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Prior to the coronavirus pandemic, food insecurity throughout the United States affected more than 37 million people, among them 11 million children. That number, though staggering, represented the lowest point of food insecurity in the country in almost 90 years. Against the backdrop of the ongoing pandemic, national hunger-relief organization Feeding America expects more than 42 million Americans to face food shortages during 2021. This demand puts additional strain on already-strapped food pantries and hunger-relief organizations, and drives significant need for increases in the country’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, also known previously as food stamps).

Stacker compiled a list of the states where food stamps are used the most using SNAP data released July 10, 2020, by the USDA. The number of households and the poverty rate are current as of 2019 data from the Census Bureau. States are ranked by the percent of households that received food stamps in April 2020. Additional information came from sources like the Center for American Progress, Feeding America, and state websites and local food banks.

California by the numbers

– Percent of households receiving food stamps: 13.9%
– Total households receiving food stamps: 1,824,382
– Average monthly benefit per household: $263 (#7 highest among all states)

The CalFresh Restaurant Meals Program gives those 60 and older, those experiencing homelessness, and those with disabilities to use their food benefits at participating restaurants. Those receiving food stamp benefits in the state are required to recertify every six months in what is widely considered to be a complicated process that creates a barrier between those in need and the benefits they are eligible for.

Here are the states using food stamps the most and least:

States using food stamps the most
#1. New Mexico (27.6% of households)
#2. Rhode Island (22.2% of households)
#3. Washington D.C. (22.0% of households)

States using food stamps the least
#1. Wyoming (5.0% of households)
#2. Utah (7.0% of households)
#3. North Dakota (7.2% of households)

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The national average price for a gallon of regular gasoline broke records repeatedly during the first two weeks of May, according to the American Automobile Association. AAA is a privately held not-for-profit national member association and service organization with more than 60 million members in the United States and Canada. AAA’s nationwide survey on gas prices found that, as of May 16, 2022, nearly every state has passed the $4 per gallon price.

Gas price fluctuations—up 30.8% per gallon in the U.S. from one year ago—are felt on a personal level, but they’re often influenced by sudden events and major policy shifts across the country and world. Natural disasters like hurricanes that shut down refineries along the Gulf of Mexico—where roughly half of America’s crude oil is processed—can drive prices up almost immediately. As during the First Gulf War with Iraq in 1990-91 or with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February, military conflicts involving oil-producing countries can also cause ripple effects worldwide.

The cost of crude oil, set by global supply and demand, is the country’s most significant determinant for gas prices. Currently, high seasonal demand, rebounding travel in the wake of COVID-19 restrictions, weak domestic output, and international sanctions against Russia—a massive player in the global oil market—are all contributing to ever-increasing prices at the pump.

Route-planning app Routific examined AAA data to see how gas prices have changed in every state over the past year, including in our nation’s capital in response to global events. States on the East Coast have seen the most painful price increases at the pump.

Keep reading below to see how your state has been impacted, or check out national trends here.

California by the numbers

– Regular gas price increase since July 2021: +43.6% (+$1.88 per gallon)
– Midgrade gas price increase since July 2021: +42.6% (+$1.92 per gallon)
– Premium gas price increase since July 2021: +41.6% (+$1.92 per gallon)
– Diesel gas price increase since July 2021: +61.7% (+$2.63 per gallon)

Curious which states have seen the largest gas price hikes? Read on to find out.

States with the largest gas price increases since last year

#1. Arizona: +63.6% regular gas price increase since July 2021 (+$1.98 per gallon)
#2. Massachusetts: +59.7% regular gas price increase since July 2021 (+$1.80 per gallon)
#3. New Hampshire: +59.4% regular gas price increase since July 2021 (+$1.77 per gallon)
#4. Vermont: +59.4% regular gas price increase since July 2021 (+$1.80 per gallon)
#5. Missouri: +59.0% regular gas price increase since July 2021 (+$1.66 per gallon)

This story originally appeared on Routific and was produced and
distributed in partnership with Stacker Studio.

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CoPilot analyzed national sales data to uncover the 50 top-selling used cars in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA metro area.

Analyzing the top-selling used cars in the Los Angeles metro area reveals a fascinating mix – a focus on fuel efficiency for battling traffic, a touch of luxury for a touch of Hollywood glamor, and a hint of adventure for exploring the surrounding beauty. Let’s delve deeper into the trends and highlights that shape the choices of Southern California drivers – from brand preferences to pricing considerations and the subtle electric revolution!

Copilot

The 50 top-selling used cars in the Los Angeles metro area

Los Angeles, the land of glitz, glam, and perpetual sunshine, offers a used car market as diverse as its sprawling landscape. Whether you’re a Hollywood hopeful, a beach bum, or a busy professional, there’s a pre-owned ride waiting to match your LA lifestyle.

Fuel efficiency reigns supreme. Used Toyota Camrys in Los Angeles take the #1 spot, closely followed by Honda Accords and Civics. Sedans dominate the top of the list, perfectly suited for navigating the sprawling city and crawling through rush hour. The presence of the Toyota Prius, a hybrid hatchback, highlights a growing environmental consciousness, likely driven by rising gas prices or a desire for cleaner air.

However, LA isn’t all about practicality. The inclusion of luxury brands like BMW 3 Series, Lexus RX, and Mercedes-Benz C-Class reflects a niche market that prioritizes a touch of sophistication, even in a pre-owned car. Interestingly, minivans like the Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna remain popular, catering to families who value practicality and space alongside a bit of Hollywood style.

Crossovers are the champions of versatility, offering the perfect compromise for many Angelenos. The ever-popular Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V provide enough space for weekend adventures to the beach or mountains while remaining nimble for city streets. For those who need even more room, the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot provide some extra spaciousness for LA families.

