latest
DEAR ABBY: I have a brother I can’t seem to get along with anymore. Sometimes he’s OK, but most of the time he’s not. I visited him recently for a cookout, and it wasn’t good. He got into an argument with his wife, shattered a glass, tried to fight me out of the blue, and talked about extremist topics -- all in front of his young, impressionable kids. I worry about his three boys and want to have a serious talk with him about getting some therapy.
Read more
I get a NET amount of $210 from Social Security plus get an alimony check of $1,400. Other people I know get a COLA increase every year, but I was told I am not eligible? But no reason was given. Why am I not eligible? Signed: Struggling Senior Dear Struggling Senior: Everyone who collects Social Security receives the annual Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA), so whoever told you that you aren’t eligible for a COLA increase was incorrect. However, keep in mind that COLA is applied to your gross Social Security payment, not your net payment. One thing which can happen, especially to those whose Social Security payment is small, is that an increase to the Medicare Part B premium may consume your COLA increase. Here’s an example of how that might occur: You say your NET Social Security amount is $210. Assuming you are enrolled in Medicare, your gross Social Security payment (before the Medicare Part B premium is deducted) is probably about $380. The COLA increase for 2022 was 5.9%, which would increase your gross Social Security payment from about $380 to about $402, an increase of about $22. However, the 2022 Medicare Part B premium also increased by nearly $22 and, since your Medicare premium is deducted from your Social Security benefit, your NET Social Security payment wouldn’t change. I suspect this is why you didn’t see the Cost of Living Adjustment in your Social Security payment - an increase to your Medicare Part B premium most likely offset all of your COLA increase.
Read moreWreaths Across America (WAA) is overwhelmed with the outpouring of support from communities throughout the country for its Mobile Education Exhibit (MEE). The MEE is a rolling interactive museum that shares the organization’s mission to Remember the nation’s fallen veterans, Honor those who serve, and Teach the next generation about the value of freedom.
Read moreOESC The Oklahoma Employment Security Commission (OESC) reports that initial claims, initial claims’ fourweek moving average and continued claims’ four-week moving average decreased, while continued claims increased slightly for the week ending Oct. 15.
Read moreAn area school district has received a grant under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Clean School Bus Program rebate competition.
Read moreThe Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) announced Wednesday it is moving forward with phase two of the Oklahoma Classroom Learning and School Supplies (CLASS) Grant initiative, dedicating $6 million in federal relief funds to help classroom teachers obtain resources for their students through the national nonprofit DonorsChoose.
Read more
When Kay County voters arrived at their polling place in late August, they were greeted by an urgent sign asking them to step up and become precinct officials.
Read moreTwo women were hospitalized after being struck by a pickup on I-40 Tuesday afternoon, October 25.
Read more