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Newsweek
4 hours ago
- Newsweek
Map Shows Worst States for SNAP Fraud
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefit theft has become a pervasive issue in several states, with some of the most vulnerable families being left without vital food benefits. Why It Matters Some 40 million Americans receive SNAP benefits, which are loaded onto electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards that can be used at approved retailers and select online stores. But they are vulnerable to fraud tactics as cards can be skimmed or cloned, something several states are trying to combat. However, the problem is getting worse: Fraudulent SNAP transactions increased by 55 percent between the final quarter of fiscal year 2024 and the first quarter of fiscal year 2025, according to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service. What To Know New York is by far the state with the most reported SNAP benefit thefts, with 151,000 claims made between 2023 and March 2025, totaling more than $80 million lost by SNAP users. Second to the Empire State is California, with almost 86,000 claims and $38 million down the drain. In third place is Maryland, with 63,800 fraud instances and $24 million lost to criminal schemes. On the other end of the spectrum, Wyoming has the least number of claims made to the USDA in the same time period, with only nine instances of reported stolen benefits. South Dakota and North Dakota have similarly low numbers—23 and 27, respectively. Meanwhile, Idaho, Vermont and Montana all have fewer than 100 reported thefts. In New York, law enforcement recently uncovered a $66 million criminal scheme involving a USDA employee. In Ohio, three Columbus residents were recently charged in connection with a $600,000 SNAP theft. Tackling the Issue Lawmakers in several states are taking steps to combat SNAP fraud. In New York, the state Senate has passed a bill requiring EBT cards to be equipped with EMV chips—technology commonly used in credit and debit cards to make them harder to clone or steal. The USDA has also vowed to crack down on SNAP benefit theft, announcing in April that it had taken part in "targeted benefit fraud" operations in California. In 2024, the USDA ended its policy of reimbursing stolen SNAP benefits. Congress did not approve funding to continue the reimbursements in the budget resolution passed in December. As a result, the USDA announced that states may choose to replace stolen benefits using their own funds in the absence of federal funds. Some lawmakers are working to fill this gap. In April, Democratic Representative Al Green of Texas introduced the SNAP Secure Act of 2025, which proposes restoring federal funding to reimburse SNAP benefit recipients who are victims of fraud or theft. A similar bill has been introduced by Republican Representative Zach Nunn of Iowa. What People Are Saying A Department of Agriculture spokesperson previously told Newsweek: "SNAP is a vital nutrition safety net for low-income Americans. When benefits are stolen, SNAP participants' ability to feed their families is threatened. USDA will continue to leverage every resource and authority that remains at its disposal to combat all forms of SNAP fraud and abuse." Representative Al Green, a Democrat from Texas, said in a statement in April: "I intend to turn this legislation into a modified amendment to the next appropriations bill. If accepted, this legislation would ensure that those who have had their SNAP benefits stolen will be able to feed themselves and their families." What Happens Next To protect your SNAP benefits, the USDA recommends these tips:
Business Journals
6 days ago
- Business
- Business Journals
How refrigeration commissioning helps safeguard long-term performance and profitability in cold storage construction
As industrial refrigeration systems grow in complexity and cost, commissioning has emerged as an essential element for ensuring long-term efficiency, reliability and financial return. In industries where uninterrupted cooling is critical, such as cold storage, food and beverage, and pharmaceuticals, commissioning is not just beneficial — it is vital. Understanding the role of commissioning in industrial refrigeration Refrigeration systems account for the highest energy usage in cold storage facilities, with maintenance, refrigerant management and energy costs comprising a large portion of lifecycle operational expenses. Traditional questions during planning phases — such as installation cost and schedule — fail to address deeper operational concerns like long-term serviceability, lifecycle cost, regulatory impact and energy efficiency. These factors directly affect profitability and should be prioritized early in project planning. A well-structured commissioning plan addresses these gaps, beginning at design conception and continuing through installation, startup and the first year of operation. The purpose is to validate that systems are installed and functioning according to the design intent and operational requirements, ultimately supporting consistent performance and reduced lifecycle costs. Modernizing practices: The value of early and thorough commissioning Historically, commissioning in refrigeration projects was minimal, often limited to post-installation punch lists. Today, enhanced technologies — such as commissioning software, Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) services, other software tools such as energy modeling, BIM and EMV (Evaluation, Measurement and Verification) — make it easier to justify early commissioning efforts. These tools provide a baseline design comparison, visibility into system integration and performance, improve energy efficiency and help avoid costly failures. Forward-thinking developers and owners increasingly recognize that robust commissioning plans significantly reduce emergency service calls, product losses and operational disruptions, especially in mission-critical environments like data centers, food production and health care storage. Core phases of a refrigeration commissioning plan 1. Planning and design Objective: Ensure the refrigeration system is designed to be commissionable. Key actions: Form a Commissioning (Cx) team with defined roles and responsibilities. Develop foundational documents: Owner Requirements (OR), Basis of Design (BD) and Construction Documents (CDs). Align Cx efforts with budgets and schedules early in design. 2. Construction and installation Objective: Ensure critical systems are installed correctly to meet operational and energy performance targets. Key actions: Define clear responsibilities across contractors and subcontractors. Plan for pre-functional testing and system integration early in scheduling. Maintain quality control over major refrigeration components and controls infrastructure. 