IRS News Today — July 21, 2026
OPM shrinks its workforce by a third, seeks further staffing cuts and more — today's irs signal.
The federal government is undergoing significant changes in its operations and workforce. The Office of Personnel Management has announced a substantial reduction in its workforce, cutting staff by a third and seeking further staffing cuts. This move reflects a broader effort to streamline government operations and reduce costs. Meanwhile, the IRS has received a boost with an arbitrator's decision to restore telework options for its employees, potentially improving work-life balance and productivity.
In other news, a judge has reinstated digital equity grants, which aim to promote internet access and digital literacy in underserved communities. This decision is particularly relevant in areas with limited connectivity, such as rural Alaska. In fact, a unique example of this challenge can be seen on a remote Alaska island, where residents pay to maintain internet infrastructure for hundreds of empty buildings, highlighting the complexities of providing digital services in hard-to-reach areas. These developments demonstrate the ongoing efforts to adapt and improve government services, workforce management, and digital accessibility.
Today's signal:
• OPM shrinks its workforce by a third, seeks further staffing cuts (govexec.com)
• Arbitrator restores telework for IRS workers (govexec.com)
• Judge reinstates digital equity grants (route-fifty.com)
• On this nearly deserted Alaska island, you pay to keep hundreds of empty buildings wired for internet (route-fifty.com)