Republicans and some conservadems who say they want to help people get back to work, and give small businesses the means to create jobs have once again said one thing while on camera and then voted against the People of the United States. They say a small business needs to be helped because small business creates jobs … but Republicans lie and this is yet another example and now evidence of just what they have in mind for us … as Americans, we should all be outraged but use our voice and our votes to keep Republicans out of office. We need to vote for Politicians who have Americans’ best interests in mind, not …
I don’t believe Immigration is an issue that will bite the backs of any left-leaning politician because immigration has to be dealt with. It has to be comprehensive and, unlike what people on TV seem to want viewers to believe, immigrants, undocumented or not, didn’t just pop up after President Obama was elected. Immigration is the elephant in the room that Politicians on both sides of the aisle have avoided for decades unable to make progress on, the others who along with corporations were more interested in making a buck than solving the massive influx of undocumented people looking for jobs; not all immigrants or those called natural citizens are violent, take jobs away, are crazy or constantly break laws …
Immigration reform will ultimately affect every single person in this country. The notion that every State should be able to make up its own rules, policies, or laws is absurd, not to mention the crap coming from people on the right suggesting that the undocumented or illegals as they call them be rounded up and taken back to their homeland. The comment and the idea are not only offensive; the suggestion about how to pay for the round-up is in itself scary and brings up another time in History when the lives of people who were rounded up and well… we all know what happened, and thought it’s the 21st Century … men and women, called ICE Police, are engaged in rounding up what might be considered Dissidents for both concentration and internment camps.
It is time to ask yourself how many ethnic groups have come to America, been treated poorly, and yes, some succeed while others are still in the shadows, or in concentration camps in the year 2019. In this era of trump, the extreme right or white nationalists noticed the significant browning of America and are now suggesting an en masse round-up and deportation. I will admit I was definitely offended and surprised that folks in 2010 would suggest using stimulus money to round up people and ship them back to their homeland, but what we heard doesn’t even match up to what we are now experiencing, in this era of trump or 2.o trump!
Is it me, or are these wild, wicked, and stupid comments from people getting on the airwaves, talking seemingly crazy and getting paid $175K to do #ThePeoplesBusiness, sound completely absurd? The other question is, do most, if not all, long for a time when most Women and folks of colour were not seen or heard ? They performed duties that the white masta set
Repealing Obamacare cost America at least $70 million with over 50 attempts in 2014, now 63 attempts in 2016 … so, you do the math
A Cruz Government Shutdown cost $24 billion
Benghazi Hearings cost almost $8 million, maybe more!
Email gate cost $82 million or more
The current bills brought to the floor of Congress should give everyone engaged in living in this 21st Century life and the country an opportunity to stop, consider, and debate the obvious ramifications, maybe accept that comprehensive immigration reform needs to be clearly explained and understood. Unfortunately, what the right calls Amnesty. It would be in all of our best interests for those on the right to avoid the notion that all the undocumented or “illegals” are violent and malicious folks doing all kinds of bad things. However, they cannot help themselves though we all know that not all undocumented, “illegals” as they call the undocumented are bad and decades ago, employers decided to look the other way when folks started coming across the border to look for jobs getting the jobs that were paying little or nothing but saved them money.
It is time, to be honest, and deal with the reality of the impact and contributions that undocumented people have on the US economy, because it is big. The idea is not lost on me that the immigration laws republicans want implemented across the country would also have some negative consequences on all folks of colour, women, children, as well as the elderly, by pushing Americans back to a time that we all hoped was nearly gone and stayed in our history books.
However, we have to remind people that we cannot go backward. It was not that long ago when women and people of colour were seen as 3rd class citizens, and servants, and rarely heard from by anyone unless they were forced to do the unthinkable or worse.
