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Top Three News Stories:

1. Trump Sets 2026 Federal Pay Plan: 1% Base Raise; Locality Pay Frozen; Extra Bump for Some Law-Enforcement Roles

The White House transmitted its 2026 “alternative pay plan” to Congress: a 1% across-the-board base increase for most civilian feds and 0% locality pay growth, while directing OPM to identify categories of law-enforcement personnel who will receive an additional increase to align with the 3.8% military raise. OPM is instructed to begin consulting agencies starting Sept. 2, 2025 to define which jobs qualify. Without an alternative plan, the FEPCA formula would have produced an average 18.88% locality boost plus 3.3% across-the-board. Congress could still override the plan in year-end legislation. Government Executive

Legal Insight: 

Watch for OPM and your agency to clarify who qualifies for the law-enforcement bump; until then, do not assume eligibility. If you’re planning retirement or a move, keep emails and HR estimates—raises affect “high-3,” locality, and overtime. 

2. Advocacy Groups Urge OMB to Block “Grok” AI Procurement in Federal Workflows

More than 30 nonprofits asked the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to bar agencies from procuring xAI’s “Grok,” citing concerns about reliability, bias, and security. The letter comes amid an accelerated push to adopt AI tools government-wide, including through new USAi procurement pathways and a recent Pentagon deal with multiple AI vendors. The debate now centers on how to ensure “truth-seeking” and neutral outputs and whether certain models meet federal risk-management standards. Agencies will look to OMB guidance as acquisition ramps up. Government Executive

Legal Insight:  

If your office pilots AI, get approvals in writing (privacy, records, cybersecurity). Do not put PII or sensitive data into tools without a green light. Keep the vendor’s terms, your use case, and guardrails—good documentation protects you in audits or FOIA. Ask counsel/IT whether outputs are federal records and how to retain them.

3. Shutdown Risk Rises as Congress Returns From Recess

With funding expiring Sept. 30, lawmakers face a tight calendar and sharp partisan splits over spending, nominations, and policy riders. The White House’s recent rescission gambits add friction as leaders weigh a short-term continuing resolution to avoid a lapse. Senate Republicans are discussing rule changes to overcome nomination delays, while oversight fights continue on multiple fronts. The mix increases the odds of late-September brinkmanship. Federal News Network

Legal Insight:

Know your role under your agency’s shutdown (lapse) plan: excepted vs. non-excepted work, timekeeping, and travel rules. Save your written tasking and any “excepted” designation; those govern pay and back-pay eligibility. If you’re on detail, confirm which agency’s plan applies. Managers should brief teams early and update contact trees and telework contingencies.

Mindful Moment of the Day: 

Desk-Chair Yoga   

At 3 p.m., stand or stay seated and do three gentle stretches—neck rolls, side bends, or shoulder shrugs. Match your breath to movement. This small break not only loosens the spine but also gives your prefrontal cortex—the part responsible for focus—a reset. Movement and breath together are a powerful one-two punch for resetting your day.