Benefits
Informed Investor: Evaluating life insurance coverage and needs, Part III: Accelerated death benefit
This third of four columns during September discussing life insurance to mark “Life Insurance Awareness Month” examines the accelerated death benefit (ADB) rider—including what the ADB rider is, which policy owners qualify for it, what it can be used for, and how its use will affect policy beneficiaries.
Retirement
USPS managers to get VERA
U.S. Postal Service managers and postmasters will be able to take early outs under a new voluntary early retirement authority.
Benefits
Bill gives domestic partners same benefits as same-sex spouses
A Senate bill, the Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligations Act of 2013, would give same-sex domestic partners of federal employees the same benefits as legally married same-sex spouses.
Oversight
The Republicans Who Fear a Shutdown
They aren't in Washington -- and they're very worried about driving away independent voters.
Defense
Issa Throws a Benghazi Party, But Democrats Aren't Invited
The GOP's chief investigator quietly planned a trip to the Libyan city, but allegedly hid it from Democrats.
Management
Watchdog Warns NOAA on Delays in Upgrading Weather Satellites
GAO critiques management of polar, geostationary and environmental systems.
Nextgov
Energy Industry Website Hacks Resemble Compromises to a Labor Site for Nuclear Workers
The operations aim to steal sensitive information from visitors to the infected webpages.
Pay & Benefits
IRS Moves Forward With Plan to Cancel $70 Million in Employee Bonuses
Union says IRS is legally obligated to pay the awards, files national grievance against the agency.
Nextgov
Hackers Revamp Playboy, Mistake NASA for NSA
Just another week in ThreatWatch, our regularly updated index of noteworthy data breaches.
Management
Energy Department Revs Up Controversial Loan Program
Expired fund that backed Solyndra resumes with broader focus, $8 billion budget.
Nextgov
More Than 1 in 5 Cyber Jobs Vacant at Key DHS Division
Security clearance wait times and relatively low pay are among the hiring obstacles cited.
Oversight
House Approves Measure to Keep Government Open Past Sept. 30
Bill would also defund health care reform law; Senate vows to strip out Obamacare language, edging government closer to a shutdown.
Nextgov
Navy Yard Responders Say Rescue Was Hampered by Bad Radios
Radios reportedly weren't powerful enough to reach transmitters outside the building.
Nextgov
This Is How Fear of Government Snooping Takes Its Toll on Tech Companies
Two technology offerings dropped in wake of surveillance revelations.
Oversight
Halliburton Will Pay a $200,000 Fine For Destroying BP Oil Spill Evidence
Fine is the maximum for the misdemeanor charge.
Oversight
The Viral Navy Yard Photo Is Related, After All
Image's authenticity came under scrutiny almost as soon as it began to go viral.
Management
Company That Vetted Snowden Also Ran Aaron Alexis's Background Check
Firm already was under a criminal investigation for 'routine' background check failures.
Oversight
Play of the Day: Obamacare or Bust
The GOP is choosing the second option-- and possibly taking the federal government down with it.
Tech
How Exactly GSA Plans to Provide 1 Desk for Every 2 Employees
DHS, Agriculture and HHS also tout their workplace savings, thanks to telework and other efforts.
Management