3. Startup and operation Objective: Validate that the system operates as intended and supports long-term operational goals. Key actions: Perform thorough system startup procedures and documentation. Facilitate training for facility operations teams. Conduct post-occupancy evaluations and adjustments during the first year. Bridging design and execution: The CxA advantage A Commissioning Authority (CxA) serves as a critical bridge between design and execution. Their early involvement helps identify scope gaps — such as those related to refrigeration controls or electrical systems — that might otherwise go unaddressed until late in the process, leading to change orders or costly delays. By engaging a CxA at the outset, stakeholders benefit from proactive risk management and coordinated delivery. Stakeholder collaboration and accountability Commissioning thrives on cross-disciplinary collaboration. Owners, design teams, refrigeration contractors, engineers and CxAs must each understand their role within the Cx process. When clearly defined, this shared accountability helps prevent scope omissions and reinforces alignment throughout the project lifecycle. Commissioning as a competitive advantage In markets where reliability is paramount, commissioning can differentiate a project. It ensures that refrigeration systems support operational goals, adhere to regulatory codes and reduce total cost of ownership. Flexible designs with redundancy, room conversions and future expansion capabilities also elevate a project's long-term value. As cold storage and industrial refrigeration markets expand, facilities equipped with thorough commissioning protocols will enjoy enhanced reliability, energy efficiency and cost control. In an environment where downtime translates to direct financial loss, commissioning is not a luxury — it is a necessity. Brinkmann Constructors is the employee-owned leader in the construction industry with a passion for finding creative solutions that save time, minimize costs and deliver the greatest value. With five offices and a project footprint in over 40 states, our reach spans nationwide with a vast portfolio of projects in multifamily, senior living, industrial, cold storage, retail, automotive and more. Mike Bildner has approximately 20 years of construction management experience, most notably 10 years of experience designing and managing refrigeration mechanical projects for a leading full-service mechanical contracting firm before joining Brinkmann. As the MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) manager, Bildner is responsible for managing and leading MEP subcontractors throughout the project, developing the CPM schedule for all MEP installation activities, reviewing and approving material and equipment for MEP systems before installation, monitoring the installation and startup of the MEP systems, and commissioning of the project with the engineer and owner.
Newsweek
09-06-2025
- Business
- Newsweek
SNAP Benefit Theft Explodes Across US
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Fraudulent Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefit transactions have increased by a staggering 55 percent between 2024 and 2025, according to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service. Why It Matters SNAP benefits are issued to more than 40 million Americans across the country, providing monthly cash benefits to help low- and no-income families buy groceries. However, the program has been mired by criminals targeting recipients, with more than $100 million in food assistance benefits reported stolen since 2023 when public records began. What To Know SNAP benefits are administered to recipients through electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards, which are loaded with money every month to use in participating retailers. Like regular debit or credit cards, they are subject to scams such as cloning, phishing or skimming. Between the final quarter of fiscal year 2024 and the first quarter of fiscal year 2025, the total number of fraudulent SNAP transactions jumped from 444,553 to 691,604—an increase of 247,051, or 55 percent. It marks the largest jump in claims across a single time period since the USDA began publishing these records. Since the second quarter of fiscal year 2023, more than $102 million in stolen benefits has been replaced by the federal government, the dataset reveals. The new figures come as the USDA has vowed to crack down on SNAP benefit theft. The federal agency announced it had taken part in "targeted benefit fraud" operations in California in late April. Lawmakers in several states have also proposed action to stop SNAP fraud. In New York, a bill calling for EMV chips, which are used in credit and debit cards that make it more difficult to counterfeit or steal card information, to become standard on EBT cards has passed the state Senate. In Pennsylvania, SNAP users can now lock their EBT card through an app when not in use to prevent their benefits from being stolen. Late last year, the USDA ended the federal reimbursement of stolen SNAP benefits. For benefits stolen prior to December 21, 2024, these were in most cases reimbursed by the USDA, which funds the program. However, the funding required to repay theft victims was not approved by Congress in a continuing resolution passed by lawmakers in December. At the time, the federal agency said that "SNAP state agencies can choose to replace stolen benefits using state funds." In April, Representative Al Green, a Texas Democrat, introduced the SNAP Secure Act of 2025, which calls for the reinstatement of federal funding to cover food stamp recipients who have been victims of fraud and theft. What People Are Saying USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins said in a statement on May 2: "Fraud will not be tolerated by the Trump Administration. I want to thank our hardworking law enforcement officers who work every day to ensure federal benefits are properly distributed and safeguard taxpayer dollars from criminals. President Trump is restoring law and order. At USDA we are fighting back against fraud and misuse of taxpayer dollars and ensuring those who need and qualify for benefits, actually receive them." Representative Al Green, a Texas Democrat, said in a statement in April: "I intend to turn this legislation into a modified amendment to the next appropriations bill. If accepted, this legislation would ensure that those who have had their SNAP benefits stolen will be able to feed themselves and their families." What Happens Next? Whether SNAP thefts continue to rise at the same rate remains to be seen, with the next dataset likely to be published in the late summer or fall.
