Defense

Fire near Los Alamos National Lab jumps 25% to 93,000 acres

Hazardous materials are safe, accounted for and protected, a spokesman says, but the nuclear lab will remain closed.

Defense

Gates leaves the Pentagon with his final legacy unclear

Outcomes of two major initiatives -- the war in Afghanistan and Defense budget cuts -- remain to be seen.

Defense

Justice to drop investigations into CIA officials involved in torture

Department will continue to investigate those responsible for detainee deaths.

Oversight

Senate cancels recess, but what will it do?

Democrats want to show they're on the job in what was scheduled to be a recess week, but what will they actually do?

Oversight

Government workers say they're more content -- except in the workplace

Public sector employees scored slightly higher than private-sector counterparts on overall well-being in a new Gallup poll.

Oversight

Debt ceiling debate threatens federal pay and benefits

Prioritizing government spending could force cuts in agency operations and employee salaries, report finds.

Oversight

CBO throws wet blanket on proposal to sell federal properties

Letter to House oversight chairman says OMB’s plan for a new board gives agencies scant incentive to unload underused buildings.

Oversight

Obama casts debt-ceiling talks as clash of the classes

In the president's world, Democrats are for kids and Republicans are for corporate jets.

Oversight

HHS calls off 'mystery shopper' program to investigate doctors

Plan had been criticized by physicians and lawmakers.

Oversight

FBI probing possible contracting fraud at Arlington Cemetery

A federal grand jury in Alexandria, Va., has been subpoenaing witnesses and records.

Defense

Special ops nominee defends night raids in Afghan war

Most of the missions are not violent, says McRaven, who commanded the operation to kill Osama bin Laden.

Defense

Boeing found to have overcharged Army for helicopter parts

Inspector general cites $13 million in excess billing, including $1,700 for an $8 plastic roller, in a report obtained by watchdog group.

Oversight

Agencies collaborate to manage drilling on public lands

Interior, USDA and EPA sign memo detailing joint process for assuring environmental protections in oil, gas operations.

Defense

Senators, administration clash over Libya operations

State offers nuanced legal arguments for Obama's decision to conduct military operations in Libya without congressional authorization.

Defense

Size of fire near Los Alamos National Laboratory jumps 28% to 60,000 acres

No new fires have broken out on the nuclear lab’s property since a small one-acre blaze Monday.

Oversight

Ready to Rumble

If Rick Perry enters the presidential race, look for him and Michele Bachmann to duke it out.

Oversight

Economic benefits of regulations outweigh costs, OMB says

First governmentwide analysis since Obama-ordered regulatory review stresses job creation and data-based decision-making.

Oversight

White House debt deal meeting 'good' and 'constructive,' spokesman says

"Everyone in the room believes that a significant deal remains possible," Obama said, after meeting with Biden, Reid.

Defense

U.S. to begin 'thinning out' its Afghan forces

Initial changes will generally involve shifting troops around within the country, not taking them out entirely.

Oversight

'Mystery shoppers' to help administration assess primary care physicians

Program will gauge doctors' availability and whether they prefer patients with private insurance.