Latest news with #TexasHealthandHumanServices
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
This Houston mom's $700 SNAP benefit was stolen hours after the deposit — and won't be replaced. Here's why
Claudette Merchant was doing what millions of parents do every day — grocery shopping for her kids. But when she got to the checkout at her local H-E-B, her Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) card was declined. She had received her monthly deposit — nearly $700 — just hours earlier, but by lunchtime, nearly all her funds were gone. I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 5 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how Nervous about the stock market in 2025? Find out how you can access this $1B private real estate fund (with as little as $10) 'I said, you got to be kidding me,' Merchant told KPRC 2. '$5 on my card. I thought he meant $500, but $5. That's crazy.' With just a few dollars left on her card and three kids to feed, the Houston single mom says every day has been a struggle. "I've been scammed,' she told KPRC 2. 'It's hard for single parents, especially single mothers that don't have help like they're supposed to.' Unfortunately, the SNAP funds cannot be replaced — even though they were taken without her permission through no fault of her own. Merchant is among the many victims of 'SNAP skimming,' a growing type of electronic theft in which criminals install hidden devices on card readers to steal card numbers and PINs. Once the information is cloned, they can wipe out an account in minutes. Until recently, stolen SNAP funds could be reimbursed under a federal protection program — but that law expired on Dec. 20, 2024, and Congress has not renewed it. That means any benefits stolen after that date — including Merchant's — are not eligible for replacement unless the state sets up its own replacement program. Texas has not. 'It sounds like you're not getting that money back,' KPRC 2 reporter Gage Goulding told her. 'Nope. And that's wrong, and that's why it's so much fraud — because no one's doing nothing about it,' Merchant replied. Merchant has since canceled her old card and ordered a new one, as advised by Texas Health and Human Services. But that doesn't solve the larger issue: how to feed her children with almost no funds for the month. Read more: This hedge fund legend warns US stock market will crash a stunning 80% — claims 'Armageddon' is coming. Don't believe him? He earned 4,144% during COVID. Here's 3 ways to protect yourself SNAP provides monthly food assistance to low-income households. In Texas, funds are loaded onto a Lone Star Card, which works like a debit card at grocery stores. Households can receive anywhere from roughly $300 to nearly $2,000 per month, depending on income and family size, according to Texas Health and Human Services. However, as electronic theft rises, protecting those benefits has become a major concern. Here are some ways SNAP recommends you protect your account — and what to do if you're targeted. State officials will never ask for your PIN, and neither should store clerks, friends or anyone outside your household. Only share your PIN with trusted adults who live in your household. Check card readers for loose parts or hidden devices often used for phishing — tug slightly to see if anything moves. If you see wires or if the card reader moves or comes apart, don't use your card. When entering your PIN, use your hand or body to shield others from seeing it. Set a reminder to change your PIN each month. The USDA recommends changing it the day before your benefits are expected to be deposited. That way, if phishers have your current PIN, they won't be able to access the funds. If your card is compromised, contact your local SNAP office right away. Cancel the card and request a new one. States can use their own funds to replace stolen benefits, so check in your area before assuming they won't be replaced. Even if benefits can't be reimbursed, reporting the incident helps officials track skimming trends and locations. Start by contacting your local food bank, which may offer emergency groceries or prepared meals. Community organizations, churches and mutual aid groups can also provide short-term support. If you're on social media, look for 'Buy Nothing,' 'Food Not Bombs' or other neighborhood support groups where members often share food or supplies. These steps won't replace the stolen funds, but they can help you get through a tough time while you explore your options. Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan 'works every single time' to kill debt, get rich in America — and that 'anyone' can do it Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead Here are 5 'must have' items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you? This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
Yahoo
26-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Does weather help measles outbreaks spread?
GAINES COUNTY, Texas – An ongoing deadly measles outbreak in Texas began in January after a powerful storm brought snow to the Gulf states, and several recent studies have found that weather can contribute to the spread of the measles virus. According to Texas Health and Human Services, the first cases of measles were reported in school-age children in Gaines County, Texas, on Jan. 23. More than a month later, cases across the Lone Star state have reached nine counties and infected 124 people. Nearly all the cases have been in the South Plains and Panhandle regions. Only five of the patients were vaccinated. A school-age child in Lubbock who was not vaccinated died this week after testing positive for measles last week, the Texas Department of State Health Services said. The Texas Tribune reports the virus has concentrated on the Mennonite community in Gaines County, where some of the public schools have the highest vaccine exemption rates in Texas. Just ahead of the first reported cases in Texas, a historic blizzard ripped across the Gulf Coast, bringing record cold and snow to the region. While Texas health officials have said this outbreak is tied to unvaccinated communities, several recent studies have looked at how weather might play a role in measles outbreaks. A 2014 study based on a measles outbreak in Guangzhou, China found that both increased hot or cold temperatures can decrease the number of cases, but that the virus survives better with low relative humidity and becomes a risk factor for possible death from the virus. Spring's Arrival: Tracking The Season's Early Activity Across Us "An increased number of measles cases might occur before and after a cold spell," the study authors wrote. "Our findings highlight the need to pay more attention to the weather transformation and improve the immunity of susceptible populations for measles elimination. Catch-up vaccination campaigns should be initiated among young adults." Measles is highly contagious and spreads through direct contact with droplets from an infected person or by airborne spread when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes. According to the CDC, the virus can remain in the air for up to two hours after the infected person is in the area. Another study published in 2023 also looked at meteorological factors by studying the weather data, including wind, temperature and humidity. The study looked at cases across 136 counties in Shandong Province, China, a region on the eastern coast with a "warm temperate monsoon climate." Researchers found a tie to measles cases with the season, peaking in March and April. Meanwhile, other research has found that high wind events that contribute to the long-distance transportation of air pollutants can also raise the local measles virus aerosol level. Both study authors said more research is needed to understand the ties to weather and article source: Does weather help measles outbreaks spread?
