Route Fifty

Where in the World is Kansas City?

President Trump’s congratulatory message for the Kansas City Chiefs included a common mistake.

Workforce

Federal Employees Are on the Frontlines of the Fight Against the New Coronavirus

Agencies are taking special precautions to protect those workers, officials said Monday.

Nextgov

Presidential Advisers Push for National Network to Support Quantum and AI Advancement

As with the High Performance Computing initiative in the past, industry and academic advisers told the administration they need facilities and a network to get from bits to neurons and qubits.

Management

The White House Counsel Succumbs to Partisanship

During the process of impeachment, Pat Cipollone often appeared to be functioning as a member of the president’s political team.

Management

GSA Praised for Progress on Contracting Schedule Consolidation  

Compared to a 2015 merger, “phase two [of the current process] far exceeds the expectations,” said one observer.

Route Fifty

The Cities Where Car Accidents Happen Most Often

Houston, Charlotte and Los Angeles had the most accidents in the country last year, according to data from a transportation nonprofit.

Management

Viewpoint: The Trump Administration Has Made the U.S. Less Ready for Infectious Disease Outbreaks like Coronavirus

The Trump administration has cut funding for infectious disease research and reduced high-level staffing for global health security, leaving the nation less prepared for major outbreaks.

Pay & Benefits

Most Federal Employee Retirement Funds Struggle to Start the Year

After a strong 2019, most portfolios in the federal government’s 401(k)-style retirement savings program ended January in the red.

Defense

The One War Zone Trump Doesn’t Want to Leave

The president’s resistance to withdrawing from Iraq boils down to three of his main enemies: ISIS, Iran, and Obama.

Route Fifty

The Census Already Started in Alaska. Native Translators Are Working to Prevent Undercount Repeat

Across the country, tribal and non-English speaking communities are creating guidance and messages in a variety of languages to encourage Census 2020 participation.

Management

Administrative Law Judges Union Asks Court to Intervene in Impasses Case

Union says two labor-management panels ignored calls to address constitutional complaints related to how the president appoints members of the Federal Service Impasses Panel.

Nextgov

Pentagon Announces Final Version of Cyber Standards for Contractors

Mythbusting officials explain why the Defense Department’s certification plan will have a slow rollout.

Management

Homeland Security Kicks Off Efforts to Combat Human Trafficking, Other Risks at the Super Bowl

Department personnel are also working to prevent sales of counterfeit goods and head off any potential security threats. 

Defense

Sailors Work to Bring the USS Ford to Life — and Fix Its Remaining Glitches

The $13 billion carrier hosted five types of aircraft — and about 100 very busy elevator technicians — on a key voyage off the Virginia coast.

Workforce

Whistleblower Protection Agency, Judge Clash Over Which Feds to Protect From Reprisal

A narrow interpretation of a new law could discourage federal employees from reporting wrongdoing, agency says.

Management

Trump Administration Acknowledges Mistake in Supreme Court Age Discrimination Case

Solicitor General Noel Francisco backs down on statement that there are multiple legal avenues besides the Age Discrimination in Employment Act under which federal workers could pursue an age discrimination claim.