Management
‘A rushed and complicated system.’ Federal employees say they’re in the dark over limited top ratings
A mandate to limit outstanding performance scores has managers playing a numbers game and risks pitting teammates against each other.
Enforcement ‘surge’ from DOJ, IRS uncovers $490M in suspected tax fraud
Justice and IRS officials said this won’t be the last tax fraud enforcement surge of its kind. But it's not yet clear how much money they'll claw back from suspected fraudsters.
USPS ‘ready to deliver’ ballots in midterms without mail-in voting EO restrictions
The Postal Service's law enforcement agency is investigating suspicious letters sent to several state officials who oversee election operations.
Trump quietly hired political appointees under a new job classification, good government group reports
While Schedule G is not officially set up in regulation, the Office of Personnel Management emphasized that the position category for political appointees was established by executive order and that the agency issued implementing guidance.
ICE resists automatic activation of body cameras despite oversight concerns
Federal investigators found gaps in guidance for immigration officers’ use of body-worn cameras, raising concerns about whether the agencies can ensure the devices are used as required.
Breaking News
A judge just put USDA’s employee relocation plans on ice
The order blocks the department from moving about 2,600 employees or closing affected offices while a legal challenge to its reorganization proceeds.
Disability accommodations at Labor get extra scrutiny with annual reviews
The department plans to review existing accommodations for disabilities and pregnancy-related conditions, with employees potentially asked to provide updated medical documentation.
Fraud-prevention work stalled at USDA amid staffing cuts and funding disputes
Federal officials have identified ways to curb theft of SNAP benefits, but staffing losses, funding decisions and congressional inaction have slowed efforts to protect recipients.
USDA reshapes its food assistance agency, but employee relocations remain on hold
The Food and Nutrition Service is moving ahead with its reorganization, but plans to relocate most of its employees remain on hold for now.
8 midterm races for federal employees to watch
Several high-profile races, including Senate elections in Maine, Georgia and Texas, could impact civil servants.
What happens when the State Department loses its institutional memory?
COMMENTARY | With dozens of ambassadorial posts still vacant, the staffing of U.S. embassies is raising questions about the role of career diplomats and the experience needed to carry out American policy overseas.
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State Department appeals board, now with limited authority, gains new members
The Trump administration recently limited the board’s authority to challenge employee removals and other adverse personnel actions, asserting that the secretary of state has final say on these decisions.
Judge extends temporary pause in USDA relocations as he considers indefinite freeze
A federal judge in San Francisco said it was "significant" that Congress included a provision in a fiscal 2026 spending package that blocked the Agriculture Department from reorganizing without approval from the House and Senate appropriations committees.
$25,000 bonuses for top-performing feds? OPM makes it easier for agencies to award them
The HR agency also recently capped the percentage of civil servants who can earn the top two performance ratings in fiscal 2026.
Lawmaker warns intelligence contractors' Trump ballroom donations may be scrutinized
Rep. Jim Himes, the ranking member of the House Intelligence Committee, wants to examine whether contributions were tied to federal contracts or access to administration officials.
Shutdown mass-layoff policy rescinded as part of settlement with unions
The Trump administration sent reduction in force notices to thousands of employees during the 43-day government shutdown last fall.
Following court order, OPM replaces 'favorite EO' question for jobseekers
The Office of Personnel Management’s latest essay question for federal job applicants asks less about their personal politics and more about their ability to follow instructions.
FDA nominee faces bipartisan scrutiny over vaccines and abortion drug
Heidi Overton drew pointed questions from senators on vaccine safety and mifepristone during her confirmation hearing Thursday.
VA’s contracting crackdown gave some staff hours to do hundreds of reviews
VA's watchdog office noted these reviews happened quickly under strict deadlines, but generally complied with requirements for terminating contracts.
GSA claims it found $1.2B in suspected COVID-related contracting fraud
The agency previously said it found $13 billion in suspected procurement-related fraud and is investigating other sources of potential fraud.
