Pay & Benefits

The FERS Supplement: Q&A

A tutorial on this somewhat complicated benefit.

Defense

House Democrats Hope to Curb Diversions of Pentagon Spending to Border Wall

Armed Services members’ bill targets Defense Department construction fund transfers.

Nextgov

To Unleash a Modern Workforce, America Must Revamp Education

Federal leaders say the nation needs to pivot education towards tech-focused training in fields like robotics.

Management

Trust Isn’t Simple When It Comes To Government

Do you trust the government? New research digs deeper than previous gauges to understand what people really think.

Route Fifty

One City’s Journey to Filing Complaints About Police Online

Austin, Texas, debuted an anonymous online feedback form that eases the process for residents to describe interactions they have with police officers

Management

Trump’s VA Firing Spree Falters in Court

Rather than defend a law that the president loves, the VA will reinstate a hospital director whom it twice tried to fire.

Defense

Trump’s Counter-Iran Moves Are Provocative, But They’re Not War

Truly bad messaging is undermining trust among allies and the American public — and increasing the chance of accidental escalation.

Nextgov

Lawmakers Want Spy Agencies to Help Secure Government Tech and Elections

The Intelligence Authorization Act would increase the IC’s involvement in a number of federal tech and cyber efforts.

Management

Feds Rarely Win Before MSPB. Board Says That’s Not a Problem.

Many cases settle before a ruling, board says, and agencies judiciously take action.

Oversight

Play of the Day: Tax Returns, Norms and the President

The White House is trying to block Congress from investigating Donald Trump's finances.

Route Fifty

Sports Betting Not Proving to Be a Tax Bonanza For States

Revenues have largely been modest and in some places have fallen far short of projections.

Nextgov

Trump Issues Executive Order Over Tech Threats from Foreign Adversaries

The president directed the Commerce Secretary to establish when transactions could put national security at risk.

Nextgov

Many Americans Want to Join Civil Service Until It’s Time to Apply

A commission on public service wants to figure out what parts of the federal hiring process deter potential employees.

Oversight

Democrats Critical of President Trump's Supplemental Budget Request

Letter to House Speaker Pelosi seeks movement of funds for homeland security, moon launch.

Pay & Benefits

Expanded Vets' Benefits, Paid Parental Leave for Intelligence Personnel and More

A weekly roundup of pay and benefits news.

Management

Pentagon Parts Contractor Draws Bipartisan Outrage Over Pricing

Sen. Grassley asks acting Defense chief for action on overcharges exposed by watchdog.

Management

Agencies Could Weed Out Poor Managers Early, But They Rarely Do

Just seven out of every 1,000 new supervisors failed the probationary period, MSPB found.

Route Fifty

County-Based Solutions for the Opioid Crisis in Appalachia

New research from the National Association of Counties aims to provide local government officials with tools to combat the opioid crisis in Appalachia.

Nextgov

Updated Federal Data Strategy and Draft Action Plan Coming Soon

The final action plan is set to be released in August, with deliverables for agencies to meet within one year.

Nextgov

HHS is Shopping For Cellphone Hacking Tools

The tools would likely be used by the HHS Office of the Inspector General for investigations into multimillion-dollar frauds and serious organized crime related to health benefits.