The adventurous spirit of Southern California peeks through with the inclusion of trucks like the Toyota Tacoma and Ford F-150. Popular rugged vehicles go beyond trucks, with the presence of the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited and Toyota 4Runner, showcasing a desire for vehicles that can handle both the daily commute and off-road excursions.

Understanding these trends empowers potential car buyers in Los Angeles to navigate the used car market with confidence. Whether you crave a fuel-efficient sedan for battling traffic, a versatile SUV for exploring the coast, or a touch of luxury for a touch of Hollywood flair, the LA

Por Andrew Kaczynski, CNN

Meses antes de su arresto en julio de 2019, Jeffrey Epstein tenía un problema urgente que quería resolver. Las autoridades de las Islas Vírgenes Estadounidenses que investigaban construcciones no autorizadas en sus islas privadas habían emitido una orden de suspensión de obras y estaban considerando posibles multas.

A medida que la disputa se intensificó y la cobertura de prensa creció, Epstein recurrió directamente al principal funcionario electo del territorio en busca de ayuda: el gobernador Albert Bryan Jr.

Los mensajes de texto de 2019 revisados ​​por CNN muestran a Bryan, un demócrata, diciéndole a Epstein que había hablado con el principal funcionario ambiental del territorio y le pidió que pausara la aplicación de la ley hasta que pudieran discutir el asunto.

Mientras Epstein se quejaba de posibles multas crecientes y cobertura de prensa negativa, Bryan escribió más tarde que le había pedido al comisionado que supervisaba el caso que “se recusara y aceptara todas las solicitudes de permisos anteriores”.

“Te tenemos cubierto”, añadió Bryan en un mensaje posterior.

En medio de los millones de páginas de documentos publicados en investigaciones y litigios civiles vinculados a Epstein, sus intercambios con Bryan ofrecen una ventana poco común a cómo el misterioso financista operaba en las Islas Vírgenes de Estados Unidos, aprovechando su riqueza, su presencia comercial y sus promesas de inversión mientras buscaba influir en los funcionarios locales que supervisaban asuntos que afectaban sus intereses.

Si bien no está claro si se tomaron medidas como resultado, un análisis de CNN de docenas de mensajes de texto y correos electrónicos intercambiados durante un período de varios meses muestra que Bryan expresó su voluntad de interactuar con los reguladores en nombre de Epstein y le aseguró que estaba abordando la disputa.

En sus comunicaciones con Bryan, Epstein en ocasiones presentó la disputa como una amenaza económica.

Epstein advirtió en un mensaje que las medidas coercitivas “eliminarían todo interés y enviarían a los inversores a Puerto Rico”, sugiriendo que el capital podría fluir a jurisdicciones competidoras si las Islas Vírgenes no abordaban problemas como el suyo.

Los intercambios también muestran que Bryan y Epstein planeaban reunirse en privado a medida que se desarrollaba la disputa.

“¿Puedes prestarme 15 minutos?”, escribió Epstein en abril de 2019.

“Para ti, absolutamente”, respondió Bryan.

Cuando el gobernador sugirió reunirse en la oficina del abogado de Epstein en las Islas Vírgenes, Epstein respondió: “Tú eliges, yo estoy allí”.

En los mensajes de texto, Bryan es identificado solo como “Albert”, pero Epstein se dirige a él como gobernador, y el cronograma de eventos públicos a los que hizo referencia en los mensajes de texto antes de la reunión (incluido un almuerzo con la Liga de Mujeres Vo

By Issy Ronald, CNN

(CNN) — It’s not just Ilya Rozanov who is coming to the cottage.

Anyone can now visit the famous site to which Ilya and Shane Hollander retreat in the emotional final episode of HBO’s “Heated Rivalry.” The cottage, the cottage, will be listed on Airbnb next month, allowing fans to enjoy one of the show’s most iconic, and steamy, locations.

For a short window before the property opens for regular booking, guests will be able to reserve it for 248.10 Canadian dollars ($181) a night — a nod to Shane and Ilya’s jersey numbers. Airbnb hasn’t revealed how much it will cost to rent the property after that period.

Guests will have access to a private dock on the lake and a home gym, as well as the property’s three bedrooms and large, open-plan living space.

Situated on the shores of Lake Musoka, about 200 kilometers (124 miles) north of Toronto, the cottage came to symbolize a sort of new beginning for Ilya and Shane, rival professional hockey players portrayed by Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams, respectively.

After five episodes of the pair secretly hooking up in anonymous hotel rooms, remaining in the closet for fear of coming out into the hypermasculine world of professional hockey, the cottage’s dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows provided a visual metaphor for an openness that had not previously existed.

Ilya’s announcement that he is “coming to the cottage,” comes as he and Shane are separately watching another professional hockey player invite his partner onto the ice and openly kiss him after winning a cup final, marking a turning point in the fictional world’s perception of same-sex relationships in sport. Previously, Ilya had refused to commit to Shane’s invitation of joining him at his summer getaway, so simply going there represented a type of commitment in itself.

Then, while there, Shane’s father stumbles upon the couple kissing. Initially panicked, Shane then comes out to his parents and reveals his relationship with Ilya.

“Heated Rivalry” has become a pop culture phenomenon since its release, driving new interest in hockey, winning praise for its nuanced depictions of closeted LGBTQ+ relationships, and making stars of its two leads, as well as the cottage.

“We were not aware of how big it would become once it was released,” said Alisha Bishop, a senior associate at Trevor McIvor Architect, the firm that designed the cottage.

Despite all the glass, the cottage is “actually very difficult to spot from the lake,” she told the Architect’s Paper in January.

“Although from an outside perspective, this seems like it would not provide privacy, once you’re inside the spaces, they are very private.”

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