Friday, March 24, 2017

The Senate just voted to undo landmark rules covering your Internet privacy

The Senate just voted to undo landmark rules covering your Internet privacy

Snippet of Article: "...U.S. senators voted 50 to 48 to approve a joint resolution from Sen. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.) that would prevent the Federal Communications Commission's privacy rules from going into effect. The resolution also would bar the FCC from ever enacting similar consumer protections. It now heads to the House..."

Source: www.washingtonpost.com

Internet Privacy,

Monday, March 20, 2017

Hmmm? Comey Confirms F.B.I. Investigation and Links to Trump Campaign, but says he can't confirm any investigations

Comey Confirms F.B.I. Investigation of Russian Election Interference, Links to Trump Campaign

Snippet of Article: "...The F.B.I. director, James B. Comey, publicly confirmed an investigation into Russian interference in the presidential election and whether associates of the president were in contact with Moscow. ■ Mr. Comey also said the F.B.I. had “no information” to support President Trump’s allegation that Barack Obama wiretapped him..."

Source: www.nytimes.com

James B. Comey,

Thursday, March 16, 2017

Trump's 'America First' 2018 budget blueprint - The White House


'America First' 2018 budget blueprint - The White House

America First Budget Blueprint 2018
America First Budget Blueprint 2018
Snippet of Article: "...more with less, and make the Government lean and accountable to the people. This includes deep cuts ... this America First Budget. Donald J. Trump ... This 2018 Budget Blueprint will not add to the deficit..."
Source: www.whitehouse.gov

'America First' 2018 budget blueprint

Wednesday, March 8, 2017

WikiLeaks Says the CIA Can “Bypass” Secure Messaging Apps Like Signal. What Does That Mean?

WikiLeaks Says the CIA Can “Bypass” Secure Messaging Apps Like Signal. What Does That Mean?

Snippet of Article: "...When WikiLeaks released Vault 7 (https://wikileaks.org/ciav7p1/), a series of leaks on the CIA hacking, people who use secure messaging apps were alarmed. The press release (https://wikileaks.org/ciav7p1/#PRESS) accompanying the trove of documents (https://wikileaks.org/ciav7p1/index.html) stated that the CIA was able to “bypass” the encryption of secure messaging tools–including Signal (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.thoughtcrime.securesms&hl=en)– “by hacking the ‘smart’ phones that they run on and collecting audio and message traffic before encryption is applied..."

Source: www.slate.com

Secure Messaging Apps and the CIA

Friday, March 3, 2017

Fed’s Favorite Inflation Gauge Hasn’t Budged for 3 Months

Fed’s Favorite Inflation Gauge Hasn’t Budged for 3 Months

Snippet of Article: "...The government’s report Wednesday on October Personal consumption expenditures (PCE) showed no growth in annualized inflation. The core rate remains at 1.7%, the same as the prior two months..."

Source: blogs.barrons.com

Personal consumption expenditures (PCE)

Thursday, February 16, 2017

Chaffetz, Goodlatte ask government watchdog to investigate leaks

Chaffetz, Goodlatte ask government watchdog to investigate leaks

Snippet of Article: "...Chaffetz and Goodlatte called on the government watchdog within the Department of Justice to investigate this leaking of potentially classified information, citing "serious concerns" over the protection of classified information, a potential violation of laws separating intelligence gathering from law enforcement and a possible risk to national security..."

Source: www.cnn.com

leaking of potentially classified information,

Tuesday, February 14, 2017

Here is every executive order Trump has signed to date

Here is every executive order Trump has signed

Snippet of Article: "...Trump has already signed 12 executive orders, including ones covering immigration, crime reduction and public safety..."
Source: www.ajc.com

President Trump, #TeamTrump, Trump Legacy, Trump's first 12 executive orders,

Friday, February 10, 2017

Protecting the American People or Protecting Corporate Energy Pipelines and Profits?


