Workforce

HHS the latest to cancel union contracts and implement Trump’s order

The decision seemingly contradicts the Office of Personnel Management’s guidance not to terminate collective bargaining agreements while litigation challenging the edict progresses, though it was recently amended only to prohibit NTEU contract terminations.

Oversight

Ex-Veterans Affairs acquisition leader broke several ethics rules at 2023 conference, watchdog finds

Investigators reported that Judith Dawson generally ignored or dismissed ethics concerns raised by an employee.

Management

Will states take on more FEMA duties? Congress, Trump council debate agency’s fate

The future of the natural disaster response agency could depend on a 12-member board crafting recommendations for President Trump.

Workforce

Trump orders new federal hiring to fight crime in U.S. cities

The president tasked agencies with creating a new, specialized unit to focus on public safety.

Management

Airbnb co-founder and DOGE associate to head new federal design office

Joe Gebbia has been working on modernizing retirement processes at the Office of Personnel Management as part of his work with the Department of Government Efficiency.

Pay & Benefits

Trump’s pay freeze plan expected by end of month

The president must publish his alternative pay plan by Aug. 31 if he wishes to avert automatic large-scale increases to locality pay under the Federal Employees Pay Comparability Act.

Oversight

‘I cried so many times’: Watchdog warns that agency guidance for changing employee names is lacking

While the four agencies that the Government Accountability Office analyzed generally had required procedures, nearly all employees that investigators interviewed reported issues navigating the process.

Workforce

Lawmakers look to ease educational requirements for federal cyber workforce

New legislation from Reps. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., and Shontel Brown, D-Ohio, attempts to expand the U.S. government’s pool of cyber talent by promoting skills-based hiring.

Tech

Trump signs order calling for improved government design

The new “America by Design” effort includes a recruiting push for relevant talent — though the administration has shed many government designers since Trump took office.

Breaking News Workforce

IRS is canceling its layoff plans, will ask some it fired or pushed out to return

After pushing 26,000 employees out, the tax agency is scrambling to find enough personnel to carry out its duties.

Pay & Benefits

Did you forget to file for Social Security?

Federal employees older than 70 may be leaving thousands on the table. Find out if you or your spouse are missing Social Security benefits.

Workforce

Fired FBI officials were not afforded due process rights, agent association argues

Five agents were fired earlier this month, exacerbating concerns about politicization at the law enforcement agency.

Special Report Workforce

Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill funds an unprecedented surge in federal law enforcement. Is it even possible?

Administration officials express confidence they can transform federal agencies with record-level hiring, even as they remain realistic about the challenge ahead of them.

Workforce

US spy chief announces plans to shrink ODNI

Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard said the agency will shrink by over 40% as part of a 2.0 restructuring that includes a focus on “ending the weaponization of intelligence.”

Tech

Login.gov to add passports as identity proofing option

Trump appointees have called the in-house service a priority for anti-fraud efforts.

Oversight

OPM will forego FEVS in 2025, despite law requiring it

The Office of Personnel Management did not answer questions regarding how the federal government will administer a survey of the 16 core Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey questions, which are spelled out in statute.

Pay & Benefits

New Education rule could end public service loan forgiveness for some and open a wealth of questions

The proposed rule would exclude employers from the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program if they engage in “activities that have a substantial illegal purpose,” but raises even more questions for the program. 

Management

Improved emergency communication in federal buildings focus of new bipartisan legislation

Federal building security has been a longstanding concern for lawmakers and government watchdogs.

Pay & Benefits

Coverage for gender-affirming care will be eliminated from FEHB plans in 2026 

The federal HR agency removed all coverage of gender-affirming care from its health benefits program, barring three exceptions, following two recent executive orders.