Latest news with #AmarisEncinas
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Your Social Security card will soon be available digitally: What to know about the change
A new and digital alternative to the traditional Social Security card will be available by early summer, the Social Security Administration announced Friday. The agency will introduce a feature that allows all my Social Security account holders, whether applicant or beneficiary, the ability to access and view their Social Security number online. The move comes weeks after the Social Security Administration walked back plans to reduce over-the-phone services and provided clarity about which account holders had to verify their identity in person. My Social Security account holders will be able to conveniently display their SSN, when needed, for reasons other than handling Social Security matters, the agency said. The enhancement offers individuals who have either forgotten their Social Security number or misplaced their Social Security card a "simple solution." It also "reduces the need" for an in-person visit or having to wait to sort out personal matters until another card is mailed. "We are proud to offer this new digital solution to our account holders. This enhancement reflects our commitment to providing better service to the public while ensuring that their personal information remains secure," said Lee Dudek, the agency's acting commissioner said in an April 25 news release. "We believe that this modern approach will meet the needs of our constituents in a more efficient manner.' Here's what to know about the new feature, including additional details about the rollout date. The agency is encouraging all account holders to "take advantage" of the new feature, which will be available starting early this summer. In order to access or see your Social Security number on your mobile device, you will need to create a "my Social Security account." "This digital feature not only streamlines the process for those who need their SSN but also reinforces our dedication to protecting sensitive information," according to the Social Security Administration. "By providing a secure digital option, SSA aims to reduce the risk of lost or stolen cards and enhance the overall user experience. Social Security payments: When do Social Security payments go out in May? See the full 2025 payment schedule The digital version isn't available yet so if you have misplaced, or had your Social Security card stolen, requesting a replacement is easy. All you have to do is visit the agency's website and answer a few questions related to your specific situation. The Social Security Administration says "you may not need to replace your card if you know your Social Security number" since in most cases, a physical card isn't necessary. You can either request a replacement online or by phone at 1-(800)-772-1213 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time. After the request is filled out, the new card should arrive by mail at your address in just a few business days. This story has been updated to add new information. Amaris Encinas is a trending reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach me via email at aencinas1@ This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Social Security to roll out digital access for numbers, ID cards
USA Today
24-04-2025
- Business
- USA Today
Trader Joe's might be coming to your area: See the new store locations opening this year
Trader Joe's might be coming to your area: See the new store locations opening this year Trader Joe's has a loyal following because of its diverse private-label products, global cuisine inspirations, and viral items like the limited-edition mini tote bags. And while some retailer are closing stores, Trader Joe's is expanding. The specialty grocer opened two new locations in April in Seattle and Murfreesboro, Tennessee. An additional 21 are planned for this year. Where and how many Trader Joe's are opening in 2025? The planned 21 locations are spread out across 13 states and Washington, D.C., according to the 'Opening Soon' section of the company's website. Which states have a Trader Joe's? The chain operates 581 stores across 42 states and the District of Columbia. The only states without a Trader Joe's are Alaska, Hawaii, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Mississippi and West Virginia. Trader Joe's and its popular mini tote bags In April, Trader Joe's launched its mini canvas tote bags just in time for Easter. Priced at $2.99, the bags are available in pastel shades of blue, pink, purple, and green. Though they are released nationwide, they are a limited-time product, and each store determines its own merchandising plan. The new mini totes made their highly anticipated return about a year after the mayhem that ensued in March 2024 when the bags were released. The grocery store chain had to impose a limit on the number of bags that customers could purchase. Last year's mini totes eventually were listed on a number of online marketplaces for as much as $500, and this year is no different. Listings have already begun to appear on eBay, Mercari and Facebook for as little as $11 and as much as $400. CONTRIBUTING Gabe Hauari and Amaris Encinas SOURCE USA TODAY Network reporting and research; Trader Joe's
USA Today
20-03-2025
- Business
- USA Today
Dairy Queen's Free Cone Day is today: Here's how to get one
Dairy Queen's Free Cone Day is today: Here's how to get one Show Caption Hide Caption 911 ice cream call, boy gets sweet surprise The Mount Pleasant Police Department is used to getting calls, but this week, they were called out to something they'd never seen before. Fox - Milwaukee The first day of spring and free ice cream? This week may not be able to get any better. Dairy Queen's annual Free Cone Day is Thursday, the same day as the spring equinox, and Dairy Queens across the country are practicing that iconic curly-Q for the big day. Dairy Queen has held its Free Cone Day on the first day of spring for countless years now, and ice cream lovers are bound to have the big day marked on the calendar. Here's what to know about this year's Free Cone Day at Dairy Queen. When is Free Cone Day at Dairy Queen? This year's Free Cone Day is Thursday, March 20. What do you get on Free Cone Day? Customers may redeem one small vanilla cone at a participating Dairy Queen location. The cones are available while supplies last and customers may only redeem one free cone for the day. Free cones are not available for delivery through the DQ Rewards mobile app. Dip It For Kids: Get a DQ dipped cone for $1 This year, Dairy Queen is partnering with Children's Miracle Network Hospitals for Free Cone Day. Choose to dip your cone in one of Dairy Queen's dipped coatings for $1 and the fast food chain will donate the dollar to Children's Miracle Network Hospitals. Where is the nearest Dairy Queen near you? To check where the nearest Dairy Queen restaurant is near you, visit or download the free DQ Rewards mobile app. When is the first day of spring? The first day of spring is Thursday, March 20, too. The vernal equinox, the astronomical event that occurs when the sun aligns with the Earth's equator, will begin at 5:01 a.m. EDT on Thursday. Ben & Jerry's Free Cone Day Ben & Jerry's also does a Free Cone Day, but ice cream fans will have to wait a couple more weeks for that deal. Ben & Jerry's Scoop Shops will service up free scoops of ice cream at participating stores on Tuesday, April 8. Contributing: Amaris Encinas Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Follow her on X and Instagram @gretalcross. Story idea? Email her at gcross@
