and Texas — opted out of a $2.5 billion federal food program that would help feed low-income kids this summer
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-27 | by ( Erin Snodgrass | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

During the pandemic, the federal government covered the entire cost of the Summer EBT program, but starting this summer, states will be on the hook to split administrative costs 50/50. AdvertisementThirteen Republican-led states ultimately opted out of the program this summer, citing myriad reasons, including redundancy, insufficient support, and politics. AlabamaAccording to the state's Department of Health, one in four children in Alabama faces food insecurity. The state will reconsider joining the summer program once the backlog is dealt with, the outlet reported. Brian Kemp told local outlet 11 Alive that the state already has a summer food program in place.

Persons: —, Brian Kemp, Republican Sen, Cindy Carlson, Kim Reynolds, Reynolds, Kevin Stitt, Stitt, Biden, Henry McMaster, Scott Olson, Iran Fury, Kristi Noem, Chalkbeat, Fury, Megan Degenfelder, Degenfelder Organizations: Service, Department of Agriculture, SUN, Business, The, Agriculture, state's Department of Health, SUN Bucks, Alabama, state's Department of Education, Assistance, SNAP, state's Department of Children, Families, Florida Department of Children, Republican Gov, Republican, Idaho Education, Iowa, Iowa Iowa Gov, Human Services, Biden Administration, Mississippi The Mississippi Department of Human Services, Magnolia Tribune, Oklahoma Republican Gov, South Carolina Republican Gov, The Texas Tribune, state's, Human Services Commission Locations: Alabama, Alaska Alaska, Alaska, Florida, Georgia, SUN Bucks, NurPhoto Idaho, Idaho, Iowa Iowa, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Dakota South Dakota, Iran, Texas Texas, Wyoming Wyoming, Wyoming

Many forms of help are tied to the federal poverty line, which is calculated using a formula that has largely not been updated since the 1960s. The poverty line is calculated in an outdated wayThe current federal poverty line for the 48 contiguous states and Washington, DC, is $15,060 a year for one person, $20,440 for a family of two, and $31,200 for a family of four. Courtesy of Melissa HeddenMuch of the resistance to changing the federal poverty line could stem from the government's desire not to inflate the number of people in poverty overnight. AdvertisementRep. Kevin Mullin, a Democrat from California, has introduced legislation — called the Poverty Line Act— that would modernize the federal poverty line, taking into account actual costs of goods and how prices differ across regions. Do you make above the poverty line but not enough to meet your daily needs?

Persons: —, Jason Hopkins, Hopkins, he's, He's, doesn't, ALICE —, Nyx, Beth Jarosz, Kyle Ross, ALICE, Mollie Orshansky, Jarosz, Stephanie Hoopes, United For ALICE, they've, Melinda Binkley, Ryan Arbuckle, Louis, Oleg Parubin, Parubin, Melissa Hedden, Melissa, Ross, Biden, Kevin Mullin, Mullin, Michael Tubbs, Tubbs Organizations: Service, Business, America, Center for American Progress, Bureau of Labor Statistics, of Health, Human Services, Assistance, Women, Children, United For, SNAP, Bills, Senate Locations: Illinois, Washington, DC, Stillwater , Minnesota, St, Manhattan, Airbnbs, North Carolina, California, Stockon , California, Illinois —

☆ Why 4 new bird flu developments have experts worried about the virus
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-12 | by ( Morgan Mcfall-Johnsen | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +9 min

Read previewBird flu is flying wild, and it has many infectious disease experts more worried now than ever. The H5N1 avian influenza virus has killed tens of millions of birds across the planet and more than 40,000 sea lions and seals. Most people seem to have very little chance, if any, of catching H5N1 avian influenza right now. Jim Vondruska/ReutersBut infectious disease experts are increasingly concerned that the H5N1 virus could make a sustained jump into humans and start spreading among us. This virus is a leading candidate for the next pandemic, and four developments in the past month have experts worried.

