Oversight
Justice Inspector General Goes to Work to Locate Disputed FBI Text Messages
Lawmakers trade partisan interpretations of whether missing files could show anti-Trump bias.
Management
Yet Another Stopgap Funding Bill Likely in February, Lawmakers Say
It would mark the fifth continuing resolution of fiscal 2018.
Route Fifty
The Leading Challenge Many U.S. Mayors Say Their Cities Are Facing
Based on the latest Menino Survey of Mayors, it’s “not just a coastal problem, but a problem everywhere.”
Nextgov
DHS Inoculating Labs Against Hacks That Could Release Dangerous Diseases
The department is developing ways to secure federal research facilities from cyberattacks on their internet-connected controls.
Nextgov
Trump Year Two Starts with Major Tech and Cyber Vacancies
Roughly one-quarter of agency CIOs and one-third of CISOs are serving on an acting basis one year into the Trump administration.
Management
We Need A Plan for Federal Communications
Trust in government is at an all-time low. Poor communication is one reason.
Nextgov
Vendors Can Still Weigh in GAO’s 5-Year Tech Contract
The oversight office extended the deadline for industry to give advice on its coming modernization contract.
Management
Why the Shutdown Didn’t Much Affect Defense Firms
Timing is everything. Three days — including a weekend — is not quite enough to cause production problems that really hurt.
Management
To Better Focus on a New Task, Try This Plan
When one item on your to-do list interrupts another before you can finish, this plan can keep you focused.
Route Fifty
A Breakdown of the Leaked Trump Infrastructure Plan
The 6-page document, published by Axios and Politico, shows what may be taking shape as the White House looks to formally release its proposal.
Nextgov
Massive Reduction in FBI Cyber Crime Takedowns Was Result of Definition Change
Stricter guidelines on what counts as a disruption or dismantlement led to a 10X reduction.
Management
How the Government Shutdown Disrupted SpaceX's Plans
The government shutdown shows just how much budget fights in Washington could derail Elon Musk’s rocket ambitions.
Pay & Benefits
White House Says All Feds Should Expect to Return to Work Tuesday
Three-day shutdown only led to a half-day furlough for most non-excepted feds.
Management
Lawmaker Accuses State Department of Tolerating Abusive Executives
Multiple complaints allege that SES member created a "climate of fear."
Pay & Benefits
Update: Lawmakers Approve Post-Shutdown Back Pay for Feds
Sen. Ben Cardin, D-Md., advocated quick action to compensate federal employees for lost hours on Monday.
Route Fifty
Route Fifty’s 2018 Management Survey Results Are In
Among our takeaways: senior personnel need to open a dialogue with rank-and-file employees.
Oversight
Book: Americans Are No More Polarized Than Pre-Reagan
"Polarization is the grouping of opinion around two extremes. No matter how we measure public opinion, this has not happened."
Insights
Route Fifty: 2018 Top Management Challenges for State & Local Government - Complete Findings
A new survey of 365 leaders shows that state & local government employees are most concerned about human capital issues in their organization.
Management
Government Set to Reopen After Congress Approves Spending Bill
Stopgap funding measure includes back pay for furloughed federal workers.
Management