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Time of India
6 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Social Security announces major shakeup affecting 70 million Americans: Will your benefits go up or down?
The Social Security Administration (SSA) is handling more calls with a faster response time, thanks to technology enhancements and process engineering. The SSA announced a major update to its technological advancements on Wednesday as part of its larger mission, led by new Commissioner Frank Bisignano, to modernize the agency, reports NewsWeek. "Our vision is centered on providing outstanding service that works for everyone we serve—whether they call, walk into a field office, or choose to manage their benefits online," said Bisignano in a statement. "We are transforming the customer experience, investing in technology to build frontline capacity, and using real-time data to monitor performance across the board. We are delivering higher levels of customer service—and this will continue." Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category Cybersecurity PGDM Artificial Intelligence Healthcare Management Data Science Data Science Design Thinking healthcare Product Management Operations Management Data Analytics Public Policy Degree Project Management Finance Technology Leadership Digital Marketing CXO Others MBA MCA others Skills you'll gain: Duration: 10 Months MIT xPRO CERT-MIT xPRO PGC in Cybersecurity Starts on undefined Get Details ALSO READ: $1,390 Stimulus check in 2025: Do Americans need to pay tax on the amount and who needs to apply? by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Luxury 2, 3, 4 & 4.5 Bed Homes in South Mumbai at Piramal Mahalaxmi | South Tower Ready to Move In Piramal Mahalaxmi Learn More Undo Social Security issues update on changes Around 69 million people in the US receive Social Security payments each month and with President Trump returning to the White House, the SSA has been undergoing a period of restructuring. Thousands of employees no longer working for the agency due to the Department of Government Efficiency's (DOGE) cost-saving initiatives. According to NewsWeek, the SSA announced it has implemented new telephone technology on the national 800 number and in its field offices. The SSA stated that this resulted "in improved service to the American people," according to its release. Live Events Specifically, the SSA is handling more calls with a faster response time. Last week, the agency handled nearly 1.3 million calls on the national 800 number, which was 70 percent more than the same week last fiscal year. The average speed of answer also dropped to 6 minutes from an average of 30 minutes last year- an 80% reduction. The administration also reported reducing the customer wait time in field offices to 23 minutes, a 23% reduction from the average of 30 minutes last year. ALSO READ: Extreme heat warning in 11 US states and record-high temperatures could be broken. Is yours on the list? Online service has also been improved through elimination of regular scheduled downtime of 29 hours a week. The agency reported that this allowed 125,000 more people to access their online accounts during the first week. The agency also eliminated its longstanding scheduled downtime of 29 hours a week for the my Social Security portal . In the first week alone, the SSA said 125,000 more customers were able to access their online accounts. SSA faces major funding crisis Despite these improvements, some experts have sounded the alarm on the tech upgrades while the SSA faces a funding crisis projected to hit as early as the early 2030s. ALSO READ: Netflix's 'Building the Band' official winning group's name revealed. You won't believe the prize they received "This modernization is happening while Social Security faces its worst funding crisis in decades. The trustees in 2024 projected the program's combined retirement and disability trust funds may last until 2035," Michael Ryan, a finance expert and the founder of told Newsweek. "Think about that. The agency is investing millions in new technology while knowing it might only be able to pay 83 cents on the dollar in 10 years. It's like renovating the kitchen while the house is on fire." Under the Social Security Fairness Act, the SSA said it would be sending 3.1 million payments to eligible recipients. which became law on January 5. Under the new law, the agency identified 2.8 million Social Security beneficiaries whose benefits were reduced because of the Windfall Elimination Provision or Government Pension Offset. Those included police officers, firefighters, teachers, and other public servants. The agency said it completed the task five months ahead of the estimated time of a year or more. ALSO READ: Was Elon Musk right? Trump caught in Jeffrey Epstein files' lie involving Pam Bondi SSA Commissioner Frank Bisignano said in a statement: "Our strategy is clear: serve customer needs quickly and completely, no matter how they contact us. We will continue to evaluate our tools, technology, and processes to empower our workforce to provide best-in-class customer service to the American people." The SSA also alerted recipients to another change heading their way in the fall. Starting September 30, the SSA will no longer issue paper checks for benefit payments.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Climate
- Time of India
Extreme heat warning in 11 US states and record-high temperatures could be broken. Is yours on the list?
