Management
Memo to Government Reformers: Don’t Forget the Soft Stuff
Everyone wants to work in an environment where their contribution is recognized and valued.
Nextgov
IT Modernization Bill Clears Senate as Part of Defense Authorization Bill
The OPEN Government Data Act also advances, along with other tech and cyber goodies.
Nextgov
GSA Shakes Up Federal Acquisition Leadership
The acquisition service will have some familiar faces and expects more permanent regional leaders soon.
Oversight
Federal Employees Used Government Charge Cards to Expense Rooms at Trump Hotels
Watchdog group says payments were unconstitutional.
Nextgov
Equifax Breach Prompts Renewed Calls for National Breach Notification Standard
The proposed national standard would replace a patchwork of 48 state standards for when consumers must be notified about a breach.
Management
Why Is Trump's Legal Team So Messy?
Ty Cobb, a lawyer for the president, kvetched about a colleague in public and sent several bizarre emails. And that’s only the latest West Wing attorney problem.
Management
New Whistleblower Group Offers Legal Alternative to Leaking
State Dept. alum, attorney launch well-funded campaign to reach federal workers and contractors.
Route Fifty
Zinke Plan Would Reduce Size of 6 National Monuments
STATE AND LOCAL NEWS ROUNDUP: Cuomo’s new state requirements for credit-reporting agencies in N.Y.; working to stop chronic shoplifting in Alaska; and court affirms ruling in Minneapolis sick-leave ordinance lawsuit.
Management
Full-Year Continuing Resolution Would Trigger Sequester, Budget Office Says
Simply continuing fiscal 2017 spending levels would exceed spending caps.
Defense
In Mexico, Mattis Plays Down Political Rhetoric, Seeks to Build Trust
Defense Secretary Mattis touts "a growing relationship built on trust and respect" between the U.S. and Mexican militaries.
Management
The Silent Killer of Workplace Happiness, Productivity, and Health is a Lack of Basic Civility
Those who unleash on others, belittle subordinates or undermine colleagues may leave a wake and create ripple effects.
Management
Why Trump Should Worry More About Congress Than About Mueller
It’s public hearings that tend to galvanize opposition and jeopardize presidents.
Oversight
Play of the Day: Colbert Knocks Trump at the Emmys
Stephen Colbert chided the awards for not honoring the president for his reality TV work.
Route Fifty
Federal Court Blocks Trump's Crackdown on Sanctuary Cities
A judge in Illinois temporarily put the initiative on hold while legal proceedings continue.
Management
The Only Safe Email is Text-Only Email
It's impossible to be certain of safety while using Gmail, Yahoo mail and other web-based email systems. The best solution is a radical one: It's time to return to plain, text-only email."
Management
DHS Seeks Volunteers From Other Agencies to Join Hurricane Relief Surge Force
This is the first time the department has called for outside volunteers through the surge capacity program.
Pay & Benefits
Lawmakers Work Across the Aisle to Propose Compensation Boost for 15,000 Feds
Bipartisan legislation would take into account mandatory overtime hours in calculating federal firefighters’ retirement benefits.
Defense
Harvard Rescinded Chelsea Manning’s Fellowship after CIA Chief Mike Pompeo Cancelled a Visit
He says he objected to the former soldier as a convicted felon and that his criticism had nothing to do with her being a transgender woman.
Route Fifty