SAO PAULO (AP) — Brazil’s former far-right President Jair Bolsonaro was fully aware of and actively participated in a coup plot to remain in office after his defeat in the 2022 election , according to a Federal Police report unsealed Tuesday. Federal Police last Thursday formally accused Bolsonaro and 36 other people of attempting a coup. They sent their 884-page report to the Supreme Court, which lifted the seal. “The evidence collected throughout the investigation shows unequivocally that then-President Jair Messias Bolsonaro planned, acted and was directly and effectively aware of the actions of the criminal organization aiming to launch a coup d’etat and eliminate the democratic rule of law, which did not take place due to reasons unrelated to his desire,” the document said. At another point, it says: “Bolsonaro had full awareness and active participation.” Bolsonaro, who had repeatedly alleged without evidence that the country's electronic voting system was prone to fraud, called a meeting in December 2022, during which he presented a draft decree to the commanders of the three divisions of the armed forces, according to the police report, signed by four investigators. The decree would have launched an investigation into suspicions of fraud and crimes related to the October 2022 vote, and suspended the powers of the nation's electoral court. The navy’s commander stood ready to comply, but those from the army and air force objected to any plan that prevented Lula’s inauguration, the report said. Those refusals are why the plan did not go ahead, according to witnesses who spoke to investigators. Bolsonaro never signed the decree to set the final stage of the alleged plan into action. Bolsonaro has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing or awareness of any plot to keep him in power or oust his leftist rival and successor, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. “No one is going to do a coup with a reserve general and half a dozen other officers. What is being said is absurd. For my part, there has never been any discussion of a coup,” Bolsonaro told journalists in Brazil’s capital Brasilia on Monday. “If someone came to discuss a coup with me, I’d say, that’s fine, but the day after, how does the world view us?” he added. “The word ‘coup’ has never been in my dictionary.” The top court has passed the report on to Prosecutor-General Paulo Gonet. He will decide whether to formally charge Bolsonaro and put him on trial, or toss the investigation. Ahead of the 2022 election, Bolsonaro repeatedly alleged that the election system, which does not use paper ballots, could be tampered with. The top electoral court later ruled that he had abused his power to cast unfounded doubt on the voting system, and ruled him ineligible for office until 2030 . Still, he has maintained that he will stand as a candidate in the 2026 race. Since Bolsonaro left office, he has been targeted by several investigations, all of which he has chalked up to political persecution. Federal Police have accused him of smuggling diamond jewelry into Brazil without properly declaring them and directing a subordinate to falsify his and others’ COVID-19 vaccination statuses . Authorities are also investigating whether he incited the Jan. 8, 2022 riot in which his followers ransacked the Supreme Court and presidential palace in Brasilia, seeking to prompt intervention by the army that would oust Lula from power. Bolsonaro had left for the United States days before Lula’s inauguration on Jan. 1, 2023 and stayed there three months, keeping a low profile. The police report unsealed Tuesday alleges he was seeking to avoid possible imprisonment related to the coup plot, and also await the uprising that took place a week later. Hughes reported from Rio de Janeiro
NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks rose to records Friday after data suggested the job market remains solid enough to keep the economy going, but not so strong that it raises immediate worries about inflation . The S&P 500 climbed 0.2%, just enough top the all-time high set on Wednesday, as it closed a third straight winning week in what looks to be one of its best years since the 2000 dot-com bust. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dipped 123.19 points, or 0.3%, while the Nasdaq composite rose 0.8% to set its own record. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.Haiti, a country already struggling with political turmoil and economic challenges, was recently rocked by a large-scale violent incident that left at least 184 people dead. The tragic event has once again brought the fragile situation in Haiti to the forefront of international attention, highlighting the urgent need for stability and peace in the beleaguered nation.Lastly, Beike China must prioritize sustainability and social responsibility in its business practices. As a leader in the industry, Beike China has a unique opportunity to drive positive change and make a meaningful impact on society and the environment. By promoting sustainable practices, green initiatives, and community engagement, Beike China can not only differentiate itself in the market but also contribute to a more sustainable and inclusive future for all.UEFA Champions League Preview: Bayer Leverkusen vs. Inter Milan - Who's in Hotter Form?
