Armed militia, takes over federal building in Oregon in support of ranchers 'controlled burn' on leased land

Armed militia, Bundy brothers take over federal building in rural Oregon

Snippet of Article: "...An armed militia took over a building at a national wildlife refuge in Oregon late Saturday and vows to occupy the outpost for years to protest the federal government’s treatment of a pair of ranchers facing prison time... attempting to reduce the growth of invasive plant species and ward off potential wildfires. The pair was sentenced to five years in prison..."

Source: www.washingtonpost.com

Controlled or prescribed burning, militia, Second Amendment,

NASA under orders to build a deep-space habitat by 2018

Snippet of Article: "...Congress has instructed NASA to step up the development of a “habitation module” that can take astronauts on deep space missions..."

Source: www.extremetech.com

NASA, deep-space habitat,

It ought to be a crime when crowds riot in malls

Article Title: It ought to be a crime when crowds riot in malls

Snippet of Article: "...It ought to be a crime when large crowds riot in malls. It is as great a crime that riots can take place in a mall putting shoppers at risk of violence ...and not one person be arrested. That is as ridiculous as it is unacceptable...."

Source: It Ought to Be...

Crime, National Guard, Taxes,

U.S. plans raids to deport illegals who surged across border

Article Title: U.S. plans raids to deport families who surged across border

Snippet of Article: "...The ICE operation would target only adults and children who have already been ordered removed from the United States by an immigration judge..."

Source: www.washingtonpost.com

What is ALEC?

Article Title: What is ALEC?

Snippet of Article: "...It’s an anti-union, anti-worker organization that seeks to cut the pensions and health care benefits of public-sector workers and dismantle collective bargaining rights. In secretive meetings, representatives of corporations and state legislators vote as equals to endorse “model bills” that would diminish workers’ rights and benefit corporations, the group notes. “ALEC is a pay-to-play operation,” the organization says. “Corporations buy a seat and a vote on ‘task forces’ to advance their legislative wish lists.”..."

Source: www.apwu.org American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC),

FAA Small Unmanned Aircraft Registration Supposed to Go Online Today (Dec. 21)

Article Title: FAA Small Unmanned Aircraft Registration Begins Dec. 21

Snippet of Article: "...December 21–The Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Small Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) registry is expected to go live during the day on December 21. Please check the agency’s home page at www.faa.gov for updates..."

Source: www.faa.gov Unmanned Aircraft Registration (FAA)

Secret Service officer shot to death in Washington

Article Title: Secret Service officer shot to death in Washington

Snippet of Article: "...A Secret Service officer assigned to the White House was fatally shot in the Southwest section of Washington, D.C., on Tuesday afternoon..."

Source: www.politico.com

Fed funds rate hike to be announced today

Article Title: Fed rate decision: what to watch for

Snippet of Article: "...The 10 officials setting US monetary policy are forecast to raise the range for the Fed funds rate — the interest banks charge each other overnight to lend reserves kept at the Fed — by a quarter percentage point from 0-0.25 per cent to 0.25-0.5 per cent..."

Source: www.ft.com Fed funds rate hike

Who says Social Security is going broke? Illegals to be rewarded with Social Security

Article Title: Memo: Illegals To Receive Social Security, Credit For Time Worked Illegally

Snippet of Article: "...Therefore, illegal immigrants who have previously paid into the Social Security system — while using a fraudulent Social Security number, for instance — will be eligible for benefits derived from that system. Those benefits include retirement, disability and survivor payments..."

Source: dailycaller.com executive amnesty (Obama), Illegal Alien Invasion, Social Security benefits,

If you own a drone, you must register it with the FAA's Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) registry

Article Title: Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Registration

Drone Registry

Article: "...If you own a drone, you must register it with the Federal Aviation Administration's Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) registry. A federal law effective December 21, 2015 requires unmanned aircraft registration, and you are subject to civil and criminal penalties if you do not register.

• Review the UAS Registration FAQs to learn more about the program.
• Read the Aircraft Registration Records System of Records Notice (MS Word).
• Read the Registration and Marking Requirements for Small Unmanned Aircraft Interim Final Rule (PDF).

Register before January 20, 2016 and your $5 registration fee will be refunded!..."
Source: www.faa.gov FAA's Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) registration, Drone Registry,

FBI’s crime lab in Quantico, Va, examining smashed cellphones that may relate to San Bernardino shooters

Article Title: Investigators focused on who San Bernardino shooters were talking to before massacre, officials say

Snippet of Article: "...In addition, agents have recovered two smashed cellphones from a dumpster, and are examining those and other items from the couple’s Redlands home at the FBI’s crime lab in Quantico, Va..."

