Management
IRS says it needs top performers, even if they don’t all get the performance ratings they deserve
An IRS division that reassigned employees to different parts of the agency to address backlogs is warning staff against “deliberately choosing mediocrity” in their day-to-day work if they get lower performance ratings this year.
Tech
SSA ‘corrects’ millions of Social Security Number database files
The agency says the data cleaning is part of its commitment to prevent fraud, but at least one group is raising concerns about the work.
Tech
NOAA wants better forecasts. First, it needs to rethink how it handles weather data
Moving computing operations to the cloud could give forecasters more flexibility, but the agency is still working through how to make the transition.
Management
Navy’s tech playbook serves as a ‘toolkit’ for the rest of government
The U.S. Navy dramatically upped its use of pilot tech programs, shuttered old technology systems and moved into the modern tech arena — and it is sharing its lessons learned along the way.
Sponsor Content
Atlassian and AWS help federal agencies leave legacy systems behind
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Management
USDA, undeterred by judge’s stay, moves ‘full-bore ahead’ with reorganization steps
The Agriculture Department is still carrying out reorganization activities not explicitly barred by a judge’s stay.
Workforce
Bureau of Prisons seeks another shot at ending union contracts
One union local president said he is still routinely denied official time, has meeting requests ignored, and that his prison has failed to reinstitute compressed work schedules.
Workforce
The legal fight over the public service student loan forgiveness overhaul may be over
Two different federal judges in June ruled that the Education Department’s changes to the program were unlawful. On Wednesday, the Trump administration dropped its appeals.
Sponsor Content
What Comes After Certification? The Shift to Compliant Security Operations.
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Updated
Management
These former feds could be members of Congress next year
Most of these candidates face long odds of winning or are in tight races.
FEATURED INSIGHTS
Management
CDC hiring plan and more permanent leadership coming soon, director tells staff
CDC leaders say they're close to finishing a hiring plan that would replenish the agency’s ranks after deep staffing cuts last year, but employees have heard similar messages since March 2026.
Pay & Benefits
If you already have FEHB, should you sign up for Medicare B?
Pairing your federal health plan with Medicare can lower out-of-pocket costs, but monthly premiums and income-based surcharges add up. Here’s what to consider before deciding whether the extra coverage is worth the price.
Workforce
DOGE’s layoffs took a toll on Black women. The effects are still being felt
The loss of federal jobs has left many Black women grappling with financial insecurity, emotional distress and an uncertain future, with consequences that extend beyond the workplace.
TSP TICKER
FUND
G
F
C
S
I
OCT 23 CLOSE
$20.3253
$20.6918
$123.0718
$111.0851
$62.8099
DAILY CHANGE
0.0030
-0.0386
-0.6370
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-0.1951
THIS MONTH (%)
0.34
1.89
-0.31
-0.88
-2.80
FUND
L 2070
L 2060
L 2050
L 2040
L 2030
L INCOME
OCT 23 CLOSE
$14.2783
$24.0953
$45.9833
$74.4412
$63.0257
$31.0035
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-0.0569
-0.0958
-0.1554
-0.2201
-0.1345
-0.0348
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-1.23
-1.23
-0.86
-0.70
-0.40
-0.02
FUND
OCT 23
CLOSE
CLOSE
DAILY
CHANGE
CHANGE
THIS
MONTH
MONTH
G
$20.3253
0.0030
0.34
F
$20.6918
-0.0386
1.89
C
$123.0718
-0.6370
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$111.0851
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$62.8099
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$14.2783
-0.0569
-1.23
L 2060
$24.0953
-0.0958
-1.23
L 2050
$45.9833
-0.1554
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L 2040
$74.4412
-0.2201
-0.70
L 2030
$63.0257
-0.1345
-0.40
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$31.0035
-0.0348
-0.02
Oversight
Instagram, comic books and public engagement: One watchdog’s plan to protect inspector general independence
Lucy Lang, the inspector general for New York state, argued in an interview with Government Executive that IGs should prioritize improving the public’s trust in government — both through investigations and making sure citizens know that oversight is happening.
Management
HHS telework rollback challenge upheld by FLRA
Federal Labor Relations Authority members wrote that HHS seemingly used generative AI tools to draft its legal brief, since many of its citations were “fictitious, erroneous, or irrelevant.”
Management
‘Last chance to stay where you are.’ USDA gives some employees facing relocation a shot at unfilled local jobs
A Natural Resources Conservation Service employee said most critical vacancies available at his grade level would amount to a "voluntary downgrade," but would spare him from relocating across the country.
Exclusive
Management
‘It’s The Price is Right’: How USCIS artificially deflated employee ratings under forced distribution mandate
A federal whistleblower says the agency instituted a forced distribution of employee performance ratings last year, months before the Trump administration lifted a ban on the practice.
Tech
USPTO looks to AI agents to ease examiner workloads
The office’s Acting Commissioner for Patents Barry Schindler said putting agents in the hands of its examiners “can shorten that [review process] to one year, because you can pick up the phone and have conversations.”
Tech
ICE wants AI to take on more of its legal workload
The agency is looking for software that can help its attorneys manage the growing demands of litigation, investigations and other legal matters.
Management
‘A rushed and complicated system.’ Federal employees say they’re in the dark over limited top ratings
A mandate to limit outstanding performance scores has managers playing a numbers game and risks pitting teammates against each other.
Oversight
Oversight of nuclear material security cut back due to civil service reductions, GAO finds
The Government Accountability Office also reported that the National Nuclear Security Administration has more than lost its recent hiring gains.
Tech
State Department orders ‘super intelligence’ wording across all official communications
An internal cable from the agency extends Trump’s terminology change to emails, speeches, websites and official titles, while preserving legal language and historical records.
Oversight
Trump’s IG pick at the VA is ‘watering down’ oversight, some employees allege
As the Veterans Affairs inspector general faces mounting workforce challenges, some employees and former watchdogs raise questions about the office's trajectory.
Workforce
Union seeks new avenue to restore VA contract
The American Federation of Government Employees asked a federal judge to issue an “indicative” ruling that would only take effect if OKed by the First Circuit Court of Appeals.
Tech
This cybersecurity agency is supposed to protect U.S. elections. Officials fear it’s been compromised by Trump
President Donald Trump’s 2027 budget proposal would reduce funding for the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency by another $700 million, which could necessitate 900 additional layoffs.
