Latest news with #Novotny
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Ohio bills further regulating SNAP use, fraud prevention, see activity as cuts loom
A 'SNAP welcomed here' sign is seen at the entrance to a Big Lots store in Portland, Oregon. (Getty Images) As Ohio food assistance recipients await decisions on the federal and state level about whether they will see large cuts to their benefits, some state legislators are trying to iron out other details related to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Congressional budget reconciliation is ongoing in the U.S. Senate, after what anti-hunger advocates say would be a nearly 30% reduction in SNAP benefits was approved by the U.S. House in their draft of budget documents, encouraged by the Trump administration as part of efforts to slash federal spending. Advocates say the cuts will be devastating for low-income families across the country, with rural communities disproportionately impacted, according to the national Food Research & Action Center. The Ohio Association of Foodbanks said the loss of SNAP funding would restrict services 'vital for everyday Ohioans in every Congressional district.' The potential cuts come as legislators work on the state's SNAP program, with bills ranging from supplements to the benefits for older Ohioans to a push to prevent the defrauding of Ohioans who need the funds. Most recently, supporters of House Bill 163 – which would make the electronic benefit cards (EBTs) that hold SNAP benefits chip-enabled, like most mainstream credit and debit cards – spoke on the impacts chip technology would offer to households. The modernization of the EBT cards would help stem fraud through 'skimming,' a method of stealing information from the swipe of a card and capture of PIN numbers at checkouts. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The Ohio Poverty Law Center said fraud occurs for many individuals 'in the first few days after benefits were loaded, leaving them without benefits until the next month.' Joree Novotny, executive director of the Ohio Association of Foodbanks said there was a congressional 'pathway' for state agencies to reimburse victims of benefit theft, which took nearly $17 million in SNAP benefits from more than 34,000 Ohio households between June 2023 and Dec. 2024. But the pathway ended in December of last year, when Congress decided against extending authorization for replacement of those benefits, Novotny told the Ohio House Agriculture Committee during a recent hearing on H.B. 163. Since then, it's unclear how much has been stolen from Ohioans and other SNAP beneficiaries, because Novotny said 'theft reports are no longer being collected.' Still, she said emergency food distribution representatives say the 'issue remains pervasive.' One of the sponsors of H.B. 163, state Rep. Tristan Rader, D-Lakewood, is working with fellow Democratic Rep. Desiree Tims to create a state program to replace stolen SNAP benefits in a bill that would appropriate $17 million from the state's General Revenue Fund for the task. State-level budget discussions have included maintaining work requirements for SNAP participants, along with other regulations related to waivers for SNAP participants. The state budget approved by the House also included a requirement that the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services seek a waiver from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to exclude 'sugar-sweetened beverages' from items that can be purchased using SNAP benefits. While the provision of the budget doesn't specify types of sugar-sweetened beverages, a bill introduced recently by Republican co-sponsors singles out soft drinks as an item they want to see removed from the SNAP-eligible list of products, along with candy, chips, ice cream and 'prepared desserts such as cakes, pies, cookies or similar products.' If the bill passes, those products would join alcoholic beverages, tobacco, hot foods or 'hot food products prepared for immediate consumption' as SNAP-exempted items. Last week, the sponsors of the bill said exempting 'junk food' from SNAP eligibility is one way of ensuring to taxpayers that their money is being spent for the betterment of Ohioans. 'What this bill's all about is helping focus folks who are using taxpayer money – which we're glad to provide for folks that are having a rough time, don't have resources at home, whatever the case may be – but just helping them realize there are better choices here than the stuff that adds calories … and no nutritional benefits,' Sen. Tim Schaffer, R-Lancaster, told the Senate Health Committee. Bill co-sponsor, Sen. Terry Johnson, R-McDermott, pointed to a change 'demographically in our country' toward obesity and health problems, 'and it's primarily the nutritional things that we consume.' 'We're doing America a great disservice by ignoring the fact that what people actually need is clean air, clean water, clean food, good exercise and a little bit of sunshine,' Johnson said. Committee member Sen. Beth Liston, D-Dublin, wondered whether discouraging sweets and soda consumption should start with a different population for which taxpayers subsidize food assistance, like the military or public universities. 'If you're looking at how to make the best impacts, I think looking at only poor individuals that are struggling to get by may not be, certainly not the largest population,' Liston said to the bill sponsors. 'There are many other tax-funded foods that we purchase, and if you're going to be looking at it holistically, just the SNAP program is a pretty small population.' SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Business Insider
