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Some Social Security recipients will see reduced benefits starting in July as the agency begins recovering the funds initially sent to Americans who received a boost in their monthly checks in recent years.

While the Social Security Administration has implemented several changes this year, its latest action aims to recoup overpayments made to millions of Americans in the past, according to USA Today.

What is an overpayment?

Overpayment can occur when a beneficiary fails to notify the agency of changes in their income, which prompts the SSA to overpay them or to miscalculate their monthly benefits.

Social Security paid almost $72 billion in improper payments to Americans who receive benefits from the government program during the 2015-2022 fiscal years, according to a 2024 report from the Social Security Administration’s Office of the Inspector General.

The report states that although the amount is less than 1% of total benefits paid, the Social Security Administration had $23 billion in uncollected overpayments by the end of 2023.

“Improper payments have been a longstanding challenge for SSA. While the Agency has taken actions to address this challenge, it needs to do more, and OIG’s recommendations can guide the Agency as it determines those corrective actions,” Michelle Anderson, assistant inspector general for audit and acting inspector general, said at the time, per Kiplinger. “Without better access to data, increased automation, systems modernization, and policy or legislative changes, improper payments will continue to be a major challenge for SSA into the future.”

What are the changes some recipients could face in July?

According to News Nation, some beneficiaries could see their benefits cut in half starting in July. This means that instead of collecting the entire benefits check, the agency will deduct 50% of the funds toward repayment, as announced in April.

The percentage is higher than the initial 10% being taken for overpayments. However, this changed in 2023 after the agency received negative feedback regarding the practice of deducting money from recipients’ benefits, according to Cox Media Group.

Former Social Security chief Martin O’Malley said at the time, “Innocent people can be badly hurt,” per the Detroit Free Press.

When did SSA notify recipients of the changes?

Overpayment notices were sent to recipients on April 25; those affected by the new policies would begin to see reduced benefits on July 24, according to the policy report on the SSA’s website.

The agency said that when a Title II beneficiary is overpaid, they’re notified to repay the full amount immediately and informed of their right to request a waiver, reconsideration or reduced withholding, typically within 90 days.

“If the individual does not request a lower rate of withholding, reconsideration, or waiver after the approximately 90-day period, we will recover the overpayment by withholding up to 50 percent of their Title II benefit payment (if there is no fraud or similar fault), until we fully recover the overpayment,” the SSA stated.

The Food and Drug Administration on Tuesday upgraded a recall of organic blueberries to a deadly level due to potential contamination.

Alma Pak International LLC, located in Alma, Georgia, initially recalled over 400 boxes of 30-pound organic blueberries on June 9 due to contamination with Listeria monocytogenes after routine testing, according to the FDA. The recall has now been elevated to a Class 1 recall.

What is a Class 1 level by the FDA?

The agency states that the three recall levels range from the highest and most deadly to mild. Class 1 is labeled as “a situation in which there is a reasonable probability that the use of or exposure to a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death.”

People reported that the recalled blueberries were shipped to one customer in North Carolina. Officials have advised consumers who may have bought or come into contact with the contaminated fruits (marked with Lot numbers 13325 G1060 and 13325 G1096) to discard them immediately.

What is Listeria?

Listeria is a deadly bacterial infection that can spread through various types of food. It poses serious risks for pregnant women, seniors, and those with weakened immune systems. Foods commonly linked to contamination include soft cheeses, deli meats, and unpasteurized dairy products, according to the Mayo Clinic.

The recall on blueberries is the latest batch of produce to be pulled from supermarket and retail-store shelves over possible contamination concerns. In June, Blavity reported that there were two Class 1 deadly tomato recalls due to salmonella contamination in multiple states.

Nissan has recalled over 440,000 vehicles last week due to engine defects that could lead to failure and increase the risk of a crash.

The recall, listed under campaign number 25V437, affects several models, all of which are equipped with either a 3-cylinder 1.5L or 4-cylinder 2.0L variable compression turbo (VC-Turbo) engine, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

What are the Nissan recalled models?

The recalled models include:

2021–2024 Nissan Rogue

2019–2020 Nissan Altima

2019–2022 Infiniti QX50

2022 Infiniti QX55

“The engine bearings may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine failure,” Nissan wrote of the potential risk factors in its announcement on the NHTSA’s website, noting that a failed engine can lead to a loss of motive power and increase the risk of a crash.

Here’s what owners need to know about the recalled Nissan models, including notification timelines and available reimbursement options.

Most of the recalled vehicles are 2021-2024 Nissan Rogues

Nissan confirmed in its announcement that 443,899 vehicles have been recalled, with the majority being Nissan Rogues, per USA Today and the NHTSA report.

