Defense
The Worst Kind of Medical Debt
When treated at military hospitals, civilians can end up with tens of thousands of dollars in debt that the federal government relentlessly tries to collect.
Management
I Asked People Why They Don’t Vote, and This Is What They Told Me
In the 2016 election, more than a third of Americans didn't vote. What might be keeping them from going to the polls?
Route Fifty
How States and Localities Could Spur More Companies to Share Profits With Their Workers
A new report says profit sharing and employee ownership can benefit both companies and workers, recommending state and local policies to help support these business models.
Workforce
Ageism Can Shorten Life Expectancy
Ageism can have real consequences for the health of older people, including shorter life expectancy and reduced access to health care, researchers say.
Defense
A Navy Scandal Sheds Light on the Nature of Bribery and the Limits of Free Speech
A massive scandal implicating senior US Navy officers highlights what bribery is and how it happens. A law and ethics scholar at the U.S. Naval Academy can't say much more than that, though.
Workforce
Why Bosses Should Let Employees Surf the Web at Work
Employers tend to see "cyberloafing" as a waste of time, but a new study suggests it serves an important function for workers.
Defense
Analysis: America’s Wars Wouldn’t Be Possible Without Contractors
But presidents usually ignore the thousands who have died.
Route Fifty
State Can’t Ban Ads for Discount Booze, Appeals Court Rules
The 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals found Missouri restrictions on alcohol advertising violated the First Amendment.
Nextgov
DOD CIO Is Prepping Guidance on Endpoint Management
The department aims to clarify what beyond desktops qualifies as an endpoint.
Route Fifty
A Tourism Campaign Centered on a Lack of Tourists
In its 2020 advertising campaign, North Dakota urges travelers to "follow your curiosity—not the crowds," a nod to the state's wide-open landscape and sparsely populated attractions.
Management
Bipartisan Bill Would Ban Reverse Auctions for Federal Construction Contracts
House lawmakers introduced legislation on Thursday similar to a Senate measure passed in December.
Management
The Civil Servant Who Changes the Constitution
One federal employee will determine whether the ERA gets added to America’s founding document—the question is which authority he’ll turn to for guidance.
Oversight
Lawmakers Demand Answers on Alleged EPA Ethics Violations
House overseers say they found multiple instances in which officials flouted required ethics pledges and other disclosures.
Management
Defense Pledges to Do a Better Job of Sharing Security Information With Overseas Contractors
The State Department has yet to respond to an industry association letter expressing concern over contractor safety.
Defense
U.S. Army Cancels $45B Armored Vehicle Contest That Drew One Bid
The service now plans to reboot its effort to replace the Bradley Fighting Vehicle, but with different bidding parameters.
Nextgov
Senators Unveil $1.2 Billion Plan to Develop Alternatives to Huawei’s 5G Equipment
The Federal Communications Commission would require certification to open standards to eliminate proprietary equipment.
Pay & Benefits
Senate Passes Bill to Provide Higher Pay to VA Execs
Measure also prevents department from having to collect compensation it already paid out.
Nextgov
Do Roundabouts Make Drivers Better or Worse? Transportation Wants to See the Data.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration wants help sorting data on how drivers behave in certain traffic patterns.
Defense
Trump Says U.S. Is Ready for War. Not All His Troops Are So Sure.
A series of accidents calls the military’s preparedness into question.
Defense