Workforce

Few BLM Employees Agree to Relocate as Interior Attempts to Ease Pain of Those It Will Fire

So far just two employees have agreed to move from Washington headquarters to new locations in western states.

Management

Experts Praise New Acquisition Workforce Training Requirements

The “significant” provisions will align the public and private sectors, said one.

Defense

House Defense Bill Would Mandate Carbon Capture Program for the Military

A technology that many hope will prevent the worst effects of climate change could also produce fuel or other defense products.

Route Fifty

They’ve Built It, but Will People Come to the Midwest?

COMMENTARY | Several Midwest cities like Indianapolis are experiencing an economic renaissance. Yet, the region’s inability to attract people threatens long-term prospects.

Route Fifty

A New Look at How States Block Local Laws in Areas Ranging From Guns to Taxes

“This is a national preemption movement that is occurring,” says the CEO of the National League of Cities.

Oversight

Watchdog Concludes Defense Appointee Sexually Harassed Employees

Guy Roberts, former assistant secretary of Defense for nuclear, chemical and biological defense programs, hugged, touched and made sexual comments toward several women, the Pentagon inspector general found.

Route Fifty

A Foster Care and Adoption Shift in a Southern State

Louisiana refocused its efforts on foster care and adoption four years ago. Today, adoption rates are up, particularly among sibling groups and older teens.

Nextgov

Senate Advances Legislation to Preserve T-Band Spectrum for Emergency Personnel

Experts agree that Congress must reverse a rule to protect the crucial band set aside specifically for first responders in dense cities.

Management

Census Still Has More Steps to Take to Ensure It Doesn't Hire More Child Sex Offenders, IG Says

The agency hired a registered sex offender earlier this year, who was arrested for engaging in a sexual act with a child two months later.

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

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

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.