Nextgov

Marine Corps Finds Pentagon’s Mobile Plan is No Bargain

Without a cheaper commercial alternative, it will be too costly to put more smartphones and tablets in the hands of Marines.

Defense

Obama Stands by the Bergdahl Deal, Says He 'Consulted With Congress'

President argues retrieving prisoners of war is a 'sacred' American rule.

Nextgov

Hollywood Producers Want to Use Drones to Film Their Movies

If the FAA approves, filmmakers could be among the first to use commercial drones.

Oversight

Senator Calls Plan to Shore Up Highway Fund by Ending Saturday Mail Delivery a 'Nonstarter'

Lawmakers scramble to keep the trust fund from going broke.

Oversight

Play of the Day: Why Obama 'Negotiated With Terrorists' for Bowe Bergdahl

Stephen Colbert looks at the return of an American POW.

Management

Spotting Top Executive Talent

Recruiters focus on potential, but competencies should not be overlooked.

Employee Policy

Federal Coach: Overseeing Americas community service

Fox speaks with Wendy Spencer -- the CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service, the federal agency that administers AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, Social Innovation Fund and other programs that engage more than five million Americans in service and volunteering -- about her goals and challenges.

Benefits

Commission to survey service members on compensation preferences

A commission aimed at modernizing military compensation and benefits programs is soliciting input from service members on their preferences.

Employee Policy

Lawmaker wants VA union reps to resume official jobs

The chairman of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs has asked the new leader of the Department of Veterans Affairs to order VA employees who are using “official time” to perform union business to return to their regular jobs.

Employee Policy

Manager sentenced in passport scheme

A senior manager in a Texas passport office was sentenced to federal prison last month for his role in issuing passports to unqualified applicants, the Justice Department said.

Nextgov

Hacker Conference Will Invite Feds Back – In 2016

The Pentagon will host a cyber contest at DEF CON after reaching a deal with organizers of the annual confab.

Management

Are Unions the Big Problem at Veterans Affairs?

The largest VA employees union rebuts columnist’s attack on “official time.”

Oversight

Should the Government Force Food-Stamp Users to Eat Better?

New research shows that a soda ban would reduce obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Management

Democrats Also Want to Make It Easier to Fire VA Execs

Democratic bill attempts to ensure due process, while Republican says some employees deserve prison.

Pay & Benefits

Thrift Savings Plan Funds Move Back to Black in May

The S Fund emerged from the red, increasing 1.52 percent last month.

Management

Are You a Segmenter or an Integrator?

Work-life balance is a myth, but it still helps to set boundaries.

Management

Program to Pay Afghan Police Through Mobile Money Transfers Could Curb Corruption

Such systems prevent locals from siphoning off portions of the salaries.

Nextgov

Secret Service Software Will 'Detect Sarcasm' in Social Media Users

'Sentiment analysis' and 'access to historical Twitter data' among the requirements.

Defense

Why There Are So Few POWs From Today's Wars

Americans are taken captive at a much lower rate than in past conflicts.

Defense

Bergdahl's Release Upsets Soldiers Who Saw Him as a Deserter

Bergdahl was reportedly seized by the Taliban in 2009, after he left the camp where he was stationed, without authorization.