Latest news with #Huston
Yahoo
20 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Social security employees warn of delays: What the new priorities means for your benefits
If you need to update Social Security about on a recent move or bank account change, get in line. It could be a while. Such cChanges like these may are likely to take longer, and thousands of Americans could see delays or even stopped checks in the meantime, Social Security employees warned USA TODAY. That's because Social Security officials have tweaked what they want some employees to treat as a priority for at least the next month to include about 900,000 complicated cases that must be completed by hand. While the White House says the additional work won't affect other beneficiaries, employees tell USA TODAY that adding something new and complicated at the top of their daily to do lists means other work doesn't get done. Some of the work that they expect to fall through the cracks ‒ like changing direct deposit information or fixing problems with Medicaid billing ‒ could mean the difference between receiving a check or not, they said. Social Security Administration employees at processing centers generally prioritize new claims and appeals each day. In late May, employees at many of the nation's eight processing centers were told to put Social Security Fairness Act payments at the top of their work list and were offered weekend overtime to get it done. More: Public workers waited 40 years for law to boost Social Security. Now, they wait for payout Early this year, former President Joe Biden signed into law the Social Security Fairness Act that will boost benefits to public servants like former teachers or postal workers, to account for money they paid into Social Security for their summer or off-hour private sector jobs but weren't fully paid under previous law. The agency initially set a November deadline to process over 3.2 million Fairness Act claims. New Social Security commissioner Frank Bisignano told senators during his March confirmation hearing that he will prioritize those payments and the work will be done 'while the weather is warm.' 'Using automation, SSA has already expedited over $15.1 billion in long-delayed retroactive payments to more than 2.3 million individuals affected," White House spokesperson Liz Huston said. The agency is prioritizing the remaining about 900,000 cases that are too complex to be processed through automation. These cases require additional time to manually update the records and pay both retroactive benefits and the new benefits amount. Huston said the agency won't let other needs fall behind. "This project is very important to leadership and it's critical the agency executes it swiftly, efficiently, and without letting anything else fall through the cracks," Huston said. But months of upheaval at the Social Security Administration, which distributes retirement, disability, and survivor benefits to more than 70 million Americans of all ages, has spooked many who rely on money provided by the agency for either day-to-day help or for security in their retirement. Thousands of employees have accepted early buyout offers, interim leaders have changed what identification can be used and modification to technology behind the scenes caused multiple website failures. The turmoil led to increased wait times on the phone and extended waits to schedule in-person appointments at field offices. A half-dozen employees at several of the nation's Social Security processing centers said they were told that the new commissioner wants all of the Social Security Fairness Act claims resolved by July 1, and that they also need to address a backlog of claims that has built up. Several of the processing center employees who spoke to USA TODAY said they are afraid of retribution for speaking to the media. Multiple Social Security employees said the orders were relayed verbally, rather than in a written directive, which they said is unusual. Normally an edict to change priorities would have come by email so everyone received the same information, one employee said. One employee at a processing center on the East Coast shared a Teams message from their manager with USA TODAY that stated they should only assist if the call is related a new claim, an appeal or a Social Security Fairness Act case 'until our workload focus is lifted.' The message states they currently expect that order to end July 1, and instructs the employee to inform callers that they cannot help with other issues until then. More: Social Security wait times were already long under Biden. They're even longer under Trump. Employees who received the order said they were told they cannot help with non-priority issues like overpayment reconsideration, updating direct deposit information, checking on monthly payment rates, and Medicare billing related issues. An employee at a processing center on the West Coast told USA TODAY that processing new claims has always been the agency's top priority, but that adding the Social Security Fairness Act claims as a must-do item will cause delays in resolving more complicated and time consuming problems. The East Coast employee said he's having to tell caller after caller that he cannot address their Social Security-related need for the next month, which results in both him and his manager being yelled at all day. Employees working at some processing centers have been offered overtime to work Saturdays and Sundays for the next five weeks in order to ensure they complete their priority assignments and possibly complete other work, the employees said. Some who offered to work the overtime were told they could be allowed to work the overtime from home. Another employee in a separate East Coast processing center said they agreed to work several hours on Saturday for time and a half pay. They spent a day in late May processing only new claims and Social Security Fairness Act cases, which their manager said would continue through the end of June. The employee said they normally spend about 6 hours of each work day on issues like problems with Medicaid payments, death underpayments or when disability benefits and retirement benefits are accidentally paid at the same time. Those will not get done, the employee said. We want to hear from people affected by or who have inside knowledge of the Trump administration's efforts to reshape the government, including actions by DOGE. Know something others should? Reach out at swire@ or Signal at sarahdwire.71 This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Social Security workers warn of delayed benefits as focus shifts