Share Tweet Share Share Email In a space where AI agents are driving the hottest narrative of this cycle, projects like Virtuals ($VIRTUAL) have captured the limelight, attracting widespread attention and significant investment. But while $VIRTUAL rides the wave with a valuation exceeding $2.57 Billion , there’s a hidden gem quietly laying the foundation for a revolutionary AI-driven blockchain future: UniLend Finance Token ($UFT) . The Rise of AI Agents: Transforming Blockchain Utility AI agents are no longer a distant concept of the future—they’ve evolved into intelligent, autonomous tools that are revolutionizing the way we experience Web3 today. From managing wallets and executing trades to generating revenue, these AI agents are transforming how users interact with and leverage blockchain technology. While $VIRTUAL has taken the early lead, $UFT is positioning itself as the more versatile, undervalued competitor. Why Virtuals is Dominating With its tokenized AI agent ecosystem, Virtuals enables users to create, trade, and govern agents, carving its spot as the pioneer of AI agents. Its revenue models and governance systems are already driving buybacks, adding value to its token. Market Cap: ~$2.57 Billion Circulating Supply: 1 billion tokens However, at its current valuation, the upside feels limited—making way for smaller-cap contenders like UniLend ($UFT) to rise. Enter UniLend ($UFT): The Next AI Agent Hub Powerhouse With a market cap of just $35 Million (1.3% of $VIRTUAL’s valuation), $UFT brings key differentiators to the AI agent space: AI Agent Hub: Turn tweets into transactions with intent-based wallets. Modular Architecture: Build custom AI agents with “Lego-like” modules. Agent Marketplace : Deploy, trade, and monetize agents and modules. Tokenized Agents: Create revenue-generating agents with governance models. Undervalued $UFT Market Cap: ~$35 Million Prominent Listings: Listed on Binance, Coinbase Custody, Gate.io, HTX, MEXC and other 21+ major CEXs and DEXs platforms. 100+ AI agents launching in three months $UFT is redefining AI-driven blockchain at a fraction of $VIRTUAL’s valuation. Why $UFT Could Outperform $VIRTUAL is priced at $2.57B, while $UFT sits at $35M—a staggering 73x difference in valuation. If $UFT captures even 5% of $VIRTUAL’s market share , its valuation could easily surpass $125M, delivering 3.5x returns. A larger share could lead to exponential growth. Innovation Freedom : Modular architecture fosters developer creativity. No VC Overhang : All tokens are unlocked, avoiding the risks of VC dumps. Massive Upside Potential : Early-stage positioning with Binance listing ensures credibility and reach. The Verdict While Virtuals has established itself as the early leader in AI agents, UniLend’s relentless focus on innovation and accessibility give it a distinct edge for investors seeking explosive growth this cycle. Its AI Agent Hub, modularity, and valuation gap position it as the smarter pick in a market hungry for scalable and adaptable AI solutions. With 100+ AI agents on the way and a tiny market cap relative to its competitor, UniLend is the underdog story the crypto market loves to champion. The chance to invest in this game-changing technology at an early stage is one that should not be overlooked. Miss this gem, and you might just miss witnessing the future of AI-driven blockchain innovation unfold before your eyes. For more information visit: Linktree: linktr.ee/unilend Web-site: https://unilend.finance Telegram: https://t.me/UniLendFinance X: https://twitter.com/UniLend_Finance Related Items: Blockchain , Blockchain Technology , Crypto News Share Tweet Share Share Email Recommended for you Top Cryptos to Watch Now: Market Trends Suggest High-Growth Potential In 2025 Planetarium Labs Elevates Web3 Gaming with Season 2 of Immortal Rising 2: Path of Ascension Campaign BTCC Exchange Celebrates OG Week 2 with Exclusive FLOKI AMA on X Spaces Comments
Political pundits have already called the flatline of Pete Hegseth's nomination to lead the Department of Defense, but he's still lingering around Washington. Speaking to MSNBC on Friday, Matthew Dowd, a former strategist for George W. Bush's presidential campaign, made it clear that Trump has strong opinions about alcoholism and those with drinking problems. "Donald Trump is exceedingly smart at politics, and Donald Trump — and it's been reported in other places — that he was taken aback because they asked him and Pete Hegseth a series of questions, and Pete Hegseth never copped to any of this stuff and never told them," said Dowd. ALSO READ: 'It's offensive': Multiple senators object to Trump's plan to usher in Pete Hegseth "I think Donald Trump doesn't want to be embarrassed," he continued. "As the Reverend said, it's all about performance. I think that this — for Pete Hegseth, he is Bruce Willis in the 'Sixth Sense.' He is dead, and he doesn't know it yet, and the senators hope he passes away without