Hello. It's Tuesday, 11th Mar, and we're covering the new policy for social security overpayments, USDA ending Food Program funding, buyouts offer for employees & much more.

Social Security Overpayment Clawbacks to Resume

The Social Security Administration (SSA) will resume withholding up to 100% of beneficiaries' monthly checks to recover overpayments starting March 27, reversing a previous policy that capped deductions at 10% to ease financial strain.

The SSA aims to reclaim roughly $7 billion over the next decade. Affected recipients will receive notices and can appeal or request waivers if they weren’t at fault and repayment would cause hardship.

Critics argue the policy could push low-income retirees and disabled individuals into financial distress, especially as many rely on fixed incomes.

The move follows growing scrutiny over SSA's mismanagement of overpayments, which often stem from agency errors rather than fraud. Lawmakers have pressured the SSA to reform its collection practices, but the agency insists stricter enforcement is necessary to maintain program integrity.

With concerns mounting, advocacy groups are urging Congress to intervene before the policy takes full effect.

USDA Cuts Over $1 Billion in Local Food Program Funding

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has ended two major programs that helped schools and food banks buy from local farms, cutting over $1 billion in funding.

The Local Food for Schools program ($660 million) and the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program ($500 million) were eliminated as part of President Trump’s broader push to reduce federal spending.

Supporters say these programs strengthened local economies and improved food access for low-income families. Critics warn the cuts could hurt students who rely on school meals and food banks struggling with rising demand. Small farmers also worry about losing a key source of income.

The USDA defended the decision, citing budget constraints and a shift toward larger-scale food distribution efforts. Advocacy groups are urging Congress to restore funding, arguing the move contradicts past bipartisan efforts to support local agriculture and combat food insecurity nationwide.

Federal Agencies Offer Buyouts Amid Workforce Reduction Plans

Several U.S. government agencies, including the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and Social Security Administration, are offering voluntary buyouts of up to $25,000 before tax to encourage early retirements and resignations.

This move comes ahead of President Trump’s deadline for agencies to submit workforce reduction plans, part of a broader push to streamline government operations and cut spending. The initiative, overseen by advisor Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency, is intended to minimize legal battles by reducing the need for forced layoffs.

While some employees see this as an opportunity, others worry about the long-term impact on government services. Critics argue that drastic cuts could weaken essential programs, especially in social services and healthcare.

With agencies yet to submit their layoff plans, uncertainty remains about how deeply these cuts will affect federal operations and whether they will achieve the intended cost savings.

Sports & Entertainement

📍 Billy Joel Postpones Tour for Surgery Recovery

Billy Joel, 75, has postponed his tour for four months to recover from surgery for a medical condition. Affected concerts include dates in Detroit, Toronto, Syracuse, Salt Lake City, Edinburgh, Liverpool, Charlotte, and Milwaukee. The tour is set to resume on July 5, 2025, in Pittsburgh. Tickets for the original dates will be honored for the rescheduled shows. ​

📍 Dallas Cowboys Sign DT Solomon Thomas

The Dallas Cowboys have signed defensive tackle Solomon Thomas to a two-year, $8 million contract. Thomas, 29, previously played for the New York Jets and brings experience to the Cowboys' defensive line. The third overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, Thomas has recorded 18.5 career sacks over 115 games.

Business & Economy

📍 Southwest Airlines Ends Free Checked Bags Policy

Southwest Airlines will start charging for checked bags on flights booked from May 28, ending its long-standing "bags fly free" policy. Top-tier loyalty members and premium fare passengers will still get two free checked bags, while mid-tier members and co-branded credit card holders receive one. This change aims to boost revenue by approximately $1.5 billion annually but risks alienating customers who favored the free baggage perk.

📍 China's Tariffs Continue to Impact U.S. Farmers

Despite ongoing trade discussions, China's tariffs on U.S. agricultural products remain in effect, challenging American farmers. These tariffs, imposed during previous trade disputes, have led to decreased exports and financial strain in the U.S. agricultural sector. Farmers are urging the U.S. government to prioritize the removal of these tariffs to restore market access and economic stability.

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