Added Note: Here at the Federal News Group, we all stand with and behind all of our law enforcement officers and protecting federal workers, as well as all of America's legal citizenry. We also realize that after the last administration sided with the criminals that raped and pillaged places like Ferguson (Creating the Ferguson Effect) forcing law enforcement to 'stand-down' while businesses and personal property was burned and destroyed, leaving law enforcement impotent to protect themselves as well as the populace. However, this Executive Order gives the appearance, that it is more aimed at protecting law enforcement as they attempt to eradicate any protest by Native Americans to protect lands and water they once owned by treaty but again stolen from them through eminent domain. Specifically, it appears aimed at the Dakota Pipeline Project. Unfortunately, any law that harms the native American harms us all in the end. I guess we have to wait and see how the protests are handled once this horrible pipeline is forced under the waters of the American people.

Presidential Executive Order on Preventing Violence Against Federal, State, Tribal, and Local Law Enforcement Officers

Snippet of Article: "...enforce all Federal laws in order to enhance the protection and safety of Federal, State, tribal, and local law enforcement officers, and thereby all Americans..."
Source: www.whitehouse.gov

Dakota Access Pipeline, Native Americans, Clean Water,

Tuesday, January 31, 2017

Is it time to buy? TSP tips: Buy high, sell low, right?

TSP tips: Buy high, sell low, right?

Snippet of Article: "...People who stuck with the U.S. stock index funds during the recession and recovery, and who continued to buy even though the market was down, got a happy surprise. When the markets recovered, their TSP balances soared. For several years, they had been buying low...Many stock market forecasters said a victory by Donald Trump over Hillary Clinton would crash the U.S. stock markets. It didn’t happen..."

Source: federalnewsradio.com

TSP tips, Investing, Thrift Savings Plan (TSP),

NOTES FROM THE WILD:
Are you a Trump Hater and listened to the emotional 'haters', pulling money out of riskier TSP funds, opting for the secure, low-performing 'G' Fund? Big mistake, huh? Will you miss out again by not buying the current dip? These basic investment principles are tried and tested: Buy low, sell high, diversify, Invest for the long-term. What did Warren Buffett do when Trump won the election? The opposite of what most Obama/Clinton lovers did. Warren Buffett bought $12 billion of stock after Trump won

Content contained on or made available through the website is not intended to and does not constitute legal advice or investment advice

Monday, January 30, 2017

VERAs and VSIPs in Your Future?

VERAs and VSIPs in Your Future?

Snippet of Article: "...VERAs allow employees with the right combination of age and service to retire early: at age 50 with 20 years of service or at any age with 25 years of service. However, there are different rules that apply to CSRS and FERS employees who meet the age and service criteria. Under CSRS, your annuity will be reduced by..."

Source: www.fedweek.com

VERA, VSIP,

Wednesday, January 25, 2017

President Trump promises 'major investigation' into alleged voter fraud

Trump promises 'major investigation' into alleged voter fraud

Snippet of Article: "...Trump announced the move on Twitter, and said the probe will focus on “those registered to vote in two states, those who are illegal and even those registered to vote who are dead (and many for a long time)..."

Source: www.foxnews.com

President Trump, delegitimizing Trump, alleged voter fraud (2017),

Monday, January 23, 2017

Trump to withdraw from TPP

Trump to withdraw from TPP

Snippet of Article: "...Trump vowed during the campaign to withdraw the US from the Pacific trade deal, commonly known as TPP, which he argued was harmful to American workers and manufacturing..."

Source: cnn.com

TPP, Trump Legacy,

Sunday, January 22, 2017

White House says media delegitimizing Trump, won't 'take it'

White House says media delegitimizing Trump, won't 'take it'

Snippet of Article: "...Priebus complained about a press pool report that said the bust of Martin Luther King Jr had been removed from the Oval Office. The report on Friday night was quickly corrected ..."

