Route Fifty
Is Changing the Constitution the Only Way to Fix Washington?
States have the power to call a convention to amend the Constitution. That hasn’t happened since the Constitution was written, but now the idea is gaining steam.
Management
A TED Speaker Coach’s Trick For More Commanding Presentations Involves Your Toes
Squirming translates to uncertainty.
Defense
Military Eyes New Mini-Nukes for 21st-Century Deterrence
The Joint Chiefs’ vice chair says smaller-yield weapons are needed to deter the use of same.
Oversight
Can Congress Bring the National Flood Insurance Program Above Water?
The debate over too-low premiums and repetitive payouts grinds on, even as the thunderheads roll in and the water levels rise.
Oversight
Play of the Day: Donald Trump Embarks on a Vacation
The White House is getting some renovations, so the president is heading to New Jersey.
Route Fifty
Mayor Emanuel: ‘Chicago Will Not Be Blackmailed’ by Trump Administration
The Windy City plans to sue the federal government and “will continue to stand up to President Trump and his Justice Department.”
Management
How To Talk To Yourself To Control Emotions
It's okay to talk to yourself, a new study suggests, but how you do it matters.
Pay & Benefits
Trump Administration, Reversing Trend, Sheds 11,000 Federal Employees in Six Months
Agencies had gained 50,000 feds during Obama’s last two years.
Nextgov
How Could a Bill to Stop Sex Trafficking Be Controversial?
A bill designed to punish websites that facilitate sex trafficking could open up other online companies to lawsuits, critics say.
Nextgov
FCC to Spend Billions to Bring the Broadband to Rural America
The agency made it official at its August meeting.
Management
Why Americans Wait Two Years to Have Their Social Security Claims Heard
Budget, staffing and system issues bog down the system at SSA.
Management
The Feud Between the Trump Organization and the Secret Service
The security detail at Trump Tower has moved into a nearby trailer after a lease dispute with the president’s company.
Management
GSA Updates Plan for Improving Employees’ Job Performance as Part of Reorg Strategy
FOIA’d document formed basis for response to White House reorganization initiative.
Management
Army Boosts Spending on Genetically Engineered Spider Silk for Body Armor, Underwear
What’s almost as tough as Kevlar, as flexible as silk, has the DNA of a spider but comes from a worm? Something the Army is looking to buy for as much as $1 million.
Oversight
Budget Chief Vows U.S. 'Will Never Default on Its Debt'
A default would put federal paychecks in jeopardy.
Oversight
Interior Watchdog Is Probing Secretary Zinke on Alleged Lobbying Violations
Phone calls to Alaska senators during Senate health care debate attacked by Democratic lawmakers.
Pay & Benefits
Social Security Offers Nearly Its Entire Workforce Early Retirement
About one-quarter of employees would be eligible to take advantage of the offer.
Pay & Benefits
Feds Charge Brokers In TSP Fraud Scheme
Four brokers are accused of fraud in a scam to roll employees’ TSP funds into higher-fee products.
Route Fifty
Will New York Stop Arresting People for Evading Subway Fares?
The practice has its roots in “broken windows”-style policing.
Defense