him having to pronounce it." Still, the Fox News weekend co-host pledges to soldier on. Earlier this week it was leaked that Trump was talking to Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) as a possible replacement for Hegseth. So, while Trump is saying on Truth Social he continues to stand behind Hegseth, he's also attending the Army-Navy game with DeSantis, who was in the Navy. Hegseth was in the Army, though it is unclear if he was invited. Marc Caputo wrote for The Bulwark that the Trump team has appreciated that Hegseth has helped take the spotlight off other controversial figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Tulsi Gabbard. "Hegseth is a heatshield," a senior Trump adviser told the Bulwark. "Pete can take the heat, and that’s better for everyone else." See the video below or at the link here. - YouTube youtu.be– ENERGIZE-T Study Achieved Primary and All Key Secondary Endpoints in Adult Patients with Transfusion-Dependent Alpha- or Beta-Thalassemia – – ENERGIZE-T is First Phase 3 Study to Demonstrate Efficacy of an Oral, Disease-Modifying Treatment for Transfusion-Dependent Alpha- and Beta-Thalassemia – – Company Filed for Regulatory Approval of Mitapivat (PYRUKYND ® ) for the Treatment of Adult Patients with Non-Transfusion-Dependent and Transfusion-Dependent Alpha- or Beta-Thalassemia in U.S., European Union, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates – – Live and Webcast Investor Event with Agios Leadership and Medical Experts will be Hosted in San Diego on Monday, December 9 at 7:00 a.m. PT – CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Dec. 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Agios Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: AGIO), a leader in cellular metabolism and pyruvate kinase (PK) activation pioneering therapies for rare diseases, today presented positive results from the Phase 3 ENERGIZE-T study investigating mitapivat, an oral, small molecule PK activator, in adults with transfusion-dependent alpha- or beta-thalassemia. These findings were shared in an oral presentation (abstract #409) at the 66 th American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting and Exposition in San Diego, California. Thalassemia is a rare inherited blood disorder caused by genetic mutations that lead to a reduced production of healthy hemoglobin, compromising red blood cell development, health and survival, and resulting in chronic anemia. Patients with thalassemia often experience a range of debilitating complications, both from the disease itself and as secondary effects of common management strategies such as blood transfusions and iron chelation therapy, including organ damage, stroke, and other serious health issues. In the ENERGIZE-T trial, mitapivat demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in transfusion burden compared to placebo in patients with transfusion-dependent alpha- or beta-thalassemia, achieving its primary endpoint. Additionally, the ENERGIZE-T study met all the key secondary endpoints, with mitapivat demonstrating a statistically significant reduction in additional measures of transfusion reduction response compared to placebo. In June 2024, Agios also presented positive results from the Phase 3 ENERGIZE study, which evaluated mitapivat in adults with non-transfusion-dependent alpha- or beta-thalassemia. “Treatment options for patients with transfusion-dependent thalassemia are extremely limited, and transfusions carry serious risks, such as iron overload, infections and immune reactions. There is a significant need for alternative treatments to manage this debilitating disease,” said Maria Domenica Cappellini, M.D., professor, Internal Medicine, University of Milan, Italy. “The strong Phase 3 ENERGIZE-T results build on the positive findings from the Phase 3 ENERGIZE study in patients with non-transfusion-dependent alpha- or beta-thalassemia presented earlier this year, pointing to mitapivat as a potential transformative advancement in thalassemia care.” Phase 3 ENERGIZE-T Study Results ENERGIZE-T is a Phase 3, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled and multicenter 48-week study. A total of 258 patients were enrolled in the study worldwide, with 171 patients randomized to mitapivat 100 mg twice-daily (BID) and 87 patients randomized to matched placebo. The study’s primary endpoint of transfusion reduction response (TRR) was defined as a ≥50% reduction in transfused red blood cell (RBC) units with a reduction of ≥2 units of transfused RBCs in any consecutive 12-week period through Week 48 compared with baseline. A TRR was achieved by 30.4% (n=52/171) of patients in the mitapivat arm compared to 12.6% (n=11/87) of patients in the placebo arm (2-sided p=0.0003). Additionally, mitapivat demonstrated statistically significant reductions in transfusion burden compared with placebo as measured by the three key secondary endpoints of transfusion reduction response reflective of durability of response up to 36 weeks during the 48-week double-blind period. The key secondary endpoint TRR2, defined as a ≥50% reduction in transfused RBC units in any consecutive 24-week period through Week 48 compared with baseline, was achieved in 13.5% (n=23/171) versus 2.3% (n=2/87) of patients in the mitapivat and placebo arms, respectively (2-sided p=0.0003). The key secondary endpoints TRR3 and TRR4 were defined as a ≥33% and ≥50% reduction in transfused RBC units, respectively, from Week 13 through Week 48 compared with baseline. TRR3 was achieved in 14.6% (n=25/171) versus 1.1% (n=1/87) of patients in the mitapivat and placebo arms, respectively (2-sided p
