Defused: Federal classes on preventing deadly IEDs cancelled during shutdown

Source: New York Post

      In a stunning case of bad timing, a federal Office for Bombing Prevention class for first responders on deadly IEDs has been scrubbed due to the government shutdown — just days after a pair of Islamic extremists hurled homemade bombs outside Gracie Mansion. The online class, set for this month, deals with the “function, components, classifications, and how [improvised explosive devices] are constructed” — training first responders, law enforcement, and emergency managers on how to contend with the growing threat. 3 Authorities are on alert after a pair of Islamic extremists hurled homemade bombs at Gracie Mansion.