Management
Obama’s Move to Stop Arctic Drilling Forever Could Thwart Donald Trump’s Oil Ambitions
Most of the US Arctic is now "indefinitely off limits to offshore oil and gas leasing."
Tech
How Did One Small Defense Firm Get a Seat at Trump's Tech Summit?
The meeting put data-viz firm Palantir next to some of the world’s largest data-gathering companies.
Oversight
Play of the Day: Trump's Inauguration Musician Search
Yes, Andrea Bocelli back out of the event, but Chumbawamba and The Freedom Girls are probably available.
Pay & Benefits
Pay Agent Accepts New Localities, Rejects Giving Others Bigger Adjustments
Labor, OMB and OPM leaders make final recommendations for 2018.
Tech
America Already Had a Muslim Registry
A program that targeted visitors from Muslim-majority countries was phased out in 2011—but unless it’s dismantled completely, Donald Trump could easily reinstate it.
Nextgov
Police Use of Phony Cellphone Towers Needs to be Reined in, Lawmakers Warn
The federal government should refuse to OK sale of the fake towers to state and local cops who don’t pledge not to use them without probable cause, a bipartisan report urges.
Tech
Climate Scientists are Launching an Anonymous Hotline for Government Workers to Report Trump Meddling
Donald Trump's position on climate change and his transition team's actions have scientists scrambling.
Management
The Allegations That Trump's Pick for Interior Secretary Committed 'Travel Fraud'
The report notes that during his first campaign Zinke released his service records, which included mentions of “two incidents of unapproved travel."
Route Fifty
L.A. Legal Defense Fund for Undocumented Immigrants; Florida Waits for ‘Active Fire Season’
Also in our State and Local Daily Digest: Data breach in North Carolina county; Denver airport’s future flashy LED welcome; and a Trump rally tree-cutting controversy in Alabama.
Nextgov
Trump Doesn’t Need Silicon Valley to Eliminate Government Waste
He would do better to confer with the Government Accountability Office, the independent, nonpartisan federal agency that supports Congress to meet its constitutional responsibilities, and improves performance and ensures accountability on behalf of all Americans.
Pay & Benefits
NASA, Defense Boast the Most 2016 Presidential Rank Award Winners
List of winners includes thirty-six recipients of the government’s highest award for excellence in civil service.
Management
Good Government Academy Names New Leader
Teresa Gerton, a military veteran and experienced civilian federal executive, will head the National Academy of Public Administration.
Management
How a Pandemic Might Play Out Under Trump
It’s not clear that the next administration is ready to deal with an outbreak of Ebola, pandemic flu, or other emerging diseases.
Defense
China Returned the U.S. Underwater Drone it Seized in the South China Sea
The handover was "smoothly" completed at midday, Beijing said.
Defense
General Fires Back at Trump: F-35 ‘Not Out of Control’ (It Just Needs Another Half Billion)
The Pentagon’s F-35 boss says costs are falling and he anticipates briefing Trump’s transition team soon, but he needs another $532 million to finish flight testing.
Oversight
Play of the Day: Obama's Russian Strategy
John McCain has accused the president of not having a plan for Russia, but Obama might just employ a stalling technique.
Management
Your Impatience May Be Undermining Your Ability to Manage
Don't create unnecessary problems for yourself and your organization’s mission.
Management
Secret Service Will Maintain ‘Main Duties’ for Protecting Trump, Team Says
Spokesman calls report of private security firm’s large role blown "wildly out of proportion."
Management
Nearly 70% of SES Are About to Experience Their First Presidential Transition as Executives
That statistic is neither unusual or cause for concern, said observers, who praised the professionalism and adaptability of the career executive corps.
Route Fifty