3:40 p.m. — The backlog for food stamps at the Department of Public Health and Social Services has gone from 1,000 to 59, said Acting Director J. Peter Roberto at a press conference this afternoon. More: continued here

ROYAL OAK — Police said they discovered a marijuana-growing operation Tuesday while investigating a felonious assault and kidnapping incident in which two people were chased by a man with a gun then forced into a vehicle in the area of Crooks Road and Washington Avenue. More: continued here

The bombshell news of the planned post office closures has sent shock waves through Wolverhampton. … More: continued here

ALBANY, N.Y. — More farmers markets nationwide are accepting food stamps for their summer squash, apples and other fresh produce — fattening profits for farmers while creating healthier options for low-income families as food prices soar. The federal Food Stamp Program is helping New York, Massachusetts, Vermont, Michigan and other …

The two buildings and land up for auction on eBay are valued at $18,000 in tax terms and roughly $88,000 in terms of fair market value. More: continued here

Wisbech Standard Anger at post office closuresexpressandstar.com, UK –4 hours agoThe bombshell news of the planned post office closures has sent shock waves through Wolverhampton. It was the worst possible 51st birthday present for …SAVE OUR POST OFFICE UPDATEStanraer and Wigtownshire Free PressWISBECH: COUNTY WIDE PROTEST GROUP THROWS IN THE TOWEL OVER …

Food Stamps Up at Farmers' MarketsFree Market News Network, FL –57 minutes agoA pilot program that began last year in Vermont in Brattleboro and Bellows Falls to allows consumers to use food stamps at farmers' markets is now spreading … More: continued here

New Kensington buildings on sale on eBayPittsburgh Tribune-Review, PA –1 minute agoBy Celanie Polanick Some people log onto eBay looking for a great deal on fancy purses, antique glassware or the perfect set of used golf clubs. … More: continued here

Summary Box: Thrifts post $5.4B quarterly lossInternational Herald Tribune, France –7 hours agoAP PLUNGING PROFITS: US thrifts lost $5.4 billion in the second quarter, their second-largest quarterly loss ever, according to the federal Office of Thrift …US Savings & Loans Institutions Post Second Largest Loss EverAHNThrifts Post $5.4 Billion Loss In 2nd …

An investigation is under way into how a computer containing bank customers’ personal data was sold on eBay. The computer, bought by IT manager Andrew Chapman for £77, had the sensitive details on its hard drive. More: continued here