Defense
Trump’s New Spy Chief Worked for a Foreign Politician Accused by the U.S. of Corruption
Richard Grenell did not disclose payments for advocacy work on behalf of a Moldovan politician whom the U.S. later accused of corruption. His own office’s policy says that could leave him vulnerable to blackmail.
Oversight
GovExec Daily: Margaret Weichert's Legacy
In its inaugural episode, GovExec's new podcast talks about the government career of the OMB and OPM official.
Oversight
Elections Agency Commissioner: ‘The Biggest Story at the FEC Is What’s Not Happening’
Agency received a funding increase in Trump’s 2021 budget request, but that won’t matter unless commission regains a quorum.
Route Fifty
Facing a Foster Care Crisis, One State Seeks to Increase Payments to Foster Parents
A proposal in the West Virginia Legislature would increase monthly payments to foster parents, pay child-placing agencies for finalized adoptions and create a foster parent's bill of rights.
Pay & Benefits
Military Family Members and Retirees Could Lose Medical Clinic Access under Pentagon Plan
The Defense Department this week published a plan to downsize dozens of military treatment facilities and make many accessible only to active duty troops.
Route Fifty
In Mississippi, a New Call to Remove a Confederate Symbol from the State Flag
A bill in the state legislature would establish a flag commission to draw up alternatives.
Management
Performance Management: The Emphasis on Accountability
Clear goals, transparently pursued can be a powerful tool to drive output-oriented performance, but there are caveats.
Nextgov
DISA Confirms Data Breach Affecting 200,000 People
Defense officials provided few details but said the affected systems have since been secured.
Management
One-Third of Residents Suspicious of Census, Survey Finds
More outreach to communities is needed, researchers say.
Workforce
Congress Fixes – Just a Bit – the Unpopular, ‘Unfair’ Rule that Stopped Injured Service Members from Suing for Damages
For more than half a century, service members who got hurt while on active duty but not in combat – like being hit by a jeep while on base – could never sue for damages. That's now changed – a bit.
Management
How Agencies Could Incentivize Private Sector Investment in Their Missions
Commercial capital could provide a powerful boost to public sector modernization.
Workforce
Record Asylum Cases Met With Insufficient Staffing and Training, Watchdog Finds
Projections DHS uses to set workforce levels are off by as much as 50%, auditors say.
Nextgov
White House Tech Chief Calls Europe’s AI Principles Clumsy Compared to U.S. Approach
Analysts disagreed with the assessment, calling the EU white paper a good start for developing a risk-based approach to regulating artificial intelligence.
Pay & Benefits
Setting the Retirement Process in Motion
You’ve met your retirement goals. Now it’s time to start the countdown.
Oversight
Democratic Candidates Defend Their Records on Transparency During Nevada Primary Debate
Presidential contenders who have criticized Trump for his secrecy were forced to explain their own actions.
Management
Trump Administration Publishes Memo That Could End Defense Unions
More than three weeks after President Trump signed a memo authorizing Defense Secretary Mark Esper to effectively outlaw collective bargaining at the Defense Department, the White House has posted the document to the Federal Register.
Route Fifty
A City Moves to Ban Wild and Exotic Animals at House Parties
People are free to behave like party animals in Los Angeles, but legislation the City Council approved this week aims to prevent them from partying with animals.
Route Fifty
Millions of Americans Rely on Crowdfunding for Medical Expenses
A new survey estimates that 20% of adults in the U.S. have donated to a crowdfunded medical campaign.
Nextgov