07-05-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
Why Disney's parks are booming even as economic growth slows
Disney fans say they don't plan on skipping their trips to the company's parks — even if a recession hits. US GDP shrank in the first quarter, and concerns about trade uncertainty have some economists convinced a recession is coming. However, in conversations Business Insider had with 12 "Disney adults" who go to the parks, only one said they would consider visiting less frequently in the event of an economic downturn. Two travel agents who specialize in Disney trips also told BI that bookings are significantly up this year. That strength was reflected in Disney's earnings for the first three months of 2025. The company said Wednesday that domestic park revenue surged 9% despite the economic noise. "Even with consumer confidence somewhat down and some issues in terms of the economy, people still believe that a Disney theme park experience is really special," Disney CEO Bob Iger said on CNBC. He said the parks are "incredibly resilient." Disney's experiences head Josh D'Amaro added that bookings "continue to look strong." The company said Disney World bookings were up 4% so far this quarter. Although Disney analysts say there's a risk that parks take a hit this year, as they have during recessions, they aren't bracing for it. Joe Bonner of Argus Research is pricing in low-single-digit revenue growth at Disney's parks this year. "Attendance levels are still pretty crazy at Disney World, as far as I've seen," said Jeremy Singh, an Orlando-based Disney TikTok creator. Disney didn't respond to a request for comment. Parks are popping off Business is booming for Rob Stuart, who runs the Disney-focused trip planning service Creating Magic Vacations. Bookings are up 25% year-over-year through April, Stuart said. It's rare for Disney World not to be packed, he said, especially with older and multi-generational groups. Instead of sitting on retirement savings that they'll later pass along, Stuart said many people in their 60s or 70s are opting for family trips. "They're saying, 'You know what? I'm just going to take my kids on the trip of a lifetime — they can earn their own money,'" Stuart said. Jenn Novotny, a lifelong Disney fan who runs the Upon a Star travel service, is also busy. Her bookings are up 14% so far this year, she said. She said families are making trips to Disney World a top priority. "Disney is now considered a rite of passage for a lot of kiddos," Novotny said. However, Stuart and Novotny almost exclusively serve US clients, so they might not be seeing the apparent slowdown in overall travel from places like Canada amid a trade war. UBS media analyst John Hodulik said foreign travel has historically made up about 20% of Disney World's attendance. 'We know it's going to be expensive' Max Traughber-Crismon — a Disney fan living near Portland, Oregon — doesn't sweat the cost of taking his family of six to Disneyland. Please help BI improve our Business, Tech, and Innovation coverage by sharing a bit about your role — it will help us tailor content that matters most to people like you. What is your job title? (1 of 2) Entry level position Project manager Management Senior management Executive management Student Self-employed Retired Other Continue By providing this information, you agree that Business Insider may use this data to improve your site experience and for targeted advertising. By continuing you agree that you accept the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . "We know it's going to be expensive," Traughber-Crismon said. "We can either complain about it and not go, or we sit there and say, 'Hey, it is what it is — we're not going to let this ruin our experience.'" When asked if he'd consider skipping a Disney trip if money got tight, his response was telling. "There isn't anything — honestly, it would take a catastrophic event," Traughber-Crismon said. Lucas Lozano spent his honeymoon at the Disney parks. He and his wife are planning a Disney cruise later this year, even if there's a recession. "I want to make experiences with my family," Lozano said. "So if I have a job and if I feel that I am comfortable, I'm still willing to go on the cruise." Balling on a budget Since they don't want to skip trips, some Disney fans have learned to get creative with money. Traughber-Crismon said he brings snacks like peanut butter and jelly sandwiches into the parks and then gives his kids $50 each for treats. "We don't feel like we're missing out," Traughber-Crismon said. John Telyea and his wife get plenty of value from their annual passes, which they see as an escape from their stressful jobs. Navigating Disneyland's prices may also seem stressful, but Telyea said he's gamified the process. "Part of the reason why I love Disney is I like to figure out, 'All right, here's our day: How do we make it through frugally?' That's kind of a challenge," Telyea said. But despite the resilience in demand from fans, Disney might not be completely immune to a downturn. David Lewis said that while he's pining for a Disney trip, he and his wife are already talking about what they'll do if the economy slows. "If we need to go do something different because it's more affordable, we're going to have to make that decision," Lewis said. "It's just sad."