Prohibited Personnel Practices Prohibited personnel practices (PPPs) are employment-related activities that are banned in the federal workforce because they violate the merit system through some form of employment discrimination, whistleblower retaliation, improper hiring practices, or failure to adhere to laws, rules, or regulations that directly concern the merit system principles. Under 5 U.S.C. § 2302(b)(1)-(b)(14) a federal employee authorized to take, direct others to take, recommend or approve any personnel action may not: Discriminate (including discrimination based on marital status and political affiliation). Ex: Supervisor Joe refuses to promote Employee Jane because Jane is a registered Republican; or his refusal is because she is single. NOTE: OSC does not generally investigate Title VII discrimination. 5 U.S.C. § 2302(b)(1) Solicit or consider employment recommendations based on factors other than personal knowledge or records of job-related abilities or characteristics. Ex: Selecting Official Joe hires Applicant Jack based on Senator Smith’s recommendation that Jack be hired because Jack is a constituent. 5 U.S.C. § 2302(b)(2) Coerce the political activity of any person or take action against any employee as reprisal for refusing to engage in political activity. Ex: Supervisor Jane takes away significant job duties of Employee Jack because Jack will not make a contribution to Jane’s favorite candidate. 5 U.S.C. § 2302(b)(3) Deceive or willfully obstruct any person from competing for employment. Ex: Supervisor Joe, located in Headquarters, orders that no vacancy announcements be posted in the field office where Employee Jack works because he does not want Jack to get hired for a job in Headquarters. 5 U.S.C. § 2302(b)(4) Influence any person to withdraw from competition for a position to improve or injure the employment prospects of any other person. Ex: Supervisor Jane, in an effort to hire Employee Joe, tells Employee Jack that he should not apply for a position because he is not qualified and will never be selected. Employee Jack is qualified. 5 U.S.C. § 2302(b)(5) Give an unauthorized preference to a person to improve or injure the employment prospects of any particular employee or applicant. Ex: Supervisor Jane specifies that Spanish-speaking skills are necessary for a vacant position, for the purpose of selecting Employee Jack, who speaks fluent Spanish. The position, however, does not require Spanish-speaking skills. 5 U.S.C. § 2302(b)(6) Engage in nepotism: Ex: Second-level Supervisor Jane asks First-level Supervisor Joe to hire or promote her son. Supervisor Denise serves as the first-line supervisor for her uncle Anthony. 5 U.S.C. § 2302(b)(7) Take, fail to take, or threaten (to take or fail to take) a personnel action against an employee for making protected disclosures. Ex: Supervisor Joe directs the geographic reassignment of Employee Jill after Jill reported a gross waste of funds to the Office of Internal Affairs. 5 U.S.C. § 2302(b)(8) Take, fail to take, or threaten (to take or fail to take) a personnel action against an employee for engaging in protected activity. Ex: Supervisor Jack terminates Employee John after learning that John reported a gross waste of funds to the Office of Inspector General; or for refusing to obey an order that would require John to violate agency regulations. 5 U.S.C. § 2302(b)(9) Discriminate against an employee on the basis of conduct, which does not adversely affect the performance of the employee. Ex: Jack’s employment is terminated because he attended a “Gay Pride” march; or he attended a “Pro-Life” event; or he attended an animal rights rally; or he attended a gun-owners’ rights meeting. 5 U.S.C. § 2302(b)(10)
Take or fail to take a personnel action, if such action would violate a veterans’ preference requirement. Ex: Supervisor Jane hired Employee Jack, without considering Veteran Jennifer, who was included on the list of eligible employees. NOTE: OSC’s jurisdiction is limited to disciplinary actions only; the Dept. of Labor has jurisdiction to investigate for corrective actions. 5 U.S.C. § 2302(b)(11) Take a personnel action against an employee which violates a law, rule, or regulation which implements a merit systems principle. Ex: Supervisor Joe terminates the probationary appointment of Employee Jack because of Jack’s letter to the editor criticizing affirmative action – a valid exercise of First amendment rights, a law implementing a merit system principle. 5 U.S.C. § 2302(b)(12) Implement or enforce a nondisclosure agreement or policy lacking notification of whistleblower rights. Ex: A manager Issues a policy to all employees in his program that prohibits the employees from discussing the program in any way and fails to notify employees of protected channels for making disclosures. 5 U.S.C. § 2302(b)(13) Access the medical record of an employee or applicant, as part of, or in furtherance of any of the above-listed prohibitions. Ex: An employee expresses interest in an open position to a hiring official, who wants to hire another applicant. The hiring official accesses the employee’s medical records provided under a reasonable accommodation (RA) request and attempts to influence the employee to withdraw from competition by telling her that the stress of the new position will worsen a medical condition noted in her RA medical records. 