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See - Sada Elbalad
12-07-2025
- Politics
- See - Sada Elbalad
Emergency 911 Systems Go down in Pennsylvania
Rana Atef On Friday, the state of Pennsylvania is racing to address an issue with its emergency 911 systems. The issue was reported via an emergency alert as a 'statewide intermittent 911 outage.' However, Randy Padfield, the state's Emergency Management Director, said it isn't an outage. According to CBS News Philadelphia, sources said that it's a third-party company IT issue. The company is contracted with the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency. Padfield said it's too soon to identify the reasons behind the issue, expecting that it could be a software or hardware problem. "Pennsylvania is experiencing a statewide intermittent 911 outage. Individuals experiencing issues contacting 911 are asked to contact their local 911 Center on their non-Emergency lines,' the alert stated. "The system continues to have some intermittent connectivity issues at this point in time. They are still trying to troubleshoot," Padfield added. During his latest update, Padfield said it appeared that most 911 calls were going through, but he added that there were some 'intermittent issues' with the calls. "Individuals should continue to use 911, and if they would call 911 for an emergency and the call is not delivered, they should use the backup seven-digit administrative line or follow the instructions of their local 911 center or public safety answering point," said Padfield. 'We are on top of the issue and working to restore full service as quickly as possible,' Governor Josh Shapiro said in a statement on X. 'In the meantime — stay calm, follow the directions of PEMA and local authorities, and do not call 911 for any reason other than an emergency.' read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News Israeli-Linked Hadassah Clinic in Moscow Treats Wounded Iranian IRGC Fighters News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War News "Tensions Escalate: Iran Probes Allegations of Indian Tech Collaboration with Israeli Intelligence" News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks Arts & Culture Hawass Foundation Launches 1st Course to Teach Ancient Egyptian Language Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream
Newsweek
01-07-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
Trash Collection Advice Issued as Philadelphia Workers Strike
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Philadelphia residents have been warned to brace for a largescale workers' strike designed to shut down key infrastructure, such as garbage removal, starting Tuesday. Roughly 9,000 staff belonging to the city workers' union―the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) District Council (DC) 33―will down tools in a move affecting services from trash collection to street cleaning, including police dispatch. One of the first things that the city's residents will notice is that no employees will arrive to remove their trash from Tuesday morning, with Mayor Cherelle Parker issuing information to households about how to dispose of their garbage. Public trashcans also look set to remain unemptied with garbage piling up in the streets of the Pennsylvania city. A sanitation worker clears trash in this archive photo from November 2011, which was taken in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. A sanitation worker clears trash in this archive photo from November 2011, which was taken in Philadelphia, has reached out by email to DC 33 and the mayor's office seeking comment. Why It Matters This marks the first time the city's largest workers' union is on strike in almost 40 years, according to CBS News Philadelphia, after negotiations for new contracts broke down. It comes just ahead of the Fourth of July long weekend, which will see the city hosting a Wawa-sponsored free concert featuring LL Cool J and a fireworks display on Friday. Mayor Parker, a pro-labor Democrat, promised that celebrations in the nation's birthplace would go on as usual. "Keep your holiday plans. Don't leave the city," she said. What To Know The union wants an 8 percent pay increase every year for four years and improved health care benefits, according to CBS News Philadelphia. But Parker said it's impossible to meet those terms and argues her offer of a one-off 12 percent rise over her term is generous, and would also run alongside the existing health care coverage. It's not just trash collection services that are due to be affected by the strike. Some 200 police officers will be moved from their usual duties to operating phonelines at the dispatch call center, and wait times for 911 calls are expected to rise. Crossing guards are also expected to leave their posts, and parents were advised to ensure they can get their children to and from school safely in the meantime. And the Water Department says its customers will likely wait longer for service and repairs. Philadelphia residents have been told not to place their trash or recycling on the curbs outside their homes from Tuesday, and have been reminded that illegally dumping trash elsewhere can result in prosecutions. Instead, the city has created 63 temporary drop-off locations for residents to bring up to eight