Your Daily Guide

SNAP benefits are changing nationally today. But here in Pennsylvania, the government-subsidized food assistance program, formerly known as food stamps, isn’t just increasing its monthly contributions — it's also upgrading its cards.

• Who’s Impacted. Around 475,000 Philadelphians benefit from the SNAP program. Across the state, 1.7 million people are registered. This number has decreased since last year, after changes to federal policies kicked around 100,000 Pennsylvanians off the program.
• What’s Changing. Every year the federal government reviews food and inflation costs to determine if the monetary value of SNAP contributions should be adjusted. This year, Pennsylvanians will receive anywhere from an $8 to $52 monthly increase in benefits, depending on household size. The monthly income limit to be eligible for benefits has also increased. For a single-person household, it has risen to $2,660, and to $5,500 for a family of four.
• Card Upgrades. SNAP cardholders statewide have been contending with benefit theft. This happens when devices in checkout terminals steal information from the magnetic stripe cards and use up the funds. These “skimming devices” can be deterred by upgrading the cards to chip technology. After investigating and finding over $1.2 million in attempted stolen funds from Philadelphia SNAP recipients, the state announced it’s investing $7 million to upgrade to chip cards.
• Think You Qualify? Apply for SNAP online or in person.
• Medicaid Is Also Changing. Starting today, the public medical insurance program is adjusting eligibility requirements; refugees and asylees without lawful permanent resident status will no longer qualify. Around 8,000 lawfully present immigrants across Pennsylvania will be impacted. The city has resources for anyone facing loss of benefits.
• Where to Find Free Food. These local food pantries are available to anyone in need of grub, no questions asked.

Suspected ‘House of Horrors’ Killer Self-Described As ‘Sociopath’ Over Lunch

A WHYY reporter recovered hours of two shocking interviews he did in 2014 with R.C. Horsch, the late pornographic documentarian who is at the center of the sprawling House of Horrors investigation in Olney. Horsch, who was then known for his violent and sexual films and photography, described his difficulty holding down a job, past criminal activities, and why he finds the human race “despicable.” [WHYY, 🎧 City Cast Philly]

Detention Center ‘No Different Than a Cemetery’

So far this year, nearly 5,500 immigrants, most without criminal records, have been detained in Pennsylvania. Moshannon Valley Processing Center, the largest immigrant detention center in the Northeast, recently extended its contract with DHS, paving the way for the federal government to potentially buy it outright. [Mother Jones]

North Philly Cowboys Centered in New Documentary

The Fletcher Street Urban Riding Club’s film highlights the challenges its young riders face while finding refuge in the horse riding community. The documentary will be screened Saturday at Mt. Airy’s Tired Hands (there’ll also be pony rides, raffles, and food trucks). Proceeds from the event will support the club’s goal to move into a new barn. [6abc]

Could This Model Save Philly’s Other Dying Business Corridors?

Meantime’s experiment of activating vacant storefronts with pop-ups from local entrepreneurs is paying off, drawing thousands of visitors to Market East. Four businesses are sticking around through the fall, while new additions to the block include a pop-up grocery store and a 90-day art exhibition using repurposed materials. [🔒 Philly Mag]

Every Thursday, we highlight shoutouts from our City Cast Philly Neighbors. Become a member to tell us what you love about Philly.

📣 City Cast Philly Neighbor Arindam B. recommends celebrating Wine Month at Pennsylvania wineries just outside of Philly with Perfect Pour Experiences. “First, October 18th, a wine-pairing dinner at Elwood featuring Galen Glen Winery. Second, October 28th, a wine pairing dinner at Fond BYOB featuring wines from Grace Winery. Winemakers will be present at both of these events to talk about their wines.“

Thanks, Arindam! Here are other wineries to visit in Philly’s suburbs and local wine clubs to join.