Management
OPM Abandons Proposal that Federal Job Applicants Disclose Pre-Trial Diversion Participation
Although federal officials say the plan was well intentioned, advocates decried the initiative as counter to ongoing criminal justice reform efforts.
Pay & Benefits
Separating Fact and Opinion
It can be difficult to tell the two apart in the federal retirement world.
Pay & Benefits
U.S. Postal Employees’ Retirement Assets Are Invested More Cautiously Than Those of Their Foreign Counterparts
Legally mandated strategy is not risky, but also does not produce high returns that might help reduce a gap in pension assets and liabilities, report notes.
Pay & Benefits
Early Retirement, Severance Options Unclear for Forest Service Workers Facing Layoffs
The decision to eliminate 1,100 Forest Service jobs by Sept. 30 leaves a lot of unanswered questions for employees.
Defense
Viewpoint: A Stain on the Honor of the Navy
In acceding to a White House request to cover the name of the USS John S. McCain, officers and officials revealed a rot within the service.
Management
Top U.S. Officer: Iran’s Threats Look Like a ‘Campaign’
The Joint Chiefs chairman says he saw ‘multiple threat streams that were all, perhaps coming together, in time.”
Route Fifty
Texans Won’t Need Permits to Carry Handguns After Disasters Under Newly Passed Bill
Lawmakers say they backed the measure to prevent residents from choosing between violating gun laws or falling victim to looting, but some officials question whether it's necessary.
Pay & Benefits
TSA Announces Pass-Fail Performance Management System for Screeners
Officials say the new process will cut down on paperwork and continue to reward strong performers.
Oversight
Transportation Dept. Rebuts Report that Secretary Failed to Divest Stock
Chao’s retention of shares in Vulcan Materials was approved by ethics officer.
Management
Mueller Breaks His Silence—Without Breaking Protocol
The career G-man is bound by the rules. He made it clear that the president is bound only by Congress.
Route Fifty
State Lowers Degree Requirements for Child Welfare Case Workers
The move in Oregon comes amid concerns about workforce diversity and recruiting and retaining employees.
Pay & Benefits
TSP to Simplify 'Spillover' Contributions, and Officials Oppose Bill Restricting Investments
A weekly roundup of pay and benefits news.
Management
6 Ways To Protect Your Mental Health From Social Media’s Dangers
Just 5% of US adults say using social media is good for their mental health. A psychologist offers some tips to help the other 95%.
Management
Homeland Security Watchdog Issues Unusual Retraction of 13 FEMA Reports
Results of self-criticism to be fewer “feel-good” after-action evaluations.
Management
Happiness Doesn’t Follow Success: It’s The Other Way Round
Success won’t make you happy – but happiness will improve your job.
Management
3 Plants From U.S. Civil War Medical Guide Fight Infection
A 1863 guide for battlefield surgeons reveals plants with antiseptic effects. Could they help fight drug-resistant infections today?
Nextgov
How the Veterans Affairs Department is ‘Hardwiring’ Customer Service into Everything
VA is on a mission to improve the veteran experience across every service it provides.
Route Fifty
With ‘Arctic Man’ Ruling, Supreme Court Limits Certain Retaliatory Arrest Lawsuits
The free speech case involves a man arrested at a festival in Alaska. "It’s significant because it narrows the scope of what individuals can sue the police for," says one legal expert.
Oversight
GAO Sees Billions in Potential Savings Just by Trimming Government Duplication
The watchdog’s ninth annual report proposes scannable tax returns and new coins, among other things.
Management