The National Academy of Sciences has found some flaws in the FBI's investigation of the 2001 anthrax attacks. Image of anthrax infection from Wikimedia Commons.

Scientists and investigators have been unable to determine the source of the anthrax used in the 2001 anthrax attacks. The anthrax spores used in the attacks are similar to a strain grown in the laboratory of Bruce Ivins but not completely identical. Ivins committed suicide before he could be prosecuted.

National Academy of Sciences contradicts FBI anthrax findings

Though the official investigation of the 2001 anthrax attacks is functionally over, the National Academy of Sciences has just released a report that calls findings of the Federal Bureau of Investigation into question, according to USA Today. The National Research Council conducted its own review of the FBI investigation and found some disparities that existed between what the FBI and the review panel concluded. In the initial investigation, some genetic similarities were discovered between the spores of anthrax used in the attacks and those at the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute for Infectious Disease in a flask belonging to Dr. Bruce Ivins, a microbiologist who worked for the Army. However, the NAS concluded that despite similarities, it was not confirmed that the strain cultivated by Dr. Ivins was the same as the strain used.

Ivins not cleared

The National Academy of Sciences report did not address whether Dr. Ivins was the culprit and dealt only with the science, according to the New York Times. The NAS did conclude that the similarities were “consistent with and supports” the two strains being related. However, the panel took the FBI to task for failing to use newer and more accurate methods to identify the strain of anthrax. Dr. Bruce Ivins committed suicide in 2008 before he could be prosecuted, and the FBI closed its case.

Anthrax attacks remain a mystery

The investigation of the 2001 anthrax attacks led to the founding of the new science of microbial forensics — tracing the origins of infectious agents. The report also applauds the use of vigorous scientific techniques by the FBI, according to the Washington Post. The anthrax attacks of 2001 killed five people and sickened 17 with Bacillus Anthracis spores, which causes the dangerous and often fatal disease anthrax.

Sources

USA Today

New York Times

Washington Post

Police are searching for two men in a maroon Chevrolet Malibu. Image: Wikimedia Commons

In Henning, Tenn., there has been a post office shooting. The post office shooting reportedly killed two employees, but details are still trickling in. The U.S. Postal Service has not confirmed anything other than that there was an incident.

Henning post office shooting

As reported by WMCTV, there was a post office shooting about 9 a.m. Monday morning. The Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Department has reported that two employees were killed. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has said it will be sending investigators to assist in the investigation. No motive, weapon or suspect has been named yet. Investigators have said they are searching for a maroon Chevrolet Malibu with two men inside.

Two killed in Henning post office shooting

According to reports from multiple sources, the post office shooting killed two female employees. The U.S. Postal Service has confirmed that there was an incident in the Henning Post Office, but no other official statements have been released. One witness has said the post office shooting happened during a robbery attempt. Witnesses are being interviewed by law enforcement officials. As reports continue to trickle in, officials will release information.

FBI to be involved in post office shooting investigation

Though the Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Office and Tennessee Bureau of Investigation will be investigating the event, the FBI has also said it will have a hand in it. Because the post office shooting happened in a post office, which is a federal building, it could be considered a federal crime. If and when the individuals responsible for the post office shooting are caught, there are several crimes they could be charged with. Pre-meditated murder would be the first, among many others that could carry life sentences or worse.

Sources

WMCTV
USA Today

For the unemployed, looking for payday cash can be harrowing. There is good news, though, since more companies are expected to open their doors this year. The recession is finally considered over and that means that slowly businesses are hiring. The government is taking the lead on squashing the unemployment rate and promising to create 600,000 jobs this year. That’s great news for an unemployed public that is well into the millions.

Government jobs on the rise

For anyone looking to work for the government, there are perks. The number of six-figure earning employees is set to rise along with the larger pool of workers. Here are some of the jobs that the government is currently looking to fill:

• FBI/Special Agent. This job isn’t only made up for the movies. In fact, it is a real position that is needed. The job description, according to the FBIJobs.gov website, is “As an FBI Special Agent you may work on matters including terrorism, foreign counterintelligence, cyber crime, organized crime, white-collar crime, public corruption, civil rights violations, financial crime, bribery, bank robbery, extortion, kidnapping, air piracy, interstate criminal activity, fugitive and drug-trafficking matters, and other violations of federal statutes.” The annual salary is anywhere between $57,000 and $74,000.
• IT Specialist. Though this position is a bit more boring than an FBI Special Agent, it still has its perks. The annual salary for an IT Specialist is $123,000 to $155,000. The job entails the procurement of equipment, hardware/software maintenance, training, design changes, long range planning, and all other system integration within the division.” (www.FBIJobs.gov).
• Aerospace Engineer. This is a job that focuses on designing and developing civil aircrafts. The job is an exciting one for any engineer and can hone his or her skill. This job has an annual salary range of $91,000 to $414,000.
• Writer/Editor. The Securities and Exchange Commission is looking for help. The job involves proofreading and updating materials related to financial services. The salary for this position is between $96,000 and $171,000. That’s good news for struggling writers who have the credentials to warrant payday cash from the government.
• Wildlife Biologist. This title is also called a “Grizzly Bear Habitat Coordinator” and the employee will be a “principle liaison for grizzly bear management among the Forest Service’s northern Region, Rocky Mountain Region and Intermountain Region.” The annual salary is $68,000 to $89,000.
• Intelligence Officer/Defense Intelligence Agency. An intelligence officer is the closest to what people watch on TV and in the movies. These are the agents that take on high-threat issues for US officials and representatives. The salary for this position is between $89,000 and $136,000 a year. Projects include counter-intelligence work and monitoring of national level operations.

Government positions

The key to finding the right position is to focus on skills. Just like any other employer, the government is looking for the right person for the right job. It’s crucial to create a good resume and then follow the application instructions at the FBI website. It may take some careful planning, but having payday cash directly from Uncle Sam can be a blessing to anyone who has been searching for a job since the recession first began.

Start your payday cash loan application HERE!

Image from Flickr.com. Coming to a small town near you - ain't that America!

The reasons aren’t clear, but the targets sure were

First World Management runs a butcher shop on the edge of town, and the meat it provides is meat that is slaughtered and butchered to Islamic dietary specifications.  Islamic dietary laws are very specific about meat, and for meat to be considered Halal (similar to Kosher) it must be procured according to a very specific set of rules, or dhabiha.  The shop in question slaughters and butchers dhabiha meat for consumers, most of which are in Chicago.  There are only a few employees, all Muslims – less than 10, most of which live in trailers behind the shop.

Over a dozen FBI vehicles, snipers and a helicopter…and no arrests!

Nearly 100 FBI personnel descended on this location on Sunday, October 18th, and no arrests were made.  (This cost taxpayers a lot more than a few payday loans worth.)  No one in the town, not even the mayor was aware anything was going to happen.  The only people who did were the Grundy County Sheriff’s Department, who were notified two weeks in advance of the incident. You can read up on the incident at Fox News, though more coverage is likely to be forthcoming.

Aren’t we supposed to NOT have secret police in this country?

It’s speculated that the raid was done in order to root out immigration violations.  However, no arrests were made, and the size of it makes it look like something beyond the scope of immigration affairs.  There was a recent terrorism arrest and plot, but if this were an anti-terror raid, why wasn’t anyone detained, and why weren’t any charges filed?  The FBI is a multi-billion dollar a year expense on the taxpayers, and it is highly dubious that they don’t have anything to do.  State intimidation is one of the things that the Founders and Framers were universally against, so this looks suspicious to say the least.

UPDATE: It wasn’t for nothing