In conclusion, the success of "Path of Exile 2" and the continued popularity of "Fortnite" on Steam's weekly sales chart highlight the enduring appeal of both established franchises and new releases in the gaming world. With a diverse range of titles capturing the attention of players each week, the future of gaming on Steam remains bright and full of exciting possibilities.Report: Cougars OC Ben Arbuckle leaving WSU for same job at Oklahoma
The condemnation came as the House of Lords debated regulations paving the way for a scheme which would require animal lovers on the British mainland to have documentation in order to visit Northern Ireland. Critics view the move as further evidence of Northern Ireland still having to follow EU rules post-Brexit and being treated differently from the rest of the UK – a major source of contention to the unionist community. The paperwork, which will be free to apply for, includes a declaration that the owner will not travel onwards to Ireland or another EU country with their pet or assistance dog. Animals will have to be microchipped and have their own individual pet travel document, which will be valid for its lifetime. Northern Ireland residents returning after a stay in Great Britain with their pet or assistance dog will not need a travel document. The scheme is being introduced under the Windsor Framework, a revised deal for Northern Ireland’s post-Brexit trading arrangements aimed at tackling issues caused by the protocol. Raising her concerns in Parliament, Baroness Hoey, a Northern Irish Brexit supporter and former Labour MP, said: “These regulations are in effect about a new aspect of the Irish Sea border that has not had expression until this point because of the grace periods.” She added: “The experience of visiting Northern Ireland with your pet dog or cat, or even a ferret, will be made to feel like a visit to a foreign country. Lady Hoey went on: “This could spell the end of holiday trips for pet owners from GB to NI and then on to the Republic, when they want to explore both Northern Ireland and the Republic. “If they have a pet passport, they will have renounced their right to go to the Republic. That makes the border more of an obstruction than having border control posts on it, because at least in that eventuality, you could still cross over it.” Rejecting claims it was a result of the UK leaving the EU, she said: “The reality is that this is happening precisely because Northern Ireland has not got Brexit. “As we say repeatedly, it is still subject to EU rules and the EU could change the rules overnight.” Former DUP deputy leader Lord Dodds of Duncairn said: “Every one of the statutory instruments that come forward under the Windsor Framework must be properly debated, because these laws are being brought forward to implement what a foreign jurisdiction has decided should be the law of the United Kingdom. “In the 21st century, we should not accept colonial rule. We abolished it elsewhere. We believe it should not be tolerated for one second. People should have the democratic right to decide their laws for themselves, in their interests.” He added: “The ridiculous part about this debate is that we are having to debate European laws regulating the movement of pet animals owned by British citizens between one part of the United Kingdom and another. That is an outrage.” Lord Dodds went on: “As I said, there will be hundreds, thousands more of these regulations, in all areas, affecting the daily lives of people in Northern Ireland. They all add up to a grievous assault on Northern Ireland’s constitutional position.” But former leader of the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick said: “I support the Windsor Framework because it is a necessary legal device to deal with the complexities that were presented to us in Ireland, north and south, on the issue of Brexit. “We need a pragmatic solution rather than choosing to have political contests and duels simply for the sake of them.” Introducing the regulations, environment minister Baroness Hayman of Ulloch said: “This scheme will simplify the requirements associated with moving pet dogs, cats and ferrets from Great Britain to Northern Ireland significantly. “It replaces single-use animal health certificates with a free-of-charge lifelong travel document and removes the need for costly pet health treatments. “Pet owners who travel frequently with their pets, or those who rely on the services of an assistance dog to travel independently, will benefit substantially from this change in approach.” However, she acknowledged the concerns raised by peers and promised to continue engagement with them.