USA Today
20 hours ago
- Business
- USA Today
Social security employees warn of delays: What the new priorities means for your benefits
If you need to update Social Security about on a recent move or bank account change, get in line. It could be a while. Such c Changes like these may are likely to take longer, and thousands of Americans could see delays or even stopped checks in the meantime, Social Security employees warned USA TODAY. That's because Social Security officials have tweaked what they want some employees to treat as a priority for at least the next month to include about 900,000 complicated cases that must be completed by hand. While the White House says the additional work won't affect other beneficiaries, employees tell USA TODAY that adding something new and complicated at the top of their daily to do lists means other work doesn't get done. Some of the work that they expect to fall through the cracks ‒ like changing direct deposit information or fixing problems with Medicaid billing ‒ could mean the difference between receiving a check or not, they said. What changed? Social Security Administration employees at processing centers generally prioritize new claims and appeals each day. In late May, employees at many of the nation's eight processing centers were told to put Social Security Fairness Act payments at the top of their work list and were offered weekend overtime to get it done. Early this year, former President Joe Biden signed into law the Social Security Fairness Act that will boost benefits to public servants like former teachers or postal workers, to account for money they paid into Social Security for their summer or off-hour private sector jobs but weren't fully paid under previous law. The agency initially set a November deadline to process over 3.2 million Fairness Act claims. New Social Security commissioner Frank Bisignano told senators during his March confirmation hearing that he will prioritize those payments and the work will be done 'while the weather is warm.' 'Using automation, SSA has already expedited over $15.1 billion in long-delayed retroactive payments to more than 2.3 million individuals affected," White House spokesperson Liz Huston said. The agency is prioritizing the remaining about 900,000 cases that are too complex to be processed through automation. These cases require additional time to manually update the records and pay both retroactive benefits and the new benefits amount. Huston said the agency won't let other needs fall behind. "This project is very important to leadership and it's critical the agency executes it swiftly, efficiently, and without letting anything else fall through the cracks," Huston said. But months of upheaval at the Social Security Administration, which distributes retirement, disability, and survivor benefits to more than 70 million Americans of all ages, has spooked many who rely on money provided by the agency for either day-to-day help or for security in their retirement. Thousands of employees have accepted early buyout offers, interim leaders have changed what identification can be used and modification to technology behind the scenes caused multiple website failures. The turmoil led to increased wait times on the phone and extended waits to schedule in-person appointments at field offices. 'Until our workload focus is lifted' A half-dozen employees at several of the nation's Social Security processing centers said they were told that the new commissioner wants all of the Social Security Fairness Act claims resolved by July 1, and that they also need to address a backlog of claims that has built up. Several of the processing center employees who spoke to USA TODAY said they are afraid of retribution for speaking to the media. Multiple Social Security employees said the orders were relayed verbally, rather than in a written directive, which they said is unusual. Normally an edict to change priorities would have come by email so everyone received the same information, one employee said. One employee at a processing center on the East Coast shared a Teams message from their manager with USA TODAY that stated they should only assist if the call is related a new claim, an appeal or a Social Security Fairness Act case 'until our workload focus is lifted.' The message states they currently expect that order to end July 1, and instructs the employee to inform callers that they cannot help with other issues until then. Employees who received the order said they were told they cannot help with non-priority issues like overpayment reconsideration, updating direct deposit information, checking on monthly payment rates, and Medicare billing related issues. An employee at a processing center on the West Coast told USA TODAY that processing new claims has always been the agency's top priority, but that adding the Social Security Fairness Act claims as a must-do item will cause delays in resolving more complicated and time consuming problems. Yelled at all day The East Coast employee said he's having to tell caller after caller that he cannot address their Social Security-related need for the next month, which results in both him and his manager being yelled at all day. Employees working at some processing centers have been offered overtime to work Saturdays and Sundays for the next five weeks in order to ensure they complete their priority assignments and possibly complete other work, the employees said. Some who offered to work the overtime were told they could be allowed to work the overtime from home. Another employee in a separate East Coast processing center said they agreed to work several hours on Saturday for time and a half pay. They spent a day in late May processing only new claims and Social Security Fairness Act cases, which their manager said would continue through the end of June. The employee said they normally spend about 6 hours of each work day on issues like problems with Medicaid payments, death underpayments or when disability benefits and retirement benefits are accidentally paid at the same time. Those will not get done, the employee said. We want to hear from people affected by or who have inside knowledge of the Trump administration's efforts to reshape the government, including actions by DOGE. Know something others should? Reach out at swire@ or Signal at sarahdwire.71
Time of India
26-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
IOC finally to repair Nyjah Huston's Paris skateboarding medal: What actually went wrong?
