Latest news with #rise
Otago Daily Times
5 hours ago
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
Budget rates relief ‘necessary'
Oamaru. PHOTO: PETER MCINTOSH Rates relief for potentially hundreds of Waitaki senior citizens through Budget 2025, is "timely and necessary", Age Concern Otago says. The Budget last week announced a rise in the income abatement threshold for SuperGold Cardholders and their households to be eligible for the maximum rebate from $31,510 to $45,000, about the same rate as a couple receiving superannuation. "In the Waitaki District alone, over 5700 people receive NZ Super, many of whom will benefit directly from this support," Age Concern Otago chief executive Mike Williams said. "While we don't have exact figures on how many will qualify, we do know that around 40% of New Zealanders aged 65 and over have virtually no other income beyond NZ Super. With nearly a quarter of Waitaki's population aged 65 or older, and rates set to rise by an average of around 10% across the district, this support is both timely and necessary." The maximum rebate for the scheme will also increase from $790 to $805, while those SuperGold cardholders with income higher than $45,000 will be eligible for a smaller rebate. Ratepayers can apply for the new maximum rebate under the new abatement thresholds after July 1. Application forms will be available from councils and will also be able to be downloaded from the New Zealand Government website ( and then submitted to local councils. Waitaki district mayor Gary Kircher is positive in his support for the move. "It's a tough budget for many, though I see some benefits in the budget for our community," he told the Oamaru Mail. "It is good to see that more of our Super Gold Card holders will be eligible for rates relief, as the government recognises the pressures on local government and their ratepayers. "This is welcome news for many of our Waitaki ratepayers, especially those on fixed incomes who own their own homes." Any over-65s with questions about eligibility can contact Waitaki District Council on 03 433 0300 or by contacting service@ Mr Kircher said there were other good news items in the Budget. "An increase of $2.7b for roads schools and hospitals will help, though at least some of those increases had already been announced. "From a council perspective, it will be extremely helpful if the government increases the ability of NZTA to match more of our funding to help councils make progress on the overall underinvestment in roading. "There will be general benefits for our community with the sensible changes to prescriptions, and improvements to our after-hours healthcare, along with an extra $1b for new health infrastructure. "However, the zero increase to many budgets and the decrease in others will be difficult for most government agencies. "I doubt that it has been an easy task for the government, and there is some good logic behind a number of changes. "Unfortunately, many people are doing it bloody hard right now and there will some who are going to be slightly better off, but not all of those most affected." Waitaki MP Miles Anderson said the district would also benefit from Budget 2025's new Investment Boost initiative, which would provide "a major new tax incentive to encourage businesses to invest, grow the economy, and lift wages". "This is great news for farms and businesses in the Waitaki and the initiative is already seeing a strong positive response from the sector. "With our region's strong rural and supporting industries we need businesses to invest in productive assets — like machinery, tools, equipment, vehicles and technology. Investment drives productivity improvements, makes firms more competitive and supports employers to improve workers' wages. "Investment Boost allows a business to immediately deduct 20% of the cost of a new asset, on top of depreciation, meaning a much lower tax bill in the year of purchase." That meant better cashflows, which in turn, makes potential investments "stack up financially", he said. On top of a $164m investment in rural health, including expanded and improved after-hours health services in Oamaru, the Budget also strengthened education provision with $1.5billion to improve student achievement, including $646m of initiatives to ensure earlier identification of, and better help for, children with additional physical, learning and behavioural needs, he said. Another $700m would deliver new schools and classrooms. "We are making smart improvements in education that will make a real difference for young people here," Mr Anderson said.