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The Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has dismissed claims by the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) that the North is being marginalised under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, saying, “Our resources feed the nation, while resources from other geopolitical zones, including the North, are kept for their own use and personal gain.” PANDEF asserts that the Niger Delta region is the most marginalised region in Nigeria. In a statement released on Saturday, PANDEF’s National Spokesman, Chief Christopher Ominimini, argued that the Niger Delta, the source of Nigeria’s oil wealth, has been neglected and exploited for decades. He stressed that despite contributing significantly to the nation’s economy, the region continues to suffer from environmental degradation, poverty, and underdevelopment. Ominimini said this in reaction to a statement by the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) to President Tinubu on Thursday, which alleged that his government’s economic policies were impoverishing the North. Ominimini criticised the federal government’s failure to address the region’s issues, particularly the pollution caused by oil exploration and production activities. He questioned the lack of transparency in the oil industry, noting that the region’s people have little to no control over their resources. The PANDEF spokesman also raised concerns about the government’s approach to mining, arguing that the North benefits disproportionately from the exploitation of mineral resources. “The gold deposits in Northern Nigeria and other parts of the country have not been considered for the benefit of the entire country but rather for the indigenes and top individual businesses, including foreign nationals like the Chinese and Lebanese, all for individual benefits,” he said. He called for a more equitable distribution of the nation’s wealth and urged the government to prioritise the development of the Niger Delta region. “The Nigerian state is wicked to the Niger Delta Region. The rulers prefer collecting penalties from international oil companies for flaring gas rather than addressing the environmental disaster caused by gas flaring, which could be converted for domestic use and economic purposes,” he said, adding: “Our fishing and farming activities are now impossible as our ecosystem has been destroyed by oil exploitation. Our lifespan is shortened, and we bear the brunt of the oil exploitation alone.” PANDEF also criticised the lack of corporate social responsibility from International Oil Companies and the federal government, as well as the absence of Niger Delta representation in key positions in the oil industry, such as the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited board. Ominimini said, “The only region that can truly claim marginalisation or impoverishment in Nigeria is the Niger Delta Region. PANDEF believes that justice must be holistic, and the most impoverished people in Nigeria are those of the Niger Delta. This must be addressed without delay.”The agreement between Google and Meta, formerly known as Facebook, involves the sharing of user data and advertising strategies to target teenagers aged 13-17 years old on both platforms. The goal of this partnership is to increase the reach and effectiveness of targeted advertising campaigns, particularly in key demographic segments. However, critics argue that this partnership raises serious ethical and privacy concerns, as it involves the exploitation of vulnerable young users for the financial gain of these tech giants.
The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of being prepared for medical emergencies, even in the seemingly controlled environment of an aircraft. While airlines and airport authorities strive to ensure passenger safety and well-being, unforeseen incidents like this can occur, underscoring the need for vigilance and readiness among both passengers and crew.
Public Sector Pension Investment Board Sells 13,100 Shares of Shenandoah Telecommunications (NASDAQ:SHEN)Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and Wemby
Moreover, the opposition has pointed to the lack of experienced and qualified personnel within the incoming administration as a major obstacle to its success. They argue that the new government is populated by individuals with little to no relevant experience in governance and administration, calling into question their ability to effectively manage the complexities of running a country. Without the necessary expertise and skills in place, the opposition argues, the new government will struggle to make meaningful progress and will instead find itself mired in inefficiency and incompetence.Phase 3 Study Results Demonstrated Three Year, Disease-Free Survival of 96% THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. , Dec. 7, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Amgen (NASDAQ:AMGN) today announced new data demonstrating that adding BLINCYTO ® (blinatumomab) to