Management
‘We’re closer to the end': Lawmakers signal some progress in bipartisan talks to end shutdown
Funding lapse set to reach record levels but senators in both parties voice mild hope of progress.
Workforce
Shutdown compounds a year of pain for federal contractors, employees
Rep. James Walkinshaw, D-Va., says the closure amplifies the billions in contract cancellations and workforce cuts.
Management
At NSA, a leadership vacuum and staff cuts threaten morale and operational strength
"That’s what happens when your boss disappears, and then some of your lead unicorns also disappear,” one person said.
Pay & Benefits
FEHB costs are climbing in 2026. Here’s what that means for feds
From higher premiums to new IVF coverage, many plans are shifting next year. Here’s how to find out what’s different in your plan and what it will cost you.
Workforce
IBEW: Trump’s anti-union EOs target unions expressly protected by law
The collective bargaining rights of prevailing rate employees at the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, Southwestern Power Agency and the Western Area Power Administration are set by a different law than the one that covers most other federal employees, a new lawsuit argues.
Management
Airports seeing spike in shutdown impacts as TSA screeners and air traffic controllers call out
Some airports are seeing three-hours lines while dozens have experienced shutdown-related delays.
Workforce
Alleged politicization of public service student loan forgiveness sparks lawsuit against Trump administration
The Education Department published a rule that could block federal student loan borrowers who work for entities that provide assistance to migrants or trans youth from the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
Pay & Benefits
Growth slowed in most TSP funds in October
Despite a slowing rate of return, last month still marked the third consecutive month in which all portfolios in the Thrift Savings Plan all increased in value.
Management
Two judges block Trump administration from cutting SNAP benefits
A pair of rulings have temporarily paused White House plans to halt funding to the food assistance program during the government shutdown.
Management
Senator argues that federal agencies should be more like Spirit Halloween, at least when it comes to real estate
While the Trump administration is prioritizing rightsizing the federal real estate portfolio, it has pared back several more aggressive efforts to offload property.
Pay & Benefits
Employees are receiving renewed furlough notices as shutdown enters second month, this time without back pay guarantees
The shutdown is heading into November, sparking new, altered furlough notices to 650,000 employees.
Tech
Top cybersecurity official exits for TSA role amid recent cyber office reductions
Ryan Donaghy had served at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency since 2016. It’s not clear if she was voluntarily moved to TSA or was given transfer orders.
Management
Contractors fear retaliation if they try to recover shutdown costs
Legal rights do exist for companies to recoup their losses, but attorneys say fears of Trump administration reprisal loom over industry.
Exclusive
Management
USDA transfers $13B into ‘slush fund’ for future tariff relief
The move has left the department incapable of delivering some mandatory farmer aid programs, and is raising concerns in Congress.
Oversight
Bisignano draws scrutiny as his former company falters
Just months after the Social Security commissioner and Internal Revenue Service CEO divested nearly $600 million in Fiserv investments, the business’ stock value tanked more than 40% on the news that Bisignano had issued overly rosy earnings guidance.
Defense
Memo lays out path to removing even more defense civilians from their jobs
The Defense Department, which has met its 8% overall reduction goal, is now going after “low performers.”
Tech
Upcoming White House cyber strategy to seek more involvement with private sector
The Trump 2.0 cyber strategy is in development, National Cyber Director Sean Cairncross said, though he did not elaborate on when it would be released.
Workforce
‘It’s more important than ever’: Federal employee awards program endures in time of civil service job cuts
Two winners of the Arthur S. Flemming award who spoke to "Government Executive" emphasized the importance of agency internships as well as their own work expanding and protecting access to clean water in the U.S.
Pay & Benefits
What federal employees need to know about Medicare enrollment
An updated guide to timing, parts, costs and coordination so you don’t get stuck with penalties or surprises at 65.
Management