2021-2024 Nissan Rogue – 348,554 vehicles2019-2022 Infiniti QX50 – 84,536 vehicles2019-2020 Nissan Altima – 5,685 vehicles2022 Infiniti QX55 – 5,124 vehicles

What Steps Is Nissan Taking to Fix the Problem?

According to the report, the car dealer will inspect the engine oil pan for metal debris at no cost to the owner.

If no debris is found, vehicles with the 3-cylinder 1.5L engine will get a new oil pan gasket, fresh oil, and an ECM update. For those with the 4-cylinder 2.0L engine, only an oil change is needed. Both services are free, Nissan said.

If metal debris is detected and confirmed, Nissan will replace the engine at no cost.

A mass shooting outside a restaurant and lounge in Chicago’s River North neighborhood left four people dead and more than a dozen injured late Wednesday night during a private mixtape release party for rapper Mello Buckzz.

According to Block Club Chicago, the shooting happened around 11:02 p.m. outside Artis Restaurant and Lounge when a dark-colored car drove past the venue, and someone inside opened fire on a crowd gathered outside, Chicago police said. The driver sped off immediately after the shooting.

Victim count and their known conditions as of now

The victims ranged in age from their early 20s to their 30s, with several in critical condition. Two women, ages 26 and 27, were shot in the chest and later pronounced dead at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, police said.

Two men, identified by the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office as Leon Andrew Henry, 25, and Devonte Terrell Williamson, 23, were also killed. One was shot in the head, and the other in the chest, and both were taken to Stroger Hospital, where they died, per Block Club Chicago.

Williamson was reportedly the boyfriend of Buckzz, whose real name is Melanie Doyle. On Thursday, she posted a tribute to him on her Instagram Stories, writing, “My heart broke into so many pieces,” and asked for prayers. “I don’t wish this typa pain on nobody.”

According to reports, a close friend of Doyle’s was also killed.

At least 14 other people were injured and transported to local hospitals.As of Thursday, three women remained in critical condition, including a 24-year-old shot in the back, a 25-year-old shot in the leg and a 21-year-old shot in the mouth. Additionally, a 31-year-old woman was in serious condition with multiple gunshot wounds.

The remaining 10 victims, men and women between the ages of 24 and 32, were in fair to good condition, police said.’

The shooting happened at a private mixtape release party

The event was a private gathering to celebrate Doyle’s mixtape release, and the restaurant was not open to the public at the time of the shooting, Supt. Larry Snelling said during a news conference on Thursday. He said the shooting did not appear to be random.

“Obviously, there’s a motive there,” Snelling said. “It is safe to say this venue was targeted.”

A video from the scene showed partygoers celebrating inside moments before gunfire erupted outside. A separate video captured people standing in front of the business before the unidentified vehicle pulled up, and someone inside began shooting. The Victims were seen running, ducking for cover, and fleeing toward the nearby subway lines.

Alderman Brendan Reilly calls for Artis to be shut down permanently

Artis Restaurant and Lounge, a queer- and Black-owned Creole restaurant founded by spouses Brandi and Brittany Artis, was dubbed a cultural hub for the LGBTQ+ community and soft-launched its opening in April.

This is the second fatal shooting that has happened at this location. Fox 32 Chicago reported that in November 2022, one person was killed, and three others were hurt outside what was then the Hush Lounge. After the shooting, Chicago police and Alderman Brendan Reilly’s office issued a summary closure and revoked its liquor license.

On Thursday, Reilly called on the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection to immediately revoke Artis’ business license and close the establishment, arguing that the owners had been dishonest about their plans for the space.

“Despite early assurances from the new restaurant owner that this venue would support local artisans, foster inclusivity, and serve as a hub for connection, creativity, and joy—the owners decided to turn over their venue to promote a new rap album release,” Reilly said. “It is clear the new operators were dishonest with the City about their plans for the venue and have now contributed to a devastating act of violence—just weeks after opening as a BYOB ‘restaurant.’”

On Wednesday, Microsoft announced it will lay off around 9,000 employees. It’s the tech company’s second round of major layoffs this year and its largest in more than two years, according to The Associated Press. Here’s everything we know about the cuts and how it’ll affect Microsoft moving forward.

Microsoft said layoffs are necessary for company’s success in a “dynamic marketplace”

Microsoft’s layoffs are hitting the tech company across divisions around the world, including the company’s Xbox video game business, among others. According to a notice sent to state officials in Redmond, Washington, where Microsoft ‘s headquarters are, 830 workers will be losing their jobs at the location.

The tech company noted that its divisions will experience “organizational changes” that have been deemed “necessary to best position the company and teams for success in a dynamic marketplace,” The Associated Press reported. Microsoft neglected to share the exact amount of total layoffs, but it noted that it’s around 4% of the workforce it had last year.

