Pay & Benefits

Retirement Backlog Is Back Down

OPM processed roughly 2,000 more applications in September than in August, bringing the total number of applications in the queue to 15,146.

Defense

The U.S. Army Equipment That Ended Up on eBay

Eight people, including six soldiers, have been charged with conspiring to steal and sell sensitive military equipment on the website.

Defense

The Air Force Just Dropped Two Fake Nukes

The tests in the Nevada desert come as tensions rise with Russia and the Pentagon seeks to replace its aging nuclear arsenal.

Management

How Work Can Be Made Meaningful

People find meaning in their work for different reasons, but bad management can easily destroy it.

Tech

Shooting for Space, to Make Life Better on Earth

Elaine Flowers Duncan, an engineer at NASA, talks about what drew her to rocket science.

Management

McCain Says He Will Scrap Change to Veterans’ Preference

Provision that would have limited the federal hiring advantage to a one-time use won’t be in final NDAA, says senator.

Nextgov

White House Expands Employment, Housing Data Effort

Fitbit, LinkedIn and other companies are collaborating on the Opportunity Project.

Route Fifty

Alaska Gets Federal Grant for Untested Rape Kits; Fiscal Emergency Declared in Ohio City

Also in our State and Local Daily Digest: Neb. mayor in big legal fight with council over budget; W.Va.’s fireworks tax payouts to firefighters; and Cuomo signs law for burying pets in N.Y. state cemeteries.

Defense

Cashiered Army General Abused Purchase Card at Strip Clubs, IG Confirms

Onetime Ash Carter aide Ronald Lewis initially denied “conduct unbecoming an officer and a gentleman.”

Tech

The FBI's Arrest of an NSA Contractor

A Maryland man who worked for Booz Allen Hamilton has been charged with stealing classified materials.

Management

How to Write the Perfect Email

An etiquette update: Brevity is the highest virtue.

Oversight

Play of the Day: Mike Pence's Fake Ancient Russian Proverbs

The bear hibernation one isn't the only ancient piece of wisdom the Indiana governor made up.

Route Fifty

Weighing a Decision Whether to Stay or Go

As state and local officials urge residents in vulnerable areas to evacuate ahead of Hurricane Matthew, some are deciding to ride it out. And that’s “a headache” for first responders.

Nextgov

NSA Contractor Charged with Stealing Classified Materials

A Maryland man has been charged with unauthorized removal and retention of top secret/SCI materials.

Management

Moonlighter Launches Jobs Website Helping Feds Switch Agencies

‘Lateral-Me’ is simpler and more transparent than USAJOBS, says co-founder.

Management

Federal Agencies Spend About $1.5 Billion on PR Each Year

Most of the spending is concentrated at a few agencies.