According to a study of by Anarock Property Consultants, India's HNI population, which currently stands at 850,000, will surge to 1.65 million by the year 2027. 20% of millionaires in India rich list are under the age of 40. Published: December 21, 2024 5:27 PM IST By Around 20 percent of millionaires, and 15 percent of High Net Worth Individuals 0r HNIs, in India are under the age of 40, a recent study has found. According to a study by Anarock Property Consultants, India’s HNI population, which currently stands at 850,000, will surge to 1.65 million by the year 2027. The study asserted that the number of Ultra High Net Worth Individuals 0r UHNIs (persons with assets of more than $30 million), will also increase in the coming years. As per the report, over 15 percent of India’s HNI population, most of which is associated with start-ups, unicorns, IPOs and tech-based ventures, is under the age of 30, while around 20 percent of the country’s millionaires are under 40 years of age, which is expected to increase to 25 percent by 2030 as young entrepreneurs continue to redefine wealth creation. Anarock’s study has found that India’s rich are investing heavily in prime real estate, with the share of luxury homes in total property sales, which was 16% before the Covid-19 pandemic, rising to 28% in 2024. The study noted that most luxury homes’ sales have been witnessed in Mumbai, Delhi and Bengaluru cities, and also in Goa, Alibaug and Jaipur. About 14% UHNIs also invested in property abroad. Dubai, London and Singapore became the biggest hotspots for buying property. In 2024, the investment in foreign property surged by Rs 12 crore, the study revealed. What is the source of this wealth? According to the study, around 30% of new HNIs attribute their wealth to technology, fintech and startups, while ‘Make-in-India’ campaign, which promotes local manufacturing, has contributed 21% to the wealth UHNIs. Real estate is also a major source of wealth creation for India’s surging HNI population, contributing around 15%, with luxury and commercial properties being the biggest sources. Apart from manufacturing and real estate, the equity market and startups are two other major sources of wealth for India’s rich. As per the study, the stock market has given an 18% year-on-year dividends on equities, while 15% percent of India’s HNIs, aged under 30, are associated with start-ups unicorns, IPOs and tech ventures. Where the rich are spending? The study found that a majority of India’s rich are spending a lavish amount on luxury cars with 37% of HNIs purchasing expensive brands like Lamborghini, Porsche and Rolls Royce, in 2024. Additionally, the India’s UHNIs are spending around Rs 6 crore annually on custom holidays and luxury cruises, the study found. Apart from this, India has also become a thriving market for custom jewellery and watches, with the rich spending lavishly on these vanity items. India is the 5th largest market for custom watches and jewellery. For breaking news and live news updates, like us on or follow us on and . Read more on Latest on . Topics
In a surprising turn of events, Xiaomi, a leading technology company known for its smartphones and other electronic products, has officially announced the launch of its second new car model, the YU7. However, even before the official announcement, it has come to light that the trademarks related to the YU7 have already been registered by cybersquatters, raising concerns about potential trademark infringement and intellectual property rights.HATTIESBURG, Miss. (AP) — Denijay Harris scored 29 points as Southern Miss beat Marshall 68-66 on Saturday in a Sun Belt Conference opener. Harris also contributed 10 rebounds for the Golden Eagles (5-7). Christian Watson scored 10 points while shooting 4 for 12 (1 for 5 from 3-point range) and 1 of 3 from the free-throw line and added five rebounds. Harris made one of two free throws for a 68-66 lead with 16 seconds left and Watson's steal with four seconds left sealed the win. Obinna Anochili-Killen led the way for the Thundering Herd (7-6) with 15 points, seven rebounds and three blocks. Mikal Dawson added 14 points and six rebounds for Marshall. Dezayne Mingo also had 14 points. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .
