Route Fifty

Why a Hurricane Like Irma Poses a Particular Challenge to Florida

The storm’s enormous size, spanning both coasts of the state, could slow the rescue and recovery efforts, officials warned on Sunday.

Management

When Hurricane Warnings Are Lost in Translation

With Irma looming, organizations are hitting some roadblocks in getting information out to Floridians who don’t speak English.

Management

Hurricane Irma: 'We've Never Seen a Storm This Strong'

“I have little doubt Irma will go down as one of the most infamous in Atlantic hurricane history,” said Eric Blake, a scientist with the National Hurricane Center.

Defense

Afghanistan is Now Officially James Mattis’ War

Donald Trump's speech on "principled realism" in Afghanistan contained few surprises. Now, under the aegis of DOD chief Mattis it is the latest stage in America’s "forever war."

Management

Even Leaders Have to Follow Sometimes

We spend a lot of time talking about what it takes to lead. Perhaps we should devote a bit more time to what it means to follow.

Management

Feds Send Additional Inspectors to Florida Nuclear Power Plants

Office of Personnel Management authorizes emergency hiring authorities to agencies responding to Harvey and preparing for Irma.

Oversight

Hundreds at EPA Reportedly Take Buyouts or Early Retirement

Union official questions how agency will respond to crises with reduced workforce.

Management

Trump Justice Department Declines to Prosecute Ex-IRS Official

House Republicans sought to reverse the Obama administration’s rejection of political targeting charges against Lois Lerner.

Management

GSA Relaxes Rules to Speed Contracting for Hurricane Relief Efforts

Agency raises purchase thresholds and says preference should be given to local firms.

Nextgov

Guess Which Gender Trusts Artificial Intelligence More?

As the government deploys artificial intelligence tools, it may need to address a gender gap in trust.

Oversight

Trump Signs Funding Measure to Avert Shutdown

Bill keeps agencies open until early December and provides Hurricane Harvey relief.

Management

The Beginning of the End of the Debt Ceiling

With another deal with Democrats, President Trump could release the hostage that congressional Republicans took during their early fiscal battles with the Obama administration.

Oversight

Hurricane Scientists Have Never Seen an Image Like This Before

For the first time in modern history, three hurricanes in the Atlantic are lined up in the most dangerous of ways, according to Eric Blake, a hurricane specialist at the National Hurricane Center.

Route Fifty

As Irma Advances on Florida, County Leaders Prepare for the Worst and Hope for the Best

“We are much better positioned as a county today to respond to these types of events than we ever have been,” Pinellas County’s assistant administrator said amid the preparations.

Oversight

DEA Exec Intervened to Reinstate Security Clearance of Agent Involved in Sex Scandal

Special agent was suspended for granting his mistress (who was also a criminal) access to agency facilities, drug case evidence.

Management

More than 32,000 Feds Are Responding to Hurricanes Harvey and Irma

Agencies across the government have pitched in on federal response and recovery efforts to disasters on two fronts.

Nextgov

No Easy Fix for Cyber Workforce Shortage

A lot of things can move the ball on cyber hiring but there’s no big plan to close the gap.

Route Fifty

Amendments to Raise CDBG Funding Pass as U.S. House Considers Spending Bill

The changes would bring Community Development Block Grant funding more closely in line with this year’s levels, and the amount proposed in a Senate bill.