Source: www.reuters.com

anti-american media, delegitimizing Trump, Destruction of America, Domestic Terrorism, divide and conquer (dīvide et īmpera)

Friday, January 20, 2017

Donald J. Trump is sworn in as 45th President of the United States of America


President Donald Trump
President Donald Trump
Article Title: Donald J. Trump is sworn in as 45th President of the United States of America
Donald J. Trump is sworn in as the 45th President of the United States of America. President Trump promises to bring jobs back to America and to give the power back to the people. President Trump seeks unity in our country to once again become the greatest nation in the world. Divisions will heal and we will all enjoy the same freedoms under the same great flag and God. Our military will be the greatest and we will protect this country. American's will never be forgotten again. We will make America great again. God Bless America.

Source: Federal Employee News
[tag] Donald Trump sworn in as President, President Donald Trump, [/tag]

Thursday, January 19, 2017

Rick Perry expresses ‘regret’ for pledging to abolish Energy Department

Rick Perry expresses ‘regret’ for pledging to abolish Energy Department

Snippet of Article: "...past statements made over five years ago about abolishing the Department of Energy do not reflect my current thinking,” Perry said in his opening statement. “In fact, after being briefed on so many of the vital functions of the Department of Energy, I regret recommending its elimination.” After addressing the defining moment of his national political career, Perry touched on the politically sensitive topic of climate change, saying he believes the climate is changing..."

Source: www.washingtonpost.com

Department of Energy, Rick Perry,

Friday, January 13, 2017

Chaffetz committee plans broad agenda affecting federal workers

Chaffetz committee plans broad agenda affecting federal workers

Snippet of Article: "...Chaffetz wants retirement plans for new federal employees to move away from pensions, or “defined benefit” programs that rely on employer contributions, and lean more on employee funding through a system in which the government would make a “defined contribution.” Uncle Sam could even chip in more than he does to the 401 (k)-like personal investment program for federal staffers..."
Source: www.washingtonpost.com

Rep. Jason Chaffetz of Utah, New federal retirement plan idea, 401 (k)-like personal investment program,

Monday, January 2, 2017

Obama authorizes larger raise for federal employees

Obama authorizes larger raise for federal employees

Snippet of Article: "...authorized an average pay raise for 2017 of 2.1 percent, instead of the 1.6 percent he submitted in August. “However, in light of the decision of Congress to provide a 2.1 percent pay increase for military personnel in 2017 and reconsideration of current and projected economic conditions, I have concluded it would be appropriate to revise my original alternative plan for locality payments..."

Source: www.washingtonpost.com

Computer outage disrupts customs at US airports

Computer outage disrupts customs at US airports

Snippet of Article: "...US Customs and Border Protection experienced a temporary outage with its processing systems at various airports, spokesman Daniel Hetlage said. The outage lasted from 5 p.m. ET to 9 p.m..."
Source: www.cnn.com

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Computer outage.

Monday, December 19, 2016

Postal Workers NPMHU Tentative Contract

SUMMARY OF TENTATIVE AGREEMENT ESTABLISHING TERMS OF 2016 NATIONAL AGREEMENT

Snippet of Article: "...In today’s dollars, a 1% increase in health care contributions is equivalent to an increase of approximately $70 per year for self-only coverage and between $100 and $160 per year for family coverage, depending on the particular health plan selected. These amounts automatically are paid with pre-tax dollars, so the actual out-of-pocket cost to each Mail Handler should be less by the percentage of income taxes usually paid..."

Source: npmhu317.blogspot.com

Wednesday, November 30, 2016

2017 Federal Pay Raise: An Alternative Pay Plan?

Alternative Pay Plan Submitted for Federal Employees in 2017: 1.6% Average Raise

Snippet of Article: "...How much of a pay raise will federal employees receive in 2017? As expected, President Obama has just issued an “alternative pay plan” that resolves the matter by issuing an alternative pay plan to Congress. The alternative pay plan is published in its entirety..."

