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.
Oversight
Play of the Day: You Can Be Trump or Clinton for Halloween… Or Not
Sexy Bernie Sanders is probably the worst political costume, though.
Pay & Benefits
New Rule Would Exclude Non-Manager Feds From Financial Disclosure Requirements
Proposal would implement regulations for 2012 personal financial reporting law.
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.
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.
Pay & Benefits