chemotherapy significantly improves disease-free survival (DFS) in newly diagnosed pediatric patients with National Cancer Institute (NCI) standard risk (SR) B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) of average or higher risk of relapse. The data are from a Phase 3 study (AALL1731) conducted by the Children's Oncology Group. The results were simultaneously published in the New England Journal of Medicine and will be presented during the plenary session on Sunday, Dec. 8 , at 2 p.m. PT at the 66 th American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting & Exposition in San Diego . "Over the last decade, BLINCYTO has reshaped the treatment landscape for B-ALL, offering a critical lifeline for thousands of adult and pediatric patients," said Jay Bradner , M.D., executive vice president of Research and Development and chief scientific officer at Amgen. "These powerful new data leave us little doubt about the profound impact of this medicine for a large number of children affected by this disease. We are grateful to the Children's Oncology Group, along with the patients, families and clinical teams, for their dedication and partnership in advancing this critical study to improve the lives of children with cancer." Based on the results of the first pre-specified interim analysis for efficacy, the study met its primary endpoint of DFS and study randomization was terminated early based on the recommendation from the data and safety monitoring committee due to the benefit observed in the BLINCYTO arm compared to the chemotherapy-only arm. Overall, the 3-year DFS was 96.0% for patients treated with chemotherapy plus BLINCYTO compared to 87.9% for those treated with only chemotherapy. The hazard ratio (HR) was 0.39 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.24-0.64], indicating a 61% reduction in the risk of disease relapse, secondary malignant neoplasm or remission death with BLINCYTO. At 3 years, more patients remained alive and cancer free when treated with BLINCYTO plus chemotherapy compared to chemotherapy alone. "The AALL1731 study results are truly practice-changing, further solidifying blinatumomab's role as the standard of care for a large number of children with B-ALL," said Sumit Gupta , M.D., Ph.D., FRCPC, co-chair of the Children's Oncology Group AALL1731 study and oncologist and clinician investigator, Division of Haematology/Oncology at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) and associate professor of pediatrics at the University of Toronto . "These breakthrough data showing a significant improvement in disease-free survival are poised to bring substantial clinical value to children with newly diagnosed B-ALL." The addition of BLINCYTO to chemotherapy in standard risk patients resulted in outcomes similar to those previously achieved in only the most favorable pediatric risk subsets. Among SR-Average patients, 3-year DFS was 97.5% for patients treated with BLINCYTO compared to 90.2% for those treated with only chemotherapy (HR 0.33, CI 0.15-0.69). For SR-High patients, 3-year DFS was 94.1% for those treated with BLINCYTO compared to 84.8% for those treated with only chemotherapy (HR 0.45, 95% CI 0.24-0.85). "Relapsed ALL remains a major cause of pediatric cancer mortality, with nearly half of the relapses occurring in children with standard-risk B-ALL," said Rachel E. Rau , M.D., co-chair of the Children's Oncology Group AALL1731 study, pediatric hematologist-oncologist at Seattle Children's Hospital and associate professor of pediatrics at the University of Washington . "These findings underscore the progress made with blinatumomab in preventing relapse and support its role as a critical addition to current therapeutic strategies." Safety results are consistent with the known safety profile of BLINCYTO. BLINCYTO has demonstrated a positive balance of benefits and risks, with only 0.3% of first courses associated with Grade 3+ cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and 0.7% with seizures. A higher risk of infections was observed in the BLINCYTO arm. These results provide the first evidence supporting BLINCYTO for use in the consolidation phase in newly diagnosed pediatric Philadelphia chromosome-negative (Ph-) B-ALL patients. This groundbreaking first-in-class Bispecific T-cell Engager (BiTE ® ) therapy is now backed by additional evidence reinforcing its role in redefining a standard of care for both adult and pediatric patients, starting from one month old, regardless of measurable residual disease (MRD) status. The findings further establish BLINCYTO as a versatile first-line consolidation therapy across all ages and treatment backbones. The NCI's Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program (CTEP), which sponsored the study will share data with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as part of their ongoing communications relating to the trial. About The Children's Oncology Group The Children's Oncology Group (childrensoncologygroup.org), a member of the NCI National Clinical Trials Network (NCTN), is the