Source: www.fedsmith.com

alternative pay plan (2017), 2017 Federal Pay Raise,

Monday, November 28, 2016

Free North Pole Postmark Image for Your Christmas Craft Projects


Article Title: Free North Pole Postmark Image for Your Christmas Craft Projects
Snippet of Article: "...This is a great image of the postmark to use for your holiday craft projects. Feel free to use our image of the North Pole Postmark by downloading the image. Feel free to use the postmark image on your websites as long as you link to our main postmark image site at: North Pole Postmark, giving credit. We offer our official looking, customized and free North Pole Postmark..."

Source: rocket-city.us
[tag] Federal Employee News, North Pole Postmark, Free North Pole Postmark, [/tag]

Friday, November 18, 2016

Team Trump: 10 things to know about Sen. Jeff Sessions, Donald Trump’s pick for attorney general


10 things to know about Sen. Jeff Sessions, Donald Trump’s pick for attorney general

Sen. Jeff Sessions
Snippet of Article: "...After Sessions became one of the first members of Congress to endorse Trump this February, he became an adviser on almost every major decision and policy proposal Trump made during the campaign:

–A top Sessions aide helped Trump communicate his immigration policy

–Sessions chaired Trump national security advisory committee

–Sessions advised Trump on who to choose for vice president. (Sessions was also in the running himself for the No. 2 job.)..."
Source: www.washingtonpost.com

Sen. Jeff Sessions, Attorney General, Team Trump

Wednesday, November 16, 2016

The Promises of President-Elect Donald Trump, in His Own Words


The Promises of President-Elect Donald Trump, in His Own Words

President (Elect) Donald Trump
Snippet of Article: "...'I am proposing an across-the-board income tax reduction, especially for middle-income Americans.' —Aug. 8, 2016...'I will renegotiate with Iran—right after I enable the immediate release of our American prisoners and ask Congress to impose new sanctions that stop Iran from having the ability to sponsor terrorism around the world. In fact, if I am elected, I am sure the prisoners will be released before my taking office.' —Sept. 8, 2015...'We are going to triple the number of ICE deportation officers.” —Aug. 31, 2016'..."
Source: www.bloomberg.com

Trump Legacy, Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE), Taxes for Middle Class,

California seeking exemptions from the Buy American Act

Not made in America? California bullet train officials seek exemption to buy foreign parts

Snippet of Article: "...The Federal Railroad Administration disclosed last week that the state’s High-Speed Rail Authority was seeking exemptions from the Buy American Act on more than a dozen critical train parts — including motors, gearboxes, axles, wheels, brakes, derailment mitigation devices, undercarriages and even the entire aluminum car body shells..."

Source: www.latimes.com

Buy American Act

Monday, November 7, 2016

Janet Reno, the first woman to serve as Attorney General, has died

Janet Reno Cause of Death: How Did the Former Attorney General Die?

Snippet of Article: "...Janet Reno, the first woman to serve as Attorney General, has died at the age of 78. Why did she die? Her cause of death was from complications due to Parkinson’s disease, ABC News reported. She died on Monday, her goddaughter, Gabrielle D’Alemberte announced. She spent her last days at home with family and friends..."

Source: heavy.com

Janet Reno, First Female Attorney General,

Iowa Poll: Trump Opens 7-point Lead Over Clinton; Markets Rise, Peso rises as Trump Rises in Polls

Iowa poll: Trump opens 7-point lead over Clinton

Snippet of Article: "...Donald Trump has surged to a 7-point lead over Democratic rival Hillary Clinton among Iowa voters, firmly establishing the Republican presidential nominee as the favorite to win the state’s six electoral votes on Tuesday. Trump is the top choice for 46% of Iowans who have already cast a ballot or plan to do so on Election Day..."

Source: www.usatoday.com

Friday, November 4, 2016

U.S. intel warning of possible al Qaeda attacks in U.S. Monday

U.S. intel warning of possible al Qaeda attacks in U.S. Monday

Snippet of Article: "...U.S. intelligence has alerted joint terrorism task forces that al Qaeda could be planning attacks in three states for Monday. It is believed New York, Texas and Virginia are all possible targets, though no specific locations are mentioned..."

