Popular suburbian grocery store chain Wegmans will open its very first Manhattan location on Astor Place on October 18, taking over the space formerly occupied by K-Mart. 

Given the popularity of the supermarket across the country, it’s no surprise that New Yorkers are super-excited about the arrival of the Rochester-based grocer on city territory, a debut that comes about four years after Wegmans was established inside Brooklyn’s Navy Yard.

We took a peek at the pretty massive new space (over 87,000 square feet!) ahead of its official opening and can confirm that Wegmans on Astor Place is going to satisfy all your shopping needs—and then some.

Here are some things to keep in mind while visiting:

1. The Grocery Store is Supposed to Look Like an Open-Air Market

The over 100 Wegmans across the United States all have the same look and feel, resembling open-air markets. This particular city location, the chain’s second after one in DC’s center, is set up slightly differently from the rest, keeping New Yorkers’ lifestyles in mind. 

Usually, shoppers who walk into the shop find themselves in the produce aisle. On Astor Place, the first area that folks can look though is filled with prepackaged foods, made-to-order options and grab-and-go orders. There is also a pizza station, sandwich section, an Asian bar and a mezze area. The change is setup is determined by the particular local customer base: city dwellers will likely want to quickly grab some lunch in the middle of the day upon entering the premises.

The sorts of produce and groceries that suburban Wegmans present up front is found downstairs on Astor Place. 

2. Original Accents Throughout the Space Have Remained Intact

Kmart occupied the Astor Place address for 25 years before closing in July of 2021, when Wegmans agreed to buy out the retailer’s lease. But, before it was a Kmart, the building was actually occupied by popular department store Wanamaker’s.

The latest iteration of the space pays homage to that storied history through its decor: some of the columns, for example, have been restored but are part of the design that the original occupier had chosen.

3. Fish Plays an Important Role Here…

The piece de resistance of the new Wegmans on Astor Place is, undoubtedly, its seafood market downstairs. Dubbed Sakanaya (Japanese for fish market), the destination offers local fish and options flown in from Japan’s Toyosu fish market three times a week.

The company has also hired experts from Asia to teach the local staff how to properly handle the fish that they receive. 

Don’t forget to check out the fish monger’s table every day, which will feature a collection of the very best catches from both the local market and what has been sent from Japan. 

4. …as do Sausages

Wegmans’ deli section is pretty impressive in-and-of itself but the chain’s partnership with Josef Brunner, an artisan sausage guru from Rochester, makes it that much better. Brunner will craft products for Wegmans specifically, so make sure to check out the offerings weekly.

Also impressive: the 30-month prosciutto that’s exclusive to this store.

5. The Iconic Wegmans Clock Tower is Slightly Different!

Perhaps the most iconic design element across all Wegmans locations is the clock tower that gives off a small-town vibe outside each store. In Manhattan, you’ll notice the clock smack-dab in the middle of the shop, right as you walk in!

* This article was originally published here

Halloween is now only a few weeks away and we ourselves are still trying to pick out our costume! We’ve rounded up some of our favorite Halloween costume ideas to wear out to NYC parties this year, and we think you’ll love them. From pop culture figures to NYC-themed cosplays, here are the best Halloween costume ideas for adults and kids this year!

1. Barbie and Ken

It’s no shock that this year’s Barbie movie was one of the biggest of the year, so why not glow in pink? Opt for the traditional Barbie look or go neon with a rollerskating aerobicswear vibe. Pair up with a Ken too for bonus points.

2. Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce

We’d be remiss to leave out America’s current alleged power couple, Taylor Swift and Kansas City Chiefs player Travis Kelce. This perfect couples costume is super simple and super cultured!

3. Lanternfly

Though it would be funny to have people squashing you all night, you’ll get even more chuckles by going as NYC’s number one enemy right now. The spotted lanternflies and their bright red and black polk-a-dot appearance are hard to miss.