world's largest organization devoted exclusively to childhood and adolescent cancer research. The Children's Oncology Group unites over 10,000 experts in childhood cancer at more than 200 leading children's hospitals, universities and cancer centers across North America , Australia , New Zealand and Saudi Arabia in the fight against childhood cancer. Today, more than 80% of the 15,000 children and adolescents diagnosed with cancer each year in the United States are cared for at Children's Oncology Group member institutions. Research performed by Children's Oncology Group institutions over the past 50 years has transformed childhood cancer from a virtually incurable disease to one with a combined 5-year survival rate of 86%. The Children's Oncology Group's mission is to improve the cure rate and outcomes for all children with cancer. About AALL1731 (NCT03914625) The AALL1731 study was a Phase 3 randomized trial to determine if two non-sequential cycles of BLINCYTO added to chemotherapy improved disease-free survival (DFS) in children with newly diagnosed pediatric National Cancer Institute (NCI) standard risk (SR) B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). The study enrolled 4,264 newly diagnosed NCI SR B-ALL patients, of whom 2,334 were risk stratified at the end of induction therapy as either SR-Average or SR-High. At the first planned interim efficacy analysis (data cutoff June 30, 2024 ), 1,440 of the eligible and evaluable patients had been randomized. The AALL1731 study was designed and conducted independently from industry. The Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program (CTEP) of the NCI sponsored the trial and provided funding to the Children's Oncology Group to conduct the study. NCI is part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). In addition, Amgen provided BLINCYTO and support through an NCI Cooperative Research and Development Agreement. About Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) ALL, also known as acute lymphoblastic leukemia, is a fast-growing type of blood cancer that develops in the bone marrow and can sometimes spread to other parts of the body, including the lymph nodes, liver, spleen and central nervous system. ALL is a rare disease, with an estimated 6,550 new cases, affecting both children and adults, diagnosed in the U.S. in 2024. 1 B-ALL begins in immature cells that would normally develop into B-cell lymphocytes, which are white blood cells that grow in bone marrow. 2,3 B-ALL is the most common type of ALL, constituting approximately 75% of cases in adults and approximately 88% in children, the most common cancer in children. 4,5 About BLINCYTO ® (blinatumomab) BLINCYTO is the first globally approved Bispecific T-cell Engager (BiTE ® ) immuno-oncology therapy that targets CD19 surface antigens on B cells. BiTE ® molecules fight cancer by helping the body's immune system detect and target malignant cells by engaging T cells (a type of white blood cell capable of killing other cells perceived as threats) to cancer cells. By bringing T cells near cancer cells, the T cells can inject toxins and trigger cancer cell death (apoptosis). BiTE ® immuno-oncology therapies are currently being investigated for their potential to treat a wide variety of cancers. BLINCYTO was granted Breakthrough Therapy and Priority Review designations by the U.S. FDA and is approved in the U.S. for the treatment of: In the European Union (EU), BLINCYTO is indicated as monotherapy for the treatment of: BLINCYTO ® IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION WARNING: CYTOKINE RELEASE SYNDROME and NEUROLOGICAL TOXICITIES including IMMUNE EFFECTOR CELL-ASSOCIATED NEUROTOXICITY SYNDROME Contraindications BLINCYTO ® is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to blinatumomab or to any component of the product formulation. Warnings and Precautions Adverse Reactions Dosage and Administration Guidelines INDICATIONS BLINCYTO ® (blinatumomab) is indicated for the treatment of CD19-positive B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in adult and pediatric patients one month and older with: Please see BLINCYTO ® full Prescribing Information , including BOXED WARNINGS. About Bispecific T-Cell Engager (BiTE ® ) Technology BiTE technology is a targeted immuno-oncology platform that is designed to engage a patient's own T cells to any tumor-specific antigen, activating the cytotoxic potential of T cells to eliminate detectable cancer. The BiTE immuno-oncology platform has the potential to treat different cancer types through tumor-specific antigens. The BiTE platform has a goal of leading to off-the-shelf solutions, which have the potential to make innovative T-cell treatment available to all providers when their patients need it. For more than a decade, Amgen has been advancing this innovative technology, which has demonstrated strong efficacy in hematological malignancies and now a solid tumor with the approval of IMDELLTRA. Amgen remains committed to progressing multiple BiTE molecules across a broad range of hematologic and solid