Source: www.cbsnews.com

al Qaeda attacks, Domestic Cyberattacks,

Thursday, November 3, 2016

FBI had secret recordings of suspect talking about alleged deals Clintons made

FBI had secret recordings of suspect talking about alleged deals Clintons made

Snippet of Article: "...FBI sources told Fox News this week that an indictment is likely in the Clinton Foundation investigation that has been ongoing for more than a year..."

Source: www.businessinsider.com

Hillary Clinton, Clinton Foundation, FBI, Justice Department, State Department, Latest Presidential election update,

Monday, October 31, 2016

Clinton email scandal continues with new FBI probe

Clinton email scandal continues with new FBI probe

Snippet of Article: "...FBI Director James Comey says that new emails have come to light recently that have prompted investigators to take another look at the sensitive government information that flowed through the private email sever Clinton used while serving as secretary of state..."

Source: www.blackhillsfox.com

email hacking, WikiLeaks, FBI,

Monday, October 17, 2016

What Will Each Presidential Candidate Do To Help Feds? Apparently Not Much Except Talk

A fed’s guide to the presidential candidates

Snippet of Article: "...What would a Hillary Clinton victory mean for the federal workforce? Should procurement managers be excited at the prospect of businessman Donald Trump? Is another Clinton in the Oval Office a good or bad thing for senior executives? Are career staff justified in being anxious over logistics of a wall?..."

Source: federalnewsradio.com

2016 Presidential Candidates,

Sunday, October 16, 2016

FBI Director Rejects Talk of Epidemic of Police Bias Against Blacks

FBI Director Rejects Talk of Epidemic of Police Bias Against Blacks

Snippet of Article: "...FBI Director James Comey gave an impassioned defense of police officers Sunday, saying most are overwhelmingly good people working during a 'uniquely difficult time in American law enforcement.' ..."

Source: www.wsj.com

James Comey, FBI,

Wednesday, October 5, 2016

New Scandal: Hillary Caught Paying Off FBI Director?

New Scandal: Hillary Caught Paying Off FBI Director?

Snippet of Article: "...It has come out that James Comey accepted positions and financial compensation for working as a general counsel for Lockheed Martin. Comey worked for Lockheed and in one year, the first year Lockheed would become a major Clinton Foundation donor, Comey was paid $6 million in 2010. The same year, Lockheed Martin won 17 private contracts from the State Department. Guess who ran the State Department in 2010? Hillary Clinton..."

Source: www.libertynewsnow.com

Clinton Foundation, FBI Director, James B. Comey,

N.S.A. Contractor Arrested in Possible New Theft of Secrets

N.S.A. Contractor Arrested in Possible New Theft of Secrets

Snippet of Article: "...he stole and disclosed highly classified computer codes developed to hack into the networks of foreign governments, according to several senior law enforcement and intelligence officials. The theft raises the embarrassing prospect that for the second time in three years an insider has managed to steal highly damaging secret information from the N.S.A..."

Source: www.nytimes.com

National Security Agency (NSA), FBI, Cyber Theft,

Tuesday, October 4, 2016

WikiLeaks' Assange signals release of documents before U.S. election


WikiLeaks' Assange signals release of documents before U.S. election

WikiLeaks
WikiLeaks
Snippet of Article: "...WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange said on Tuesday the group would publish about 1 million documents related to the U.S. election and three governments in coming weeks, but denied the release was aimed at damaging Hillary Clinton..."
Source: www.thegazette.com

Julian Assange, WikiLeaks, Government Corruption,

Yahoo secretly scanned customer emails for U.S. intelligence - sources

Yahoo secretly scanned customer emails for U.S. intelligence - sources

Snippet of Article: "...Yahoo Inc last year secretly built a custom software program to search all of its customers' incoming emails for specific information provided by U.S. intelligence officials, according to people familiar with the matter. The company complied with a classified U.S. government directive, scanning hundreds of millions of Yahoo Mail accounts at the behest of the National Security Agency or FBI, said two former employees and a third person apprised of the events ..."

