News Briefs: December 25, 2025

Financial Report Released

ALBANY—New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli released the 2025 New Yorkers’ Financial Snapshot, an overview of household economic health, on Saturday, December 20. Median household net worth declined by $500.00 to $123,400.00 between 2019 and 2023, although median income rose by $10,000.00 to $82,000.00. Unbanked and underbanked households declined from 5.6 percent to 5.1 percent and from 17.7 percent to 15.4 percent, respectively, although significant racial disparities remain. Poverty increased statewide over the four-year span: the proportion of households under the ALICE poverty threshold increased from 43 to 48 percent, SNAP benefits expanded from 14.1 to 16.2 percent of households, and the number of public assistance recipients increased by more than 200,000 to 700,000. More than half of households were unduly burdened by housing costs. To view the full report, visit osc.ny.gov.

Choral Society Auditions Open

ONEONTA—Catskill Choral Society will hold auditions for new members at the Unitarian Universalist Society, 12 Ford Avenue, from 5-6:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 12. All voices are welcome. Tenors and basses are needed in particular. CCS rehearses at the Unitarian Universalist Society every Thursday from 7-9:30 p.m. and will present its next concert on May 1 and 2. For more information or to schedule a 10-minute audition, contact auditions@catskillchoralsociety.org.