tumor malignancies, paving the way for additional applications in more tumor types. Amgen is further investigating BiTE technology with the goal of enhancing patient experience and therapeutic potential. To learn more about BiTE technology, visit BiTE ® Technology 101 . About Amgen Amgen discovers, develops, manufactures and delivers innovative medicines to help millions of patients in their fight against some of the world's toughest diseases. More than 40 years ago, Amgen helped to establish the biotechnology industry and remains on the cutting-edge of innovation, using technology and human genetic data to push beyond what's known today. Amgen is advancing a broad and deep pipeline that builds on its existing portfolio of medicines to treat cancer, heart disease, osteoporosis, inflammatory diseases and rare diseases. In 2024, Amgen was named one of the "World's Most Innovative Companies" by Fast Company and one of "America's Best Large Employers" by Forbes, among other external recognitions . Amgen is one of the 30 companies that comprise the Dow Jones Industrial Average ® , and it is also part of the Nasdaq-100 Index ® , which includes the largest and most innovative non-financial companies listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market based on market capitalization. For more information, visit Amgen.com and follow Amgen on X , LinkedIn , Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and Threads . Amgen Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements that are based on the current expectations and beliefs of Amgen. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements, including any statements on the outcome, benefits and synergies of collaborations, or potential collaborations, with any other company (including BeiGene, Ltd. or Kyowa Kirin Co., Ltd.), the performance of Otezla ® (apremilast) (including anticipated Otezla sales growth and the timing of non-GAAP EPS accretion), Amgen's acquisitions of Teneobio, Inc., ChemoCentryx, Inc., or Horizon Therapeutics plc (including the prospective performance and outlook of Horizon's business, performance and opportunities, any potential strategic benefits, synergies or opportunities expected as a result of such acquisition, and any projected impacts from the Horizon acquisition on Amgen's acquisition-related expenses going forward), as well as estimates of revenues, operating margins, capital expenditures, cash, other financial metrics, expected legal, arbitration, political, regulatory or clinical results or practices, customer and prescriber patterns or practices, reimbursement activities and outcomes, effects of pandemics or other widespread health problems on Amgen's business, outcomes, progress, and other such estimates and results. Forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties, including those discussed below and more fully described in the Securities and Exchange Commission reports filed by Amgen, including its most recent annual report on Form 10-K and any subsequent periodic reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K. Unless otherwise noted, Amgen is providing this information as of the date of this news release and does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this document as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed and actual results may differ materially from those Amgen projects. Discovery or identification of new product candidates or development of new indications for existing products cannot be guaranteed and movement from concept to product is uncertain; consequently, there can be no guarantee that any particular product candidate or development of a new indication for an existing product will be successful and become a commercial product. Further, preclinical results do not guarantee safe and effective performance of product candidates in humans. The complexity of the human body cannot be perfectly, or sometimes, even adequately modeled by computer or cell culture systems or animal models. The length of time that it takes for Amgen to complete clinical trials and obtain regulatory approval for product marketing has in the past varied and Amgen expects similar variability in the future. Even when clinical trials are successful, regulatory authorities may question the sufficiency for approval of the trial endpoints Amgen has selected. Amgen develops product candidates internally and through licensing collaborations, partnerships and joint ventures. Product candidates that are derived from relationships may be subject to disputes between the parties or may prove to be not as effective or as safe as Amgen may have believed at the time of entering into such relationship. Also, Amgen or others could identify safety, side effects or manufacturing problems with its products, including its devices, after they are on the market. Amgen's results may be affected by its ability to successfully market both new and existing products domestically and internationally, clinical and regulatory developments involving current and future products, sales growth of