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SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov 26, 2024-- Blend Labs Inc. (NYSE: BLND), a leading origination platform for digital banking solutions, today announced that its management will participate at the following investor conference: Wells Fargo 8th Annual TMT Summit Rancho Palos Verdes, CA Wednesday, December 4, 2024 Fireside Chat at 10:15 a.m. PST The conference fireside chat will be available via live audio webcast accessible on the Investors section of the Company’s website at investor.blend.com . About Blend Blend Labs Inc. (NYSE: BLND), is a leading origination platform for digital banking solutions. Financial providers—from large banks, fintechs, and credit unions to community and independent mortgage banks—use Blend’s platform to transform banking experiences for their customers. Blend powers billions of dollars in financial transactions every day. To learn more, visit blend.com . View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241126305121/en/ CONTACT: Investor Contact: ir@blend.com KEYWORD: CALIFORNIA UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: PROFESSIONAL SERVICES TECHNOLOGY SOFTWARE FINANCE FINTECH INTERNET BANKING SOURCE: Blend Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 11/26/2024 04:05 PM/DISC: 11/26/2024 04:05 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241126305121/enAraujo, known for his physical presence, defensive prowess, and aerial ability, has been a crucial part of Barcelona's backline since joining the club. His absence has been keenly felt, with the team conceding more goals and struggling to maintain their defensive stability in his absence. The compensation from FIFA comes as a welcome relief to Barcelona, who have had to cope with Araujo's extended absence during a crucial phase of the season.
Malik Nabers: ‘I still stand on what I said’ after meeting with Joe Schoen, Brian Daboll to discuss postgame criticismNetworking opportunities were abundant at the summit, with attendees able to connect with fellow sellers, industry experts, and Amazon representatives to exchange ideas, build partnerships, and explore new business opportunities. The vibrant atmosphere of collaboration and innovation underscored the potential for Chinese sellers to tap into the global marketplace and reach customers in countries far beyond their borders.
