Eye Opener: Veterans hiring, searching for Grizzlies, a 103-year old judge

• Cabinet and Staff News: President Obama is relying more and more on Gen. David Petraeus. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates cracks corny jokes. Hillary Clinton on the tea party and Chelsea's wedding. Differing views on Elizabeth Warren. OMB nominee Jack Lew warns of a "critical" fiscal period. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner stuck in the middle on China. Energy Secretary Steven Chu announces departure of senior adviser Matt Rogers and Undersecretary for Energy Kristina Johnson, both leaving for personal reasons. Federal judge's impeachment trial continues while a 103-year old federal judge keeps working the bench.

DEFENSE DEPARTMENT:
• U.S. cyber-security strategy yet to solidify: The administration is still debating whether it needs new legal authorities or whether current law allows such actions.

U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE:
• In search of the Grizzly (if any are left): While many people want the grizzlies, an endangered species, to make a comeback here, others worry that more bears will mean more conflict.

GOVERNMENT WORK/LIFE/OPERATIONS:
• Veterans advocates hail government's hiring initiative: During the first six months of fiscal 2010, 30.2 percent of Uncle Sam's hires were vets, compared with 26.8 percent last year.

• Contractor debarment process plagued by delays, inconsistencies: The government's system for suspending and debarring problem contractors is plagued by sluggish reporting, inconsistent standards and a reluctance to act, several department inspectors general said Wednesday.

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