recently launched products, competition from other products including biosimilars, difficulties or delays in manufacturing its products and global economic conditions. In addition, sales of Amgen's products are affected by pricing pressure, political and public scrutiny and reimbursement policies imposed by third-party payers, including governments, private insurance plans and managed care providers and may be affected by regulatory, clinical and guideline developments and domestic and international trends toward managed care and healthcare cost containment. Furthermore, Amgen's research, testing, pricing, marketing and other operations are subject to extensive regulation by domestic and foreign government regulatory authorities. Amgen's business may be impacted by government investigations, litigation and product liability claims. In addition, Amgen's business may be impacted by the adoption of new tax legislation or exposure to additional tax liabilities. If Amgen fails to meet the compliance obligations in the corporate integrity agreement between Amgen and the U.S. government, Amgen could become subject to significant sanctions. Further, while Amgen routinely obtains patents for its products and technology, the protection offered by its patents and patent applications may be challenged, invalidated or circumvented by its competitors, or Amgen may fail to prevail in present and future intellectual property litigation. Amgen performs a substantial amount of its commercial manufacturing activities at a few key facilities, including in Puerto Rico, and also depends on third parties for a portion of its manufacturing activities, and limits on supply may constrain sales of certain of its current products and product candidate development. An outbreak of disease or similar public health threat, such as COVID-19, and the public and governmental effort to mitigate against the spread of such disease, could have a significant adverse effect on the supply of materials for Amgen's manufacturing activities, the distribution of Amgen's products, the commercialization of Amgen's product candidates, and Amgen's clinical trial operations, and any such events may have a material adverse effect on Amgen's product development, product sales, business and results of operations. Amgen relies on collaborations with third parties for the development of some of its product candidates and for the commercialization and sales of some of its commercial products. In addition, Amgen competes with other companies with respect to many of its marketed products as well as for the discovery and development of new products. Further, some raw materials, medical devices and component parts for Amgen's products are supplied by sole third-party suppliers. Certain of Amgen's distributors, customers and payers have substantial purchasing leverage in their dealings with Amgen. The discovery of significant problems with a product similar to one of Amgen's products that implicate an entire class of products could have a material adverse effect on sales of the affected products and on its business and results of operations. Amgen's efforts to collaborate with or acquire other companies, products or technology, and to integrate the operations of companies or to support the products or technology Amgen has acquired, may not be successful. There can be no guarantee that Amgen will be able to realize any of the strategic benefits, synergies or opportunities arising from the Horizon acquisition, and such benefits, synergies or opportunities may take longer to realize than expected. Amgen may not be able to successfully integrate Horizon, and such integration may take longer, be more difficult or cost more than expected. A breakdown, cyberattack or information security breach of Amgen's information technology systems could compromise the confidentiality, integrity and availability of Amgen's systems and Amgen's data. Amgen's stock price may be volatile and may be affected by a number of events. Amgen's business and operations may be negatively affected by the failure, or perceived failure, of achieving its environmental, social and governance objectives. The effects of global climate change and related natural disasters could negatively affect Amgen's business and operations. Global economic conditions may magnify certain risks that affect Amgen's business. Amgen's business performance could affect or limit the ability of the Amgen Board of Directors to declare a dividend or its ability to pay a dividend or repurchase its common stock. Amgen may not be able to access the capital and credit markets on terms that are favorable to it, or at all. Any scientific information discussed in this news release relating to new indications for Amgen's products is preliminary and investigative and is not part of the labeling approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the products. The products are not approved for the investigational use(s) discussed in this news release, and no conclusions can or should be drawn regarding the safety or effectiveness of the products for these uses. CONTACT: Amgen, Thousand Oaks Elissa Snook , 609-251-1407 (media) Justin Claeys , 805-313-9775 (investors) References View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/blincyto-blinatumomab-added-to-chemotherapy-significantly-improves-survival-in-newly-diagnosed-pediatric-patients-with-b-cell-precursor-acute-lymphoblastic-leukemia-b-all-302325381.html SOURCE AmgenWere Hunter Biden’s Prosecutions a Result of Political Pressure? A Look at the Facts
Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and Wemby
Sean 'Diddy' Combs denied bail by third judge as he awaits sex trafficking trial
The future is uncertain for Manchester City, but one thing is clear - they are at a crossroads and the decisions they make in the coming weeks could have far-reaching implications for the club's prospects. Guardiola's job hangs in the balance, with each result potentially shaping his legacy at the club. It remains to be seen whether the Cityzens can rise to the occasion and overcome their recent setbacks, or if they will succumb to the pressure and fall short of their lofty ambitions.The Rotterdam resident began collecting monthly Social Security disability payments, which ultimately proved too little to support the 66-year-old who also supports her autistic adult son. Soon after retiring, Geloso found herself standing in a snaking line along Nott Terrace in Schenectady waiting to receive free food distributed by Street Soldiers, a grassroots, volunteer-run organization that distributes everything from pre-portioned meals to bread and socks, in the parking lot next to Zion Lutheran Church. “It’s tough and it’s getting tougher,” Geloso said. “Rent is going up. I got a $33 increase for my Social Security for 2025. That’s the cost-of-living adjustment. I mean, $33? Where is that going to go?” Geloso joined a coalition of around a dozen members of the Schenectady County Food Council — including lawmakers, pantry operators and volunteers — to call on New York state to increase funding for programs aimed at curbing food insecurity, and to increase the minimum benefit under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program from the current $23 to $100. Gathered in front of a statue depicting a homeless Jesus Christ sleeping on a bench between St. Luke’s Catholic Church and its parish center on State Street in Schenectady, the group called on the state to increase funding for the Hunger Prevention and Nutrition Assistance Program and Nourish New York by $75 million each. The programs provide funding to assist food banks and purchase New York-grown items for distribution. It’s a move that would benefit the thousands throughout the county who struggle to put food on the table each month, according to Maura Furey, a volunteer with Street Soldiers in Schenectady. Furey was overcome with emotion as she told just a handful of stories of the hundreds who line up each month amid bone-chilling temperatures and rain to receive food to get through each week. The lines have continued to grow amid raising rents and inflationary pressures that have forced many to choose between buying food or paying a utility, she said. Many who line up have young children and travel great distances on foot due to a lack of transportation, Furey said. She told the story of one woman who apologized to volunteers for being late because the friend she lives with was using the only pair of shoes in the household. Then, there’s another woman who stresses about how she’ll get to her doctor’s appointment and how she’ll pay for it all. “If we take away where they’re going to get their next meal, how can we expect them to rise above all the other complications that they are facing?” Furey said. “If we think about what they go through on a day-to-day basis as a mile walk, some of them have run a marathon before the rest of us have even opened our eyes.” Last week, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced an additional $27.5 million in funding for the Hunger Prevention and Nutrition Assistance Program and Nourish New York. The funding was awarded to 11 organizations supporting more than 2,600 food pantries, soup kitchens and shelters across the state. Among those receiving funding is the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York, the Latham-based food bank that services the Capital Region, including pantries in Schenectady County. "New Yorkers always help our neighbors when they're in a tough spot, and our efforts to provide food for those in need will deliver more than 400 million meals in the comings months," Hochul said in a statement. Food insecurity has long been an issue in Schenectady County, where poverty rates are high in some parts and access to grocery stores can be difficult. Around 12% of Schenectady residents live in poverty, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau, which shows poverty rates range from 2.7% in the town of Niskayuna up to 21% in the city of Schenectady. The county is home to more than 159,000 residents, according to the data. But the number of