Defense
Space Force Is Go for Launch, But ‘Thousands’ of Decisions Remain
The 2020 defense authorization act ushers in the first new service branch in 72 years.
Management
How to Deal with Holiday Loneliness and Isolation
The holiday season "can bring up past difficult holidays, amplify challenges related to loneliness and disconnection, and just bring people down."
Nextgov
The Crazy Government Research Projects You Might've Missed in 2019
Self-aware artificial intelligence, biology-based computers and “smart” surveillance are just a few.
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Growing Number of Republican-Led States Say They Will Accept Refugees
STATE AND LOCAL ROUNDUP | Watchdog group sues San Diego over smart street lights … Washington legislators subject to public record requests .... Washington attorney general sues to stop courthouse ICE arrests.
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Cities and States Look to Tap More Tax Revenue From Expensive Real Estate Sales
“It basically allows for luxury housing to pay for affordable housing,” said a Boston city council member describing a "transfer" tax proposal there.
Management
Trump Signs 2020 Spending Bills, Averting Midnight Shutdown
The $1.4 trillion measures boost funding for most agencies and provide a 3.1% pay raise to civilian feds.
Management
Lawmakers Accuse VA of Violating Bargaining Rules in Workforce Order Implementation
More than 70 House Democrats said the department must bargain with its union before it can implement President Trump’s controversial workforce executive orders.
Defense
Top U.S. General Defends Afghanistan War
CJCS Mark Milley denied that officials “lied” to the American public about the 18-year conflict.
Management
Senate Passes Bill to Ban VA From Signing Settlements With Doctors Fired for Medical Mistakes
A 2017 audit found VA was routinely burying mistakes made by its medical providers.
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One of the Largest U.S. Library Systems Just Eliminated Late Fees
The Los Angeles Public Library will eliminate fees for overdue items this spring, joining a growing number of library systems that have identified fines as barriers to access for low-income residents.
Oversight
State Dept. Employee and Spouse Indicted on Charges of Trafficking Counterfeit Handbags
The couple allegedly sold counterfeit handbags online for over two years using a government computer.
Management
How to Manage Your Workload So You have Time for the Unexpected
Hint: Don't start your day answering email.
Nextgov
U.S., Japan Sign International Statement on Quantum Cooperation
The move comes as both nations are making strategic investments to accelerate advancements across the quantum landscape.
Tech
The Next Big Milestone in American Spaceflight
This was supposed to be the year NASA astronauts launched into space from U.S. soil again.
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Lessons on Rebuilding Low-Cost Rental Units After A Disaster
The National Low Income Housing Coalition examined the loss of low-cost rental housing in New Jersey after Hurricane Sandy, recommending steps that can be taken by other communities to preserve or rebuild.
Management
Senate Sends Shutdown-Averting Spending Bills to Trump
President is expected to sign the $1.4 trillion measures that would boost funding for most agencies and provide a 3.1% pay raise to civilian feds.
Workforce
With Appeals Board Hamstrung, Congress Declines to Intervene on Behalf of Whistleblowers Facing Discipline
Inaction comes as MSPB lacks board members and many feds say impeachment proceedings have left them less likely to report wrongdoing.
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