Management
State Department appeals board, now with limited authority, gains new members
The Trump administration recently limited the board’s authority to challenge employee removals and other adverse personnel actions, asserting that the secretary of state has final say on these decisions.
Oversight
Housing finance agency chief moves to slash watchdog’s budget, leading Democrats to demand his resignation
The Federal Housing Finance Agency inspector general said that budget cuts would force the office to reduce its staffing by up to 80% and effectively stop criminal investigations.
Tech
GSA memo to set AI-specific acquisition rules
The language includes changes some industry groups have requested through a public comment period and will go into effect Oct. 19.
Tech
Tax chief pushes 'AI-first IRS' to get more out of agency's workforce
The IRS made more than 4,000 hires this year, but its headcount remains mostly unchanged after cutting more than a quarter of its workforce last year.
Sponsor Content
Where federal AI is working — and how agencies can get there faster
Federal agencies are moving beyond AI pilots. Discover five high-impact areas where AI is delivering measurable mission results—and how to scale faster.
Pay & Benefits
TSP funds were back in the negative in September
The performance of portfolios in the federal government’s 401(k)-style retirement savings program largely mirrored market-wide declines.
Pay & Benefits
Retiring in 2027? Picking the right date could pay off
The date you leave federal service can affect when your annuity begins and how much you receive for unused annual leave.
Defense
Pentagon update on National Defense Strategy cites progress, omits key threats
The report to Congress notes accomplishments but masks depleted arsenals, strategic distractions, and a quiet retreat from European defense.
Sponsor Content
Federal Retirement Checklist: 7 Key Benefits You Can’t Afford To Ignore
Maximize your federal retirement benefits. Learn key TSP, pension, Social Security, tax strategies, and costly mistakes to avoid.
Updated
Workforce
EPA union sues management over contract termination
AFGE accused EPA leadership of implementing President Trump’s executive order stripping many federal employees of their collective bargaining rights partly so it could discipline employees who signed an open letter criticizing Administrator Lee Zeldin more easily.
FEATURED INSIGHTS
Oversight
Trump’s new Education IG nominee continues dizzying run of leadership changes at the watchdog office
Mark Priebe — the nominee, who recently served as acting inspector general at the Education Department — has defended the president’s mass firing of inspectors general and appears to have supported Trump on social media.
Management
Judge extends temporary pause in USDA relocations as he considers indefinite freeze
A federal judge in San Francisco said it was "significant" that Congress included a provision in a fiscal 2026 spending package that blocked the Agriculture Department from reorganizing without approval from the House and Senate appropriations committees.
Updated
Tech
GSA is losing a key digital modernization leader
Michael Lynch joined the General Services Administration in January 2025 as a senior advisor and later became the agency’s deputy administrator.
TSP TICKER
FUND
G
F
C
S
I
OCT 01 CLOSE
$20.2590
$20.3585
$123.6994
$112.8124
$64.1314
DAILY CHANGE
0.0027
0.0510
0.2427
0.7362
-0.4869
THIS MONTH (%)
0.01
0.25
0.20
0.66
-0.75
FUND
L 2070
L 2060
L 2050
L 2040
L 2030
L INCOME
OCT 01 CLOSE
$14.4456
$24.3779
$46.3609
$74.9386
$63.2684
$31.0109
DAILY CHANGE
-0.0106
-0.0181
-0.0202
-0.0261
-0.0126
0.0003
THIS MONTH (%)
-0.07
-0.07
-0.04
-0.03
-0.02
0.00
FUND
OCT 01
CLOSE
CLOSE
DAILY
CHANGE
CHANGE
THIS
MONTH
MONTH
G
$20.2590
0.0027
0.01
F
$20.3585
0.0510
0.25
C
$123.6994
0.2427
0.20
S
$112.8124
0.7362
0.66
I
$64.1314
-0.4869
-0.75
L 2070
$14.4456
-0.0106
-0.07
L 2060
$24.3779
-0.0181
-0.07
L 2050
$46.3609
-0.0202
-0.04
L 2040
$74.9386
-0.0261
-0.03
L 2030
$63.2684
-0.0126
-0.02
L INCOME
$31.0109
0.0003
0.00
Tech
White House launches AI-powered ‘America.gov’ digital front door
The president signed an executive order at the event requiring agencies to integrate many of their services with the new website.
Oversight
Dozens of federal immigration employees stayed in sensitive positions despite security concerns, inspector general reports
Homeland Security Department officials pushed back on the report, contending that “[i]t is simply incorrect to suggest that these employees occupied national security positions for years without appropriate vetting.”
Tech
Agencies withheld records needed to verify DOGE data safeguards, GAO says
A review of six agencies could not establish the full extent of DOGE’s system access or whether security rules were followed. Two agencies challenged the watchdog’s authority to investigate.
Updated
Workforce
‘Nobody knows anything.’ Displaced IRS staff move from one project to another with few details why
IRS employees who completed a stint in taxpayer services are moving onto their next assignment, and some IT executives coming back from an extended period of paid administrative leave
Updated
Tech
OpenAI agents accessed Census, SEC data and tried to hack Education website
The disclosure follows warnings from former officials in August that government systems could face unintended intrusions by autonomous AI agents.
Tech
SSA’s lead had set a goal of 200M online accounts this year — experts say that might prove challenging
The Trump administration recently achieved 105 million online accounts, and lawyers are increasingly encouraging clients to make them as more services go digital.
Management
$25,000 bonuses for top-performing feds? OPM makes it easier for agencies to award them
The HR agency also recently capped the percentage of civil servants who can earn the top two performance ratings in fiscal 2026.
Management
Lawmaker warns intelligence contractors' Trump ballroom donations may be scrutinized
Rep. Jim Himes, the ranking member of the House Intelligence Committee, wants to examine whether contributions were tied to federal contracts or access to administration officials.
Management
Shutdown mass-layoff policy rescinded as part of settlement with unions
The Trump administration sent reduction in force notices to thousands of employees during the 43-day government shutdown last fall.
Management
Following court order, OPM replaces 'favorite EO' question for jobseekers
The Office of Personnel Management’s latest essay question for federal job applicants asks less about their personal politics and more about their ability to follow instructions.
Oversight
Watchdog won’t discipline agencies over partisan shutdown posts but warns against ‘derogatory’ messaging
Many departments blamed congressional Democrats for last year’s funding lapse by posting banners on agency websites and modifying furloughed employees’ out-of-office messages.
Management
FDA nominee faces bipartisan scrutiny over vaccines and abortion drug
Heidi Overton drew pointed questions from senators on vaccine safety and mifepristone during her confirmation hearing Thursday.
