Route Fifty
An Elephant Tranquilizer Is the Newest Terrifying Twist in the Opioid Crisis
Mere micrograms—the equivalent of a few grains of sugar—can be fatal.
Management
Bush-Era Surgeon General Critiques Trump’s Firing of Successor
Richard Carmona says the office has become politicized.
Tech
People Are Calling In to a New 'Criminal Alien' Hotline With Reports of Extraterrestrials
On Wednesday, the administration launched a new office to “assist victims of crimes committed by criminal aliens.” Some rang in with reports of UFOs.
Oversight
Will Democrats Shut Down the Government Over Obamacare?
The Affordable Care Act was behind the last lapse in federal funding in 2013, and Democrats threaten revenge if Republicans try to jam through their repeal bill before a spending agreement is reached.
Management
Drinking Four Cups of Coffee Is Probably Safe
The most comprehensive review of evidence on health consequences of caffeine use has just been published.
Defense
The Death of Two U.S. Service Members in Afghanistan
They were killed in an operation targeting ISIS militants in Nangarhar province, where the U.S. this month dropped the “mother of all bombs.”
Management
Are We Having Too Much Fun?
In 1985, Neil Postman observed an America imprisoned by its own need for amusement. He was, it turns out, extremely prescient.
Pay & Benefits
Leave Calculations
As your retirement date approaches, there are several considerations to keep in mind about usage of sick leave and annual leave.
Defense
House Oversight Members Press for Evidence on Flynn’s Fees from Russia
Pentagon watchdog launched probe of ex-Trump national security adviser weeks ago.
Route Fifty
‘Whiskey and Wheaties’ Bill Narrowly Passes Florida House
Also in our State and Local Daily Digest: Commuter pains worsen at New York’s Penn Station; S.C. Senate passes gas-tax increase; and invasive peacocks swarm neighborhood.
Nextgov
McCaul: Expect a Major IT Modernization Push after Cyber Executive Order
The effort to modernize government technology will likely be driven by Rep. Will Hurd’s legislation, the House Homeland chairman said.
Nextgov
Pentagon’s Top Techie Needs Purchasing Power of Closest Allies, Former DOD CIO Says
The country's closest allies have CIO counterparts who can make small investments promising technology. Not so in the U.S.
Management
Lawmakers Introduce One-Week Stopgap Spending Bill to Avoid Shutdown
Congress says it needs more time to finalize a longer-term deal; Democrats still have concerns.
Oversight
Play of the Day: The Other Red Button in the Oval Office
When President Donald Trump wants a Coke, he can get one immediately.
Route Fifty
The States Where Work-Related Fatality Rates Are the Highest
A new AFL-CIO report looks at the geography of workplace deaths and injuries.
Route Fifty
Nevada Fights the Latest Attempt to Give It the Nation’s Nuclear Waste
A Congressional hearing on a bill to revive the Yucca Mountain facility pits Nevadans against everyone else.
Nextgov
Former Intel Director: ‘The Clearance System We Have is Broken’
The government needs to be able to continuously vet intelligence employees for threats, former Director of National Intelligence Director James Clapper said.
Management
IRS Points to Progress for 2017 Tax Filing Season
Official calls it the smoothest in current commissioner's tenure.
Pay & Benefits