National News

BoatUS registers concern over NOAA staff & budget cuts

SPRINGFIELD, Va., A – In a recent letter sent to Rep. Tom Cole (R-OK), the Chairman of the Committee on Appropriations to the U.S. House of Representatives, Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) expressed concern over the Trump Administration’s efforts to reduce the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) workforce and implement other […]

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SSA head corrects reports about Social Security offices closing

From a news release WASHINGTON, D.C. – The head of the Social Security Administration states recent reports in the media that the Social Security Administration (SSA) is permanently closing local field offices are false. Acting Commissioner of Social Security Lee Dudek states in a news release: “Since January 1, 2025, the agency has not permanently closed

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Social Security updates recently announced identity proofing requirements

From a news release WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Social Security Administration (SSA) is taking proactive steps to enhance the security of its services by implementing stronger identity verification procedures. The updated measures will further safeguard Social Security records and benefits for millions of Americans against fraudulent activity. In-person identity proofing for people unable to use

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Social Security increases transparency and accountability

From a news release WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Social Security Administration (SSA) announced today several new initiatives and resources to promote greater transparency and accountability. “President Trump has been clear that good government must serve the People. This begins with being transparent in how its government makes decisions and operates as good stewards of the

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Social Security Administration resumes treasury offset program collections after COVID-19 suspension

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced the immediate resumption of debt collection activities through the Treasury Offset Program (TOP) for debts accrued prior to March 2020. This decision comes after a suspension of collections due to the economic challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Treasury Offset Program, administered by the

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Social Security strengthens identity proofing requirements and expedites direct deposit changes to one day

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Social Security Administration (SSA) is taking proactive steps to enhance the security of its services by implementing stronger identity verification procedures. The updated measures will further safeguard Social Security records and benefits against fraudulent activity. Over the next two weeks, SSA will carefully transition to stronger identity proofing procedures for both

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Social Security announces cost reduction and enhancements plan

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In response to stakeholder feedback and a recent audit by the Government Accountability Office (GAO), the Social Security Administration (SSA) is pleased to announce a comprehensive plan aimed at reducing costs and enhancing the Electronic Consent Based Social Security Number Verification (eCBSV) service. This initiative is designed to ensure the continued viability of the

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Age Spots

By Jackie Dover Take a Moment and Think We have talked about different kinds of scams before but no matter how many times, there are always new scams and people who get taken in by them. Recently one of my twins, 18, called to tell me about a senior at the store he works struggling

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Social Security announces AI enhancements for hearings recordings

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Social Security Administration (SSA) announced today they will finish the nationwide rollout of its Hearing Recording and Transcriptions (HeaRT) system this month. The HeaRT system replaces an antiquated and bulky hardware system in each hearing office with a software only solution that records and produces transcripts for each case at the

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Regional prices rose 0.3 percent in February, up 3.1 percent over the year

KANSAS CITY – The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) in the Midwest Region advanced 0.3 percent in February, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. The all items less food and energy index increased 0.4 percent. Energy prices declined 0.4 percent and the index for food fell 0.1 percent over the

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