On the Data Dish, we’re checking the pulse of America’s public data systems

By: Terry Gerton

23 July 2026 at 14:11

"If you're taking your family on a vacation, your plane is less likely to hit a flock of birds because of NOAA's NEXRAD data," said Denice Ross.

House committee considers options for avoiding future government shutdowns

All News – Federal News Network

By: Michele Sandiford

23 July 2026 at 13:32

Lawmakers aired broad bipartisan frustration at the gridlock that has prevented on-time appropriations for years but differed on the specifics of how to fix it.

The Capitol is seen under gray skies on the thirteenth day of the government shutdown, in Washington, Monday, Oct. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

Space Force doesn’t know how many personnel it needs, watchdog finds

All News – Federal News Network

By: Anastasia Obis

22 July 2026 at 18:36

GAO found that the service hasn't established a process to accurately determine its personnel needs and doesn't have a workforce plan to guide future growth.

U.S. Space Force flag against a blue sky and white cloud background

AI enthusiasm isn’t AI readiness: Why mission clarity must come first

All News – Federal News Network

By: commentators

22 July 2026 at 17:32

Once clear goals and outcomes are set, technical and operational readiness work can align to drive the outcomes agencies are trying to achieve.

One year later, my layoff from the federal government has become a banishment

All News – Federal News Network

By: commentators

22 July 2026 at 16:43

Despite our grief and trauma, many of us still want to return to the State Department or another federal agency. But the path back does not exist.

Pentagon awards Rocket Lab $266 million for suborbital launches

Defence Blog

By: Colton Jones

22 July 2026 at 09:22

The Pentagon’s Space Systems Command awarded Rocket Lab USA a $266 million contract for suborbital launch services, according to a Department of War contract announcement, covering 12 confirmed launches with an option for six more, all to be conducted from the Pacific Spaceport Complex on Kodiak Island, Alaska, through the end of 2028. The contract […]

Ukraine’s ship-killer drone is coming to U.S. shipyards

Defence Blog

By: Dylan Malyasov

22 July 2026 at 02:00

A Ukrainian drone maker that helped push the Russian Navy out of much of the Black Sea is bringing its combat-tested kamikaze boats to American shipyards. UFORCE, the London-registered parent of Ukraine’s MAGURA unmanned surface vessel program, signed a memorandum of understanding this week with RECONCRAFT, the Alaska-founded builder of Special Operations combatant craft, to […]

Fired DHS, Interior probationary workers challenge MSPB ruling

All News – Federal News Network

By: Justin Doubleday

21 July 2026 at 17:55

Ex-probationary staff from DHS and Interior are challenging the MSPB's ruling that it lacks the jurisdiction to determine whether their firings were illegal.

After Slaughter decision, MSPB no longer calling itself ‘independent’

All News – Federal News Network

By: Drew Friedman

21 July 2026 at 17:10

The adjudicatory board is removing the word “independent” from public-facing descriptions “in light of recent legal developments,” a spokesperson said.

United States Merit Systems Protection Board

House passes bill expanding whistleblower protections

All News – Federal News Network

By: Michele Sandiford

21 July 2026 at 13:13

The bill forbids federal officials from asking a contractor to retaliate against someone else. A companion bill passed the Senate in May.

Whistleblower law book and gavel in a court.

Two airports opt into TSA’s new privatization model

All News – Federal News Network

By: Justin Doubleday

20 July 2026 at 17:25

The first two airports have elected to participate in TSA's "Gold+" initiative, which allow private contractors to manage both staff and technology.

Travelers are screened at a security checkpoint at George Bush Intercontinental Airport Friday, March 27, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

After returning to the office, federal employees report low productivity, morale

All News – Federal News Network

By: Drew Friedman

20 July 2026 at 17:23

In a Federal News Network online survey, over three-quarters of respondents said they are less productive now than they were prior to returning to the office.

Army overhauls career survey, gives leaders real-time insight into retention trends

All News – Federal News Network

By: Anastasia Obis

20 July 2026 at 17:06

“This data is a dynamic diagnostic tool, which drives immediate resource allocation and institutional policy shifts," an Army spokesman said.

U.S. Army Cpt. Webb, from the 108th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, reenlists on Fort Bragg, NC, April 4, 2025. Webb reenlisted for another terms in front of his family and fellow officers.
(U.S. Army photo by Spc. Cole Paulson)

FEMA’s chief financial officer was unlawfully fired, judge rules

All News – Federal News Network

By: Michele Sandiford

20 July 2026 at 13:07

The case centers on former FEMA chief financial officer Mary Comans. She was fired without cause last year.

FILE - A sign for the Federal Emergency Management Agency is pictured at FEMA headquarters, April 20, 2020, in Washington. (Al Drago/The New York Times via AP, Pool)

Space Force welcomes first part-time guardians

All News – Federal News Network

By: Rachel Cohen

17 July 2026 at 18:46

Eighteen Air Force Reservists became the Space Force's first part-time troops, as the service debuts a more flexible way to serve.

First Guardians in part-time work roles join Space Force

An IG audit found the VA tool used to determine police staffing levels had serious gaps

All News – Federal News Network

By: Terry Gerton

17 July 2026 at 13:57

"I think we're already seeing the fruits of that in the secretary's announcement and some other changes that have gone about," said Cheryl Mason.

veterans affairs spokane washington, Mann-Grandstaff

Democrats look to support laid-off Foreign Service officers

All News – Federal News Network

By: Michele Sandiford

17 July 2026 at 13:22

Former employees, federal unions and lawmakers continue to call for the reinstatement of more than 1,300 laid-off department workers.

Federal Movers & Shakers | July 17, 2026

All News – Federal News Network

By: wfedstaff

17 July 2026 at 10:16

Tracking leadership changes across the federal government

Senate seeks to audit TRICARE pharmacy benefits program amid conflict concerns

All News – Federal News Network

By: Anastasia Obis

16 July 2026 at 18:49

Express Scripts, the contractor that manages the TRICARE pharmacy program, also operates its own mail-order pharmacies that participate in the network.

Laid-off federal employees spotlight lasting impacts of State Dept RIF

All News – Federal News Network

By: Drew Friedman

16 July 2026 at 18:29

Marking one year since a major State Department RIF, former federal employees warned the loss of expertise has harmed national security and global stability.

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