NS-gg posted it was an "opinion"-which is a "decision",
And yes magistrate judges have full authority to render an opinion--IF assigned by the judge (here Andrew) (they could also be asked just to write a report or an accounting in complicated cases)
I quote from gg:
"KM said the following during yesterday's CC, "There was a magistrate opinion to deny this request for dismissal, then the district judge asked for an actual hearing"
If you have a better source than gg (who is one of the most accurate posters here) please share.
IF you are correct, and it was a report---than yes it less negative for amrn.
eie