bags of trash, Parker said, adding that the list of sites and opening times are available on the city's website. Residents were told they can take their bagged household trash there on their usual collection days and Parker confirmed that more sites will open if necessary. However, all sites will be closed on July 4, even if the strike remains in force at that time. No loose trash will be accepted and the streets will not be cleaned. The city has asked residents to hang on to their recyclable materials for as long as possible to allow them to focus on household waste, due to heath and safety concerns. But trash that can be recycled will be accepted at the six existing Sanitation Convenience Centers. What People Are Saying Mayor Cherelle Parker said on Monday: "Obviously, this is the topic that is on everyone's minds today: 'How will the city dispose of my trash if there's a work stoppage?' If there is a work stoppage, the Department of Sanitation will be operating on what we refer to as a modified capacity. There will be no residential trash collection or recycling effective Tuesday, July 1. We encourage residents, and we ask you, to please refrain from placing any trash or recycling out for curb-side collection until further notice." Workers' union DC 33 took to its Facebook page to inform its members that the two sides had failed to reach a deal over a "marathon negotiating session" over the weekend. Under a banner proclaiming "NO DEAL!" the union said that a "lack of progress on critical matters such as fair wages and comprehensive healthcare benefits" meant the union was now "moving forward with our plans for Monday's rally and expect to be on strike at 12.01 a.m. Tuesday morning." The union told its members: "Together, we will strive to achieve a fair and equitable agreement that honors your contributions and secures a bright future for everyone involved. In solidarity!" What Happens Next The city's workers will hope the strike will force the city to revise their pay offer and result in a better deal for union members, while the city will be hoping its stopgap measures will keep Philadelphia running. In the meantime, the city's residents must navigate the loss of basic services.
CBS News
30-06-2025
- Health
- CBS News
CBS Philadelphia helps recover refund after medical billing error
How to avoid a medical bill error | In Your Corner How to avoid a medical bill error | In Your Corner How to avoid a medical bill error | In Your Corner Opening up a medical bill with a bigger balance than you expected can be a stressful surprise. It could also be a mistake. Edmund Bulmash contacted In Your Corner for help after he received a big bill for a procedure he'd thought was covered by his insurance. The 74-year-old Camden County, New Jersey, man went in for a tooth extraction in February, a procedure his primary care dentist doesn't provide. So Bulmash said he found an in-network oral surgeon and scheduled the surgery. But afterward, he said he was shocked to be hit with a $930 bill, significantly higher than what he expected. "It's a lot of money," he said. "I'm a retiree on a fixed income." Bulmash reluctantly paid it. "It was definitely in the network; otherwise, I wouldn't have used them," he said. "So I thought it would have some portion of it compensated." CBS News Philadelphia reached out to Bulmash's insurance provider, Horizon Blue, which agreed to look into his case. A few weeks later, Bulmash said he received a check in the mail for a partial refund of $340, along with an explanation stating he should've only been billed $590. Turns out, Bulmash was incorrectly charged the provider's out-of-network rate, but ultimately still owed out-of-pocket because his particular dental plan only covers primary care services. "I'm happy," Bulmash said. "I mean, it's not $930, but I'm happy." In an emailed statement, a spokesperson for Horizon Blue said Bulmash's case, "is a reminder that people can contact their insurance plan before getting care if they have any questions, want to discuss options, or understand ways they can lower their out-of-pocket costs." The statement went on to read, "While we were able to get Mr. Bulmash a refund of monies he was owed by the dentist he chose for his care, we always prefer to help members understand their benefits and get the care they need at the price they expect." Kevin Brasler, executive editor with the Delaware Valley Consumers' Checkbook, said when you get a surprise bill, don't immediately pay it. "As a consumer advocate, this is kind of strange to say," he said. "But paying for healthcare itself is just enormously complicated." Brasler says it's important to do your homework to determine if it might be an error, or if your insurer just didn't pay the claim yet, or if the provider billed incorrectly. "So start by calling the provider and say, 'I got this bill can you explain it to me? Why am I responsible for this amount of money versus what I expected?" he said. Ultimately, if you are billed correctly but still owe a large balance, Brasler said you have other options to consider: You might qualify for a financial assistance program. Many hospitals offer assistance in various ways -- for example, price discounts, lowered or eliminated copays and deductibles. You can request a payment plan. Providers typically allow you to pay bills over time, without interest. You may even be able to negotiate a lower price. Do you have a money question, a consumer issue, or a scam story you want to share? Email InYourCorner@
