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
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Shutdown mass-layoff policy rescinded as part of settlement with unions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.
Sponsor Content
GSA’s Multiple Award Schedule Program: A Modern Acquisition Solution for Government Buyers
Discover how GSA’s Multiple Award Schedule streamlines procurement, expands access to commercial solutions, and accelerates mission outcomes.
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.
Sponsor Content
Deloitte and Google Public Sector take a human-centered approach to AI transformation
Discover how a human-centered approach to AI modernization empowers workforces, drives measurable ROI, and delivers lasting mission impact.
Oversight
ICE’s $45 billion detention expansion is littered with costly missteps, watchdog reports
The Government Accountability Office criticized plans to sell recently purchased warehouses, the shuttered “Alligator Alcatraz” facility and spending millions to detain an average of 16 migrants in fiscal 2026 at Guantanamo Bay.
FEATURED INSIGHTS
Management
VA’s contracting crackdown gave some staff hours to do hundreds of reviews
VA's watchdog office noted these reviews happened quickly under strict deadlines, but generally complied with requirements for terminating contracts.
Management
GSA claims it found $1.2B in suspected COVID-related contracting fraud
The agency previously said it found $13 billion in suspected procurement-related fraud and is investigating other sources of potential fraud.
Pay & Benefits
Your federal benefits changed this year. Here’s what to know
A guide to the retirement, insurance, Social Security and TSP changes affecting federal employees, retirees and survivors in 2026, plus what to watch for in 2027.
TSP TICKER
FUND
G
F
C
S
I
SEP 25 CLOSE
$20.2427
$20.4407
$124.9265
$113.7815
$65.4713
DAILY CHANGE
0.0028
0.0416
0.6350
0.0816
0.6319
THIS MONTH (%)
0.34
-1.95
0.84
-2.40
-1.01
FUND
L 2070
L 2060
L 2050
L 2040
L 2030
L INCOME
SEP 25 CLOSE
$14.6398
$24.7055
$46.8826
$75.6731
$63.7231
$31.1181
DAILY CHANGE
0.0889
0.1498
0.2417
0.3447
0.2216
0.0596
THIS MONTH (%)
-0.24
-0.23
-0.27
-0.21
-0.09
0.06
FUND
SEP 25
CLOSE
CLOSE
DAILY
CHANGE
CHANGE
THIS
MONTH
MONTH
G
$20.2427
0.0028
0.34
F
$20.4407
0.0416
-1.95
C
$124.9265
0.6350
0.84
S
$113.7815
0.0816
-2.40
I
$65.4713
0.6319
-1.01
L 2070
$14.6398
0.0889
-0.24
L 2060
$24.7055
0.1498
-0.23
L 2050
$46.8826
0.2417
-0.27
L 2040
$75.6731
0.3447
-0.21
L 2030
$63.7231
0.2216
-0.09
L INCOME
$31.1181
0.0596
0.06
Workforce
FLRA ruling puts ball back in courts’ court on Trump’s union EOs
The National Treasury Employees Union said Wednesday that a recent Federal Labor Relations Authority decision supports its argument that it cannot seek redress through administrative channels.
Workforce
Trust in government is sinking, but a new survey suggests civil servants’ stock is rising
The percentages of respondents who said most civil servants are competent and committed to helping people “like me” increased to record highs — at 65% and 61%, respectively.
Exclusive
Management
IRS and Social Security will see more employees quit without advanced leave, senators warn
Senate Democrats warn employees will “inevitably leave” both agencies following a suspension of advanced leave, adding to deep staffing cuts.
Updated
Tech
ShinyHunters claims FBI data theft, demands bureau retract cyber warning
The hacking group says it obtained sensitive employee and applicant records. The full scope of the claimed breach remains unclear.
Workforce
FAA administrator defends withholding part of ATC pay raise
Democrats on a House appropriations subcommittee accused FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford of trying to “squeeze” the already overstretched air traffic controller workforce.
Tech
Login.gov is now accepting mobile driver’s licenses
The feature builds on the federal government’s effort to mandate that agencies use the digital identity verification platform.
Oversight
Congress — not the president — should appoint the next GAO head, bipartisan coalition argues
The organizations from across the political spectrum contended that former Comptroller General Gene Dodaro’s retirement last year provides an opportunity for lawmakers to overhaul the nomination process.
Tech
Trump wants an ‘AI Force.’ What would that actually look like?
The president compared the proposed unit to Space Force, but offered few details about its mission, authority or place in the federal government.
Updated
Management
IRS watchdog audits employee reassignments, as agency looks to extend some tours of duty
Employees placed on these involuntary details are doing jobs several pay grades below the work they were hired to perform, but continue to receive their regular paychecks.
Pay & Benefits
Lawmakers call on leadership to override Trump’s planned pay freeze
Members of both parties urged congressional leaders to “at minimum” authorize an across-the-board 3.8% pay raise for civilian federal employees, in line with President Trump’s supplemental pay increase planned only for law enforcement.
Updated
Workforce
OPM uses conservative influencers on college tour to recruit young workers
On Thursday, the government HR agency chief is visiting an unaccredited college founded by right-wing figures.
Management
A second lawsuit challenges plans to put ICE agents near polling places
The filing comes after administration officials said federal agents could conduct immigration enforcement at polling locations in certain circumstances.