Source: www.reuters.com

Alex Stamos, National Security Agency (NSA), FBI, Yahoo Mail,

Thursday, September 29, 2016

Can I Take a Ballot Selfie and Post It on Social Media? Federal Appeals Court Strikes Down Ballot Selfie Ban

Note: Be careful not to violate The Hatch Act.

Federal Appeals Court Strikes Down Ballot Selfie Ban

Snippet of Article: "...holding that the prohibition on photographing and publicizing one’s ballot violates the First Amendment. Two federal judges have already ruled that ballot selfie bans, which at least 25 states have adopted, violate constitutionally protected freedom of expression. The 1st Circuit’s ruling marks the first time a federal appeals court had ruled on the matter, and the opinion is a resounding victory for both free speech and democracy..."

Source: www.slate.com

Can I Take a Ballot Selfie and Post It on Social Media?

Thursday, September 22, 2016

What impact does a few hours of LWOP per week have on my Annual Leave accrual?

What impact does a few hours of LWOP per week have on my Annual Leave accrual?

Accrual of annual and sick leave

Snippet of Article: "...When a full-time employee accumulates 80 hours of LWOP during a pay period, the employee does not earn annual leave or sick leave during that pay period. The employee earns leave in the next succeeding pay periods until he or she again accumulates 80 hours of LWOP during a pay period (5 CFR 630.208). When a part-time employee is in a non-pay status, he or she will accrue less annual leave and sick leave, since part-time employees earn leave on a pro-rata basi s-i.e., based on hours in a pay status (5 CFR 630.303 and 630.406). For purposes of computing accrual rates for annual leave..."

Source: www.blm.gov

Accrual of annual and sick leave, LWOP and Annual Leave accrual,

Tuesday, September 20, 2016

'If you see something, say something'

'If you see something, say something'

When it comes to 'suspicious activity' that you observe, report it to the appropriate law enforcement agency and/or the appropriate government agency. When doing so, please log the what, when and where of what you have witnessed. Additionally, document who you report it to as well as the time and date you did so, Taking photos of any supporting documentation is an added bonus but NEVER put yourself in danger.

In a society where local thugs try to convince people not to snitch, you must be the stronger personality and not be a puppet to the criminal element by living up to the wishes of criminals that want to keep their activities silent and undercover by using the word snitch. You are not a snitch if you are reporting criminal appearing activity, you are a hero. It takes more to do the right thing than it does to remain silent.

If you see something, say something applies to a myriad of activities like drugs, human trafficking, terrorism, theft and other suspicious activity. Remember that the more facts you can provide, the more effective you will be in eradicating the criminal element from our communities. Stay vigilant and we can make a better society.

Source: federal-newsgroup.blogspot.com

"If you see something, say something",

800+ illegal immigrants identified for deportation were 'accidentally' given citizenship

800-plus 'accidental' citizens? Expert doesn't believe it

'They are letting people into the country who are dangerous'

Snippet of Article: "...The main issue was the claim in the article, the assumption that this was accidental,” Gheen told WND on Monday. “Don’t believe this is accidental. There’s no reason we should believe any of this is accidental. They are intentionally letting people in this country who are dangerous..."

Source: www.wnd.com

Wednesday, September 7, 2016

OPM hack was avoidable, says congressional report

OPM hack was avoidable, says congressional report

Snippet of Article: "...speculation that it had been done by the Chinese. Information from the hack was invaluable to other countries because it provided insights into which employees had security clearances, who is dealing with classified information, what vulnerabilities they have and what their fingerprints look like, Chaffetz said..."

Source: www.infoworld.com

OPM Cyber-Breach 2015