Source: www.latimes.com

The US Government Wants IBM to Build Quantum Computers for It

Article Title: The US Government Wants IBM to Build Quantum Computers for It

Snippet of Article: "...quantum computers — which rely on the strange properties of atom-sized logic gates—could have exponentially more power than even today’s most advanced supercomputers. These machines could be used to develop new drugs, crack codes, or potentially even create true artificial intelligence..."

Source: www.nextgov.com

Warning: No more free ride on forced Obama Care this year

Article Title: No Obamacare Break This Year, Government Warns

Snippet of Article: "... People who don't have health insurance yet for next year need to hurry up and get it or risk a fine, the federal government warns. And the fine's going up this year. Although the Health and Human Services Department offered a special extension last year to sign up, because many people may not yet have fully understood the requirements, there will be no such break this coming year ..."

Source: www.nbcnews.com Obama Care

How do I print my 1099R from Services Online?

Article Title: How do I print my 1099R from Services Online?

Snippet of Article: "...After logging in to SOL (https://www.servicesonline.opm.gov/) 1) Select Request a Duplicate Form 1099-R. 2) You can elect to have a duplicate mailed to you or you can view/print the form. 3) At the Request for Duplicate Form 1099-R window, select View or Print (bottom of the window) 4) Select the year for which you want a 1099R and 5) Select view pdf. The 1099-R will open in a new window, as a pdf. If you want to print the 1099R, select File from the new window, scroll down and select Print. You can print current year and two previous years 1099R at Services Online. Note: If you don’t have a claim number and password for Services OnLine, you can email retire@opm.gov or call Retirement Information office at 1-888-767-6738 for a duplicate copy of your 1099R. You will need your CSA or CSF number (or Social Security Number) and date of birth. Make sure your mailing address is correct!..."

Source: www.opm.gov 1099R

CSRS: When Am I Eligible to Retire?

Article Title: CSRS: When Am I Eligible to Retire?

Snippet of Article: "...There are five categories of benefits under the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS). Eligibility is based on your age and the number of years of creditable service and any other special requirements. In addition, you must have served in a position subject to CSRS coverage for one of the last two years before your retirement. If you meet one of the following sets of requirements, you may be eligible for an immediate retirement benefit. An immediate annuity is one that begins within 30 days after your separation..."

Source: www.opm.gov

FERS: When Am I Eligible to Retire?

Article Title: FERS: When Am I Eligible to Retire?

Snippet of Article: "...Eligibility is determined by your age and number of years of creditable service. In some cases, you must have reached the Minimum Retirement Age (MRA) to receive retirement benefits. Use the following chart to figure your Minimum Retirement Age..."

Source: www.opm.gov

DEA chief calls medical marijuana a joke

Article Title: DEA chief: Medicinal marijuana is a 'joke'

Snippet of Article: "...Chuck Rosenberg, chief of the Drug Enforcement Administration, said that smoking marijuana should not be considered medical treatment on Wednesday, calling the notion a "joke." ..."

Source: www.cnbc.com medical marijuana,

Digitizing the Federal Register

Article Title: Digitizing the Federal Register

Snippet of Article: "...We’re excited to announce that we will be digitizing the remaining Federal Register collection from 1936 to 1994 in the coming months! In partnership with the Government Publishing Office (GPO), the collection will be processed by decade, beginning with 1990-1994. The digital collection will be released in stages as each decade is digitized. This will allow for a gradual release of the collection’s 1,778,521 pages of content. The digital output will be..."

Source: Federal Register www.federalregister.gov

Here’s How OPM Is Telling Hacked Feds Their Data Was Stolen

Article Title: Here’s How OPM Is Telling Hacked Feds Their Data Was Stolen

Snippet of Article: "..."If you applied for a position or submitted a background investigation form, the information in our records may include your name, Social Security number, address, date and place of birth, residency, educational, and employment history. personal foreign travel history, information about immediate family as well as business and personal acquaintances, and other information used to conduct and adjudicate your background investigation. If your information was listed on a background investigation form by a spouse, or co-habitant, the information in our records may include your name, Social Security number, address, date and place of birth, and in some cases, your citizenship information." The message to people whose biometrics were stolen is more specific: "Since you applied for a position or submitted a background investigation form... Our records also indicate your fingerprints were likely compromised during the cyber intrusion."..."