residents applying for SNAP benefits has been increasing each month and currently hovers around 22,000, according to Michelle Ostrelich, a county legislator who chairs of the Legislature's Health, Housing and Human Services Committee. The number of households in the county receiving SNAP benefits rose to 11,847 in July, according to the latest state data. That’s a 9% increase compared to July 2019, when 10,852 households were receiving the benefit. A total of 21,731 Schenectady County residents were receiving SNAP benefits as of this July, according to the latest data available. That’s up from 20,473 in July 2019 — a 6% increase. Ostrelich said the county receives between 800 and 1,000 SNAP applications each month. “SNAP is a crucial program that is proven to reduce poverty, improve health outcomes and help local economies thrive,” she said. “Yet the current minimums are so very insufficient. ... An increase in the minimum benefit would have a significant positive impact on a large portion of our residents.” Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara, D-Rotterdam, said increases to the programs are a "nonpartisan issue” and believes the state should prioritize the additional funding. He called the effort to increase funding for benefits a “top priority” when lawmakers return to Albany next month. Santabarbara is a founding member of the Schenectady County Food Council, which was launched last year with the support of The Schenectady Foundation. “It’s troubling what we’re seeing. These are stories we don’t want to hear about,” he said. “This issue isn’t just about hunger, it’s about dignity, stability and the health of our entire community.” The increase in SNAP recipients coincides with increases seen at local food pantries, according to volunteers running the organizations. Rev. Dustin Longmire of Messiah Lutheran Church in Rotterdam, who currently doubles as the executive director of the Rotterdam Community Center, said, despite hours of volunteer service, local food pantries are only “putting a Band-Aid on a much deeper wound.” “The fact of the matter is that since 2019 the number of people attending emergency food programs in Schenectady County has increased by 70%,” he said. “It’s staggering how many people are entering into our emergency food system for the first time.” The Rotterdam Community Center serves about 150 residents a month at its Bread of Life Food Pantry and provides free produce during a weekly distribution event to an additional 150 individuals. For the past two years, the center has operated under Messiah Lutheran Church, but organizers are planning to spin the center off into its own 501(c)(3) organization in the new year amid efforts to bolster the facility’s presence. “Rotterdam is not a town with abject poverty at all,” Longmire said. “Most of our food pantry residents are either seniors or are working full time and can no longer make ends meet. It’s the affordability crisis here in New York state. We need systemic change.” At St. Luke's, the church’s Daily Bread Food Pantry has been around since the 1980s, but is busier than ever, said Jacqueline Clute, the pantry’s executive director. The pantry has already seen more than 21,000 visitors so far in 2024 and is expecting hundreds more by the end of the year. It’s a sharp uptick compared to the around 17,000 who visited the pantry last year, according to Clute. “It’s very difficult to come to grips in a country like this where people are on the verge of starvation,” she said. Clute said that many of the pantry’s visitors are senior citizens that worked their whole lives and can no longer afford to purchase groceries. Many also belong to multi-generational households and have jobs, but can’t afford to make ends meet as rents continue to climb and the cost of groceries rises. The Bread of Life pantry recently broke away from St. Luke’s to become its own 501(c)(3) nonprofit, a move that Clute hopes will open the door for new grant opportunities. The pantry, she said, has an operating budget of around $12,000 a month. Earlier this year, volunteers at the pantry opened a satellite location at the Holy Name of Jesus church on Pearl Street in the city’s Mont Pleasant neighborhood. Prior to that, the neighborhood was not serviced by a pantry. Michael Aragosa, a Glenville Town Board member who operates the satellite campus, said he’s seen the need for resources grow in his four years volunteering. He described how one resident pulled up to the pantry with a wheelbarrow because they did not have transportation and had no other means to carry their items. Others come with wagons. Many who visit come on foot. Aragosa also volunteers at the Fresh Table, a food distribution event established two years ago that services the Scotia-Glenville area. Around 150 individuals attend each month, said Aragosa, who noted the numbers continue to climb each time the event is held. “Anyone that tells you it’s just a city problem — they’re way out of line,” he said. “There’s working poor everywhere.”Airport Firefighting: 5 Things You Might Not Know