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U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth Addresses Backlog in Federal Retiree Pensions Amidst NASA Retiree's Disappearing Pension Case

U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth Addresses Backlog in Federal Retiree Pensions Amidst NASA Retiree's Disappearing Pension Case

Dr. Sylvia Washington, a NASA retiree from Winfield, Illinois, has reported that her pension has disappeared, leading to a nearly two-year struggle to access the benefits she earned. Dr. Washington worked as an electronics engineer for NASA from August 1987 to October 1992, making her vested and eligible for pension benefits. She claims to have faced deception and a 'runaround' from government agencies, despite providing extensive employment records and a recently completed pension form with the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM). U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth's office is actively assisting Dr. Washington and has directly contacted OPM regarding her case. Senator Duckworth's office has also acknowledged a 'significant backlog' of retiree pension cases at OPM, indicating that Dr. Washington's situation may not be isolated.

Senator Duckworth Addresses Rising Costs with Illinois Corn Growers, Focuses on Biofuels and Exports

Senator Duckworth Addresses Rising Costs with Illinois Corn Growers, Focuses on Biofuels and Exports

U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth recently met with members of the Illinois Corn Board in Oglesby to discuss the increasing financial pressures faced by farmers and the broader agriculture industry. The discussions centered on several key areas aimed at mitigating these rising costs, which include higher expenses for diesel, fertilizer, and other essential supplies. Senator Duckworth and the corn growers explored strategies to expand the biofuels market, enhance agricultural exports, and strengthen farm safety net programs. Senator Duckworth has been a vocal proponent of expanding the use of ethanol blends, such as E15, and has actively supported legislation designed to boost the production of biofuels and sustainable aviation fuel. Furthermore, she has advocated for Illinois agriculture in international markets, working to secure commitments for U.S. agricultural products. She emphasized the critical role Illinois farmers play in both the state and national economies, highlighting the need for robust market su...

Former CIA Officer Julia Curlee Alleges Political Interference and National Security Damage Under Trump Administration

Former CIA Officer Julia Curlee Alleges Political Interference and National Security Damage Under Trump Administration

Julia Curlee, a former CIA officer and the first to openly transition while serving the agency, was fired early in President Trump's second term. She has publicly stated that her dismissal and the broader targeting of intelligence community members are causing significant damage to national security. Curlee claims that experts with decades of experience are being driven out for who they are or for providing information that contradicts the President's preferences. She also asserts that institutions like the National Security Council were 'neutered,' leading to a breakdown in coordination among key departments such as State, Defense, and the CIA. Curlee's essay, 'The Wrong Kind of American,' highlights her belief that a 'tiny group of people' are being made the 'enemy within' to rally the country, particularly when the economy struggles or a war goes poorly. She argues that the administration prioritizes political loyalty over factual intelligence, leading to detrimental decision-making, especially concerni...

Asheville Citizen-Times

A blood moon is rising in Western NC. When you should look up

A blood moon is rising in Western NC. When you should look up

The 'blood moon' will rise at the end of August. Here's how to view it in Western North Carolina.

Senate Bill Proposed to Combat COVID-19 Fraud by 'Fraudster Families'

Senate Bill Proposed to Combat COVID-19 Fraud by 'Fraudster Families'

Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) is championing a new Senate bill, the 'No Cash for Cohabitating Kins of Crooks Act,' aimed at preventing individuals who live with convicted criminals or fraudsters from receiving federal grants, loans, subawards, or reimbursements. This legislative push is a direct response to several high-profile cases of families allegedly swindling millions from COVID-19 relief funds. One such case involved a California family, led by Richard Ayvazyan and Marietta Terabelian, who defrauded $18 million, using stolen identities to fund luxury items before fleeing the U.S. after conviction. Another instance cited was the Edwards family in Florida, accused of seeking $6 million from the Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program through a bogus family ministry. Senator Ernst's team has identified approximately $50 million in fraud committed by 15 different 'fraudster families' across the country, highlighting a pattern of coordinated family efforts to exploit government aid prog...

OPM Director Scott Kupor Filmed Video from Home to Avoid Scrutiny Amidst Federal Return-to-Office Push

OPM Director Scott Kupor Filmed Video from Home to Avoid Scrutiny Amidst Federal Return-to-Office Push

Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Director Scott Kupor, a key figure in President Trump's return-to-office initiative for federal employees, admitted to intentionally filming a video in front of a blank wall while working from home. This was done to avoid potential criticism for not being in the office. The admission came during an August 18 all-hands agency meeting, where Kupor asked an OPM communications team member if his 'Federal Friday' video looked like he was 'stuck in a jail cell.' He stated he was trying to find a spot in his home that was not recognizable to prevent blowback about being out of the office. OPM's communications team clarified that Kupor was on a day off and not teleworking, asserting he 'works around the clock.' The Trump administration has strongly advocated for federal employees to return to physical offices, with an executive order issued on President Trump's first day in office in 2025 directing agencies to terminate remote work arrangements and require in-person attendance,...

