Policy

Feds in Iraq will continue to receive special premium pay, OPM says

Civilian employees in Iraq may waive a pay cap through December under a 2003 emergency declaration, according to a recent memo from the HR agency. 

Policy

National-security workforce needs young people, former NSA chief says

Paul Nakasone says fifteen times more 50-plus-year-olds work in national security than under-30s. At least one university is trying to step up.

Ideas

Let’s start treating cyber security like it matters

That means a real investigatory board for cyber incidents, not the hamstrung one we’ve got now.

Policy

Unpacking Harris' record on defense civilians and workforce

The vice president has fought discriminatory pay practices, helped guide how the government uses AI, and championed public-sector unions.

Policy

Should NATO help the NGOs that train Ukrainian soldiers?

The leader of one such organization says he’s getting good results at less cost, time, and political risk.

Updated Threats

How federal agencies are responding to the Trump assassination attempt

FBI, Secret Service, and others are deploying personnel in response to Saturday's shooting.

Policy

Several Pentagon IT programs still lack a cyber strategy, watchdog finds

The programs, used daily by DOD employees, do not even comply with decade-old cybersecurity requirements, GAO concludes.

Policy

DOD CIO resigns to take university post

John Sherman will become dean of the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M.

Business

Inside the Navy’s slick effort to find workers to build submarines

The BuildSubmarines ad blitz is part of an innovative campaign to shore up one particular aspect of the industrial base.

Policy

Controversial surveillance program gets 2-year extension

Biden signed a law that extends Section 702 authorities into 2026—and lacks proposed limits on intelligence agencies' right to gather and search Americans' communications.

Ideas

Jan. 6 showed the power of 'networked incitement'

A media and disinformation expert explains the danger of political violence orchestrated over social media.

Ideas

‘I see no happy ending’, former intelligence leader says of Gaza hostage situation

Gregory F. Treverton, a former chairman of the National Intelligence Council in the Obama administration, looks at why hostage-takers act—and why governments deal.

Ideas

The newest threat to elections is AI-boosted disinformation

Studying how Russia, China, and Iran meddle in other countries can help the U.S. prepare for 2024.

Threats

‘Continuous vetting’ effort will expand to cover more defense civilians

After a successful pilot program, the government plans expand the background-check process to all “public trust” positions.

Ideas

Can a nationwide emergency-alert test restore public trust?

The Oct. 4 text message is supposed to reach all compatible devices in the U.S. It could shed light on how government agencies can improve their emergency communications.

Policy

White House to feds: Prepare for a shutdown

Level of preparedness and communication varies across government agencies as fiscal deadline looms.

Policy

Senate preps short-term funding measure, but House remains on path to shutdown

The lower body's GOP leaders continue to pursue deep cuts to that stand no chance across Capitol Hill or in the White House.

Ideas

The latest Iran deal is a win-win

A complicated prisoner swap should ease drug shortages that are killing ordinary Iranians—and put new pressure on Tehran’s leaders.