4. Anyone from Succession

”

Turn your office work clothes into the likes of one of the Succession stars and you’ll be looking both dapper and ready to take over the family business.

5. Ted Lasso

BELIEVE! Grab your mustache and tracksuit to dress up as Ted, the manager of the soccer club Richmond AFC. Bonus points if you get your crew to dress up as Roy Kent, Coach Beard, and Keeley Jones.

6. Wednesday Addams

Jenny Ortega as Wednesday Addams was one of our favorite movie characters of 2023, and her goth-like take on the Halloween classic is such a great look for the holiday. The pig tails and red lipstick is truly menacing.

7. NYC Street Rat

After news circulated this year about NYC looking for a new rat czar, why not add a few more pesky critters to the population for Halloween?! Just don’t run into the selected rat czar Kathleen Corradi that is…

8. Ariel from The Little Mermaid

Under the sea! The popular Disney character had a major comeback this year, and Ariel proves while her character withstands the test of time! Plus, who doesn’t love being a mermaid…

9. Queen Charlotte

Assert your royalty this Halloween and be the queen herself from Bridgerton. Regency era attire slays and that crown needs to be glistening atop your head!

10. Elvis and Priscilla Presley

The Presley couple was the topic of discussion after this year’s Priscilla film, and the two together could be a good couple costume. One as the extremely recognizable rock ‘n’ roll star and the other his number one girl.

11. M3GAN

Award for the creepiest robot goes to M3GAN, from the 2023 film of the same name that stars an AI robot/doll that’s meant to be used as a little girl’s way to cope…until things go rogue of course.

12. Super Mario Bros.

It’s a me, Mario! The animated Nintendo cast returned to theaters this year, and of course make for a great Halloween costume idea. Of course Mario and Luigi are the staples, but get a group together and expand to Peach, Bowser and beyond!

13. Statue of Liberty

All hail Lady Liberty. A NY classic. If all else fails, you can represent the best city on Earth…dripped in head that iconic green of the Statue of Liberty!

14. Beyoncé from Renaissance World Tour

Queen Bey is calling and her Renaissance World Tour is now a whole-ass theme! We’re talking glitter-embellished leotards and thigh boots baby!

15. Pedro Pascal

Claimed as the “Internet Daddy” for 2023, this man has been everywhere…and you can be him too this year. From The Mandalorian to The Last of Us, you’ve got plenty of options to pick from…

16. A cast member of Vanderpump Rules

Where were you when #Scandoval dropped? The reality TV feud between Tom Sandoval and Ariana Madix essentially broke the internet this year, and dressing up as one of them (or the whole group) would still be amazing.

17. Rihanna at the Super Bowl

Let’s be real, Rihanna has been one of the best music moments of 2023. Her all red outfit at the Super Bowl Halftime Show back in February made the rounds at the time, and still is eye-catching months later.

18. AI Pope

2023 seems like the year of AI, but who knew hilarious images like the pimped out Pope above would come to fruition? Go for the big white puffer and chains and you’ll be cracking up everyone at the party.

19. The Sanderson Sisters from Hocus Pocus

Dress up as The Sanderson Sisters from Hocus Pocus, one of the best Halloween movies of all-time. These hilarious and powerful witches from Salem, Massachusetts are a nice homage to the movie, and a slight step up from a normal with costume. Get your group together!

20. Tedros from The Idol

Although the show was pretty mid, there’s no denying that The Weeknd’s rat-tail character in Tedros was a talking point this year! If you want to make it a couple costume, find a pop star like Jocelyn.

The post 20 Best Halloween Costume Ideas For Spooky Season This Year appeared first on Secret NYC.

* This article was originally published here

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Damon Stewart and Marcus Harris II each had a fourth-quarter touchdown to help Alabama State beat Jackson State 24-19 on Saturday.

Alabama State was limited to just 11 first downs and 234 total yards. Jackson State was undone by three turnovers.