Business Insider
07-05-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
Disney fans explain why the parks are booming — even as economic growth slows
Disney fans say they don't plan on skipping their trips to the company's parks — even if a recession hits. US GDP shrank in the first quarter, and concerns about trade uncertainty have some economists convinced a recession is coming. However, in conversations Business Insider had with 12 "Disney adults" who go to the parks, only one said they would consider visiting less frequently in the event of an economic downturn. Two travel agents who specialize in Disney trips also told BI that bookings are significantly up this year. That strength was reflected in Disney's earnings for the first three months of 2025. The company said Wednesday that domestic park revenue surged 9% despite the economic noise. "Even with consumer confidence somewhat down and some issues in terms of the economy, people still believe that a Disney theme park experience is really special," Disney CEO Bob Iger said on CNBC. He said the parks are "incredibly resilient." Disney's experiences head Josh D'Amaro added that bookings "continue to look strong." The company said Disney World bookings were up 4% so far this quarter. Although Disney analysts say there's a risk that parks take a hit this year, as they have during recessions, they aren't bracing for it. Joe Bonner of Argus Research is pricing in low-single-digit revenue growth at Disney's parks this year. "Attendance levels are still pretty crazy at Disney World, as far as I've seen," said Jeremy Singh, an Orlando-based Disney TikTok creator. Disney didn't respond to a request for comment. Parks are popping off Business is booming for Rob Stuart, who runs the Disney-focused trip planning service Creating Magic Vacations. Bookings are up 25% year-over-year through April, Stuart said. It's rare for Disney World not to be packed, he said, especially with older and multi-generational groups. Instead of sitting on retirement savings that they'll later pass along, Stuart said many people in their 60s or 70s are opting for family trips. "They're saying, 'You know what? I'm just going to take my kids on the trip of a lifetime — they can earn their own money,'" Stuart said. Jenn Novotny, a lifelong Disney fan who runs the Upon a Star travel service, is also busy. Her bookings are up 14% so far this year, she said. She said families are making trips to Disney World a top priority. "Disney is now considered a rite of passage for a lot of kiddos," Novotny said. However, Stuart and Novotny almost exclusively serve US clients, so they might not be seeing the apparent slowdown in overall travel from places like Canada amid a trade war. UBS media analyst John Hodulik said foreign travel has historically made up about 20% of Disney World's attendance. 'We know it's going to be expensive' Max Traughber-Crismon — a Disney fan living near Portland, Oregon — doesn't sweat the cost of taking his family of six to Disneyland. "We know it's going to be expensive," Traughber-Crismon said. "We can either complain about it and not go, or we sit there and say, 'Hey, it is what it is — we're not going to let this ruin our experience.'" When asked if he'd consider skipping a Disney trip if money got tight, his response was telling. "There isn't anything — honestly, it would take a catastrophic event," Traughber-Crismon said. Lucas Lozano spent his honeymoon at the Disney parks. He and his wife are planning a Disney cruise later this year, even if there's a recession. "I want to make experiences with my family," Lozano said. "So if I have a job and if I feel that I am comfortable, I'm still willing to go on the cruise." Balling on a budget Since they don't want to skip trips, some Disney fans have learned to get creative with money. Traughber-Crismon said he brings snacks like peanut butter and jelly sandwiches into the parks and then gives his kids $50 each for treats. "We don't feel like we're missing out," Traughber-Crismon said. John Telyea and his wife get plenty of value from their annual passes, which they see as an escape from their stressful jobs. Navigating Disneyland's prices may also seem stressful, but Telyea said he's gamified the process. "Part of the reason why I love Disney is I like to figure out, 'All right, here's our day: How do we make it through frugally?' That's kind of a challenge," Telyea said. But despite the resilience in demand from fans, Disney might not be completely immune to a downturn. David Lewis said that while he's pining for a Disney trip, he and his wife are already talking about what they'll do if the economy slows. "If we need to go do something different because it's more affordable, we're going to have to make that decision," Lewis said. "It's just sad."