In a memo to gaming division employees on Wednesday, Xbox CEO Phil Spencer said the layoffs will help the tech company’s video game arm be better prepared for “for enduring success and allow us to focus on strategic growth areas,” per The Associated Press.

A source told CNBC that, similar to the tech company’s May layoffs, which saw more than 6,000 employees lose their jobs, Microsoft is hoping to reduce management that sits in between individual contributors and top executives.

Spencer noted that Xbox plans to “follow Microsoft’s lead in removing layers of management to increase agility and effectiveness.”

Microsoft has laid off thousands of employees in recent years

According to CNBC, Microsoft has been laying off employees rapidly over the last few years. After the May layoffs, the tech company cut at least 300 more jobs in June. Back in 2023, it laid off 10,000 people.

Microsoft had its biggest round of layoffs more than a decade ago. In 2014, the tech company axed 18,000 jobs amid an acquisition of Nokia’s devices and services business.

As of June 2024, the last time it reported its annual headcount, the tech company had 228,000 full-time workers.

Chuck E. Cheese is opening new arcade centers targeted to adults and longtime fans of the franchise, the company announced on Monday. Chuck’s Arcade centers will merge older games with newer ones across the U.S.

The goal of these arcades is to provide a space for adults who love arcades and fans of Chuck E. Cheese.

“The arcade was created for adults and lifelong fans who grew up surrounded by the electric glow of arcade screens, the symphony of digital soundtracks and the thrill of chasing high scores with friends long into the night,” the company said in a press release. “Chuck’s Arcade™ is a modern-day love letter to the games and people who made Chuck E. Cheese great.”

The company is nearing its 50th anniversary

Chuck E. Cheese CEO David McKillips sees the opening of these new arcade centers as the natural expansion of the franchise as the company nears its 50th anniversary.

“Chuck E. Cheese has spent decades mastering the arcade experience — it’s in our DNA,” CEO of Chuck E. Cheese David McKillips said in a press release. “Thanks to the expertise of our talented technicians and the successful transformation of almost 500 fun centers worldwide, we’ve built the operational and creative foundation to take our brand beyond our traditional four walls. Chuck’s Arcade™ is a natural evolution — an opportunity to extend our arcade legacy into new formats that engage both lifelong fans and a new generation through a curated mix of retro classics and cutting-edge experiences.”

What you can expect to find at a Chuck E. Cheese Arcade location

The company has opened ten locations in several malls across the country, including in St. Petersburg, FL; Trumbull, CT; Oklahoma City and Tulsa; Victor, NY; Buford, GA; El Paso; Nashua and Salem, NH and St. Louis. More locations are set to open in the future.

Each arcade center reportedly has its own unique theme and features different games. Visitors will be able to enjoy retro games like Ms. Pac-Man, Galaga, Mortal Kombat, Donkey Kong and Centipede. They will also be able to play newer additions such as racing simulators and immersive virtual reality to more recent classics like Jurassic Park, Halo and Connect Four Hoops.

American Idol Season 23 winner Jamal Roberts turned down a significant honor in his home state of Mississippi.

Ahead of his August performance in Laurel, Mississippi, it was announced that the singer, who won the competition singing show in May, would receive a key to the city. However, some residents were enraged. Here’s what they said and how Roberts responded.

Laurel locals threaten to bring guns to Roberts’ August performance

Ahead of Roberts’ Aug. 2 performance in Laurel, Drake Paige, a local club promoter, shared on Facebook on Friday that Mayor Johnny Magee permitted him to offer Roberts a key to the city at the event.

The post received many negative comments and threats toward Roberts, with some saying they would bring firearms to Roberts’ concert.

“He ain’t from laurel. That ain’t fair now,” one tamer comment read.

Roberts addressed the comments and threats in a Facebook Live, during which he said he wasn’t interested in the honor.

“I did not ask for a key to the city,” Roberts said. “Y’all should get it and give it to them, somebody that’s deserving, I guess. … You know, been working in the community for years. But I don’t want it.”

Roberts thanked Magee for the honor, but reiterated he didn’t want a key to the city.

“But, respectfully, keep it,” he said.

The singer said he still plans on performing in the city.

Roberts received a key to Atmore, Alabama, in June

Following a June show in Atmore, Alabama, Roberts and his daughters were presented with a key to the city. The singer happily accepted and posted on Instagram that Atmore “made us feel like we were at home.”

“Wow, today Atmore, Alabama gave the girls and I a key to the city and embraced us and made us feel like we were at home 😭. Thank y’all for loving on my babies and accepting me just the way I am,” he captioned his post.