Stewart gave Alabama State a 17-14 run on a 12-yard run and Harris powered his way into the end zone from 2-yards out with 8:52 remaining for a 24-13 lead. Jackson State answered with a 14-play, 92-yard drive ending in Desmond Moultrie’s 2-yard run, but the 2-point conversion attempt was no good.

After Alabama State went three-and-out with two minutes left, Jackson State used 13 plays to get to the Alabama State 25-yard line, but couldn’t convert.

Stewart passed for 80 yards, and he rushed for 33 yards for Alabama State (3-3, 2-2 SWAC).

Jason Brown was 30 of 44 for 230 yards for Jackson State (4-3, 2-2), which had a two-game win streak stopped. Desmond Moultrie and Jacobian Morgan each had a rushing touchdown.

Each team had two turnovers in the first half that was tied at 10-all.

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AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/college-football and https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll

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* This article was originally published here

NEW YORK (AP) — Tens of millions of older Americans will see a modest increase in benefits this January when a new cost-of-living adjustment is added to Social Security payments.

The 3.2% raise is intended to help meet higher prices for food, fuel, and other goods and services. The average recipient will see an increase of about $54 per month, according to government estimates. That’s a smaller percentage than last year, because consumer prices have eased, and the COLA is tied to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Price Index.

Still, Kathleen Romig, director of Social Security and Disability Policy at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, says increased Medicare premiums will “absorb a disproportionate share of the COLA for most people.” One premium is rising by an estimated 6%, or roughly $9.90 a month.

“Seniors and people with disabilities tend to spend a greater share of their incomes on health care, and medical prices are rising faster than overall inflation,” she said, adding that most people will still get higher benefit checks overall.

Here’s what to keep in mind:HOW DOES SOCIAL SECURITY WORK?

The Social Security program pays roughly $1.4 trillion in benefits to more than 71 million people each year, including low-income individuals with disabilities.

The short answer is that taxes fund Social Security. The government uses taxes from working people to pay benefits to people who have already retired, people who are disabled, the survivors of workers who have died, and dependents of beneficiaries.

While the money is used to pay people currently receiving benefits, any unused money goes to the Social Security trust fund. Some of the money in the trust, together with the Social Security contributions of people in the workforce, pay for future benefits.

To determine what amount of Social Security you’ll receive, the government calculates a percentage of your highest wages from your top 35 years of earning, factoring in when you choose to start receiving benefits.HOW IS THE COST OF LIVING ADJUSTMENT CALCULATED?

The COLA is calculated according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Consumer Price Index, but there are calls to use a different index — one that measures price changes based on the spending patterns of the elderly — like healthcare, food and medicine costs.

“Seniors tend to spend more on medical care in general, including some out of pocket expenses like prescription drug costs, that can be very significant,” said Mark Hamrick, Senior Economic Analyst at Bankrate. “Of course, food, shelter, and energy costs are all still elevated. Those are thing most people cannot go without.”IS THE TRUST RUNNING OUT OF MONEY?

Future problems with the fund have long been predicted, largely because of demographic shifts. As birthrates decline, fewer people become workers, which results in fewer payments of payroll taxes. Meanwhile, more Baby Boomers are retiring and collecting Social Security.

The annual Social Security and Medicare trustees report released in March said the program’s trust fund will be unable to pay full benefits beginning in 2033. If the trust fund is depleted, the government will be able to pay only 77% of scheduled benefits, the report said.

“If you think about the modest decrease this year, the reality is that people would be looking at a more than 20% cut, if the administration fails to address the shortfall,” Hamrick said. “The gospel is, ‘You can’t touch Social Security.’ The longer this problem is unresolved, the less optimal the solutions become.”

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The Associated Press receives support from Charles Schwab Foundation for educational and explanatory reporting to improve financial literacy. The independent foundation is separate from Charles Schwab and Co. Inc. The AP is solely responsible for its journalism.

The post What to know about the Social Security cost-of-living adjustment appeared first on New York Amsterdam News.

* This article was originally published here