FEDtalk: Grand Challenges to Grand Changes with NAPA
On FEDtalk this week, host Natalia Castro had a discussion with the National Academy of Public Administration. Joining the show was NAPA President and CEO Terry Gerton as well as NAPA Fellows Edward DeSeve and Chris Mihm. Mr. DeSeve is also a Senior Fellow at the IBM Center for the Business of Government. Mr. Mihm also serves as Managing Director of the GAO Strategic Issues Team.
DOJ Sues Google for Violating Antitrust Laws
On October 20, 2020, the Department of Justice (DOJ) sued Google for allegedly violating antitrust laws that protect consumers from unfair business practices and ensure fair competition. A Department of Justice press release explained that a civil antitrust lawsuit had been filed against Google by the DOJ and 11 state attorneys general.
Red Ribbon Week Teaches the Importance of Living Drug Free
The Red Ribbon Campaign, the U.S.’s oldest and largest drug prevention program, is holding its annual Red Ribbon Week beginning October 23. Red ribbon has been a symbol for drug prevention since the death of DEA Special Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena during a drug operation in Mexico in 1985. Red Ribbon Week occurs each year and is dedicated to promoting awareness about drugs. Schools across America participate in red ribbon week and teach their students about drug prevention.
Billionaire Indicted in Largest Tax Fraud Scam in U.S. History
Texas billionaire Robert Brockman was charged with tax evasion, wire fraud, money laundering, and other crimes in service of a $2 billion tax fraud scheme, the Department of Justice said at a recent press conference. Over the course of 20 years, Brockman allegedly used offshore bank accounts to hide his money with the help of a private equity firm CEO named Robert Smith. Brockman is the CEO of Reynolds & Reynolds, a software company in Ohio.
CIA Museum- An Inside Look
Get a look inside the CIA Museum with NBC's Richard Engel. Learn about the significance of several artifacts in the museum’s collection.
Supreme Court to Decide Constitutionality of Warrantless Entry in “Hot Pursuit” of Misdemeanor Suspect
The U.S. Supreme Court will decide whether pursuit of a person who a police officer has probable cause to believe has committed a misdemeanor allows the officer to enter a home without a warrant.
FEHBP Rates Announced as Open Season Approaches
Participants in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP) can expect to pay higher premiums in 2021, with an expected average increase of 4.9%. On average, federal employees will pay $7.89 more toward their health premiums per biweekly pay period next year. This hike is lower than that of last year, which was an increase of 5.6%.
Managing Talent Amidst a Pandemic
This week on FEDtalk, host Jason Briefel was joined by three global talent management officials from both the government and the private sector to discuss evolutions in talent management since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic. Guests included Nancy Brickwood, Senior Vice President of Global Human Resources at BGRS; Clothilda (Clo) Taylor, Executive Director of the Strategic Learning, Development and Engagement Office and Chief Learning and Engagement Officer in the Office of the Chief Human Capital Officer, Department of Homeland Security (DHS); and Ghadeer Hasan, Head of Global Mobility at Lockheed Martin.
Push to Include Bipartisan Corporate Transparency Act in NDAA
In an October 7, 2020 letter to the House and Senate Armed Services Committee, a diverse group of organizations who have been impacted by money laundering, fraud, and counterfeiting came together to support the inclusion of the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) in the NDAA for this year.
Former Commander of Naval Station Guantanamo Bay Sentenced to Prison
According to a Department of Justice press release dated October 9, 2020, a former Commander of Naval Station Guantanamo Bay (GTMO) was sentenced to prison for obstructing justice and making false statements. Captain John Nettleton, 53, of Jacksonville, Florida was sentenced to 24 months in prison related to his actions during the Navy’s investigation of the death of Christopher M. Tur, the Loss Prevention Safety Manager at GTMO’s Naval Exchange.
Supreme Court Hears Oral Argument on Whether the Religious Freedom Restoration Act Permits Money Damages as a Remedy
On October 6, 2020, the Supreme Court heard telephonic oral arguments for Tanzin v. Tavir, which poses the question of whether the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA), passed in 1993, allows suits seeking money damages against individual federal employees, here FBI agents.
Long Term Care Planning Made Easy: Find a Plan That’s Right for You
You may already be aware of what long term care is, whether it's through personal experience caregiving for a loved one who needs daily assistance, or knowing a family member or friend who requires more support as they age. As you learn more about long term care, consider the possibility that you may need this type of care in the future and start planning for it today.
Trick or Treat: Do You Know What to Expect With PLI?
No federal law enforcement officer goes to work expecting to get sued or anticipates spending tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars in legal fees to defend their career. However, today’s current political climate means federal LEOS are increasingly vulnerable to civil lawsuits and administrative actions. If an allegation is made against you, are you aware of your rights as a federal LEO? Are you prepared to vigorously defend yourself even if the allegation is baseless? Do you have professional liability insurance in place to help you in these trying matters? In the spirit of the fall season, FEDS Protection has put together a list of Trick or Treat facts that will help you learn more about your liability exposures and how best to protect yourself with FEDS PLI.
This Former DEA Agent Took Down Some of the Largest Drug Barons
Eddie Follis has been a key figure in overthrowing some of the world’s most notorious drug barons. He worked undercover for the DEA for nearly 30 years.
Federal Judge Orders Presidential Law Enforcement Commission to Halt Work
The presidential Commission on Law Enforcement and the Administration of Justice, established by President Trump and Attorney General William P. Barr in January 2020, has come under scrutiny for violating federal law by solely including members of federal, state, and local law enforcement rather than multiple perspectives such as civil rights activists, defense attorneys, and mental health professionals.
CISA Releases Guide on Safe Teleworking Practices
With many federal employees now teleworking, the importance of working from home securely and safely is high. In response to both new and old cybersecurity risks, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) released a guide to help individuals and organizations safely telework for the long-term.
Safeguarding Your Vote: A Joint Message on Election Security
Election security is more important now than ever. Your voice is important. With less than thirty days until the upcoming election, the heads of the FBI, NSA, CISA and NCSC explain how they will safeguard your vote and prevent election-related crime.
Two Leaders of Notorious Videogame Piracy Group Arrested
A Department of Justice (DOJ) press release dated October 2, 2020 exposes two leaders in “one of the world’s most notorious videogame piracy groups,” Team Xecuter, who were recently arrested and are in custody facing charges filed in U.S. District Court in Seattle.
2020 FEHB Open Season: Tips for Preparing
Each year, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) offers the Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) Open Season to allow you to evaluate your circumstances and options, and make changes to benefits.
House Modernization Committee Issues Final Round of Recommendations
The House Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress passed its final round of recommendations before the end of its term. The committee has passed 97 bipartisan recommendations in its 20-month lifespan. The latest set of recommendations includes several provisions strengthening the legislative branch, namely those that strive to reform the budget and appropriations process.