Source: www.nextgov.com

Occupational Outlook Handbook

Article Title: Occupational Outlook Handbook

Occupational Outlook Handbook

Snippet of Article: "...This is a guide to career information about hundreds of occupations..."
Source: www.bls.gov

Will Postal Service Restart Destructive Mail Processing Facility Closures?

Article Title: Warning: Another Attack On Our Postal Service

Snippet of Article: "...have to get rid of several mail-processing facilities, even though this would slow delivery. Other steps – layoffs, along with pay and benefit cuts for the workers who remain – would make the service more “efficient.” Over time, service would degrade and eventually this would all end badly for the public and the employees. (But, of course, that’s the point.) ..."

Source: ourfuture.org

Senate to Pass Spending Bill to Avoid Shutdown

Article Title: Senate to Pass Spending Bill to Avoid Shutdown

Snippet of Article: "...The Senate plans to pass a spending bill Wednesday morning to keep the U.S. government running, leaving hours to spare for the House to vote before a potential shutdown...."

Source: www.newsmax.com Spending Bill, Shutdown 2915, Government Shutdown, Federal Shutdown,

As the government barrels toward another shutdown, thousands of federal workers say they weren’t fairly compensated for the last one

Article Title: As the government barrels toward another shutdown, thousands of federal workers say they weren’t fairly compensated for the last one

Snippet of Article: "...The employees, from the Defense Department to the Bureau of Prisons, have joined a lawsuit against the government that alleges it violated the Fair Labor Standards Act two years ago. They were told to work during the 16-day shutdown because their jobs were essential to security and safety — but not paid until federal agencies reopened..."

Source: www.washingtonpost.com Federal Shutdown, Government Shutdown,

Obama planned to hire 3,100 new federal employees to legalize illegal immigrants before being enjoined by federal courts.

Article Title: Obama planned to hire 3,100 new federal employees to legalize illegal immigrants before being enjoined by federal courts.

Snippet of Article: "...President Obama’s plan to unilaterally legalize millions of illegal immigrants in defiance of Congress, would have required the hiring of 3,100 new full-time federal employees, with benefits, just to process the paperwork. The Obama administration actually did lease an 11-story building in Arlington, Virginia, for $7.8 million per year to accommodate those new hires..."

Source: www.newsworks.org

Comments from Wednesday’s debate on CNN about the government should make you nervous

Article Title: GOP hopefuls spell dread for federal employees

Snippet of Article: "...It must be disheartening for public servants to hear they are part of an inept, corrupt political class that stifles, rather than serves the public. Walker, the union-busting governor of Wisconsin, thinks he has the cure..."

Source: www.washingtonpost.com

Feds offered $235,000 for Norwalk lighthouse

Article Title: Feds offered $235,000 for Norwalk lighthouse

Snippet of Article: "...The property consists of a cast-iron sparkplug style structure with rests on a cast-iron cylindrical foundation. Peck Ledge Lighthouse, built in 1906, is a 54-foot tall “sparkplug” style light. It has three stories of living space, a basement level with cisterns (for storing water), and 360-degree views from its circular deck...."

Source: www.ctpost.com Pecks Ledge Lighthouse

High-level federal employees used work Internet systems to join Ashley Madison

Article Title: High-level federal employees used work Internet systems to join Ashley Madison

Snippet of Article: "...Hackers this week released detailed records on millions of people registered with the website one month after the break-in at Ashley Madison's parent company, Toronto-based Avid Life Media Inc. The website -- whose slogan is, "Life is short. Have an affair" -- is marketed to facilitate extramarital affairs...."

Source: www.foxnews.com Ashley Madison

US Consulate in Istanbul attacked as violence escalates in Turkey

Article Title: US Consulate in Istanbul attacked as violence escalates in Turkey

Snippet of Article: "...In a statement posted on its website the group described the consulate attacker, Asik, as a "revolutionary" fighting American oppression and vowed to maintain its struggle until Turkey is "cleared" of all U.S. bases..."

Source: www.foxnews.com Turkey, US Consulate in Istanbul,

NASA tells lawmakers to brace for more Pluto secrets revealed by mission

Article Title: NASA tells lawmakers to brace for more Pluto secrets revealed by mission

Snippet of Article: "...“Now is the time to accelerate, not curtail, the pace and scope of our nation’s solar system exploration program,” said Robert Braun, professor of space technology at Georgia Institute of Technology The New Horizons probe -- launched in 2006 and powered by plutonium -- reached the closest phase of its brief planetary flyby of Pluto and its five moons on July 14..."

