Nextgov

OPM, DHS, White House Declined to Brief House Armed Services Panel on Historic Hack

The conversation would have been documented for the record.

Route Fifty

Google Stuck Waiting in Line at the DMV; Seeking State Troopers in Washington

Also: West Virginia education officials relent, say they’ll replace Common Core standards, and FBI Director Comey lauds Connecticut anti-crime gang program.

Oversight

How the Debate Over Syrian Refugees Changed in an Instant

Lawmakers and governors are now scrambling to take the toughest line against admitting refugees to the U.S.

Route Fifty

State Lotteries Look to Protect Their Image

There’s a new program to promote “responsible gambling” amid ongoing criticism that lotteries prey on the poor.

Oversight

Ryan's Ascent, Budget Deal Force a Message Change for Democrats

The minority is now focused on warning that a functional GOP will be worse for the country than a dysfunctional one.

Oversight

Play of the Day: Hillary Clinton Needs to Step Up Her Crazy Game

The Democratic frontrunner needs to take cues from Ted Cruz in the debates.

Defense

Scholars Blast Obama’s Syria Policy

Brookings analysts say political expediency has taken precedence over long-term sustainability.

Pay

Payments in USPS settlement slated before Dec. 25

The U.S. Postal Service has told certain eligible postal workers that they likely will receive their share of a monetary grievance settlement before Christmas, the American Postal Workers Union announced.

Route Fifty

Alaska’s Gloomy Economic News; Flint Water Crisis Lawsuit Looms

Also: Houston’s looming pensions problem and Portland’s new giant homeless shelter.

Pay & Benefits

Feds Petition for Paid Day Off After Thanksgiving

President has power to declare federal agencies closed, but generally reserves it for Christmas time.

Nextgov

Computer Scientists in Short Supply at FBI, Watchdog Warns

Cyber teams at five FBI field offices across the country don't have a single computer scientist on staff.

Management

Remembering What’s at Stake

When the shouting about how to handle ISIS starts, let’s not lose sight of our humanity.

Defense

Obama to GOP Rivals on Refugees: Listen to George W. Bush

The president said calls to exclude Muslim refugees or only include Christians were “shameful.”

Oversight

DHS’ Massively Over-Budget Immigration Project Draws Bipartisan Scrutiny

Initiative to ease paperwork processing expected to be completed six years late and more than $2.5 billion over budget.

Management

CIA Director Brennan: Paris Attacks Should Bring U.S. and Russia Closer

Ahead of G-20 summit, White House signals willingness to work with Putin in Syria.

Oversight

House Panel Wants Answers on VA’s Use of Paid Administrative Leave, Union 'Hit List'

VA Committee chairman continues to press the department for information about employees on paid leave longer than 14 days.

Defense

Obama Defends Strategy Against the Islamic State Amid Criticism

Obama pushed back forcefully against questions of America’s strategy to counter the Islamic State in the wake of the Paris attacks.

Nextgov

Could a New Center Help the US in Global Supercomputing Rankings?

The Energy Department's new energy-efficient facility will include an innovative supercomputing center and an extremely fast network so researchers can tackle countrywide challenges.