Tech
Georgetown leverages ex-fed tech experts with new fellowship program
Tech policy experts and U.S. Digital Service alums will join an inaugural program that aims to advance civic technology, while offering experience and insights to public service-focused students.
Pay & Benefits
Senate strips most retirement cuts from reconciliation, but anti-civil service provisions remain
Under language released by a Senate panel Thursday night, new federal workers who decline to serve as at-will employees will pay nearly 15% of their paycheck toward their pension benefit.
Workforce
The Trump hiring plan wants to fix federal jobs, but it might just make things worse
COMMENTARY | The administration’s new approach promises faster, fairer hiring. But with old-school rules and political essay tests, it could actually make the process harder for everyone. There is another, better way.
Tech
Job cuts could throw a wrench in the IRS’s plan to modernize
Agency leaders say they want to complete the “vast majority” of its modernization efforts within the next couple of years.
Management
House GOP clears measure to claw back billions from foreign assistance and public media programs
The Senate will take up this initial effort to codify some Department of Government Efficiency cuts after it finishes work on the budget reconciliation package.
Defense
Lawmakers rip into defense secretary over flat Pentagon budget
The Pentagon is counting on one-time funds from a reconciliation bill to fund investments in shipbuilding and missile defense.
Pay & Benefits
Think you're ready to tap your TSP? Here's what you might be missing
Before touching your Thrift Savings Plan funds, make sure you understand the rules—and the risks—you might not have planned for.
Management
Forest chief says losing 5,000 employees won’t impact fire season response. Many federal firefighters disagree
USFS says it’s ready for fire season after asking separated employees to come back, but employees say the losses have been "crippling."
Management
Trump’s plan to overhaul disaster agency once hurricane season is over prompts Democratic concerns
The Federal Emergency Management Agency has already experienced staffing cuts and leadership changes ahead of an “above-normal” hurricane season.
Workforce
Employee groups challenge ‘favorite EO’ question as agencies begin rollout
Experts warn that the Trump administration’s new essay questionnaire for most federal job applicants amount to a litmus test to politicize agency hiring.
Management
AI-driven contract cuts at VA spark concern
Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., the ranking member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, said DOGE’s use of an AI tool resulted in the “wholesale slashing” of VA contracts.
Pay & Benefits
Estate planning through Revocable Living Trusts: A guide for retirees and government employees
Federal employees can deploy more flexibility in their retirement and estate planning, as well as potentially safeguard assets for their beneficiaries by considering the range of offerings provided by a living trust.
Management
The DOGE 100: Musk is out, but more than 100 of his followers remain to implement Trump’s blueprint
The world’s richest man is leaving a network of acolytes embedded inside nearly every federal agency.
Defense
Hegseth wants to insource work—but doesn't understand why it was outsourced
COMMENTARY | The Defense Department’s recent contracting directives are sweeping, but will they be successful?
Exclusive
Workforce
VA signs $700K agreement with OPM for assistance with mass layoffs
The department lacks expertise for such a large reduction, it says, and RIF planners confirm VA leadership is not offering clear guidance.
Management
Agency financial, performance report writers get their moment in the spotlight
An association of government financial professionals sponsors a yearly award ceremony that recognizes outstanding agency accountability reports.
Workforce
Trump’s push for executive order loyalty risks undermining the federal workforce and the Constitution
COMMENTARY | Federal workers are being asked to prove their loyalty to Trump’s agenda, but history shows that when politics overtakes merit, government performance suffers.
Management
“The Intern in Charge”: Meet the 22-year-old Trump’s team picked to lead terrorism prevention
A Homeland Security office that has led nationwide efforts to prevent hate-fueled attacks, school shootings and other forms of targeted violence is currently being overseen by a former Trump campaign worker with no clear national security experience.
Workforce
NASA renews its push to slash its workforce
The agency would give employees accepting deferred resignations an extended deadline to collect pay while not working.
Workforce