As the esports industry continues to grow and evolve, TES remains at the forefront, driving innovation and setting new standards for excellence in competitive gaming. With Ben's arrival and the addition of two new family members, TES is well-positioned to make waves in the gaming world and inspire a new generation of esports enthusiasts.Angela Theatre reopens with high-tech and a nod to nostalgiaDavid Hilzenrath, Jodie Fleischer, Cox Media Group | (TNS) KFF Health News In March, newly installed Social Security chief Martin O’Malley criticized agency “injustices” that “shock our shared sense of equity and good conscience as Americans.” He promised to overhaul the Social Security Administration’s often heavy-handed efforts to claw back money that millions of recipients — including people who are living in poverty, are elderly, or have disabilities — were allegedly overpaid, as described by a KFF Health News and Cox Media Group investigation last year. “Innocent people can be badly hurt,” O’Malley said at the time. Nearly eight months since he appeared before Congress and announced a series of policy changes, and with two months left in his term, O’Malley’s effort to fix the system has made inroads but remains a work in progress. For instance, one change, moving away from withholding 100% of people’s monthly Social Security benefits to recover alleged overpayments, has been a major improvement, say advocates for beneficiaries. “It is a tremendous change,” said Kate Lang of Justice in Aging, who called it “life-changing for many people.” The number of people from whom the Social Security Administration was withholding full monthly benefits to recoup money declined sharply — from about 46,000 in January to about 7,000 in September, the agency said. Asked to clarify whether those numbers and others provided for this article covered all programs administered by the agency, the SSA press office did not respond. Another potentially significant change — relieving beneficiaries of having to prove that an overpayment was not their fault — has not been implemented. The agency said it is working on that. Meanwhile, the agency seems to be looking to Congress to take the lead on a change some observers see as crucial: limiting how far back the government can reach to recover an alleged overpayment. Barbara Hubbell of Watkins Glen, New York, called the absence of a statute of limitations “despicable.” Hubbell said her mother was held liable for $43,000 because of an SSA error going back 19 years. “In what universe is that even legal?” Hubbell said. Paying down the overpayment balance left her mother “essentially penniless,” she added. In response to questions for this article, Social Security spokesperson Mark Hinkle said legislation is “the best and fastest way” to set a time limit. Establishing a statute of limitations was not among the policy changes O’Malley announced in his March congressional testimony. In an interview at the time, he said he expected an announcement on it “within the next couple few months.” It could probably be done by regulation, without an act of Congress, he said. Speaking generally, Hinkle said the agency has “made substantial progress on overpayments,” reducing the hardship they cause, and “continues to work diligently” to update policies. The agency is underfunded, he added, is at a near 50-year low in staffing, and could do better with more employees. The SSA did not respond to requests for an interview with O’Malley. O’Malley announced the policy changes after KFF Health News and Cox Media Group jointly published and broadcast investigative reporting on the damage overpayments and clawbacks have done to millions of beneficiaries. When O’Malley, a former Democratic governor of Maryland, presented his plans to three congressional committees in March, lawmakers greeted him with rare bipartisan praise. But the past several months have shown how hard it can be to turn around a federal bureaucracy that is massive, complex, deeply dysfunctional, and, as it says, understaffed. Now O’Malley’s time may be running out. Lang of Justice in Aging, among the advocacy groups that have been meeting with O’Malley and other Social Security officials, said she appreciates how much the commissioner has achieved in a short time. But she added that O’Malley has “not been interested in hearing about our feelings that things have fallen short.” One long-standing policy O’Malley set out to change involves the burden of proof. When the Social Security Administration alleges someone has been overpaid and demands the money back, the burden is on the beneficiary to prove they were not at fault. Cecilia Malone, 24, a beneficiary in Lithonia, Georgia, said she and her parents spent hundreds of hours trying to get errors corrected. “Why is the burden on us to ‘prove’ we weren’t overpaid?” Malone said. It can be exceedingly difficult for beneficiaries to appeal a decision. The alleged overpayments, which can reach tens of thousands of dollars or more, often span years. And people struggling just to survive may have extra difficulty producing financial records from long ago. What’s more, in letters demanding repayment, the government does not typically spell out its case against the beneficiary — making it hard to mount a defense. Testifying before House and Senate committees in March, O’Malley promised to shift the burden of proof. “That should be on the agency,” he said. The agency expects to finalize “guidance” on the subject “in the coming months,” Hinkle said. The agency points to reduced wait times and other improvements in a phone system known to leave beneficiaries on hold. “In September, we answered