Persons: —, Jim Vondruska, That's, Dr, Monica Gandhi, Bird, WHO —, Christopher Dye, Dye, David L, Ryan, Gandhi, Tayfun, Rick Bright, Cynthia Goldsmith, Jackie Katz, Richard Webby, Jude, Talita, Lima Freitas, Amanda Perobelli, Marko Geber, Terry Chea, they've Organizations: Service, CDC, Business, Global Medicine, University of California, Health Organization, WHO, University of Oxford, Boston Globe, Getty, US Department of Agriculture, Anadolu Agency, The Telegraph, Biomedical, Research, Development Authority, AP, Centre, Studies, Reference Laboratory, World Organization for Animal Health, Vaccines, University of Pennsylvania Locations: Luz, Monee , Illinois, San Francisco, Australia, Kolkata, India, New Mexico, New York, St, Michigan, Campinas, Brazil

☆ Bird flu is rampant in animals. Humans ignore it at our own peril
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-11 | by ( Brenda Goodman | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +15 min

Then, three healthy ferrets were placed in the same enclosures with three of the sick animals. These animals could touch, nose and lick the sick animals, and all of them became ill.Next, the CDC tested airborne transmission by putting three healthy ferrets into an enclosure where they could breathe the same air as sick animals but couldn’t touch them. In her lab, ferrets with previous exposures to seasonal flu strains didn’t get as sick when exposed to new flu viruses compared to those with no prior exposure to seasonal strains. How much help we might get from past exposures to flu viruses is difficult to predict, however, which is why vaccination would still be important to tune up our immunity. They never spread the virus to any of the other animals in the facility — including themselves.

Persons: Mark Naniot, Naniot, “, ”, It’s, Jeremy Farrar, Jesse Bloom, Fred Hutch, ” Naniot, Naniot hadn’t, Scott Weese, Weese, there’s, Covid, Rick Bright, Sanjay Gupta, Bright, Erin Sorrell, Zahl, Seema Lakdawala, hasn’t, ” Bright, Dr, Richard Webby, Jude Children’s, “ It’s, Ducks, Michael Osterholm, “ I’ve, he’s Organizations: CNN, Swiss Army, World Health Organization, Fred Hutch Cancer Center, University of Guelph, US Centers for Disease Control, CDC, Research, Development Authority, CNN Chief, Bright Global Health, Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, Getty, Emory University, STAT, Administration, Strategic Preparedness, USDA, Jude Children’s Research, Infectious Disease, University of Minnesota, CNN Health Locations: Wisconsin’s, United States, Seattle, Canada, Texas, Vadso, Finnmark, Norway, AFP, Finland, St, Wisconsin

☆ Where Canada's 'super pigs' are most likely to invade the US — and potentially cause millions of dollars in damage
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-01 | by ( Kelsey Vlamis | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Read previewResearchers have warned that Canadian "super pigs" could soon invade the US, potentially causing millions of dollars in damage — and four states in particular are especially at risk. The researchers used data from GPS collars on feral pigs to follow their movement patterns and determine their invasion potential. Rodger Mallison/Fort Worth Star-Telegram/Tribune News Service/Getty ImagesBrook called the super pigs an "environmental train wreck." According to USDA estimates, feral pigs already cause $2.5 billion worth of damage to US agriculture annually. So, regardless of what you've heard, it's unlikely you can shoot your way out of a super pig invasion.

Persons: —, Ryan Brook, Rodger Mallison, John Kilgo, Brooks, you've Organizations: Service, Farmers, Business, University of Saskatchewan, Fort Worth Star, Tribune, USDA Forest Service Locations: Canada, Alberta , Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Montana , North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Stephensville , Texas, California, Texas, Florida, Americas, , Montana, South Carolina

☆ Zero-down mortgages are making a comeback
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-30 | by ( Matt Egan | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

That massive roadblock is being removed by a new zero-percent down mortgage program launched two weeks ago by one of the nation’s largest mortgage lenders. ‘Demand has been huge’These mortgages are only open to first-time homebuyers and those making no more than 80% of the area’s median income. That’s because in order to refinance at a lower rate, the homeowner would need to fully pay off that second mortgage. For instance, Bank of America launched a zero-down payment mortgage program in 2022 for first-time homebuyers in certain Black and Hispanic neighborhoods. “These mortgages are going to be ticking time bombs – just like subprime mortgages –unless home prices continue to increase very substantially,” Kelleher said.

Persons: Mat Ishbia, homebuyers, Christian Petersen, refinances, UWM, ” Alex Elezaj, they’d, ”, Patricia McCoy, McCoy, won’t, Bankrate, ‘, Anneliese Lederer, ” Lederer, ” Dennis Kelleher, ” Kelleher, Jonathan Adams, ” UWM, Elezaj, “, ” Elezaj, ” It’s, “ We’re, Greg McBride, Adams, ” Adams Organizations: CNN, United Wholesale Mortgage, Phoenix Suns NBA, Phoenix Suns, NBA, Oklahoma City, Footprint Center, Boston College Law School, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Federal Reserve, Bank of America, US Department of Agriculture, US Department of Veterans Affairs, Center for Responsible, Better, Saint Joseph’s University, Bankrate, “, Wall Street Locations: Phoenix , Arizona

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