Workforce
Amid hiring surge, FAA taps outside schools to boost air traffic controller training
The agency is looking to reduce bottlenecks as it attempts to reverse a longstanding slide in air traffic controller staffing.
Pay & Benefits
End-of-year retirement planning for federal couples
Spouses who both work for the federal government can have some unique quandaries when it comes to planning for their retirement and health care benefits.
Oversight
OSC praises case resolutions involving alleged retaliation against federal employees
The findings come as the Merit Systems Protection Board makes a change to how it handles OSC petitions.
Pay & Benefits
Labor Department sets 2025 federal contractor minimum wages
In a pair of filings in the Federal Register Monday, Labor Department officials set the range of minimum wages for contractors between $9.30 per hour for tipped workers to $17.75 per hour, depending on the job type.
Workforce
Federal employee appeals board has nearly eliminated the backlog built up during its five years without power
Agency workers who appealed adverse actions against them finally have resolution after waiting for years for a decision.
Pay & Benefits
OPM announces leave transfer program for feds affected by Helene
Federal employees will soon be able to donate unused leave to their colleagues who need time to recover after Hurricane Helene caused widespread destruction across the Southeast.
Pay & Benefits
VA proposes grant program offering vets legal services to help obtain benefits
The department’s goal is to assist former service members who were discharged under other than honorable conditions but could still be eligible for VA benefits.
Management
Trump still declining federal transition services even as second deadline passes
The delay has the potential to disrupt transition planning for both campaigns.
Pay & Benefits
New bill eyes uniformed services benefits for public health corps reservists
The proposed legislation would provide reservists in a Health and Human Services component with health, education and leave benefits that are similar to other service members.
Management
The major takeaways for federal employees from the vice presidential debate
Federal hiring promises, calls for a "robust and aggressive" federal government and more takeaways from the Walz-Vance debate.
News
How long will it take for Congress to act on emergency aid for Helene victims?
Some lawmakers are calling on Congress to return to D.C. to pass supplemental funding for Hurricane Helene response and recovery efforts.
Tech
Education Department begins testing of new FAFSA form
The first of four testing periods for the online federal student aid application began on Tuesday with six community-based organizations.
Oversight
Amid hiring surge, two VA agencies face employee background check deficiencies
The inspector general warned that shortcomings in the agencies’ background check programs were letting in unvetted staff.
Pay & Benefits
TSP continues upward trek for third straight month
Each portfolio within the federal government’s 401(k)-style retirement savings program saw modest gains in September.
Management
SBA’s inspector general will serve double duty in acting Social Security role
The appointment of Small Business Administration Inspector General Hannibal “Mike” Ware to perform the same job at the Social Security Administration comes after embattled Inspector General Gail Ennis retired last summer.
News
USDA wraps equity commission, vows to continue work
The department will likely have to contend with anti-DEI efforts as it pursues this goal.
News
The National Academy of Public Administration taps new leader
James-Christian B. Blockwood — a senior official at the Partnership for Public Service who has worked in the Government Accountability Office and the departments of Defense, Homeland Security and Veterans Affairs — will succeed outgoing president and CEO Terry Gerton.
Tech
VA officials say they can finish the digital GI Bill platform without more delays, cost overruns
Rep. Derrick Van Orden, R-Wis., said the Department of Veterans Affairs is “batting zero” when it comes to finishing major IT modernization projects on time and within budget.
Management
Federal agencies have deployed 3,600 employees in Helene response
Biden promises feds will stay as long as necessary, and FEMA says it may tap volunteers from other agencies to aid in response.
Oversight