The Trump administration plans widespread federal layoffs, beginning soon after a February 6th deadline for employees to accept a deferred resignation offer. This offer allows voluntary departure with pay through September 30th, but has been met with strong union opposition and a subsequent lawsuit. While OPM is proceeding with the plan, threatening job loss for non-participants, they have added an early retirement incentive for eligible older workers. The layoffs, excluding postal workers, military, and certain other personnel, could affect a significant portion of the approximately 2.4 million federal employees.
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In response to concerns about foreign interference in its upcoming election, Greenland’s government introduced a bill to ban foreign political donations. The bill, aiming to safeguard Greenland’s political integrity, prohibits parties from receiving contributions from foreign or anonymous donors and limits private donations. This action follows repeated assertions by Donald Trump of his desire to acquire Greenland, despite Greenland’s repeated declarations that it is not for sale. The bill is expected to pass quickly, potentially taking effect immediately.
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Over 85,000 cyberattacks targeted Romania’s election systems before the November 24th presidential vote, with leaked credentials appearing on Russian cybercrime forums. These attacks, continuing even on election day, were attributed to a state-sponsored actor with significant resources, leading to suspicions of Russian involvement. The election was subsequently annulled by the Constitutional Court due to concerns about fairness and legality, prompting a complete restart of the electoral process. Furthermore, a coordinated disinformation campaign on TikTok aggressively promoted the pro-Russian candidate, who unexpectedly won.
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Germany’s upcoming snap elections, precipitated by the collapse of Chancellor Scholz’s coalition, are facing significant threats of foreign interference, primarily from Russia. The BfV, Germany’s domestic intelligence agency, has established a task force to counter potential disinformation campaigns, cyberattacks, sabotage, and espionage aimed at influencing the election outcome. These actions are viewed as retaliation for Germany’s strong support of Ukraine. The BfV highlights the risk of foreign actors supporting specific candidates or parties to undermine the democratic process.
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Multiple Democratic politicians reported receiving bomb threats around Thanksgiving. This alarming development underscores a concerning trend of escalating political violence and intimidation. The sheer number of individuals targeted suggests a coordinated effort, rather than isolated incidents.
The timing of these threats, so close to a major holiday, is particularly unsettling. It raises questions about the intent behind the threats, suggesting an attempt to disrupt the peace and enjoyment of the holiday season for these individuals and their families. The gravity of the situation cannot be overstated; bomb threats are not empty gestures; they represent a real and present danger.
These threats are not merely acts of intimidation; they are a blatant attempt to silence dissenting voices and undermine the democratic process.… Continue reading
Election offices in Maryland and California received bomb threats, prompting evacuations and raising concerns about election interference. The threats, which also targeted other states like Georgia and Pennsylvania, were reported to authorities, including the Baltimore Police Department.
The timing of these threats, coming shortly after the midterm elections, has sparked speculation and fueled anxieties about the integrity of the electoral process. Some believe the threats are part of a broader effort to undermine confidence in the results, potentially paving the way for a recount or casting doubt on the legitimacy of the vote. Others see the threats as an attempt to sow division and disrupt the democratic process, citing the possibility of foreign interference, particularly from Russia.… Continue reading
On Tuesday, numerous polling places and ballot-counting locations across five key battleground states received bomb threats, primarily targeting Democratic-leaning counties. While none of the threats were deemed credible, they appear to have been coordinated and aimed at influencing either the perception or actual outcome of the election. The threats, originating from various sources including Russian and French email services, were largely directed at high-population Democratic counties in states considered crucial for winning the election, such as Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Detroit, Michigan. Thankfully, preparations for such scenarios minimized disruptions, with locations temporarily closed reopening later that day and no evidence of significant impact on voter turnout.
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The National Guard is on standby in several US states, including Washington and Oregon, due to concerns about civil unrest linked to the upcoming presidential election. The measures come after hundreds of ballots were destroyed or damaged when three ballot boxes were set on fire in both states recently. Although the suspected perpetrator has not been identified, the police have released a physical description. Washington Governor Jay Inslee did not disclose the number of troops set to be deployed but assured that they will support law enforcement from Monday to Thursday. In Oregon, the National Guard is also on standby, as Governor Tina Kotek’s office is reportedly coordinating with local, state, and federal agencies to ensure a safe voting environment.
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The Colorado Department of State accidentally posted a spreadsheet containing partial passwords for voting systems on its website. However, it stated there is no immediate security risk, as two passwords are needed for each component and physical access is necessary. The passwords were accessible for over two months before being removed and the department aims to complete password changes by the end of the day.
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Hundreds of ballots being destroyed in Oregon and Washington as fires are set in ballot drop boxes is an alarming and deeply disturbing reflection of the current state of our nation. When I first read about this, I felt a mix of anger and disbelief, grappling with the notion that individuals would resort to such drastic measures to manipulate our electoral process. This is not a mere act of vandalism; it’s a direct assault on our democracy.
The idea that someone would light a ballot drop box on fire, knowing it could potentially disenfranchise scores of voters, is beyond comprehension. I cannot fathom the mindset of individuals who think that destroying other people’s votes is in any way justifiable.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood