Government Shutdown: Senate Vote & Agency Impacts
Senate to vote on House-backed bill to avert government shutdown. Agencies navigate funding gap with carryover funds, facing potential furloughs and service disruptions. Employee uncertainty rises.
CIA & ODNI: Senate Confirmation Fight Looms Over Intelligence Counsel
Proposed removal of Senate confirmation for CIA & ODNI counsels sparks debate. Critics warn of compromised transparency & oversight in the intelligence community. Civil rights groups voice concerns.
DHS Intelligence: Workforce Reduction & Restructuring
DHS Intelligence and Analysis (I&A) renews efforts to reduce workforce via deferred resignation program (DRP). Aiming for 500 employees after earlier cuts faced pushback. Restructuring underway.
IRS, SSA, and Bisignano: Privacy Concerns & Trump Admin
Bisignano's dual role at IRS & SSA raises privacy fears amid data consolidation efforts by the Trump administration. Concerns over data access and potential conflicts of interest arise.
Federal Workers & Shutdowns: Unemployment Coverage Bill
Bill allows essential federal workers to seek unemployment benefits during shutdowns, repayable upon receiving back pay. VA OIG report reveals disability claim errors, costing millions. Controversy over claim processing speed.
Federal Workers Protest Trump’s Budget & Potential Shutdown
Federal workers protest Trump's budget proposal and potential government shutdown, fearing job losses and agency overhauls. They urge Congress to reject the budget and defend civil liberties.
Rising Antisemitism: Concerns for British Jews & Free Speech
Growing antisemitism in Britain creates fear among Jewish communities. Pro-Palestinian protests normalize intimidation, blurring the line between protest and harassment. A rethink on free speech and safety is needed.
TSP Updates and Trends in 2025: Savings Strategy & Retirement Plans
TSP updates for 2025, including the Second hand Cost Savings Strategy, Lifecycle Funds performance, and webinars. DC retirement trends, 401(k) plans, and IRA data are also discussed.
AI Use in Federal Agencies: Transparency Demand
Democracy Forward sues 4 federal agencies for failing to disclose details on their use of AI systems in policy enforcement, highlighting concerns about transparency and accountability. FOIA requests filed.
Oversight Websites Down: White House Defunds Watchdogs
White House is defunding CIGIE, causing at least 15 government oversight websites to go down, restricting access to reports and whistleblower links. Critics worry about government integrity.
Government Shutdown: Power Shift & Historic Impoundment
A looming shutdown threatens a historic power shift. OMB aims to bypass Congress, potentially gutting programs and RIFing employees, altering the separation of powers. Major implications ahead. Under the Antideficiency Act, significant changes are expected.
Government Shutdown: Agencies Prepare Mass Layoffs, Furloughs
Federal agencies prep mass layoffs and furloughs amidst shutdown fears. OMB directs agencies to prepare RIFs, escalating funding gap concerns. Schumer slams 'scare tactics'.
Court Blocks Trump’s Union-Busting at Pentagon’s Education Agency
A federal court blocked the Trump administration's attempt to ban collective bargaining at the Defense Department's education agency (DODEA), siding with teachers' unions and citing a failure to prove irreparable harm.
Government Shutdown: Impact on Federal Employees & Benefits
Senate blocks funding bill, raising shutdown risks. Federal employees face furlough, but back pay is assured. Health, retirement, and dental/vision benefits are maintained. Impact on paychecks looms. #GovernmentShutdown
OMB Obfuscates Spending Data: Transparency Concerns
The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) is accused of obscuring spending data by using explanations about 'spend plans' which aren't public, hindering transparency and access to congressionally approved funding information.
Italy: Young Right-Wing Activists Rally
Young Italian activists rally, inspired by Meloni, promoting nationalism and freedom of expression at a festival-rally. Concerns raised after Kirk's death, uniting youth in political activism.
FBI Misconduct: Hoover, COINTELPRO & Political Targeting
Explores FBI misconduct under Hoover's COINTELPRO, targeting political enemies & suppressing dissent. Highlights abuses, illegal activities & parallels with current concerns about FBI independence.