A former political prisoner details harsh conditions, interrogations, and the impact of sanctions and U.S. intervention, including President Trump's role, in securing releases. Despite freedom, the trauma lingers.
US Department of Transportation seeks air traffic controllers, targeting gamers with transferable skills. Over 12,000 applications received after dropping degree requirements, aiming to meet rising demand.
Small businesses are navigating a complex process to recover $166 billion in import taxes after a Supreme Court ruling against Trump-era tariffs. The new CAPE system and advocacy tools are now live to assist entrepreneurs.
OPM proposes collecting identifiable health data from 8 million Americans (federal employees, etc.), raising alarm among experts and insurers about HIPAA violations and privacy. Critics fear data misuse and lack of safeguards, while OPM historically used de-identified data for cost analysis.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) is delaying its national system rollout for claims processing and appointment scheduling, opting for a pilot program due to internal concerns, staffing shortages, and customer confidence issues. The aim is to centralize operations and improve efficiency.
GSA released federal office space data revealing issues and a Trump admin plan to shrink its property portfolio. The General Services Administration aims to offload structures needing repairs, tackling a $26-50B maintenance backlog to create a more efficient federal property core.
The FLRA announced major rule changes giving its political leadership greater sway over union elections and bargaining units, overturning 43 years of precedent. Critics warn of partisan bias and delays, citing a lack of public comment and potential for increased politicization.
Interior Department staff return to work after being sidelined over DEI roles. The Trump administration's restructuring involved placing thousands on paid leave while centralizing agency functions and curbing 'woke' agendas.
Trump administration enacted executive orders and OPM guidelines to eliminate DEI in federal agencies, leading to staff discharges. The Interior Dept. instructed employees to report perceived DEI efforts as protected whistleblower activity, citing "no reverse discrimination exception" for forbidden practices like "diverse slates."
The Supreme Court is reviewing Trump v. Slaughter and Harris's MSPB removal case. Harris argues for distinct removal protections for "totally adjudicative" bodies, challenging presidential power to fire officials at will and warning of politicization.
IRS struggles with tax season instability and slower paper return processing (27-36 days vs. 13-day goal) due to Trump-era staffing cuts, leading to increased overtime. A GAO report criticizes the cuts, warns of performance issues, and recommends workforce overhauls.
The Technology Modernization Fund (TMF) streamlines US government systems, saving billions and improving security. It ensures federal agencies keep pace with rapid technological growth and threats.
Highlighting DHS's structural flaws and law enforcement accountability gaps, this text proposes a Senate-confirmed Deputy Secretary for Law Enforcement to oversee agencies like ICE and CBP. This would ensure dedicated leadership and crucial oversight lacking for 23 years, addressing the department's fundamental tension.
OMB Director Russell Vought is questioning the Government Accountability Office’s oversight power, specifically regarding the Impoundment Control Act and the executive branch's adherence to congressional spending mandates.
The Office of Special Counsel supports OPM's proposal to prioritize employee performance over tenure during federal RIF actions, aiming to strengthen merit principles and enhance civil service agility.
This text emphasizes annually updating retirement budgets, especially in the early years, due to evolving expenses. Many underestimate costs, leading to financial shortfalls. Accurate spending assessment forms the foundation for sustainable retirement income planning.
This commentary analyzes OPM's Policy/Career Schedule (renamed Schedule F), arguing it's not as detrimental as feared if OPM enforces its guidance. It emphasizes civil servant accountability, the need for legal guardrails, and transparency in termination, stressing adherence to legal orders over political loyalty.
