Wednesday, July 5, 2017

2018 1.9 Percent Raise for Federal Employees Likely Won’t Be Blocked by Congress

1.9 Percent Raise for Feds Likely Won’t Be Blocked by Congress

Snippet of Article: "...The prospects of a 1.9 percent federal pay increase next January look good, based on Congress’s initial reaction. Or, more accurately, the lack of any reaction. Mick Mulvaney, director of the White House Office of Management and Budget, told reporters in April that President Donald Trump would seek a 1.9 percent raise for federal workers next January..."

Source: www.bna.com

Federal Employee Pay Raise 2018,

Thursday, June 29, 2017

9 Republicans now say they oppose proposed cuts to federal retirement

9 Republicans now say they oppose proposed cuts to federal retirement

Snippet of Article: "...Reps. Barbara Comstock (R-Va.) and Rob Wittman (R-Va.), who often come down in support of federal employees, were among the nine who wrote to House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) and Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.). But seven others, including Reps. Frank LoBiondo (R-N.J.) and Chris Smith (R-N.J.), Rob Bishop (R-Utah), Tom Cole (R-Okla.), Walter Jones (R-N.C.), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) and Austin Scott (R-Ga.) also signed the June 17 letter. “Our strongest objection is how the proposals break a promise to employees and retirees who have based career planning on longstanding promised benefit calculations,” members wrote. “They and their families don’t deserve to be treated in this cavalier manner..."

Source: federalnewsradio.com

Tuesday, June 20, 2017

Why are Wealthy Liberal Californians and New Yorkers Trying to Buy a Georgia Election?

Georgia race: Handel rips West Coast donors 'buying' seat

Snippet of Article: "...Ossoff has vastly outpaced Handel, with nearly $24 million to her $4.5 million – millions more was spent by outside groups. Most of Ossoff’s money has come from out of state, especially from states like California and New York..."

Source: www.foxnews.com

Why are the Wealthy Liberals Buying and Manipulating Out-of-State Local Elections?, Why is California and New York Trying to Buy a Georgia Election?

Wednesday, June 14, 2017

President Donald Trump "has no intention" of firing special counsel Robert Mueller contrary to false liberal media reports

White House says Trump won't fire Mueller

Snippet of Article: "...The White House says President Donald Trump "has no intention" to fire the special counsel investigating Russian meddling in the 2016 election..."

Source: myfox28columbus.com

Wednesday, May 31, 2017

TSP-3 Form Designation of Beneficiary Just Updated


TSP-3 Form Designation of Beneficiary

TSP-3 Form Designation of Beneficiary Snippet of Article: "...If you are filing a new TSP-3, make sure that it has the date 5/2017 on it; all previous versions are obsolete and will not be accepted by the TSP. You can download and/or print copies of the new form from the “forms and publications” section of the TSP website https://www.tsp.gov/PDF/formspubs/tsp-3.pdf..."
Source: www.fedweek.com

TSP-3 Form, Designation of Beneficiary (TSP),

Monday, May 22, 2017

6 percent pay cut over next six years? 2018 Budget Reportedly Targets Federal Retirement Programs

2018 Budget Reportedly Targets Federal Retirement Programs

Snippet of Article: "...will require federal workers to contribute an additional percentage point to the Federal Employee Retirement System each year until they match the federal contribution, likely within five to six years. The total increase in cost to employees would be around 6 percent at the end of the phase-in period. Additionally, the government would base the value of employees’ retirement benefits on the average of their highest five years of earnings..."

Source: www.govexec.com

Thursday, May 18, 2017

No-nonsense Sheriff David Clarke to serve as a Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security

Sheriff David Clarke says he's accepted DHS job

Snippet of Article: "...Sheriff David Clarke of Milwaukee County, Wis., said Wednesday he has accepted a job in the Department of Homeland Security..."

Source: thehill.com

Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security, David Clarke,

Wednesday, May 17, 2017

Postal employees’ pay raise in the works as union contract nears final approval

Postal employees’ pay raise in the works as union contract nears final approval

Snippet of Article: "...According to the tentative labor contract, letter carriers would receive a 1.2 percent pay raise that would retroactively start on Nov. 26, 2016, then receive a 1.3 percent pay raise that would take effect on Nov. 25 this year. Postal employees currently at Grade 2 of NALC’s letter carrier pay scale would receive a 2.1 percent pay raise, effective Nov. 24, 2018, while Grade 1 employees would move up to Grade 2..."

Source: federalnewsradio.com

NALC Contract,

Friday, May 12, 2017

Malware, described in leaked NSA documents, cripples computers worldwide

Malware, described in leaked NSA documents, cripples computers worldwide

Snippet of Article: "...Europe, Latin America and parts of Asia were hit particularly hard, although in the United States, FedEx also reported falling prey to the malware. The attack was the latest in a growing menace of “ransomware,” in which hackers deliver files to computers that automatically encrypt their data, making it unusable — until a ransom is paid...."

Source: www.washingtonpost.com

ransomware, National Security Agency (NSA),

Tuesday, May 9, 2017

FERS Military Deposit: How to Use Military Service to Increase Your FERS Pension

How to Use Military Service to Increase Your FERS Pension

Snippet of Article: "...There’s a provision in FERS that allows you to make a deposit, or “buy back”, your active duty military service—and that time will count as creditable service for FERS retirement. Creditable service is important because it’s used to figure out when you can retire with a FERS pension AND how much your monthly pension will be..."

