Route Fifty
Almost Half of State Supreme Courts Have Only White Judges, Report Finds
In many states, the highest court lacks diversity. Thirteen supreme courts have never had a person of color serve on the bench, according to the Brennan Center for Justice.
Management
Bipartisan Bill Would Restore Administrative Law Judges to Competitive Service
President Trump last year signed an executive order moving ALJs into the excepted service, claiming it was required to comply with a Supreme Court decision. But stakeholders argued it politicized the job.
Oversight
Federal Contract Spending Grew 9% in 2018, Increasing for the Third Straight Year
Agencies spent $559 billion on prime and unclassified contracts.
Nextgov
Cisco Agrees to $8.6 Million Settlement After Selling Agencies Insecure Tech
The company’s video surveillance manager, which was used by the Pentagon, DHS, NASA and others, contained vulnerabilities that would let hackers view, modify and disable video feeds at government facilities.
Management
Senate Sends 2-Year Budget Deal to Trump, Shifting Focus to Shutdown-Averting Spending Bills
Lawmakers now have through Sept. 30 to pass appropriations.
Pay & Benefits
TSP Posts Modest Gains in July, Although International Stocks Fall
Most funds in the federal government’s 401(k)-style retirement savings program saw only slight increases last month.
Management
Democrats Battle Over the Past and Present of Immigration
The 2020 presidential candidates know they’re against Donald Trump, but they are sharply divided over what kind of enforcement should be used at the border.
Management
N.C. Shut Down a Group Home Last Year. The U.S. Just Gave It a Contract To House Migrant Children
As the Office of Refugee Resettlement rapidly expands its shelter network, it’s adding providers with little experience and troubling track records.
Defense
One Theme Unites 2020 Dems: Rein in President’s War Powers
Many voted to repeal the old AUMFs; Buttigieg proposes a 3-year sunset.
Management
Ben Carson’s Appearance in Baltimore Didn’t Go as Planned
The housing secretary didn’t offer Trump the sort of full-throated defense that the president might have expected.
Oversight
Play of the Day: Joe Biden Does Not Have a Command of the World Wide Web
The former veep had some trouble with his site name. Or maybe it's the name of his rocket ship.
Route Fifty
For Pedestrian and Biking Projects, Some Progress in Latest Highway Bill
But despite a hike in funding, advocates say the numbers are still paltry compared to the amount allocated for roads, bridges and highways.
Route Fifty
An Unexpected State With Strong Job Growth in Its Tech Sector
It’s not California, Washington, or Texas.
Management
Federal HR Officials: Get Rid of Most Hiring Authorities
Officials at the Homeland Security and Veterans Affairs departments said having too many avenues for hiring a federal employee causes paralysis at agencies.
Pay & Benefits
Five Years After Congressional Action, TSA Still at Risk of Erroneously Providing Premium Pay
TSA not certifying those who qualify for special law enforcement pay actually deserve it.
Nextgov
You’re Probably Not Getting $125 from Equifax Claims, FTC Warns
A rapid influx of claims is already exhausting the $31 million fund for payouts.
Defense
The Promise Presidential Candidates Never Make Good On
Most Democrats want to end the war in Afghanistan, but the next president will have to weigh the trade-off between a responsibility to the American public and what the U.S. owes a country it invaded and promised to rebuild.
Pay & Benefits
Federal Health Insurance Program to Restrict Opioids, Potential Social Security Changes for Some Feds, and More
A weekly roundup of pay and benefits news.
Nextgov