Tech

Critical cyber threats persist on federal networks despite recent directives

Hundreds of devices on federal networks remain in apparent violation of a recent Binding Operational Directive from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, according to a new report. 

Workforce

OPM’s ‘Intern Experience Program’ promises to standardize, improve agencies’ internship offerings

The plan is the latest in a series of initiatives aimed at boosting participation in internship programs at federal agencies and improving the government’s ability to recruit younger civil servants.

Workforce

Republican leaders take another shot at easing the firing process for VA workers

Previous efforts to speed up firing at VA have fallen flat, but lawmakers are launching a new, bipartisan effort.

Pay & Benefits

Extra pay raises are coming to nearly 33,000 feds next year, thanks to new locality pay rules

The Office of Personnel Management has proposed regulations to create four new locality pay areas, along with a comprehensive map update adding dozens of jurisdictions to existing pay regions.

Oversight

Americans in former Confederate states more likely to say violent protest against government is justified, 160 years after Gettysburg

Residents of what are known as the Border States, the slave states that did not secede from the Union, are also more likely than residents of Union states to say it can be justifiable to violently protest against the government.

Defense

House, Senate China hawks concerned White House will let TikTok stay in the US

Key Republican lawmakers in the House and Senate warned that tweaked language in a new Commerce Department rule could lay the groundwork for TikTok’s proposal to store U.S. users’ data in the country.

Management

Transparency in numbers: Federal contractors must be held accountable for their diversity efforts

COMMENTARY | A more diverse talent pool will result in government services—and access to those services—that are more reflective of the constituents those services support.

Management

Inside DHS’ quest to streamline customer experience and ease public burden

The Department of Homeland Security’s CIO detailed how his agency saved the public 20 million hours accessing agency services in a move that signals a major culture change.

Oversight

‘Serious failures’ handling Jeffrey Epstein’s custody highlight the staffing crisis at federal prisons, watchdog says

The Justice Department IG blasted the Bureau of Prisons on many fronts in a new report and the bureau’s director concurred with all the recommendations. 

Management

Regulator shuts down USPS’ request to implement DeJoy’s overhaul without additional oversight

Postmaster General Louis DeJoy is proposing "dramatic change to every aspect of the postal environment," says the USPS regulator that wants to ensure added scrutiny.

Pay & Benefits

Most feds will have a few extra hours of paid leave this year, thanks to a calendar quirk

The Office of Personnel Management on Monday warned that many federal workers should plan to take slightly more time off to avoid forfeiting “use it or lose it” annual leave hours.

Management

The Supreme Court tosses case over Trump hotel documents

The House Democrats who brought the case years ago moved to dismiss the case earlier this month.

Management

Is government culture stifling customer experience innovation?

Risk aversion among government managers is blocking needed improvements to key programs, according to a recent white paper.

Workforce

Meet the long-shot presidential candidate who wants term limits for federal employees

Vivek Ramaswamy also pledges to eliminate unions, move workers out of Washington and end “pro-lazy” remote work.

Management

How the federal government can help downtown Washington ‘return to work’

COMMENTARY | By giving up underused real estate, and disposing of it more effectively, federal agencies could free up space for hotels, residences, museums and businesses that would help revitalize the city.

Pay & Benefits

Odds for a 5.2% pay raise for feds in 2024 improve with release of the Senate defense policy bill

The Senate version of the annual National Defense Authorization Act includes an average 5.2% pay raise for both military service members and civilian Pentagon employees.

Defense

Public transit systems remain vulnerable to cyber threats

Despite repeated warnings, a report on Washington, D.C.’s transit authority finds it is still at risk of a cyberattack. Its issues aren’t unique, though, and experts warn that public transportation at-large is vulnerable unless leaders act.