Tens of millions of people will swelter under a lingering heat dome swirling over the eastern half of the US in the coming week, meteorologists warn. The National Weather Service (NWS) said more than 35 million people are at a major or extreme risk of heat effects. Current forecasts show the number doubling on July 24 as hot weather shifts eastward. By July 25, it will reach nearly 90 million, with advisories or warnings covering most of the eastern half of the country. 'Even though it's midsummer, this is pretty notable,' says Bryan Jackson, a meteorologist at the NWS Weather Prediction Center in College Park, Md. Extreme heat warning in US Extreme heat warnings and heat advisories have affected US from the Upper Midwest to the South for several days in a row this week. The pattern is expected to continue for the rest of the month, with several states expecting record heat as dangerously high temperatures persist across the nation, reports NewsWeek. ALSO READ: Netflix's 'Building the Band' official winning group's name revealed. You won't believe the prize they received The Central US from Wisconsin to Louisiana was under a heat advisory on Wednesday. In some areas, temperatures and humidity levels were severe enough to prompt extreme heat warnings. Heat advisories also stretched into the Northeast. Live Events The persistent heat, although uncomfortable and even life-threatening at times, does not look as though it will break many high-temperature records in the Mississippi Valley, where most of the heat is, AccuWeather Meteorologist Alex DaSilva told Newsweek. "A lot of records in the Mississippi Valley where most of the heat is located are really high, and to get to those records would take a lot," he said. ALSO READ: Was Elon Musk right? Trump caught in Jeffrey Epstein files' lie involving Pam Bondi 11 US states warned of extreme heat However, record-high minimum temperatures could be broken across 11 states. "Record high [minimums] are when your low temperature at night is at a record high," DaSilva told Newsweek. "A lot more of those are going to be broken here over the next couple of days." Through Thursday, there's potential for 11 states to break record-high minimum temperatures: Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, Louisiana and possibly Alabama, DaSilva said. At night, temperatures across these regions will remain in the upper 70s or lower 80s. When combined with the humidity, it's going to be "really nasty," DaSilva told NewsWeek. During the day, the heat index — or what the temperature actually feels like — could soar to between 110 and 115 degrees from St. Louis, Missouri, down to Central Louisiana. Nighttime heat can be especially hazardous, as many cooling options like pools, cooling centers, movie theaters, and restaurants are often closed during those hours. ALSO READ: $1,390 Stimulus check in 2025: Do Americans need to pay tax on the amount and who needs to apply? "For people who don't have AC or people more vulnerable to heat, this can cause issues," DaSilva said. AccuWeather Meteorologist Alex DaSilva told Newsweek: "Toward the weekend, everything shifts east, so it kind of expands. Places in the Northeast will join the party on Friday and into the weekend. Today and tomorrow most of heat will be confined Mississippi Valley. On Friday, the heat gets into the Northeast, as well places even into New England and the Carolina coast can break those record high mins." National Weather Service (NWS) in a post on Facebook: "It's the height of summer, so it being hot in the southern U.S. is no surprise. BUT, when triple digits during the day barely drop to 80 overnight, it becomes extremely dangerous. Extreme and record heat is likely throughout the South through next week with extreme impacts possible for those without adequate cooling or hydration." The NWS has issued several messages warning people that the heat could persist through the end of July. People across the states impacted by the heat are encouraged to monitor local weather guidance, stay hydrated and stay out of the sun as the heat persists.
Time of India
20-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
National Ice Cream Day 2025: FDA issues risk warning due to 'class II health risk'. Here's what you can do
It's the National Ice Cream Day in the United States and from ice cream chains to restaurants and even grocery stores, there are ways to score freebies and deals all day long. However, on this 'sweet' day, an Ohio creamery has recalled several of its ice cream flavors because of undeclared allergens , reports NewsWeek. Based in Wauseon, Turkeyfoot Creek Creamery has issued a voluntary recall for multiple pint-size products that were distributed to six retail locations. The affected items have been pulled from store shelves. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Select a Course Category others healthcare Finance MCA Management Technology Data Science Others Cybersecurity Artificial Intelligence Public Policy CXO MBA Healthcare Digital Marketing Project Management Design Thinking PGDM Data Science Leadership Degree Operations Management Data Analytics Product Management Skills you'll gain: Duration: 16 Weeks Indian School of Business CERT - ISB Cybersecurity for Leaders Program India Starts on undefined Get Details The FDA has classified the recall as 'Class II health risk'- which refers to a situation in which the "use of or exposure to a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villas Prices In Dubai Might Be More Affordable Than You Think Villas In Dubai | Search Ads Get Quote Undo ALSO READ: Barack Obama-Michelle finally address divorce rumours: 'There hasn't been one moment in our marriage...' Ohio creamery recalls ice cream flavours Millions of people in US are subject to food allergies or food sensitivities, says FDA. Food sensitivities can range from mild reactions to potentially life-threatening symptoms. The agency recognizes nine major food allergens: milk, eggs, sesame, fish, tree nuts, crustacean shellfish, peanuts, wheat and soybeans. Live Events The recall issued by Ohio creamery affects pints of Mocha, Cacao, Cookie Dough, Cookies and Cream, Cacao Brownie Bites, Chocolate Peanut Butter and Avalanche as they may contain "undeclared soy and/or wheat", reports NewsWeek. ALSO READ: Astronomer CEO Andy Byron's divorce bill revealed following Coldplay kiss cam controversy with HR chief While no illnesses have been reported so far, the presence of undeclared allergens poses a potential risk to consumers with soy or wheat allergies. Soy can trigger reactions ranging from mild symptoms—such as hives and stomach cramps—to severe anaphylaxis in sensitive individuals. Wheat allergies can cause similar symptoms—including respiratory issues, skin reactions and, in some cases, life-threatening allergic responses. The recalled ice cream pints were sold in paper cartons with paper lids and distributed to six retailers in Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio. The recall covers all expiration dates, which are printed on the bottom of each carton. "There have been no reports of illness involving products addressed in this recall, however, individuals exhibiting signs or symptoms of an allergic reaction after consuming Turkeyfoot Creek Creamery Ice Cream involved in this recall should contact a physician immediately," according to a news release from the Ohio Department of Agriculture. Consumers who have purchased the affected products are urged not to consume them and to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Those with questions can call 419-583-7124.
