Management
Fewer Taxpayers Fall Prey to Identity Thieves, IRS Chief Says
Agency’s countermeasures show progress, though causes for decline are unclear.
Defense
Analysis: How Mattis May Get Himself in Trouble With Trump
The secretary of defense could run afoul of his boss if his review of the policy on transgender troops follows the facts to their conclusion.
Nextgov
Candidate Trump Criticized Obama's Cyber Doctrine. President Trump Continues It.
The president’s cyber policies largely mirror Obama’s with one big, Russia-sized carve out.
Nextgov
Outgoing OPM CIO Takes Michigan’s Top Tech Position
David DeVries heads to state government.
Management
Beware Attempting to Fix a Difficult Employee
The odds are great that you will miss the mark, damage your reputation, and damage team performance.
Management
The Opioid Epidemic is Finally a National Emergency – Eight Years Too Late
On August 10, President Trump declared the opioid epidemic a national emergency. But we need to do a lot more to prevent this crisis from escalating even further.
Route Fifty
Chasing the Gas Tax in the Golden State
California seeks fresh road repair revenues in the twilight of oil.
Management
There’s One in Every Group (And How to Make Sure It’s You)
When your to-do list gets longer, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that the only way out is to put in more hours at work. There’s a better way.
Route Fifty
Why States and Cities Need More Policy Financing Mechanisms
Proposed cuts to the federal budget and local preemption could kill the fiscal capacity of municipalities to deal with disasters like Hurricane Harvey or even provide basic government services.
Route Fifty
Harvey Shows Why Turning Medicaid Into a Block Grant Carries Huge Risks
Governors like block grants “when everything is going well … but that doesn’t provide a budget that says ‘oh, but the fourth-largest city in America is underwater and I need a lot more help.’”
Nextgov
After Harvey Took Out Communications, FEMA Set Up Its Own
The agency’s D.C.-based command center keeps feds on the same page in the wake of the storm.
Management
Why Keep State Department Special Envoys?
The secretary of state’s plan to eliminate or merge several high-profile positions has many supporters.
Route Fifty
For Governors, Zinke’s National Monument Recommendations Remain a Mystery
“Our staff has been actively requesting the information from the Interior Department, as well as the White House, and we have not yet received it,” according to Oregon Gov. Kate Brown’s press secretary.
Nextgov
How NOAA Plans to Improve Tracking Harvey-Like Storms
As the agency's next-gen satellites come online, it expects more accurate forecasts and increased lead time for severe weather.
Nextgov
Lawmakers Worry Hospitals Are Abusing Telehealth for Financial Gain
One medical center was found to be enrolling patients in a virtual health care regimen, potentially for financial incentives.
Pay & Benefits
How Feds Can Contribute to the Harvey Recovery Effort
Employee groups offer aid, avenues for donations.
Route Fifty
How the Feds Can Help Counties Secure Elections
Without impinging on the sovereignty of any state, county or town, the federal government does have the ability to help secure national elections, according to the clerk-recorder of Inyo County, California.
Oversight
Hurricane Harvey May Have Destroyed Trump’s Mexico Wall Before a Single Brick Is Laid
The cost of the storm damage is estimated as high as $100 billion.
Management