Image composite: Instagram, X Olympic skateboarder Nyjah Huston will soon have his prized Paris 2024 bronze medal restored, following a widespread issue that has affected more than a hundred athletes across various sports. In an exclusive update to TMZ Sports on May 26, 2025, Huston confirmed that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has taken possession of his damaged medal for repairs, rather than replacing it entirely, a move the athlete welcomed, saying he preferred to keep the original. 'I think it's actually a lot cooler than just replacing it,' Huston said, 'because I would still like to have my original medal.' The damage to Huston's medal, won during the men's street skateboarding competition on July 29, 2024, first became public in August 2024 when he posted a video showing visible peeling and chipping. He said the medal deteriorated quickly after exposure to sweat and handling by friends, calling its condition 'rough' and even likening it to having 'been to war.' Huston is not alone. British diver Yasmin Harper, French swimmers Yohann Ndoye-Brouard and Clément Secchi, and Irish rowers Daire Lynch and Philip Doyle are among the athletes who reported their medals fading, chipping, or cracking within days of winning them. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like เทรด CFDs ด้วยเทคโนโลยีเทรดสุดล้ำ และ รวดเร็วกว่า IC Markets สมัคร Undo Harper said her bronze medal 'tarnished a bit' before she had even left Paris. Doyle's medal, he told officials, was 'smashed, almost destroyed.' The widespread complaints prompted the IOC and the Paris 2024 Organising Committee to investigate, leading to the announcement that defective medals will be replaced with identical versions, engraved to match the originals. The Monnaie de Paris, the official French state mint that manufactured the medals, is overseeing the replacement process, which has been underway since August 2024, when the medal maker initially vowed to replace Huston's bronze following his public complaint. 'The medals are the most coveted objects of the Games and the most precious for the athletes,' the Monnaie de Paris told TMZ Sports last year, pledging to replace all damaged medals. A spokesperson later told AFP that the mint had already replaced dozens and would continue to do so 'in the same professional manner.' What Went wrong The medals from the Paris Olympics were designed by luxury French jeweler Chaumet and produced by the Monnaie de Paris. A key design feature included a polished hexagonal piece of iron sourced from the Eiffel Tower, embedded into each gold, silver, and bronze medal. While visually striking, the construction came with complications. Each bronze medal, made of an alloy of copper, tin, and zinc, weighed approximately 455 grams. While aesthetically pleasing, bronze is more susceptible to moisture and oxidation. This vulnerability was exacerbated by a last-minute regulatory change: a European Union directive banned the use of chromium trioxide, a key component in the traditional varnish used to protect the medals. The Monnaie de Paris was forced to substitute the varnish shortly before production, without sufficient time for quality testing. The result: medals that looked prestigious but failed to hold up under normal conditions. Athletes reported surface tarnishing, flaking, and peeling, often after nothing more than brief contact with skin or sweat. Adding to the controversy, French media outlet La Lettre revealed that more than 100 medals have already been returned. The issue led to a major shake-up at the Paris Mint, with the resignation or dismissal of key figures including industrial director Jacky Frehel, production director Éric Matte, and head of quality Hélène Juton between October 2024 and January 2025. Speaking to AFP, the Paris Mint dismissed the IOC's use of the term "defective," instead describing the medals as "damaged"—a distinction that underscored the tension surrounding the controversy. The medals' production involved at least 30 intricate stages, relying on the traditional savoir-faire of the Monnaie de Paris, one of France's oldest and most prestigious public institutions, founded in 1864 by Charles II. The Mint has a long Olympic history, having also crafted medals for the Athens 1896 and Paris 1924 Games. A Reputational crisis The medal debacle has become a full-blown PR crisis for the IOC and Paris 2024 organizers. As memes and criticism flooded social media, the reputation of the Games—and its corporate sponsors—took a hit. Some fans mocked the medals as resembling "crocodile skin," while others sarcastically labeled them "Paris 1924 editions." The situation has triggered broader