Time of India
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Rikishi voices frustration over Jey Uso's WWE direction, calls for booking overhaul
Image via WWE WWE Hall of Famer Rikishi has voiced strong concerns over the creative direction surrounding his son Jey Uso, who is currently enjoying his first reign as World Heavyweight Champion. While Jey remains a prominent figure in the promotion, Rikishi believes WWE's decision to book him in a tag team match at Money in the Bank (MITB) 2025 undermines his stature as a singles champion. Speaking on his Off The Top podcast, Rikishi criticised WWE's creative team for what he called 'confusing booking' and even joked that he should be allowed to book Jey's matches instead. 'Bro why? Why? I mean, Jey is a World Heavyweight Champion by himself… just book me so I can book my son's matches out there,' he quipped. Rikishi shows concern over storyline momentum Jey Uso is set to team up with Cody Rhodes to face Logan Paul and John Cena at MITB on June 7. While the lineup looks star-studded on paper, Rikishi questioned the decision to place a reigning world champion in a non-title tag match instead of spotlighting him in a marquee singles bout. 'You beat Logan Paul the first time they lock up? I wouldn't have done that. Should've waited for a gimmick match,' Rikishi added, pointing out that Paul's star power could've been better utilized. YADADAMEAN?! Rikishi Fatu - Off The Top (Episode 61) He also took aim at the upcoming World Title match scheduled for June 9 on RAW, where GUNTHER will challenge Jey Uso. According to Rikishi, the match should've happened much sooner and with added stakes, possibly a stipulation that matches their in-ring reputations. While Rikishi may not be pleased with Jey's creative arc, he was full of praise for two other members of the Samoan dynasty - Jacob Fatu and JC Mateo (formerly Jeff Cobb). Rikishi labeled Fatu a 'future Hall of Famer' and lauded his rise from personal struggles to becoming one of WWE's hottest new stars. He also applauded Mateo's quick impact since debuting at WWE Backlash and likened his physical presence to that of a prime Taz, highlighting his suplex-heavy style and agility despite his build. 'To see him get that financial stability after grinding on the indies - man, I'm proud,' Rikishi said. Fans online appear to agree with Rikishi's sentiment. Many have questioned the lack of title defenses for Jey and criticized WWE for relying too heavily on tag matches featuring champions at Premium Live Events.
Mint
11 hours ago
- Health
- Mint
Covid-19 alert: CM Siddaramaiah led Karnataka govt issues circular — ‘do not send children if…'
Covid-19: In the wake of the recent spike in Covid-19 cases, the Karnataka government has issued a circular asking parents not to send their children to school if they have fever, cough, cold and other symptoms. 'If fever, cough, cold and other symptoms are found in school children, do not send the children to school and follow appropriate treatment and care measures as per doctor's advice,' reads the circular, issued by the Karnataka government. As of Friday, Karnataka has recorded 234 Covid active cases. Three patients with the infection, who had other comorbidities, have died since January 1. The number of Covid-19 cases across India witnessed a five-fold jump with active cases nearing 3,000 — Kerala leading the latest spike — followed by Maharashtra and Delhi, shows government data. As of May 30, India reported 2,710 active Covid-19 cases with a rise of 511 new cases from the previous day. The Karnataka government has advised that children should be sent to school only after they have fully recovered. It also stressed the need to strictly follow precautionary measures such as hand hygiene, cough etiquette, and other COVID-19 appropriate behaviors (CAB), reported PTI. 'Overall, strict adherence to Covid-19 precautionary measures has been instructed in the interest of the health of school children,' the state government's notice read. The Commissioner, Health and Family Welfare department in Karnataka issued precautions to be taken in government and private schools, as instructed during the Covid-19 situation review meeting chaired by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah held on May 26. According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), Delhi, on Saturday (May 31) saw 294 active cases and one death. The figure records a spike in 56 cases as compared to Friday, May 30. New Delhi, India - May 27, 2025: Patients seen waiting in long queues for general OPD outside LNJP Hospital in New Delhi, India, on Tuesday, May 27, 2025. Delhi is experiencing a slight increase in COVID-19 cases, but the situation remains under control (Photo by Sanchit Khanna/ Hindustan Times) Earlier, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) confirmed that while COVID-19 cases were once again being reported in parts of the country, the current variants in circulation were showing mild symptoms similar to the Omicron strain.
