Buzz Factor: FCW's most-read stories

Next battle starts for feds

Story: The fight for the 2012 budget started with a Republican plan that includes a three-year freeze on federal salaries and a 10 percent workforce reduction through attrition.

What's next: The federal workforce won't be off the chopping block anytime soon as lawmakers try to cut spending.

Shutdown threat abates, for now

Story: At the last minute, a budget deal for fiscal 2011 ended the prospect of a government shutdown. But more hazards lie ahead.

What's next: Debates over the federal debt ceiling and the fiscal 2012 budget could easily bring shutdown talk back to the fore.

Agencies score with mobile apps

Story: Agencies are embracing mobile apps and providing information, such as items allowed on airplanes, and emergency alerts.

What's next: There are 31 federal agency mobile apps available and more coming. The public wins on this one.

Feds don't care for punching-bag status

Story: FCW readers sound off on being in the cross-hairs of seemingly every budget-cutting proposal in Congress.

What's next: The perception of federal employment as a risky proposition is already affecting recruiting and retention. Reducing the workforce by 10 percent might not take that long.