5 U.S.C. § 2302(b)(14) WHAT CAN YOU DO IF YOU BELIEVE THAT A PPP HAS BEEN COMMITTED? OSC is a federal investigative and prosecutorial agency. Current and former federal employees, including probationary employees, and applicants for federal employment can submit a complaint electronically to OSC at https://osc.gov. OSC will review the allegations to determine jurisdiction and investigate allegations of prohibited personnel practices. In complaints where OSC finds a violation, OSC has the authority to seek corrective and/or disciplinary action and/or file complaints with the Merit Systems Protection Board, where appropriate. 5 U.S.C. §§ 1212, 2302(b)(1) (b)(14). You can learn more about prohibited personnel practices by watching these short videos. WHAT CAN YOU DO IF YOU WANT TO REPORT GOVERNMENT WRONGDOING? Current and former federal employees and applicants can confidentially report information evidencing a violation of any law, rule, or regulation, gross mismanagement, a gross waste of funds, an abuse of authority, a substantial and specific danger to public health or safety, or censorship related to scientific integrity or research to OSC. OSC has the authority to require the head of the agency concerned to investigate the matter. While OSC does not have independent investigative authority in these cases, Congress has given OSC an important oversight role in reviewing government investigations of potential wrongdoing. HOW DOES OSC ENFORCE THE HATCH ACT? The Hatch Act Unit (HAU) enforces compliance with the Hatch Act, which limits certain political activities of federal executive branch employees. All employees, except for the President and Vice President, are prohibited from: (1) using their official authority or influence to affect the result of an election; (2) soliciting, accepting, or receiving political contributions from any person; (3) being candidates in partisan elections; (4) soliciting or discouraging the political activity of persons with business pending before their employing office; and (5) engaging in political activity while on duty or in the federal workplace. See 5 U.S.C. §§ 7323-7324. HAU investigates complaints to determine whether a Hatch Act violation has occurred. In cases where HAU concludes that an employee has violated this law, it will either issue a warning letter or seek disciplinary action by negotiating a settlement or prosecuting the case before the Merit Systems Protection Board. HAU also is responsible for a nation-wide program that provides federal, state, and local employees, as well as the public at large, with legal advice on the Hatch Act, enabling individuals to determine their coverage under the Act and whether their contemplated activities are permitted under the Act. To further its advisory and enforcement role, HAU is very active in OSC’s outreach program and operates a hotline and dedicated email address for individuals to request and receive timely Hatch Act advice. In addition, HAU launched its own webinar series tailored to various audiences to address specific Hatch Act topics. You can learn more about the Hatch Act’s prohibitions by watching these short videos. For more information on filing a complaint or making a disclosure: 202-804-7000, 800-872-9855, or submit a question at info@osc.gov. Please note that OSC may not provide advice regarding merit of a complaint or whether the allegation meets the statutory definitions.
Updated and detailed information on OSC and its procedures can be found on OSC’s website at https://osc.gov. For information about training and the 2302c Certification Program please contact OSC’s Outreach Unit via email at certification@osc.gov.
** BETHLEHEM, PA – August 19, 2025 – B. Braun Medical Inc. (B. Braun) is voluntarily recalling two lots of Lactated Ringers Injection USP 1000 mL,and 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection USP 1000 mL to the hospital level due to the presence of particulate matter inside the container.
B. Braun has identified through complaints the potential for the product to contain particulate matter in solution. To date there have been no reports of serious injury, death or other adverse events associated with this issue. If the particulate matter is observed before use, a minor delay could occur while obtaining a replacement product. If the particulate matter is loose and the container is used on a patient, there is a potential for the particulate to be infused into the circulatory system. This could lead to patient harm that may require additional medical intervention and/or lead to permanent impairment or death.
** Viva Raw LLC, Charlotte, NC is voluntarily recalling two lots of dog and cat foods due to contamination with Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes. The recall is for Lot 21495 (Viva Ground Beef for Dogs; Viva Beef & Turkey for Puppies) and Lot 21975 (Viva Ground Chicken for Dogs; Viva Chunked Chicken for Dogs; Viva Chicken for Cats; Viva Pure Chicken) The potential for contamination was identified after routine testing was conducted by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture. Only products from Lots 21495 and 21975 are affected. No illnesses in dogs, cats, or humans related to these lots have been reported to date.
If you have products from Lot 21495 or Lot 21975, please contact Viva Raw at info@vivarawpets.com for a refund on any remaining product. You should then dispose of the food in a way that children, pets, and wildlife cannot access. Do not sell or donate the recalled products. Do not feed the recalled product to pets or any other animals. Wash and sanitize pet food bowls, cups, and storage containers. Always ensure you wash and sanitize your hands after handling recalled food or any utensils that come in contact with recalled food.
