Management
Despite court order, a critical FEMA program remains frozen
Months after a judge ordered the Trump administration to restore climate adaptation grants, FEMA insiders say the agency hasn’t budged.
Oversight
Amid immigration agent hiring surge, watchdog flags shortages on the U.S.-Canada border
Only 77% of surveillance specialist openings were filled at the end of fiscal 2024, according to a recent Government Accountability Office report.
Pay & Benefits
Air traffic controller pay raise stalled by DHS shutdown
A House appropriations bill that previously authorized a 3.8% pay raise for air traffic controllers remains on hold as Senate Democrats continue to call for immigration policy reforms.
Management
Lawmaker pitches blueprint for post-DOGE privacy overhaul
Rep. Lori Trahan, D-Mass., wants to redo the government's main privacy law to ensure people’s information is “handled responsibly” when in government hands.
Workforce
Unions oppose a Trump labor nominee over lack of experience, hostility toward bargaining
Conservative lawyer Charlton Allen has no prior experience in labor-management relations, but said he opposed collective bargaining rights for state workers in North Carolina as a political candidate in 2012.
Oversight
Indian Affairs regional employees have more work and fewer people to do it, watchdog reports
Officials from one region said that Trump staff cuts impaired a response to a wildland fire, while others characterized disbursing Inflation Reduction Act funds as an “unfunded mandate.”
Management
Senators demand to know the IRS’ path forward following the end of Direct File
The IRS ended the online, direct-to-government filing program last fall and is doubling down on the free tax filing options it offers through tax prep companies in a partnership called Free File.
Management
OMB is hiring for a deputy federal chief information officer
“If you know how to run large systems, cut through noise, and turn strategy into execution across government scale, this is that job,” Federal CIO Gregory Barbaccia said about the search for his deputy.
Workforce
OPM instructs agencies to terminate union contracts potentially in violation of court orders
A smattering of agencies implicated in President Trump’s executive orders barring labor representation for two-thirds of the federal workforce had held off on formally terminating their collective bargaining agreements due to injunctions barring the edicts’ implementation.
Updated
Oversight
‘My dream job has turned into a nightmare’: Ex-feds and public service experts testify to Congress on how to rebuild government post-Trump
Some recommendations that several Democratic lawmakers and advocates brought up included overturning Schedule Policy/Career, restoring collective bargaining rights for the federal workforce and increasing congressional oversight.
Management
DHS to shut down after lawmakers, White House fail to reach agreement on funding and reforms
Most non-ICE, non-CBP employees are now facing potentially delayed paychecks.
Exclusive
Management
‘Suicide is only one option': Social Security staff newly assigned to phone duties raise concerns over training
Experts and SSA employees question wisdom of telling callers in crisis that suicide is an option.
Defense
The clearance system is mission infrastructure. Treat it like one
COMMENTARY | Clearance reform is not optional. Without sustained leadership and consistent execution, government modernization risks undermining the trusted workforce it depends on.
Management
Why federal acquisition must adapt to survive
COMMENTARY | In a world where the only constant is change, failure to adapt equals extinction.
Tech
When every second counts: government tech helps first responders’ lifesaving missions
For first responders facing unpredictable moments, tech that helps them safely navigate dangerous environments is critical.
Management
FBI gathered intelligence on reporters, religious orgs using ‘assessment’ authority, watchdog report says
The bureau also undercounts analysts’ non-compliance with assessment policies because it relies on self-reporting and infrequent audits, the sensitive GAO review adds.
Management
Public health workers are quitting over assignments to Guantánamo
The Trump administration's immigration policies have directed nearly 800 detainees to the U.S. military base in Cuba, but some officials from the U.S. Public Health Service tasked with overseeing their treatment are raising concerns.
Pay & Benefits
TSP in-plan Roth conversions: Are they right for you?
Federal employees can use a new Thrift Savings Plan tool to weigh the tax costs and retirement advantages of moving traditional balances to Roth.
Oversight
Watchdog flags gaps in Coast Guard’s handling of discrimination complaints
More than half of the incidents analyzed in the report, which looked back to fiscal 1998, occurred between fiscal 2019 and 2024.
Management