Route Fifty
South Carolina Becomes First Non-Medicaid Expansion State to Enact Work Requirements
The state says it will boost people out of poverty. Critics say thousands will lose coverage.
Management
Lawmakers Reach Year-Long Funding Deal 'In Principle'
Most agencies are in line for spending bumps over fiscal 2019 levels thanks to a budget deal President Trump signed into law earlier this year.
Pay & Benefits
Second-Guessing the Best Dates to Retire
Maybe the end of the year just isn’t for you.
Pay & Benefits
New Bill Would ‘Close the Gap’ in Locality Pay for Some Federal Jobs
Legislation in both chambers of Congress would ensure General Schedule and Federal Wage System employees receive comparable locality pay.
Nextgov
FCC Launches Plan to Make Suicide Hotline Accessible Through a 3-Digit Dial Code
988 could soon be the 911 for suicide prevention.
Nextgov
18F Launches New Portfolio to Target Defense and Intelligence Agencies
The government’s digital consultancy shop has gained some experience in defense and national security issues and has built a new service line to focus on those agencies.
Oversight
Defense IG Will Review Recent $400 Million Border Wall Contract
Key House lawmaker asked for the review, citing possible improper influence by the Trump administration.
Oversight
House Passes Bill that Mandates TSA to Study Emerging Transportation Security Threats
The legislation calls for a task force to look into emerging cyber, chemical, drone and other threats.
Defense
Special Operations Command Made a Mind-Reading Kit For Elite Troops
The experimental tool is among several that aim to combine sensors and AI to give U.S. operators a new edge.
Workforce
Survey: Feds Are Concerned About Bills and Holiday Plans With Looming Shutdown
Respondents reported fears of paying bills and holiday plan disruptions.
Management
It’s Time to Reform Intelligence Community Hiring Practices
“We have got to figure out how we can compete for talent more efficiently and effectively,” said Erin Reitkopp, human capital program manager at ODNI.
Route Fifty
Someone Is Gluing Tiny Cowboy Hats On Pigeons in Las Vegas
Cute as it may be, a pigeon advocacy group is asking them to stop.
Route Fifty
Appeals Court Sides With Activist In Challenge Over City’s Bullhorn Restrictions
The California case concerns whether local permitting requirements for using megaphones and other sound amplification equipment infringe on free speech.
Oversight
Federal Aviation Administration Will Reconsider Agency’s Oversight of Boeing
“I witnessed a factory in chaos,” a former Boeing facility manager told lawmakers.
Oversight
Interior Appears Likely to Receive Funding for Relocation Even as Top Watchdog Announces Investigation
Congressional committee to subpoena records from BLM that justify moving hundreds of employees.
Nextgov
Federal CIO: It’s Time for Those Digital Transformations to Scale Up
In 2020, agencies will likely expand some of their new pilots and projects into enterprisewide solutions.
Nextgov
What the Defense Department’s Cyber Certification Will Mean for Small Businesses
The Pentagon lead for the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification program argued the move will be good for small contractors. And for those that don’t want to comply: Good riddance.
Management
EEOC Formally Proposes Ending Official Time for Union Reps
Federal employee unions have decried the effort to strip labor representatives of the right to use official time to help prepare discrimination complaints as an erosion of employee protections.
Management
‘Blue’ Space: Access to Water Features Can Boost City Dwellers’ Mental Health
Research into public health benefits of integrating nature into cities has focused on green spaces. New studies suggest water features are just as useful and can piggyback on other infrastructure goals.
Pay & Benefits