It is the first time that a link between human cases of listeriosis and a common source, confirmed by…Continue Reading
** Wegmans: The affected products were sold in the cheese department at all Wegmans stores located in Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. No illnesses associated with this recall have been reported to Wegmans or its supplier, to date.
Wegmans has placed automated phone calls to alert customers who purchased these products using Shoppers Club.
Customers should not consume the products and return them to the service desk for a full refund. Those with questions may contact Wegmans Food Markets at 1-855-934-3663, available daily from 8:00 a.m. through 8:00 p.m. EST.
Affected items, sold between July 1 and August 12, 2025, include:
** Dollar General: No illnesses or injuries have been reported to date. August 11, 2025 –Dollar General Corporation is recalling three (3) lots of its eight (8) ounce Clover Valley® Instant Coffee due to the potential presence of glass.
8-Ounce Clover Valley® Instant Coffee Package UPC: 876941004069 Lot: L-5163 / Best By 12/13/2026 Lot: L-5164 / Best by 12/13/2026 Lot: L-5165 / Best by 12/14/2026 Customers can find the lot and best by date information around the neck of the unit.
Clover Valley® Instant Coffee was sold and distributed between July 9-21, 2025 exclusively in Dollar General retail stores located in the following states: AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, IA,ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI ,WV, and WY.
Customers who purchased this product are encouraged to discard it and contact Dollar General either via email at customercare@dollargeneral.com or by phone at 1-888-309-9030 from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. CST seven days a week to request a full refund of the purchase price (including any tax).
Two people have died in a Listeria outbreak in France linked to cheese.
French health authorities reported 21 cases of listeriosis caused by bacterial strains with similar characteristics, including 18 cases since the beginning of June. Patients range in age from 34 to 95.
** Goodlettsville, Tennessee – August 11, 2025 –Dollar General Corporation is recalling three (3) lots of its eight (8) ounce Clover Valley® Instant Coffee due to the potential presence of glass.
8-Ounce Clover Valley® Instant Coffee Package UPC: 876941004069 Lot: L-5163 / Best By 12/13/2026 Lot: L-5164 / Best by 12/13/2026 Lot: L-5165 / Best by 12/14/2026 Customers can find the lot and best by date information around the neck of the unit.
Clover Valley® Instant Coffee was sold and distributed between July 9-21, 2025 exclusively in Dollar General retail stores located in the following states: AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, IA,ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI ,WV, and WY.
** Quesito El Establo, of Salem, NH, is recalling all of its Spanish Cheese (Quesito Colombiano) products manufactured at its facility, due to the presence of rodents, rodent activity, and other unsanitary conditions during the production and storage process. Consumers who have purchased the recalled product are encouraged not to consume it and return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions can contact the company at 617-842-0513 (Monday through Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Eastern time).
** Wegmans The affected products were sold in the cheese department at all Wegmans stores located in Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.
Affected items, sold between July 1 and August 12, 2025, include:
Wegmans Caramel Apple Pecan Topped Brie Cheese, 13 OZ, UPC: 2-77645-00000-3 The affected products were sold in the cheese department at all Wegmans stores located in Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.
Wegmans Medium Camembert Soft Ripened Cheese, 8.8 OZ, UPC: 77890-53515 with best by dates of 7/26/25, 8/12/25, and 8/19/25
No illnesses associated with this recall have been reported to Wegmans or its supplier, to date.
Wegmans has placed automated phone calls to alert customers who purchased these products using Shoppers Club.
Customers should not consume the products and return them to the service desk for a full refund. Those with questions may contact Wegmans Food Markets at 1-855-934-3663, available daily from 8:00 a.m. through 8:00 p.m. EST.
** Louisa Food Products, Inc. told Newsweek in a statement: “We have voluntarily recalled a limited quantity of our Jalapeño Mac and Cheese Bites with lot code 2507092 due to potential listeria contamination. This recall was initiated out of an abundance of caution following a supplier’s recall of the breadcrumb ingredient used in this product. All recalled cases have been located, isolated, and are awaiting proper handling and disposal.
