The Epoch Times News Brief for Tuesday, April 2, 2024, hosted by Bill Thomas, covers significant stories including changes in Social Security policy and courtroom dramas. The Social Security Administration has introduced a new policy to reduce the burden on beneficiaries repaying overpayments, now collecting 10 percent of the total monthly benefit. Exceptions apply in cases of fraud, with beneficiaries able to negotiate lower rates for existing overpayments. The SSA emphasizes the right to appeal or request a waiver for overpayment collection.
Lawmakers have criticized Social Security overpayments, which totaled $6.5 billion in fiscal year 2022. The agency faces challenges in reducing overpayments, especially with Disability Insurance beneficiaries. However, the SSA is improving payment accuracy by working with payroll data providers. The federal government’s attempt to expand fair lending rules was blocked by U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk, who found the interpretation of federal law incorrect.
Judge Kacsmaryk’s ruling prevents the enforcement of expanded lending rules that would require banks to serve low- and moderate-income individuals. The judge highlighted flaws in the new rules, including incorrect readings of the law authorizing federal banking agencies to assess deposits, leading to a preliminary injunction. The judge has previously gained attention for nationwide injunctions against government policies.
The U.S. Judicial Conference announced a new policy to prevent judge shopping, where litigants file cases in specific districts to get a preferred judge. U.S. Circuit Judge James Ho criticized this move, emphasizing the need to follow laws enacted by Congress. Attorneys representing former President Donald Trump are considering seeking the recusal of Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Juan Merchan in his “hush money” case due to potential conflicts of interest related to his daughter’s political consulting firm. President Trump expressed frustration with Justice Merchan and his daughter, citing their involvement in fundraising related to the case. Justice Merchan refuted the claims made by President Trump, stating that the evidence presented was speculative and did not meet the legal requirements for recusal. The former president has denied allegations made by adult film actress Stormy Daniels regarding an alleged affair in the 2000s.
The hush money case is scheduled to commence on April 15 in Manhattan. Magistrate Judge Humberto Acosta in El Paso released some illegal immigrants allegedly involved in a border stampede at the U.S.–Mexico border on their own recognizance, as the El Paso District Attorney’s Office was not prepared to proceed with hearings.
Dozens of Venezuelan nationals were charged with riot participation after tearing down razor wire and rushing the border fence. Judge Acosta ordered their release on their own recognizance during a bond hearing held via teleconference on March 31.
The release of the rioting participants came after reinforcement of border security by the Texas National Guard and local law enforcement officials. Despite this, El Paso Mayor Oscar Leeser stated that he did not request National Guard troops.
Arrests for illegal border crossings have increased, with enforcement of Texas law SB4 on hold pending an appeals process. Gov. Greg Abbott criticized President Biden’s border policies and emphasized the importance of SB4 in curbing illegal immigration.
House Speaker Mike Johnson visited Texas to discuss border issues with Gov. Abbott. He criticized the Biden administration for endangering the nation by opening the border to criminals, traffickers, and cartels.
A significant storm is impacting California and is predicted to affect multiple regions across the U.S. The National Weather Service issued an alert warning of severe thunderstorms as the storm moves across the central and eastern U.S.
Areas at risk include parts of Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Texas, Indiana, and Ohio. The storm threat extends to Tennessee and the Ohio Valley region on Tuesday, with the potential for large hail, tornadoes, and damaging winds.
The storm is expected to bring heavy snow and gusty winds to the Great Lakes and Northeast from Wednesday to Friday. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration cautioned of severe weather, flash flooding, and fire weather in certain areas.
The NWS advises staying updated with the latest forecasts due to the storm’s unpredictable track. The storm has already brought rain and mountain snow to Southern California.
Lastly, the News Brief provided birthday wishes for singer/songwriter Emmylou Harris, actor Linda Hunt, and actor Ali MacGraw. The article also encouraged feedback via email and shared comments from listeners. The post concluded with a reminder to stay informed and have a great day. Please rewrite this sentence.
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