Oversight
Former Immigration Judge Punished for Hatch Act Violations
Merit Systems Protection Board imposes a $1,000 fine and 30-month debarment from federal service.
Pay & Benefits
Agencies Paid Federal Employees $3.7 Billion Not to Work During Recent Shutdowns
One department lost 90 employees during the most recent lapse, while another slashed hiring by nearly 40%.
Management
The Insidious Threat of Pay to Play
The government contracting world is deeply vulnerable to fraud, says a former federal investigator.
Nextgov
Agriculture Wants Store-Level Data on All of America’s Grocery Retailers
The agency plans to use the data to make sure everyone in the country has affordable access to healthy food.
Defense
The Air Force Will Start Work on Flying Cars This Fall
It’s about replacing the V-22, eventually. But it’s also about finding new ways to harness commercial innovation.
Oversight
Play of the Day: The Potential American Response to Attacks On Saudi Oil
President Donald Trump tweeted about conferring with the Saudis about potential reprisals.
Route Fifty
Federal Spending on Kids Falls, as More Dollars Flow Toward Older Adults and Debt
The findings are included in the latest edition of an annual report. “In a sense in our budget, we’re treating kids worse and worse,” said one of its authors.
Route Fifty
Report: Federal Flood Program Takes Years to Complete Home Buyouts
The five years it takes to complete a buyout of homes damaged by floods is too lengthy for many homeowners to endure, a new Natural Defense Resources Council study says.
Pay & Benefits
TSP: Thousands Already Making Use of New Withdrawal System
The board that governs the 401(k)-style retirement savings program authorized a 6.9% budget increase for the agency Monday.
Oversight
House Is Investigating Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao’s Possible Conflicts of Interest
The Oversight and Reform Committee is requesting documents related to her family’s company, financial investments and travel.
Route Fifty
Tightening Requirements for Vaccine Exemptions
Under a new law in California, state public health officials will have final authority over the validity of children's medical exemptions for vaccinations.
Workforce
ICE Employees: Don't Blame Us for 'Extreme Impact' of Our Work
Agency supervisors say politically motivated attacks on the Immigration and Customs Enforcement workforce are “unconscionable.”
Nextgov
Trump’s Top Acquisition Official Outlines Priorities
Michael Wooten, the new administrator for the Office of Federal Procurement Policy, wants contracting professionals to meet 21st-century tech challenges head-on.
Nextgov
The Intelligence Community is Exploring Long-Range Biometric Identification
A new IARPA program aims to build biometric technology that can identify people using cameras stationed on far off rooftops and unmanned aircraft.
Management
OPM Moves to Implement Parts of Trump Order Easing Firing of Feds
Proposed rules would remind managers when new hires are approaching the end of probationary periods and streamline firing procedures.
Tech
SpaceX Missed Some Urgent Emails About a Satellite Standoff
Stopping collisions in space starts with good communication.
Management
Justice Department Awards Kavanaugh Team One of Its Highest Honors
Previously, the award has been given to terrorism, human trafficking and other criminal prosecution teams.
Nextgov
VA Launches VITAL Training Ahead of First Electronic Health Records Rollout
Veterans Affairs officials learned some lessons from their Defense Department counterparts and developed an immersive training program focused on how the new EHR system can fix issues clinicians encounter every day.
Management
8 Ideas to Help You Regain Control at Work
It’s great to be busy, but excessive busyness comes from a flawed approach to your situation.
Route Fifty