Time Out
23-05-2025
- Time Out
BTS fares go flat 20 baht on all routes this September
Starting September 30, Thai citizens can ride the electric trains across the red, purple, green, blue, pink, yellow and gold lines on BTS, MRT as well as the Airport Rail Link for just B20 per trip. How? Register through the Tang Rat (ทางรัฐ) app and tap in with either a contactless EMV card (Europay, Mastercard and Visa) or a registered Rabbit card. EMV cards cover red, purple, blue, pink, yellow lines plus the Airport Rail Link (ARL). Rabbit cards work on green, pink, gold and yellow lines.
Khaleej Times
20-05-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Jaywan: UAE's new domestic card payment scheme; all your questions answered
In today's fast-paced digital economy, seamless, secure, and cost-effective payment solutions are essential for both consumers and businesses. The way we pay for goods and services is evolving rapidly, with an increasing focus on digital transactions. While global payment networks have long dominated the landscape, many countries are now developing their own domestic card schemes to strengthen financial sovereignty, enhance economic efficiency, and provide more tailored solutions for their citizens. The UAE is no exception to this trend. Recognising the need for a homegrown payment solution that aligns with the country's economic ambitions and consumer needs, Al Etihad Payments, a subsidiary of the Central Bank of the UAE, has launched Jaywan, the nation's domestic card scheme. Here is all you need to know about Jaywan card: What is Jaywan? Built for the UAE, by the UAE, Jaywan is the UAE's national card payment scheme, meaning it provides a homegrown option to internationally issued debit and prepaid cards. What is the purpose? For many years, transactions in the UAE have been processed primarily through global card networks. While these networks provide convenience, they also limit the ability to customise solutions for local needs and increase reliance on external payment systems. The primary goal of Jaywan is to strengthen the country's payment infrastructure by offering an efficient, secure, and widely accepted payment solution that aligns with national economic priorities. What kinds of cards does Jaywan offer right now? There are a range of cards tailored to different customer needs. These include: * Debit cards are issued by participating banks as they will allow consumers to make purchases and withdraw cash directly from their bank accounts. They provide an easy and secure way to manage daily expenses. * Prepaid cards are ideal for budgeting and controlled spending. They can be loaded with a set amount of funds, making them useful for travel, gifting, and specific spending purposes. * Credit cards will initially launch with debit and prepaid cards. However, if there is sufficient demand, it will expand to include credit cards as well. Can international transactions be made with a Jaywan card? Jaywan allows consumers to make both domestic and international transactions while ensuring that more financial value remains within the UAE. What are Jaywan's unique features? * Cards can be used across the UAE and globally due to strategic partnerships with international networks such as Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and UnionPay. * Build with EMV chip technology, tokenisation, and advanced fraud monitoring to ensure secure transactions. * Offers debit and prepaid cards, with plans for additional product types based on market needs. * Supports tap-to-pay functionality and digital wallet integration for convenience and speed. What are the general benefits? By introducing Jaywan, the UAE benefits in several ways: * Ensures that payment processing is managed within the country, reducing dependence on external providers * Offers businesses a cost-effective option and reduces operational expenses. * Keeps a greater portion of transaction fees within the UAE's economy, supporting financial institutions and merchants. * Customised services and benefits to meet the unique needs of UAE residents and businesses. What will consumers or businesses gain? Jaywan is designed to benefit the entire ecosystem - from everyday consumers to small businesses and large enterprises. By offering a secure, locally managed, and cost-efficient option, Jaywan creates tangible value on both sides of a transaction. Consumers * Whether shopping online or in-store, Jaywan ensures a seamless and protected transaction experience. * Jaywan cards support NFC-enabled tap-and-go payments and integration with mobile wallets. * Thanks to partnerships with major international networks, Jaywan can be used both within the UAE and abroad. * As a UAE-based card scheme, Jaywan is designed specifically for the UAE's residents, offering localised benefits such as merchant discounts and exclusive access to certain services within the country. Businesses * Jaywan reduces the cost of payment processing, making it a more affordable proposition for businesses of all sizes * Jaywan provides smaller merchants with cost-effective digital payment acceptance, driving financial inclusion and reducing reliance on cash.