Yahoo
10-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Thinkery responds to safety, health concerns following staff walkout
AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin nonprofit children's museum Thinkery responded to circulating allegations against museum staff and facilities, following a demonstration held by some floor team members Friday. Thinkery leadership said seven staff members demonstrated outside the museum on Friday, saying in a statement officials 'fully support our employees' right to voice their concerns and advocate for themselves.' A flyer posted on social media alleged demonstrators were raising awareness about 'ongoing safety issues' at the facility and called on museum leadership to attend a national diversity, equity and inclusion training week to best service staff. The flyer also alleged several staff were terminated for speaking out on alleged issues at Thinkery. KXAN requested access to a Facebook group and reached out to a blogger sharing allegations related to the demonstration. We will update this story if we receive responses from either of those parties. In an interview with KXAN Monday, Thinkery CEO Andy Bell said the company hosted open dialogue sessions with staff over the weekend. On Sunday, Bell joined other leadership in a four-hour, in-person conversation with staff to clarify information shared online and to take in feedback on how to improve organization operations. With safety concerns flagged, Bell did note an indoor water feature installed a decade ago does sometimes cause mildew and leads to deep cleanings. In the 10 years the water feature has been operating, Bell said Thinkery has never had a case of black mold. KXAN TOP STORY: Parents question education savings account plans as legislation moves forward In the Thinkery's statement, officials said they've had their building fully inspected recently and the facility is in 'full compliance with all health and safety regulations through Texas Health and Human Services.' Leadership added cleaning teams visit the museum during and after the museum's operating hours to clean the restrooms and common areas, with deep cleanings scheduled while the museum is closed. 'As we've had more visitors, towards the end of last year we actually added additional cleaning during the day when we know there's going to be more traffic,' Bell said. 'So some of our visitors who maybe haven't been to the museum in a little while, maybe haven't benefited from some additional cleaning, but this is an area that is continuously being monitored.' Some allegations made online claimed a lack of safety protocols, including no active shooter or missing children plans implemented at Thinkery. Bell denounced those, saying every staff member undergoes active shooter and missing child training, known as Code Adam. 'I think it's really important for our community to know that when you visit Thinkery, that you are in safe hands, and that we're doing everything that we possibly can to ensure the safety of our business,' he said. The flyer also outlined staff's demands for a minimum living wage of $22 an hour at the museum. In the museum's statement, Thinkery officials said they are offering forums for listening sessions between floor staff, managers and leadership and will be 'implementing changes based on feedback we receive.' Regarding alleged terminations from Thinkery, Bell said the organization only takes action when an employee violates the museum's policy and code of conduct. When someone is terminated, Thinkery doesn't share details about the violation that happened, Bell said. 'We take our staffing and staff decisions extremely seriously, and every that we've had to make has been tied to our policy and to our performance,' he added. Bell added the organization is continually taking in staff feedback and making changes based on those comments, and is focused on providing a 'safe and joyful experience for all of our visitors.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
08-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Texas reports new measles outbreak in West Texas
At least 10 cases of measles — eight of which are among school-aged children — have been reported in Gaines County in West Texas over the past two weeks, driving worries of an escalating outbreak. Of the cases so far, seven have been hospitalized, according to a Texas Health and Human Services alert. All were unvaccinated and residents of Gaines County, which has a population of about 22,000 and borders New Mexico. 'Due to the highly contagious nature of this disease, additional cases are likely to occur in Gaines County and the surrounding communities,' the alert said. The new cases come more than a week after Texas health officials reported two Measles cases out of Gaines County, both involving unvaccinated school-aged children. Both children were hospitalized in Lubbock and later discharged. Earlier this week, state health officials said the number of cases had grown to six. Since then, cases have increased further. West Texas is not alone in new cases of measles. In January, new measles cases were also reported in Harris County, prompting a health alert from the state and marking the first time Texans were confirmed to have the disease since 2023. The two Harris County cases involved unvaccinated adult residents. Measles is a highly contagious airborne disease. Symptoms could include a high fever, cough, runny nose and rash that starts on the face but then extends to the rest of the body. The health consequences of getting measles can be serious and sometimes result in death. Last year, 40% of all the 245 nationwide who contracted measles were hospitalized, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. More than half of those hospitalized with measles last year were under the age of five. The disease's prevalence has accelerated in recent years. According to the CDC, by March 2024 there were more reported measles cases that year than in all of 2023. The rise comes more than two decades after measles was considered eliminated by health agencies in 2000, meaning that there had been no continuous spreading of the disease for 12 months. The new cases both nationwide and in Texas come as the state's measles vaccination rate among kindergarteners has dropped since the COVID-19 pandemic. The vaccination rate was 97% in the 2019-20 school year and declined to 94.3% for 2023-24. Around the same time, the number of vaccine exemption requests in Texas have doubled from 45,900 in 2018 to 93,000 in 2024. State lawmakers have filed more than 20 bills so far this legislative session aimed at weakening vaccination mandates. One proposal would even amend the Texas Constitution to preserve a Texans' right to refuse vaccination. Texas health officials have consistently said that vaccination is the best way for people to steer clear of measles and other preventable diseases. The vaccination process includes two separate doses. 'Children too young to be vaccinated are more likely to have severe complications if they get infected with the measles virus,' the Texas health officials wrote in a Jan. 30 release. 'However, each MMR dose lowers the risk of infection and the severity of illness if infected.' Experts recommend that children get the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine in two doses: the first between 12 months and 15 months of age and the second between 4 and 6 years old. One dose is about 93% effective at preventing measles infection, and two doses are about 97% effective.