Source: www.latimes.com

Federal Employees Are Likely to Get a 1.3 Percent Pay Raise Next Year

Article Title: Federal Employees Are Likely to Get a 1.3 Percent Pay Raise Next Year

Snippet of Article: "...Another group of lawmakers declined to block a pay raise for federal employees next year, increasing the likelihood nearly all civil servants will receive the 1.3 percent salary bump recommended by President Obama...."

Source: www.nationaljournal.com 2016 Federal Pay Raise,

Some Republicans in Congress want to cut the G Fund rate

Article Title: Would Cutting the G Fund Interest Rate Benefit Federal Employees?

Snippet of Article: "...Some Republicans in Congress are making the argument that the G fund pays interest that is too high as there is no risk with the investment...."

Source: www.fedsmith.com G Fund Interest Rate

What is a Minimum Retirement Age (MRA) plus 10 annuity under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)?

Article Title: What is a Minimum Retirement Age (MRA) plus 10 annuity under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)?

Snippet of Article: "...This is a provision that allows you to retire with benefits beginning immediately if you have ten years of service and have reached the Minimum Retirement Age..."

Source: www.opm.gov

The huge gap between how federal workers and federal leaders see the workplace

Article Title: The huge gap between how federal workers and federal leaders see the workplace

Snippet of Article: "...If I truly believe that my organization’s leaders are arbitrary in rewarding employees or that they fail to hold poor performers accountable, my own commitment to the job is likely to be weaker. And if I’m part of the leadership team and I think everything is fine, I am unlikely to change anything...."

Source: www.washingtonpost.com

FBI investigating severed fiber-optic cables that disrupted Internet, phones in Northern California

Article Title: FBI investigating fiber-optic cuts that disrupted Internet, phones in Northern California

Snippet of Article: "...The FBI is working with police to catch vandals behind nearly a dozen fiber-optic cable cuts in Northern California in the past year. The latest snips occurred Tuesday, when someone sliced at least three fiber-optic cables in an underground vault..."

Source: www.foxbusiness.com Attacks on Internet Infrastructure, FBI,

Federal workers file complaints about private contractor handling breach

Article Title: Federal workers file complaints about private contractor handling breach

Snippet of Article: "...This is not how people who are alarmed that their Social Security numbers, life insurance beneficiaries, military service records — and for many, details of their lives they disclosed when applying for security clearances — may be compromised say they hoped the government would respond..."

Source: www.washingtonpost.com OPM Cyber-Breach 2015, OPM Data Breach, life insurance beneficiaries, military service records,

OPM Cyber-Breach: What is the SF-86 and was yours compromised?

Article Title: Feds Eye Link to Private Contractor in Massive Government Hack

Snippet of Article: "..."If the SF-86's associated with this hack were, in their entirety, part of the stolen information, then that would mean the potential release of a staggering amount of information, affecting an exponential amount of people," one U.S. official told ABC News on Sunday. ..."

Source: abcnews.go.com SF-86, OPM Cyber-Breach 2015, KeyPoint Government Solutions,

Cybersecurity Firm Says It Found Spyware on Government Network in April

Article Title: Cybersecurity Firm Says It Found Spyware on Government Network in April

Snippet of Article: "...OPM officials have said they discovered the intrusion on their own in April, and immediately took steps to address it. But The Wall Street Journal reported last week that a Virginia company, CyTech Services Inc., discovered the intrusion when carrying out a demonstration of security software. ..."

Source: www.wsj.com OPM Data Breach, Data Breach (OPM 2015), CyTech Services Inc., Spyware on Government Network,

TSA Director Reassigned in Wake of Security Failures

Article Title: TSA Director Reassigned in Wake of Security Failures

Snippet of Article: "..."I thank Melvin Carraway for his eleven years of service to TSA and his 36 years of public service," Johnson said in the statement, adding that Acting Deputy Director Mark Hatfield will lead the TSA in the interim. ..."

Source: abcnews.go.com TSA

National Security Agency's collection of bulk telephone metadata ends at midnight

Article Title: Clock Runs Out on Renewal of Patriot Act Surveillance Powers

Snippet of Article: "...The National Security Agency's authority to collect troves of bulk telephone metadata under the post-Sept. 11 USA Patriot Act will expire at midnight..."

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Anthrax inquiry widens to 24 labs in 11 states, two foreign countries

Article Title: Anthrax inquiry widens to 24 labs in 11 states, two foreign countries

Snippet of Article: "...widening Pentagon investigation found late Friday that an Army biodefense facility in Utah has been mistakenly sending out live deadly anthrax samples to at least two dozen private and military laboratories around the world for the last seven years..."

Source: www.latimes.com