CBS News
17-06-2025
- General
- CBS News
Free Black Americans lived in NJ's Timbuctoo decades before Juneteenth — but the history is falling apart
NJ community was home for free Black Americans decades before Juneteenth — but it's falling apart NJ community was home for free Black Americans decades before Juneteenth — but it's falling apart NJ community was home for free Black Americans decades before Juneteenth — but it's falling apart In the spirit of Juneteenth, a holiday that commemorates the emancipation of enslaved Black people in the U.S., a historic free Black community in Burlington County is fighting to keep its story alive while facing decades of neglect. Timbuctoo, New Jersey, was founded by formerly enslaved people nearly 200 years ago — long before June 19, 1865. It remains home to descendants like Guy Weston and his mother, Mary Giles Weston, now 89, who still hold treasured family documents and memories of the land their ancestors built. Through the Timbuctoo Historical Society, Weston's family has protected the community's Civil War cemetery, believed to be the only above-ground evidence of this once-thriving settlement. But residents say local leaders in Westampton Township have failed to preserve the rest. "They plugged some potholes last year for Juneteenth, but not for residents," Weston said, pointing to crumbling streets and vacant homes that he says could be turned into a museum honoring Timbuctoo's legacy. The township acquired one such property from an affordable housing developer with plans to create that museum, but more than a decade later, the home still sits empty—leaving neighbors frustrated by what they call broken promises. "We didn't want to ignore the past… we wanted it to be part of our present," Weston added. CBS News Philadelphia reached out to township officials for comment. This story will be updated with their response.
CBS News
03-06-2025
- Climate
- CBS News
Philadelphia skies will be hazy Tuesday due to Canadian wildfire smoke, but no air quality alerts in effect
Smoke from the Canadian wildfires will be visible in the Philadelphia region on Tuesday, but no major impacts on air quality are expected. Over 100 "out of control" fires are burning across Canada, in particular the provinces of British Columbia, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, which sit to the north of midwest and mountain states including Montana, North Dakota and Minnesota. The Canadian Interagency Fire Center says there are 10 new fires as of Tuesday morning. In the U.S., smoke has particularly impacted air quality in Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota. In Minneapolis and St. Paul, an air quality alert was in effect for forecasted "unhealthy" air, while in other parts of the state, air quality was predicted to reach the "hazardous" level. How Philadelphia region will be impacted by Canada wildfires Winds are carrying some of that smoke to the eastern U.S. on Tuesday. Smoke in the Philadelphia area will mostly stay high in the atmosphere, and the air we breathe down on the ground should stay relatively clear. No air quality alerts are in effect at this time. The haze will start to appear Tuesday afternoon and you will probably notice the difference compared to a perfectly clear day — but the sun should still be visible. Remember that even if it seems a little less sunny than a clear day, the sun's UV rays can still make it to the surface. You should still use sun protection as normal if you're outdoors. This is a far different situation compared to 2023, when smoke from fires burning in Quebec descended down to the surface, greatly impacting air quality across the East Coast — and at one point, giving Philadelphia the worst air quality in the world. Map shows when wildfire smoke is thickest over Philadelphia CBS News Philadelphia This map from our morning newscasts shows the thickest smoke, represented by the redddish orange color, setting in around 4 p.m. or 5 p.m. before cycling out overnight. Areas like the Jersey Shore could see some lingering thicker smoke Wednesday morning, which might make for a brilliant sunrise. How can I monitor air quality near me? When air quality turns hazardous, local health authorities will issue alerts — typically the worst these get is a Code Orange, meaning the air is unhealthy for sensitive groups, like people with lung conditions. CBS News Philadelphia The air quality index ranges from green for good to maroon for hazardous. You can see the full scale in the image above. If an air quality alert is issued for smoke, it means the air contains a higher-than-normal measured concentration of particulate matter less than 2.5 microns, commonly abbreviated as PM2.5. PM2.5 is narrower in diameter than a human hair and due to its small size, can penetrate into the deepest parts of your lungs, with potential to induce inflammation or tissue damage. As of Tuesday morning, June 3, there are no air quality alerts in the Philadelphia region including Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware. You can see real-time air conditions on a map at