Time of India
07-07-2025
- Climate
- Time of India
Tropical storm Chantal hurricane weakens but still poses big threat to North Carolina. NHC issues urgent travel warning
Tropical storm Chantal made landfall on the East on Sunday, impacting millions of Carolians. The storm has prompted flash flood warnings as it brought heavy rain and winds to coastal areas. Chantal was downgraded to a depression on Sunday after making landfall but continues to pose significant risks of flash flooding across central and eastern North Carolina, according to NewsWeek. ALSO READ: Texas flood horror: Trump planning to re-hire fired meteorologists after devastating tragedy kills 82? by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Join new Free to Play WWII MMO War Thunder War Thunder Play Now Undo Tropical storm Chantal hurricane Flood watches were issued for central North Carolina and south-central Virginia through Monday, with total rainfall of 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 centimeters) and local amounts up to 6 inches (15 centimeters) that could lead to flash flooding, the hurricane center said. Forecasters said dangerous surf and rip currents at beaches from northeastern Florida to the mid-Atlantic states are expected to last for the next couple of days. As the intensity of the storm lessened, heavy rainfall and dangerous surf conditions remained a threat from the coastal Carolinas as far north as the Mid-Atlantic states. Though the National Hurricane Centre (NHC) cancelled tropical storm warnings for the region but it has advised that rainfall in some pockets could reach up to 6 inches, increasing the threat for flash floods and dangerous travel conditions on Sunday and Monday. Live Events "The Haw River at Bynum in Chatham County is now forecast to crest near 21.2 feet at around 8 a.m. Monday morning," said Jonathan Blaes of the National Weather Service on Sunday night. "At 9:31 p.m., the river was at 17.0 feet and the river had surged up more than 4 feet during the past hour and 7.7 feet over the past two hours. This crest is just below the all-time crest or flood of record of 21.8 feet set during Hurricane Fran." ALSO READ: Melania's unexpected praise for Taylor Swift amid Donald Trump's sharp criticism of American singer Risk of flash floods in Carolina? Even though Chantal has weakened, millions of people still remain in the affected zone and their lives might be at stake. Heavy rains on already saturated grounds heighten the risk of flash flooding, particularly near rivers and low-lying areas of North Carolina. Accumulations of 2 to 4 inches—locally up to 6 inches—were forecast, potentially threatening property, infrastructure, and transportation, according to a report in NewsWeek. The Weather Prediction Center (WPC) highlighted the continued "threat of flash flooding across nearby coastal plain" as a key concern, urging residents to heed local advisories. Chatham County, North Carolina, said on its official X account that part of NC Highway 902 near Chatham Central Rd. had collapsed. "Over 100 roads across the county are flooded, and flooding is expected to continue through tonight and tomorrow—even after the rain ends," the county said. ALSO READ: Anti-Trump protests to hit US streets as 'Free America' rallies planned on July 4: All FAQs answered As flood warnings are in effect, emergency management offices preemptively advised residents to avoid water-covered roads and monitor changing conditions, underscoring the vulnerability of the region during peak Atlantic hurricane season, now in its early active phase. "These rainfall amounts may lead to scattered instances of flash flooding. Chantal is forecast to steadily weaken to a remnant low as it moves further inland through North Carolina by Monday morning" the WPC warned. The remnants of Chantal are expected to continue moving northeastward through North Carolina and toward southern Virginia by Monday. The risk of isolated heavy downpours and flash flooding will persist into Monday, even as the storm weakens further. ALSO READ: Trump's 'big beautiful bill' hands senior citizens a surprise but there's a catch The warnings of flash floods in North Carolina come at a time after deadly flash floods in Texas killed at least 82 people over the Fourth of July holiday weekend and left others still missing. The devastation along the Guadalupe River, outside of San Antonio, has drawn a massive search effort as officials face questions over their preparedness and the speed of their initial actions.