New York Times
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Times
Where Rhinestones Meet the Rodeo
For many, the world of rodeo is steeped in tradition, with deep roots in American history. But for others, it can seem disconnected from contemporary cultural trends. Enter the Desert Rodeo, a new event in Thermal, Calif. — a community in the festival-friendly Coachella Valley — that was held over the weekend. The event sought to bridge a gap by crafting a space where rodeo enthusiasts and festivalgoers could come together to celebrate their shared passions. The rodeo did not have an official connection to the popular Stagecoach Festival, a country music event held over the weekend in nearby Indio, but the timing was not a coincidence. 'I am a big country music fan,' said Cassie DiLaura, one of the Desert Rodeo's founders. 'We noticed that there wasn't really an activity or experience to enjoy during the day before heading to some of the festivals, so we wanted to create a daytime experience that was open to the entire community.' The event tried to bring a new vibe to the world of rodeo. 'A lot of rodeos are in coliseums and enclosed spaces,' said Cam Payne, who was attending both the rodeo and the Stagecoach Festival. 'They don't have the energy that this one has, because you can get a lot of people who love country music and love rodeos at the same time, it's such a different vibe. I feel like this is the 21st-century rodeo.' 'I'd say it's a slice of America, but with a bit of a Stagecoach twist,' said Bardo Novotny, a producer and guitarist who was also attending both events. 'It's like a bedazzled American flag.' Mr. Novotny's style blended the looks of both events: a cowboy hat, Metallica T-shirt and Lucchese boots. 'Stagecoach is selling out quicker than Coachella, and it's this weird time where it's becoming so popular,' he said. 'There's obviously going to be a lot more eyes and mainstream influences on the whole culture.'For Sadie Rey, Mr. Novotny's girlfriend, it was her first time at a rodeo. The couple came with their friend Taylor Morland, a rodeo fan, and the group filmed TikTok videos in the stands. Ms. Moreland added: 'It's about time California had an infusion of rodeo culture. And it's great that it's attracting a younger crowd.' Talia Jackson, an actress and singer, said she believed mixing rodeo and festival culture could revitalize both worlds. 'I think if more people realized that these types of experiences are available to them, so many more would love to participate,' she said. Ms. Jackson said the vibe reminded her of growing up in the Midwest. 'In places like Nebraska, Ohio or Texas, this is just normal life. It's great to see that culture brought to California because it's so normalized in other states, but here, it feels like something special.' So, what do the true cowboys think? 'The more the merrier,' Jack Chase and Chance West, a pair of professional Saddle Bronc champions who were competing in the rodeo, said in unison. Cassidy Barnes, another competitor, added, 'Probably the majority is here for Stagecoach, which is great, it's a great festival, and I mean, it's awesome that people came to see us, too.' Joseph Gonzalez, a cowboy wandering around the Outlaw Oasis, a merchandise area at the rodeo, was hopeful that exposure to a new crowd would be a good thing. 'Not necessarily a crisis, but the rodeo culture is kind of dying,' he said. 'This rodeo is a good way to get people here — young kids, families — you don't have to own a horse, you don't even have to live the life, as long as you like horses, cowboys and rodeo. I mean, social media, the internet, it's a good way for people to learn about rodeo culture.' Bryce Eberly, who was attending his first rodeo, came away impressed. 'I love the idea that it captures the essence of what Stagecoach is supposed to be, and it's really cool,' he said. Colton Tran, another attendee, said: 'I feel like it meshes those demographics, and I know it's modern like Stagecoach and Coachella is a modern culture, bringing in the old school, I think it's a good thing. I think it's progressive.' The event hopes to expand going forward. 'We have big plans for the coming years,' Ms DiLaura will those who came this year return next year? 'I would love to come next year,' Ms. Jackson said. 'This whole month of April, I was like, 'Oh, I'm going to be here for Stagecoach, but there's really nothing to do other than Stagecoach.' Then I thought, 'That's not true, not anymore, right?''
Yahoo
13-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
F-15EX Production Heats Up
TWZ's Jamie Hunter recently caught up with Robert Novotny, Boeing's executive director for F-15EX business development, who provided the latest on the U.S. Air Force's newest fighter, the Eagle II, which was recently the subject of high praise in the latest annual report from the Office of the Director, Operational Test & Evaluation (DOT&E). Right now, Boeing is preparing to start to deliver Lot 2 of the Air Force's F-15EX order, and the first aircraft in this batch — tail number 9 — flew earlier this month. Meanwhile, delivery of the eight Lot 1A and 1B jets was completed in June 2024, with six of those aircraft going to developmental testing at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, and two for the type's first operational unit, the 142nd Wing of the Oregon Air National Guard in Portland, Oregon. As Novotny discusses in the video, some of those Eglin F-15EXs recently took part in the latest edition of the Bamboo Eagle exercise off the California coast, which you can read about here. The large-force exercise series has quickly become one of the most important for the U.S. military, as well as key allies, and has a clear eye on preparing for a future coalition fight in the Pacific with China — a potential conflict in which the F-15EX would very likely play an important role. Novotny also alludes to teaming with unmanned aircraft and the F-15EX's ability to carry outsized weapons, which is something else that TWZ has looked at in detail in the past, as well as its current installation of the Eagle Passive/Active Warning Survivability System, or EPAWSS, which you can read more about here. Finally, there are some very interesting items on Novotny's 'wish list' for future F-15EX capabilities, namely smart expendables, a towed decoy, and enhancements to the infrared search and track sensor available to it. The video below, shot at the Air Force Association's 2025 Warfare Symposium in Aurora, Colorado, last week, gives us the full view on where the F-15EX program is at right now. Contact the author: thomas@