USA Today
25-02-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
When is Mardi Gras 2025? Here's what to know as Fat Tuesday approaches
The Carnival season will end on Mardi Gras, which is now one week away! From parades to colorful beads and masks, there are dozens of traditions involved in Mardi Gras, also known as Fat Tuesday. Mardi Gras will conclude weeks of partying, parades and eating lots and lots of king cake. Then shortly after is the start of Lent. Here's everything you need to know about Mardi Gras. Mardi Gras 2025:When is Fat Tuesday? What to know about the last day of Mardi Gras What is Mardi Gras? Mardi Gras, which is also known as Fat Tuesday, is a day of indulgence that marks the end of Carnival. It's immediately followed by Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. Lent is a 40-day season of fasting, excluding Sundays, that is observed by Christians which leads up to Easter Sunday. Mardi Gras is the last and "biggest day of celebration," according to Mardi Gras New Orleans. When is Mardi Gras? In 2025, Mardi Gras falls on Tuesday, March 4. Like Ash Wednesday and Easter, Mardi Gras' date changes depending on the Spring Equinox and can even be in a different month from year to year. Mardi Gras will always fall on the day before Ash Wednesday, which is always about seven weeks before Easter. What is Carnival? Carnival marks a festive season that begins on Jan. 6 and is called "Twelfth Night," also known as the Epiphany, and ends the day before Ash Wednesday. Many Roman-Catholic countries and communities celebrate Carnival, according to Britannica. The final day of Carnival is Mardi Gras, which always falls on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. Is there a difference between Mardi Gras and Carnival? While Carnival is a season that takes place over weeks and months, Mardi Gras is just one day, specifically the last day of Carnival. Mardi Gras is Carnival's grand finale and is the day that closes out the festive season. Where is Mardi Gras celebrated? While one of the most famous Mardi Gras celebrations is in New Orleans, the holiday is celebrated across the globe, from North America, to South America, Europe and Asia. The maps below shows which countries hold Mardi Gras celebrations and which states hold the most notable celebrations in the U.S. Can't see the maps? Click here and here. Contributing: Amaris Encinas, USA TODAY Julia is a trending reporter for USA TODAY. You can connect with her on LinkedIn, follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, Instagram and TikTok: @juliamariegz, or email her at jgomez@
Yahoo
11-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Craving chocolate before Valentine's Day? Starbucks offering 2 new options. Florida locations
Valentine's Day will be here before you know it but if you just can't wait to satisfy that chocolate craving, Starbucks has just the drink for you. Make that two drinks. The coffee chain announced it was celebrating Valentine's Day with two new beverages. The drinks are available now and while supplies last. The two new drinks Starbucks has brought out for Valentine's Day 2025 are: : The Starbucks Cold Brew is sweetened with vanilla syrup and topped with a silky, chocolaty hazelnut cream cold foam and chocolate cookie crumble. It "makes for a perfect chocolaty-hazelnut pick-me-up." Starbucks blends strawberry puree and Frappuccino chips with milk and ice, layers on top of a splash of strawberry puree and finishes with vanilla whipped cream and mocha drizzle to "deliver a frosty, delicious treat inspired by our love of chocolate-covered strawberries." : Tall: 180 calories Grande: 230 calories Venti: 260 calories Trenta: 290 caloriesTall: 300 calories Grande: 420 calories Venti: 530 calories Starbucks launched its line of Valentine's Day drinkware Jan. 3. It's available while supplies last. Prices and sizes include: Valentine's Day Cold Cup (24 oz.): A cold cup featuring pixelated heart patterns. $22.95 Pink Floral Cold Cup with Straw Topper (24 oz.): A pink, flower-patterned cold cup and matching straw topper. $24.95 Hot Pink Heart Tumbler with Charm (12 oz.): A pixelated heart tumbler, featuring a vibrant hot pink color with glossy finish, complete with a matching heart-shaped charm. $27.95 Valentine's Day Tumbler (16 oz.): A bursting heart tumbler featuring a Valentine's themed motif. Available exclusively at select Starbucks licensed store locations in the U.S., including Starbucks stores inside grocery stores, airports, hospitals. $14.95 There were 892 Starbucks in Florida as of April 2024, the third most in any state, according to The top five states are: California: 3,117 Texas: 1,409 Florida: 892 Washington: 736 New York: 715 ➤ Starbucks store locator Starbucks recently announced plans to cut some items food and beverages from its menu. Other changes include a return of the condiment bar and extending free refills to in-house customers. Starbucks will begin to "optimize" its menu offerings in the coming months, resulting in a 30% reduction in both beverage and food items by the end of the 2025 fiscal year, which is June 30, 2025. There's no word yet on what food or drinks would be cut. Starbucks announced in January the company would be reversing its open-door policy, effective Jan. 27 at all of the chain's more than 11,000 locations in North America. The chain's new code of conduct, which will be posted at U.S. locations, also bans discrimination or harassment, consumption of outside alcohol, smoking, vaping, drug use and panhandling. Contributing: Amaris Encinas, USA TODAY; C. A. Bridges, USA Today Network-Florida This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Starbucks Valentine's Day drinks, cups, tumblers. Florida locations
