Nextgov
Congress Requests Review of EPA’s Use of Encrypted Communications
The use of encrypted communications applications across government is on the upswing, though such communications are still privy to sunshine laws.
Defense
Did Michael Flynn Tell the FBI the Truth?
The former national security adviser learns the hard way: It’s always the cover-up that gets you.
Defense
Did Trump Aides Speak With Russian Intelligence Before the Election?
According to The New York Times, the FBI found that several associates of the president had been in contact with Kremlin intelligence officials, despite months of official denials.
Management
Trump, Citing Column, Says NSA, FBI 'Should Not Interfere in our Politics'
The president, just like his predecessors, believes the leaking of classified information is illegal.
Oversight
Play of the Day: Michael Flynn is Out of a Job
President Donald Trump's National Security Advisor is the first person fired by the Celebrity Appresident.
Route Fifty
Fire Chiefs Want Exclusion Under Trump Order Blocking Grants to ‘Sanctuary Cities’
During subcommittee testimony, a GOP congressman told the president of the International Association of Fire Chiefs the group should warn local governments about the risks of not cooperating.
Management
One More Time: Can Government Be Run Like a Business?
Managers have been encumbered far too long by a civil service system that makes managing poor performers more important than rewarding stars.
Management
Faced with Vacancies, Trump Quietly Resets Justice Department Succession
Trump signed the executive order the same day Attorney General Jeff Sessions was sworn in.
Management
Trump’s Labor Secretary Nominee Just Got Sued For Labor Violations
Andrew Puzder, Trump's pick for Labor, isn't famous for being a friend to workers.
Oversight
Ethics Office Pressures White House to Discipline Kellyanne Conway
Four dozen lawmakers had questioned her on-site commercial for Ivanka Trump products.
Management
Donald Trump's Glacial Pace Toward a Full Cabinet
Most presidents have the majority of their Cabinet confirmed by this point in their first term. Why doesn’t he?
Defense
Flynn's Calls With Russia's Ambassador: Who Knew What, and When?
A timeline of the events that led to the national-security adviser’s resignation
Management
Lawmakers Attempt to Add Veterans to Growing List of Hiring Freeze Exemptions
OPM encourages agencies to continue recruiting and posting openings, despite freeze.
Route Fifty
Police Officers in Iowa Decry GOP Plan; Austin Mayor’s Open Letter on ICE’s ‘Secretive Raids’
Also in our State and Local Daily Digest: Florida’s Everglades are at an environmental “tipping point”; snowplow driver shortage in Maine; and Oklahoma governor’s sales tax expansion.
Oversight
Secret Service Chief Clancy Announces Retirement
Obama appointee had sought reforms following series of scandals.
Oversight
Trump's Performative Presidency
The decision to handle the minor crisis of a North Korean missile launch in full view of Mar-a-Lago members makes little sense—except as an opportunity to act out leadership in public.
Defense
Flynn Resigns As National Security Adviser
The retired general acknowledged he had misled Vice President Mike Pence about his conversations with the Russian ambassador
Oversight
Play of the Day: Mar-a-Lago is the Open-Air Florida Situation Room
Donald Trump and Shinzō Abe took to the patio dining area to discuss classified information in full view of the club's members.
Management
Why Hiring Freezes Don’t Work
Shrinking the workforce through attrition is guaranteed only to produce a federal bureaucracy badly out of step with the government we want.
Route Fifty