Pay & Benefits

Military pay raises drove uptick in Pentagon’s personnel spending

CBO looks at the escalating cost of military compensation from the edge of the fiscal cliff.

Nextgov

Residents of all 50 states have filed secession petitions

A handful of Vermont residents joined the appeal for independence on Thursday.

Management

Giant Duck Urges Lame Duck Congress to Avoid Fiscal Cliff

Comically large mallard urges congressional leaders not to “duck their responsibilities” during lame duck session.

Management

How Can Good Management Help Avoid the Fiscal Cliff?

Reducing the cost of government programs through better management of program operations could play a significant role in the framework for a 10-year budget deal.

Oversight

BP agrees to $4.5 billion settlement of criminal charges in Gulf spill

The company will plead guilty to felonies related to worker deaths and obstruction.

Oversight

Petraeus to testify before Congress on Thursday, Friday

The former CIA director is set to attend hearings on Libya attack.

Management

No honeymoon period ahead for Obama

At press conference, no time to savor solid victory and no claim to exaggerated mandate.

Oversight

Play of the Day -- Is Texas going to secede?

We The People petitions hit late night.

Management

Indecision on fiscal cliff tax provisions leaves IRS in limbo

Acting commissioner Miller warns alternative minimum tax hike would hit 60 million.

Nextgov

The best of the non-secession petitions to the White House

One We the People petitioner's hokey plea for national unity

Pay & Benefits

Pay reform unlikely anytime soon, says former civil servant

The government’s aging compensation system needs a makeover, but HR expert thinks status quo will prevail.

Defense

FBI director briefs lawmakers on Petraeus investigation

Robert Mueller says he wasn't told of the probe before the election.

Management

Obama strongly defends Susan Rice on Benghazi

Says he will choose her for secretary of State if he concludes she is best-suited for the job.

Management

Obama seeks Romney's help on government reform

On the campaign trail, Romney pledged to consolidate and possibly eliminate whole agencies.