concerns over the sustainability strategy used to produce the medals. The Paris 2024 Games had touted its medals as environmentally responsible, using recycled materials from electronic waste. However, some metallurgists now argue that the recycling process may have compromised the quality and durability of the bronze medals in particular. The Monnaie de Paris previously faced a similar issue with another high-profile client—Huawei—which returned over 12,000 cracked medals awarded to employees, also due to problems with varnishing. Looking ahead While the medal damage has cast a shadow over what should have been a moment of celebration, efforts are underway to correct the issue. The IOC says replacements or repairs will be completed in the coming weeks. As for Huston, he's keeping his focus on the future, and a possible second Olympic medal. The 30-year-old skater told TMZ Sports he hopes to compete at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. 'I can't say I'm going out there expecting another medal,' he said, 'but I'll be working hard to stay healthy and keep up with the young guns.' Get IPL 2025 match schedules , squads , points table , and live scores for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
IURC Chariman Jim Huston announces plans to retire in early 2026
Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission Chairman Jim Huston said he plans to retire by January 2026. (Photo courtesy IURC) Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) Chairman Jim Huston announced his retirement Friday and said he plans to step down in January 2026 after more than a decade with the agency. Although Huston's second term officially ended April 1, he has remained in the role temporarily — and will continue to do so until a successor is appointed. He was originally named to the commission by Gov. Mike Pence in 2014 and reappointed as chairman by Gov. Eric Holcomb in 2018. The IURC Nominating Committee is now seeking Huston's replacement, the commission said in a news release. 'It is with a grateful heart that I announce my intent to retire,' Huston said in a written statement. 'It is a blessing to work alongside our incredibly talented professional staff every day, and I am proud of the work we accomplish on behalf of Hoosier families.' CONTACT US The powerful five-member commission oversees more than 600 electric, natural gas, steam, water and wastewater utilities operating in Indiana, according to its website. It regulates rates, financing, bonding, environmental compliance plans and service territories, with final say over changes to the utility bills millions of Hoosiers pay. During his tenure, Huston worked to streamline agency processes and reinstituted semi-annual 'Reliability Forums,' where utility stakeholders assess seasonal preparedness for energy demand. In 2024, he testified before the U.S. Congress on state-level challenges facing electric service reliability. Huston currently serves as co-chair of the Federal-State Issues Collaborative, and holds roles with the North American Electric Reliability Corporation and GTI Energy. 'I want to thank Chairman Jim Huston for his service with the IURC over the past decade. He is a lifelong public servant and is leaving the agency in much better shape than when he arrived,' Gov. Mike Braun said in a statement. 'I wish Chairman Huston the best in retirement.' Prior to his IURC appointment, Huston served as chief of staff at the Indiana State Department of Health. During Gov. Mitch Daniels' administration, he separately served as executive director of the Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives. The office has since been absorbed by Indiana's Department of Workforce Development as the agency's 'Serve Indiana' division. Huston also worked for four members of Congress and former Gov. Robert Orr. He has twice received the Sagamore of the Wabash, one of Indiana's highest honors. Huston said he looks looks forward to 'the next chapter' of his life, which will include 'spending a little more time' with his family and grandchildren. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Wall Street Journal
12-05-2025
- Wall Street Journal
Did You Shoot Somebody in Self-Defense? There's an Insurance Policy for That.
Within an hour, a USCCA attorney called to represent him. But after Huston was arrested and charged with attempted murder, he says the USCCA lawyer told him the case was a difficult one and advised him to plead guilty to a lesser charge. He went out and found a new lawyer, who got the charges dismissed. Even though USCCA also paid for the new lawyer, Huston quit his membership shortly after the two-year legal saga ended.