Source: www.fedsmith.com

FERS Military Deposit

Monday, May 8, 2017

Electing Survivor Benefits if You Marry after Retiring

Electing Survivor Benefits if You Marry after Retiring

Snippet of Article: "...Under the Federal Employees Retirement System, you can elect either a full survivor benefit (50 percent of your unreduced annual basic benefit), or a partial survivor benefit..."

Source: government-employee-news.blogspot.com

survivor benefits

Friday, May 5, 2017

Trump Bump: Job gains rebound, unemployment drops to 4.4 percent

U.S. April job gains rebound, unemployment drops to 4.4 percent

Snippet of Article: "...U.S. job growth rebounded sharply in April and the unemployment rate dropped to a near 10-year low of 4.4 percent, signs of a tightening labor market that could seal the case for an interest rate increase next month despite moderate wage growth..."

Source: www.reuters.com

Tuesday, May 2, 2017

FBI translator married ISIS terrorist she was supposed to investigate

FBI translator married ISIS terrorist she was supposed to investigate

Snippet of Article: "...An FBI translator who was assigned to investigate a bloodthirsty ISIS terrorist wound up falling head-over-heels in love with the man — and married him instead, a report says..."

Source: nypost.com

Wednesday, April 12, 2017

White House to lift federal hiring freeze

White House to lift federal hiring freeze

Snippet of Article: "...It also created delays in the processing of Social Security checks, staff shortages at federal prisons, the closure of childcare facilities at military bases and fewer workers at the Food and Drug Administration to work on drug approvals. Mulvaney did not say how many vacancies in the federal government would be filled after the freeze is lifted..."

Source: thehill.com

Monday, April 10, 2017

Rice claim on Syria chemical weapons gets 'four Pinocchios'

Rice claim on Syria chemical weapons gets 'four Pinocchios'

Snippet of Article: "...Former Obama official Susan Rice’s claim just a few months ago that the Assad regime “voluntarily and verifiably” gave up its chemical weapons stockpile earned a full rebuke from a prominent fact-checker on Monday in the wake of last week’s chemical attack. The Washington Post fact-checker gave the former national security adviser a rating of “four Pinocchios” -- the worst rating on their truth scale..."

Source: www.foxnews.com

Detailed paper trail for Rice unmasking requests likely exists, according to controversial intel sharing document

Detailed paper trail for Rice unmasking requests likely exists, according to controversial intel sharing document

Snippet of Article: "...An extensive and complex paper trail for requests to the National Security Agency about the identities of people in President Trump’s transition team in sensitive intelligence surveillance probably exists, including requests made by former National Security Advisor Susan Rice, according to information sharing procedures signed into law by the outgoing Obama Administration..."

Source: www.foxnews.com

Friday, April 7, 2017

US Department of Labor accuses Google of underpaying women

US Department of Labor accuses Google of underpaying women

Snippet of Article: "...The department has found "systemic compensation disparities against women pretty much across the entire workforce," Labor Department Regional Director Janette Wipper testified in a court in San Francisco on Friday, according to a report by The Guardian. Janet Herold, the department's regional solicitor, told the Guardian that pay discrimination against women was extreme..."

Source: www.pcworld.com

US Department of Labor, Wage Discrimination, Pay Discrimination,

Thursday, April 6, 2017

Trump unleashes missiles upon Syria in vital national security interest of the United States and the world after al-Assad chemical attack on his people

US launches missiles into Syria in response to chemical weapons attack

Snippet of Article: "...The United States launched nearly five dozen cruise missiles at a Syrian airfield early Friday in response to a chemical weapons attack that killed dozens of civilians, the first direct assault on the Damascus government since the beginning of that country's bloody civil war in 2011. "It is in the vital national security interest of the United States to prevent and deter the spread and use of deadly chemical weapons," President Donald Trump said..."

Source: www.foxnews.com

al-Assad, Trump, Missile Attack, Syrian Chemical Weapons Attack (April 2017)

Tuesday, April 4, 2017

White House unveiled Melania Trump’s first official portrait as first lady


White House unveils official portrait of Melania Trump

Image of First Lady Melania Trump
First Lady Melania Trump
Snippet of Article: "...The White House has unveiled Melania Trump’s first official portrait as first lady. The 46-year-old former professional model is seen striking an assertive pose in the photograph released Monday. Sporting a black ensemble with her arms crossed, Trump looks directly into the camera with a slight smile..."
Source: thehill.com

Melania Trump (FLOTUS), Make America Beautiful Again, America's First Lady,

DOJ warning to US companies: Don't put American workers at disadvantage

DOJ warning to US companies: Don't put American workers at disadvantage

Snippet of Article: "...The Justice Department warned U.S. companies that it would investigate and prosecute employers that overlook qualified Americans for jobs. The stern message came on the same day as employers started to apply for coveted visas known as H-1B, which are used mostly by technology companies to bring in programmers and other specialized workers from other countries..."

Source: www.foxnews.com

H-1B visa

Tuesday, March 28, 2017

DoD experts advocate dumping civilian unions

DoD experts advocate dumping civilian unions

Snippet of Article: "...Calls to make it easier to fire a federal employee by decreasing due process rights or speeding up the removal process are ‘dog whistles’ for making the career service subject to the partisan or personal whims of a few supervisors or political appointees,” American Federation of Government Employees President J. Daniel Cox Sr. said in a March 23 statement. “Due process rights, including union rights, for civil servants at DoD or other agencies provides accountability to the public for both managers and political appointees and is a cornerstone of our system of democracy and should not be treated as expendable..."

Source: federalnewsradio.com

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