“We are actively collaborating with our supplier to address the root cause of this issue and are implementing additional preventive measures to ensure it does not recur. The quality and safety of our products will always be our highest priority, and we appreciate the understanding and trust of our customers.”
** The recall affects 8-ounce packages of the brand’s Three Cheese Mac & Cheese Bites. Over 4,000 cases have been affected, according to the FDA.
Best by dates: June 19, 2026 or June 20, 2026
UPC: 8-99039-00280-8
Lot codes: 24354AV1 or 24355AV1
** Power Stick: On July 10, the Food and Drug Administration announced the recall of certain Power Stick deodorants, made by A.P. Deauville, LLC.1
More than 67,000 cases of deodorant have been recalled nationwide due to safety concerns.
The recall affects three Power Stick deodorant products, made by A.P. Deauville, LLC.
Check if your deodorant is part of the recall, and toss or return it.
Power Stick for her PH Balanced Roll-On Antiperspirant Deodorant with Powder Fresh Scent, 1.8 oz./53 mL, A.P Deauville, LLC, PA 18040, NDC# 42913-038-00, UPC Code 815195019313 D-0548-2025 Class II Lot # 032026B011, 032226B031, 051626C241, 061526C882, 071226D371, 071226D381, 082526E341, 082826E402 21,265 cases CGMP Deviations 2 Beauty & Skincare Power Stick original nourishing invisible protection roll-on Antiperspirant/Deodorant Spring Fresh, 1.8 oz./53 mL, A.P Deauville, LLC, PA 18040, NDC# 42913-039-00, UPC Code 815195018194 D-0549-2025 Class II Lot # 031726A991, 041226B561, 062026C901, 062026C911, 071026D351, 071026D361, 071326D391, 111626G231 22,482 Cases CGMP Deviations 3 Shave and Skincare Power Stick Original Nourishing Invisible Protection Roll-On Antiperspirant/Deodorant, 1.8 oz./ 53 mL, A.P Deauville, LLC, PA 18040, NDC# 42913-040-00 UPC Code 815195018224 D-0550-2025 Class II Lot # 101225D781, 032926B281, 032826B221, 041126B531, 062226D011, 070626D301, 070626D333, 111026G051, 111326G091, 111626G221 23,467 Cases CGMP Deviations
** DermaRite Consumers with questions regarding this recall can call Mary Goldberg at 973-569-9000 x104 Monday through Friday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm EST or email voluntary.action@dermarite.com.
To date, DermaRite has not received any reports of adverse events related to this recall.
DermaKleen is an OTC Healthcare antiseptic lotion soap with Vitamin E indicated for handwashing to decrease bacteria on the skin.
DermaSarra is an OTC External analgesic indicated for temporary relief of itching associated with minor skin irritations due to: dry skin, insect bites, detergents, sunburn.
KleenFoam is an OTC Antimicrobial foam soap with Aloe Vera indicated for handwashing to decrease bacteria on the skin after changing diapers, after assisting ill people, or before contact with a person under medical care or treatment.
PeriGiene is an OTC Antiseptic cleanser indicated for use in the perineal area.
The recalled products were distributed nationwide in the United States and in Puerto Rico.
DermaRite has notified its distributors and customers by e-mail to immediately examine available inventory and destroy all affected products in accordance with each facility’s process.
Recently released data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has shown another rise in E. coli infections in England in 2024.
Overall, 2,544 cultured-confirmed cases of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) were reported with 564 STEC O157 and 1,980 non-O157. In 2023, 2,018 cultured-confirmed infections were noted compared to 2,063 in…Continue Reading
Four people have fallen sick after consuming a type of egg product supplement in the United Kingdom.
Public Health Scotland is leading the probe into a cluster of multidrug resistant Salmonella infections associated with an eggshell membrane food supplement sold online.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Food Standards Agency…Continue Reading
** Albertsons Companies Stores in Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas Voluntarily Expands Recall to Select Items Containing Tuna Salad from Reser’s Fine Foods Due to an Ingredient Recall Linked to Possible Listeria monocytogenes Contamination. The items containing tuna salad were available for purchase at the following banner stores: Albertsons, Randalls and Tom Thumb in Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas.
Consumers with questions should contact Albertsons Companies’ Customer Service Center at 1-877-723-3929 Monday through Friday from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. PST.
Product Recall Details:
Product Name
UPC
Size
Sell Thru Dates (if applicable, Or Lot Code/Est. Number)
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