calls to our national 800 number in an average of 11 minutes — a tremendous improvement from 42 minutes one year ago,” Hinkle said. Still, in response to a nonrepresentative survey by KFF Health News and Cox Media Group focused on overpayments, about half of respondents who said they contacted the agency by phone since April rated that experience as “poor,” and few rated it “good” or “excellent.” The survey was sent to about 600 people who had contacted KFF Health News to share their overpayment stories since September 2023. Almost 200 people answered the survey in September and October of this year. Most of those who said they contacted the agency by mail since April rated their experience as “poor.” Jennifer Campbell, 60, a beneficiary in Nelsonville, Ohio, said in late October that she was still waiting for someone at the agency to follow up as described during a phone call in May. “VERY POOR customer service!!!!!” Campbell wrote. “Nearly impossible to get a hold of someone,” wrote Kathryn Duff of Colorado Springs, Colorado, who has been helping a disabled family member. Letters from SSA have left Duff mystified. One was postmarked July 9, 2024, but dated more than two years earlier. Another, dated Aug. 18, 2024, said her family member was overpaid $31,635.80 in benefits from the Supplemental Security Income program, which provides money to people with little or no income or other resources who are disabled, blind, or at least 65. But Duff said her relative never received SSI benefits. What’s more, for the dates in question, payments listed in the letter to back up the agency’s math didn’t come close to $31,635.80; they totaled about a quarter of that amount. Regarding the 100% clawbacks, O’Malley in March said it’s “unconscionable that someone would find themselves facing homelessness or unable to pay bills, because Social Security withheld their entire payment for recovery of an overpayment.” He said that, starting March 25, if a beneficiary doesn’t respond to a new overpayment notice, the agency would default to withholding 10%. The agency warned of “a short transition period.” That change wasn’t automated until June 25, Hinkle said. The number of people newly placed in full withholding plummeted from 6,771 in February to 51 in September, according to data the agency provided. SSA said it would notify recipients they could request reduced withholding if it was already clawing back more than 10% of their monthly checks. Nonetheless, dozens of beneficiaries or their family members told KFF Health News and Cox Media Group they hadn’t heard they could request reduced withholding. Among those who did ask, roughly half said their requests were approved. According to the SSA, there has been almost a 20% decline in the number of people facing clawbacks of more than 10% but less than 100% of their monthly checks — from 141,316 as of March 8 to 114,950 as of Oct. 25, agency spokesperson Nicole Tiggemann said. Meanwhile, the number of people from whom the agency was withholding exactly 10% soared more than fortyfold — from just over 5,000 to well over 200,000. And the number of beneficiaries having any partial benefits withheld to recover an overpayment increased from almost 600,000 to almost 785,000, according to data Tiggemann provided. Lorraine Anne Davis, 72, of Houston, said she hasn’t received her monthly Social Security payment since June due to an alleged overpayment. Her Medicare premium was being deducted from her monthly benefit, so she’s been left to pay that out-of-pocket. Davis said she’s going to need a kidney transplant and had been trying to save money for when she’d be unable to work. Related Articles National News | California case is the first confirmed bird flu infection in a US child National News | Colorado funeral home owners who let bodies decay plead guilty to 191 counts of corpse abuse National News | Another E. coli recall: falafel bites from Florida, California and 16 other states National News | US budget airlines are struggling. Will pursuing premium passengers solve their problems? National News | Hyundai, Kia recall over 208,000 electric vehicles to fix problem that can cause loss of power A letter from the SSA dated April 8, 2024, two weeks after the new 10% withholding policy was slated to take effect, said it had overpaid her $13,538 and demanded she pay it back within 30 days. Apparently, the SSA hadn’t accounted for a pension Davis receives from overseas; Davis said she disclosed it when she filed for benefits. In a letter to her dated June 29, the agency said that, under its new policy, it would change the withholding to only 10% if she asked. Davis said she asked by phone repeatedly, and to no avail. “Nobody seems to know what’s going on” and “no one seems to be able to help you,” Davis said. “You’re just held captive.” In October, the agency said she’d receive a payment — in March 2025. Marley Presiado, a research assistant on the Public Opinion and Survey Research team at KFF, contributed to this report. ©2024 KFF Health News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
As Rafael bids farewell to professional football, he leaves behind a legacy of hard work, dedication, and passion for the game. His presence on the pitch will be missed by fans around the world, who have enjoyed watching him compete at the highest level for over a decade.The recent surge in bond yields has rattled the equity markets, with investors growing increasingly wary of the impact on stock valuations and economic growth. The Federal Reserve's hawkish stance on interest rates and inflation has further fueled these fears, causing a flight to safety among many investors.