Defense
Esper Confirmed As Defense Secretary, Despite Opposition from Some 2020 Dems
The 90-8 vote ends the longest period in history that the Defense Department has gone without a confirmed leader at the helm.
Route Fifty
States Are Making Periods Easier with Free Menstrual Products in School Bathrooms
New Hampshire just became the fourth state to ensure bathrooms in public middle and high schools will offer free pads and tampons.
Management
Why Government Needs to Invest in Workforce Metrics
Agencies can’t fix problems they haven’t first clearly identified. Better data is essential.
Management
Asylum Seekers That Followed Trump Rule Now Don’t Qualify Because of New Trump Rule
Migrants hoping for U.S. protection have been waiting in Mexico for months, as the U.S. allowed fewer than ever to enter. Then it changed the rules entirely.
Nextgov
Small Agencies Need Shared Services Providers to Step Up DATA Act Support
Large departments are assisting smaller agencies in meeting their DATA Act requirements through shared services providers. But that help isn’t always so helpful.
Tech
5 Ways To Protect Yourself From Cybercrime
A leader of a new effort to teach cybersecurity to local community organizations and the public at large offers some basic tips to get everyone started.
Defense
Trump Says U.S. Troops Shouldn’t Be ‘Policemen’ in Afghanistan. So Why Are They There?
In a puzzling Oval Office press conference, the commander-in-chief throws his purported strategy into doubt.
Oversight
Play of the Day: The President Asks Sweden For a A$AP Rocky-Related Favor
Donald Trump asked for help with the rapper's case in the Scandinavian nation.
Route Fifty
With Tough to Fill Jobs, Some States and Localities Turn to ‘Gig’ Workers
A new survey highlights the trend, which can be found in fields ranging from building and grounds maintenance to accounting.
Management
White House and Lawmakers Agree to Two-Year Budget Deal
The agreement would lift spending caps and raise the debt ceiling.
Oversight
Senators in Both Parties Object to FOIA Changes at EPA
A recent change in public information request regulations, effective immediately, vested more power in political appointees.
Nextgov
Lawmakers Propose Bills to Secure Connected Planes, Trains and Automobiles
The legislation would set “reasonable” security measures for the numerous IT systems that power our increasingly connected vehicles.
Nextgov
Equifax Will Fork Up to $700 Million to Compensate for 2017 Data Breach
Those impacted by the breach may be eligible to receive up to $20,000 in cash payments.
Defense
The U.S.’s Toxic Agent Orange Legacy
Washington has admitted to the long-lasting effects of dioxin use in Vietnam, but has largely sidestepped the issue in neighboring Cambodia and Laos.
Management
A Much Heralded Fix to Prevent Opioid Trafficking Through the Mail Is Already At Risk
USPS is falling behind on statutory deadlines and failing to pull aside flagged packages.
Route Fifty
Allowing Paramedics to Treat Injured Police Dogs
Only a handful of states have laws that explicitly allow EMTs to treat injured K9s. Some Massachusetts lawmakers hope their state will be next.
Route Fifty
No More ‘Manhole’ and ‘Manpower’ for This City
Under new rules in Berkeley, California, the municipal code will be changed to eliminate gender references.
Management
OPM Cuts Security Clearance Backlog in Half, But Processing Delays Spell Trouble for Pentagon
The National Background Investigations Bureau is barreling through the backlog of clearance applications as the Defense Department prepares to take over the function in October.
Management
Federal Election Agency, Hungry for Funds, Now Pays for Officials to Get to Office
Congressional overseers raise concerns as the Election Assistance Commission picks up the tab for commissioners commuting to work from out of state.
Management