Time of India
04-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
July 4th events cancelled in some US cities amid Independence Day celebrations: Is yours on the list?
Citing fears of Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers, several cities across the United States have cancelled their Fourth of July celebrations just before the holiday, reports NewsWeek. These cities have expressed apprehensions that ICE officials might use these events to arrest people, thus prompting them to cancel or postpone their celebrations. On July 4, Americans usually celebrate Independence Day with large gatherings and fireworks but current events and city budgets are affecting how people spend the holiday in 2025, the report mentions. These cancellations also come as the FBI and DHS have said they are working together to ensure there are no terrorism incidents over the holiday weekend, amid fears of a lone-wolf attack similar to the New Year's Eve attack in New Orleans. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Play War Thunder now for free War Thunder Play Now Undo List of cities cancelling July 4 celebrations Los Angeles: Several Fourth of July celebrations have been canceled in Los Angeles over fears of raids by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, according to local officials and event organizers, according to ABC News. ICE agents last month carried out a series of immigration sweeps across Southern California, sparking protests in Los Angeles that spread nationwide as the raids impacted other parts of the country. ALSO READ: Anti-Trump protests to hit US streets as 'Free America' rallies planned on July 4: All FAQs answered Live Events Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation said on social media: "It is with deep respect and a heavy heart that the County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation cancellation of this year's East Los Angeles Rockin 4th of July celebration. Out of caution, and in response to recent ICE enforcement activity impacting our communities, we are prioritizing safety and well-being of our residents, visitors, and staff." Bell Gardens: The city of Bell Gardens has canceled all Independence Day events due to concerns about ICE. The predominantly Hispanic city has been hosting several events over the past few months aimed at educating immigrants on their rights regarding ICE arrests, according to NewsWeek. Esparto Area, CA: Displays in Lodi Lake, El Dorado, Chico, Cloverdale, and St Helena have all been canceled following an explosion at the warehouse containing fireworks for these events. Whittier, CA: The city of Whittier has canceled its 4th of July Freedom Walk following community concerns about the event. Although city officials did not reference ICE in the announcement, Whittier has seen an increase in ICE activity over the past months. Whittier Mayor Joe Vinatieri said in a press release: "While celebrating our nation's founding is very important to me and to Whittier residents, my colleagues and I also want to be sensitive to the recent feedback we've received from some community members asking that we pause this year's Freedom Walk event." Mayor Joe Vinatieri cited "recent feedback we've received from some community members" as the reason for canceling the event. Whittier is still hosting a fireworks display at York Field. ALSO READ: 'Free America': Trump to face nationwide revolt on July 4. Check full list of US cities holding protests SeaTac, WA: The city of SeaTac has canceled its fireworks display, the report said, citing concerns over crowd control and safety. David Inman, the city's communications director, said Angle Lake Park, where the display takes place, has a capacity of 3,200 people, but 10,000 people came last year with only 10 police officers on duty. Itasca, IL: The village of Itasca is known for hosting the largest Fourth of July fireworks display in Illinois, but has had to cancel the famous event this year. Village administrator Carrie Ergo said it was an "extremely difficult decision to make." The display has been canceled due to construction around Hamilton Lakes Business Park. Itasca Village Administrator Carrie Ergo said in a press release: "This was an extremely difficult decision to make. Itasca takes great pride in hosting the biggest and best fireworks show in Northern Illinois. Our first priority is always protecting the safety and security of Itasca residents, businesses, and visitors. Given the unique challenges presented this year, we cannot confidently recommend hosting fireworks in 2025." ALSO READ: Are Starbucks, McDonalds, Dunkin' Donuts, Walmart open on July 4 in US? Check details Immigration raids in Los Angeles More than 1,618 people in Los Angeles have been arrested by the federal government since it began clamping down on residents without citizenship last month, according to the Department of Homeland Security. The detentions have spread fear across Southern California, where some 1.4 million people are estimated to live without full legal authorization, according to the nonpartisan Migration Policy Institute. Since then, arrests have been reported at taco trucks, worksites and even immigration court — prompting some Latino residents to avoid going out in public, whether they have legal status or not. ALSO READ: July 4 federal holiday in US: Are stock market, banks, schools and UPS open today? Check full list Anti-Trump protests on July 4 Meanwhile, Independence Day events are scheduled in protest of Trump's policies, including slashes to Medicaid, said Tamika Middleton, managing director of Women's March. The group had organized the Women's March on Washington in 2017, the day after Trump's first inauguration. This year's events will range from low-key pot lucks to rallies in large cities. For instance, a gathering will be held at a naturalization ceremony in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, to show support for new citizens. But there will be larger protests in bigger cities, including one outside Houston's City Hall. 'We're inviting folks to envision what a truly free America looks like,' Middleton said.
