Defense

DHS awards 32 percent less than last year in state, local grants

State Homeland Security Grant program takes the biggest hit, with a 49 percent reduction.

Tech

VA to fire data analyst responsible for records breach

Memorandum notes that phone numbers were among the records stolen from the home of an agency employee.

Management

Export Packing

Bosses often tout bad apples as terrific employees just to get rid of them.

Management

House to vote on bill reviving FAA-union negotiations

Legislation would need approval of two-thirds of members to pass.

News

Bush taps Wall Street executive to lead Treasury Department

Departure of John Snow has been the subject of speculation for months.

News

VA official quits in aftermath of data theft

Michael H. McLendon, deputy assistant secretary for policy, says he’ll leave his post Friday.

Management

Legislator asks OMB to make Treasury drop telecom contract

Rep. Tom Davis, R-Va., reiterates support for GSA’s Networx solicitation, condemns Treasury’s rival plan.

Pay & Benefits

OPM floats proposal for high-deductible health plan

Employee groups concerned move will drive up premiums in traditional plans.

News

No break for agencies on ID card deadline

Every agency must issue at least one card by Oct. 27.

Management

High court: On-the-job whistleblowing not free speech

Supreme Court ruling limits lawsuits against agency retaliation over on-the-job disclosure of government misconduct.

Management

Report: Some appointees improperly got career jobs

“Burrowing in” to the civil service is an accepted practice, but must follow merit system procedures, GAO notes.

Oversight

Dimming Prospects

More Republican House members are seeing their seats grow vulnerable in midterm elections.

News

Honoring Those Who Said, 'Send Me'

None

News

Secretary of Finger-Pointing

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News

Senate confirms FEMA, GSA chiefs

R. David Paulison in as FEMA chief less than a week before the hurricane season begins, and Lurita Doan takes over at GSA.

Tech

VA data theft could provide push for info protection bill

Senate Democrat says measure could help veterans better protect their stolen personal information.

News

Some agencies could get break on smart identity card deadline

Agencies that agree to procure cards through cooperative agreements could receive an extension of up to two years.

News

House panel boosts FAA, HUD spending

But Amtrak sees cuts, and is order to reduce operating costs by cutting back on food and beverage services and first-class accommodations.