Here are the top stories for the week of Jan. 18, 2021, straight from AWN News 6 Correspondent, Jolene McNutt:

Social Security Tax Deferral To Be Collected in 24 Installments

Defense Finance Accounting Service (DFAS) announced an extended collection period for the 2020 Social Security Tax Deferral. The Consolidated Appropriation Act 2021 was passed and will now collect deferred payments over a series of 24 installments. DFAS will automatically collect the deferment from January 2021 through Dec. 31, 2021. Beginning this month, the original 6.2% Social Security tax withholdings will be reinstated. Additionally, the deferred withholdings will be collected from the mid-month and end-of-month pay.

Retired Four-Star General Slated for Defense Secretary

President-elect Joe Biden is planning to nominate retired four-star Army General Lloyd Austin to be his defense secretary. If approved by both the Senate and a separate congressional waiver, he will be “the first black man to lead the Pentagon,” said CBS News.

“’He is a true and tested soldier and leader,’ Mr. Biden wrote. ‘I’ve spent countless hours with him, in the field and in the White House Situation Room. I’ve sought his advice, seen his command, and admired his calm and his character. He is the definition of a patriot. He rose through the Army’s ranks during his distinguished and trailblazing career.’”

Military Spouse Attorney Survey Open

Military Spouse J.D. Network is asking for responses to their 2021 Military Spouse Attorney Survey to Collect Comprehensive Data on Licensure and Employment. This survey is aimed at military spouses or partners who are either law students or attorneys connected to all military branches.

Improve Your Success Rate in 2021

If you’re still working on your New Year’s resolutions, we have a tip for you: Science says to add one element to your to-do list to improve your success rate. And it’s easy: simply spend a few minutes writing down why this goal is important to you. Inc.com shared a study explaining how and why this technique works. It was recommended that you answer the following questions, in writing: Why does a task seem intimidating (or boring, or difficult)? Why does it matter to you? How will someone around you benefit from you achieving this goal? What will you learn? What will you gain? Simply considering the answers to these questions and writing them down, is likely to help you achieve even your most difficult goals.

This Week in History

The first college basketball game was played on Jan. 18, 1896. The University of Iowa invited the University of Chicago to play an experimental game. Five players on each side took the court and Chicago beat Iowa with a score of 15 to 12.