CNN
a day ago
- Business
- CNN
Americans pulled back on their spending in April amid tariff rollout
American consumers reined in their spending in April following a tariff-fueled buying binge the month before, according to new data released Friday that also showed inflation cooled off again. Friday's report from the Commerce Department showed that consumer spending rose 0.2% last month, a weaker-than-anticipated reading but a notable retreat from March's 0.7% surge when Americans front-loaded purchases — notably new cars — ahead of potential price increases from President Donald Trump's tariffs. The latest data also showed inflation moving closer to the Federal Reserve's target of 2%, almost where it was before the tariffs rollout. The Personal Consumption Expenditures price index was 2.1% for the 12 months ended in April, a slowdown from the 2.3% annual gain in March. On a monthly basis, prices rose 0.1%, a slight acceleration after holding steady in March. Economists were expecting the PCE price index to rise 0.2% from March and to ease to an annual rate of 2.2%, and for spending to slow to 0.4%, according to FactSet. This story is developing and will be updated.
USA Today
a day ago
- Business
- USA Today
When do Social Security payments go out in June? See full 2025 schedule
When do Social Security payments go out in June? See full 2025 schedule Show Caption Hide Caption Social Security uncertainty and policy changes are driving more people to file With a significant rise in Social Security applications, retirees face financial decisions influenced by legislation and economic concerns in today's climate. Scripps News After a month in which Social Security payments arrived later in the month than usual, benefits for June are hitting sooner. Social Security – mostly for those who are older or retired – typically pays benefits on Wednesdays, with the first wave of payments going out the second Wednesday of the month and the rest of payments going out the subsequent Wednesdays. Last month, the second Wednesday fell on May 14, the latest date that payments could go out. Timing for June's payments are more the norm. Recipients whose birthday falls between the first and 10th of the month are issued payments on the second Wednesday of the month, which this month is June 11, according to Social Security Administration's calendar. Beneficiaries born between the 11th and 20th are paid on the third Wednesday (June 18), and those born after the 20th of the month get payments on the fourth Wednesday of the month (June 25), according to the SSA calendar. Social Security recipients who began getting benefits before May 1997 are paid on the 3rd of the month. Those who get Supplemental Security Income checks won't get a check in the month of June, but they got two checks in the month of May, due to quirks of the calendar. Work till you drop?: Here's why America's average retirement age keeps rising. June Social Security payment schedule The Social Security Administration's yearly distribution schedules for 2025 and 2026 are available online so that you can check the calendar for budgeting purposes. Regular Social Security retirement benefits for the month of June will be sent out on the SSA's usual schedule: Wednesday, June 11: Birth dates between the first and 10th of the month. Birth dates between the first and 10th of the month. Wednesday, June 18: Birth dates between the 11th and 20th of the month. Birth dates between the 11th and 20th of the month. Wednesday, June 25: Birth dates between the 21st and 31st of the month. What is SSI? Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a benefit program for those with limited income or resources, those aged 65 or older, and those who are blind or have a qualifying disability. Children with a qualifying disability can also get SSI,, according to the SSA's website. In general, adults who qualify for SSI do not have monthly wages above $2,019. Those who may be eligible for SSI can begin the application process online, in person at your local Social Security office, or by calling 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time during the work week. SSI payment schedule for 2025 Supplemental Security Income checks will be sent out on the following dates in 2025, according to the SSA calendar. Friday, May 30, 2025 (Check for June 2025) Tuesday, July 1, 2025 (Check for July 2025) Friday, Aug. 1, 2025 (Check for August 2025) Friday, Aug. 29, 2025 (Check for September 2025) Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025 (Check for October 2025) Friday, Oct. 31, 2025 (Check for November 2025) Monday, Dec. 1, 2025 (Check for December 2025) Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025 (Check for January 2026) Mike Snider is a reporter on USA TODAY's Trending team. You can follow him on Threads, Bluesky, X and email him at mikegsnider & @ & @mikesnider & msnider@ What's everyone talking about? Sign up for our trending newsletter to get the latest news of the day