Representative Julia Letlow Purchased Meta Stock While Under NDA, Raising Ethical Questions

Representative Julia Letlow Purchased Meta Stock While Under NDA, Raising Ethical Questions

Representative Julia Letlow purchased stock in Meta, the parent company of Facebook, after signing a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) with the company. This transaction occurred before Meta's data center project was publicly announced. The timing of the stock purchase, while under an NDA and prior to public disclosure of significant company news, has raised questions regarding potential conflicts of interest and ethical conduct for a public official. Robert Hogan, a Professor and Department Chair of Political Science at LSU, is expected to discuss the implications of this action. The incident highlights the scrutiny faced by politicians regarding their financial dealings and adherence to ethical guidelines, especially when privy to non-public information.

Ventura County Star, Camarillo

California rocket launches have soared. Here's why even more are ahead

California rocket launches have soared. Here's why even more are ahead

California's Vandenberg is on pace for another record year for rocket launches. A new forecast predicts even more are ahead in the next decade.

Railroad Retirement Board Beneficiaries Automatically Enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B

Railroad Retirement Board Beneficiaries Automatically Enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B

Individuals already receiving benefits from the Social Security Administration or the Railroad Retirement Board are generally automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B upon becoming eligible for Medicare. This automatic enrollment includes the option to decline Part B. For those not receiving these specific benefits, self-enrollment in Medicare is typically required through the Social Security Administration. This process streamlines access to Medicare for a significant portion of the population, particularly federal retirees and those with a history of railroad employment. The system is designed to coordinate with existing federal health benefits, such as the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program, ensuring a smoother transition for beneficiaries as they age or become eligible due to disability. Medicare Part A covers hospital insurance, while Part B covers medical insurance, including doctor visits and outpatient services.

Congressional Scrutiny Intensifies Over Alleged Corruption in President Trump Administration's Mining Deals

Congressional Scrutiny Intensifies Over Alleged Corruption in President Trump Administration's Mining Deals

The President Trump administration is facing increasing congressional scrutiny over alleged corruption and self-dealing in its mining deals, particularly highlighted during the August 7 Critical Minerals Roundtable at the State Department. Reports indicate that $1.4 billion in taxpayer money from the 'One Big Beautiful Bill' was used to purchase a stake in Vulcan Elements, a minerals company, enriching top administration officials and their family members, including Commerce Secretary Lutnick's son. Secretary of State Rubio also discussed Project Vault, an Export-Import Bank (EXIM) initiative to stockpile minerals, with a March 2025 Executive Order opening EXIM funds to riskier deals through the Forum on Resource Geostrategic Engagement (FORGE). In response, Senators Blumenthal, Schiff, and Warren requested records related to $8.9 billion in investments in mining companies tied to President Trump's family or Secretary Lutnick's family. Representatives Huffman and Garcia demanded Vulcan's records concerning...

Transgender CIA Officer Julia Curlee Fired Following Right-Wing Activist Laura Loomer's Social Media Post

Transgender CIA Officer Julia Curlee Fired Following Right-Wing Activist Laura Loomer's Social Media Post

Julia Curlee, a transgender CIA officer, was fired from her position at the National Security Council (NSC) intelligence office two months into President Trump's second term. Curlee believes her dismissal was a direct result of a social media post by right-wing activist Laura Loomer, who publicly targeted a "transgender, Biden holdover who hates President Trump" working in the NSC intel office and solicited the individual's name from her followers. Curlee, who was the first openly transgender CIA officer to transition and remain with the agency in 2013, had served under four administrations since 2007. Despite her supervisor's warning that she would be targeted as a transgender woman, Curlee felt it was her duty to stay. She was informed by her boss that the decision to fire her came from the White House chief of staff. A White House spokesperson stated that President Trump can remove any executive branch official at his discretion, and that officials are entrusted with advancing the 'America First' agenda...

Trump signs memo to help drastically boost US commercial space launches

Trump signs memo to help drastically boost US commercial space launches

By David Shepardson WASHINGTON, Aug 20 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday signed a memo to help drastically increase the number of U.S. commercial space launches, including directing government agencies to look at federal land for new launch and re-entry sites.