Author: TECH

The Social Security Administration is making “significant progress” towards a “digital-first” platform that will serve its beneficiaries.Social Security Commissioner Frank J. Bisignano briefed the Social Security Advisory Board on Jan. 7, 2026, highlighting significant customer service improvements over the past year.Those improvements include 65% more calls answered in fiscal year 2025 compared to 2024, a 33% reduction in backlog of disability claims and the completion of $17 billion in Social Security Fairness Act payments five months ahead of schedule, according to the agency.“The American people are experiencing a Social Security Administration that has been transformed through digital innovation and strategic…

When considering overall health, hearing often takes a back seat compared to other senses. Yet, our ears are vital instruments that contribute to communication and quality of life. One aspect of ear health that often goes overlooked is the simple yet crucial practice of ear care. With growing awareness around hearing health, gentle ear care procedures have emerged as a focus for maintaining long-term auditory well-being. Understanding Ear Health The human ear is an intricate system designed to capture sound and maintain balance. When cared for properly, it serves us well throughout our lives. Neglect, on the other hand, can…

A strong habit foundation is built on daily habits that support health, wealth, and security. Simplicity in what you eat, how you manage money, and the steps you take to keep your family safe and create lasting resilience.By practising consistent habits, you can strengthen energy, financial stability, and peace of mind, building a home where everyone can thrive and adapt with confidence.Practical Habits That Build Health, Wealth, and SecurityFocusing on health, wealth, and security helps you build lasting habits. Each area adds a layer of strength to your home. By practising daily routines and setting up safety nets, such as…

Morning all! Irien Joseph here with Friday’s Europe Wire, coming to you from the London newsroom.We lead today with mental and behavioral health, a sector described by Cooper Parry’s Andy Parker as having “long-term” growth rates. Government-led awareness programs, wider adoption of telemedicine and the expansion of digital health tools are all supporting that growth and private equity is leaning in. PE Hub’s Sophie Rose has compiled a listicle highlighting six deals in the sector in the last four months.Next, we dive into what’s getting deals done right now, and what’s hindering them. We have comments from Aon’s Andrea Foti on…

116 years ago today, the great jazz guitarist and composer Django Reinhardt was born. Regarded as one of the most influential musicians of the twentieth century, the Belgian-born Romani-French musician is known for playing with only two fingers. Reinhardt spent his youth in Romani encampments near Paris, where he played violin, banjo, and guitar. When he was 18 he was terribly burned in an accident that hospitalized him for 18 months and badly damaged the ring and pinky fingers of his left hand. Doctors believed he would never play guitar well again, but he regained his musical mastery by developing…

Persistent mental healthcare access disparities among minoritized youth populations signal gaps separating evidence-based interventions from on-the-ground services needed by historically underserved communities. A number of barriers impact access to services including but not limited to financial/insurance limitations, lack of culturally and linguistically responsive providers, scheduling and transportation difficulties, stigma, and mental health knowledge. Access disparities have a negative impact on minoritized youth life trajectories as untreated mental health problems are related to a higher risk of several adverse outcomes including academic difficulties, juvenile delinquency, family conflict, and/or adult physical health concerns. While substantial research has been conducted to examine barriers…

When planning for retirement, Social Security isn’t just another item on your financial checklist. For women, especially, it’s often the cornerstone of a secure retirement. Edward Jones financial advisor Charlie Holt was in our studio Thursday to speak on the topic. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJET/WFXP/YourErie.com.

For decades, the American dream has been synonymous with supersized living. Sprawling suburban homes with multiple bedrooms, expansive living areas, and three-car garages have represented the pinnacle of success. Yet mounting evidence suggests that once we cross a certain threshold, additional square footage fails to deliver the happiness we expect. Recent research indicates that the relationship between home size and life satisfaction is far more complicated than real estate marketing would have us believe. What the research reveals Studies examining housing and well-being have found surprisingly weak correlations between home size and reported happiness. A comprehensive analysis using the British…

High workplace stress is continuing to push UK employees into sick leave, with new polling suggesting many still do not believe their employer treats mental health as a genuine priority backed by action. One in five workers said they had taken time off due to poor mental health caused by stress over the past year, while younger adults were far more likely to report absence for the same reason. The findings add to concerns about sustained pressure across the workforce and the risk of repeated absence when recovery is not properly supported. The data also points to a persistent gap…

                                Case File When a Florida bus driver made misrepresentations about an injury she experienced in 2021, she lost out on worker’s compensation benefits for it. But when she experienced another injury in 2022, for which the 2021 accident was the major contributing cause, was she left without a compensable injury? Simply Research subscribers have access to the full text of the decision. Case Pinellas County Transit Authority v. Jackson, No. 1D2024-1522 (Fla. Dist. Ct. App. 11/12/25) What Happened? A Florida bus driver reinjured her…