Workforce
Career Feds Publicly Defy Trump Administration Over Climate Change
One employee resigns while another challenges an agency chief.
Management
Education Department’s Handling of Loan Forgiveness Draws Union Lawsuit
Teachers union’s Randi Weingarten joins eight teachers citing clerical errors behind denials.
Route Fifty
'Deaths of Despair' Theory Overlooks Other Factors, Researchers Say
A lifetime of poverty and hard work contributes more broadly to the growing mortality gap between low-income people and those who are better off than drug overdoses and suicides, according to new research.
Nextgov
Interior Approves Chinese Drone Purchases Despite Spying Concerns
However, the agency has multiple technical measures in place to ensure the manufacturer can’t use the aircraft to spy on the U.S., according to the director of Interior’s drone operations.
Pay & Benefits
It’s Time for Change: Make Your Voice Heard
Lawmakers have introduced a number of bills that would help federal retirees.
Management
IRS Staffs Up As a Result of Disputed Private Debt Collection Program
With revenue projected to double, 200 specialized workers will be hired.
Nextgov
Clock Starts on Naming Leaders, Beginning Work on Evidence Act
Agencies now have official guidance on how to meet the first phase of requirements under the Foundations for Evidence-Based Policymaking Act.
Management
Breakthrough Technologies Offer Enormous Opportunity for Federal Leaders—If They Seize It
What Silicon Valley calls “exponential technologies” could transform agency operations and boost national security.
Management
Does the Hatch Act Need a Makeover for the Trump Era?
White House resistance to the special counsel raises questions about enforcement.
Route Fifty
What Will Local Government Look Like in Space?
Lessons from early American colonies might provide best practices and cautionary lessons for future settlements on other planets.
Tech
Viewpoint: An Invisible Government Agency Produces Crucial National Security Intelligence, But Is Anyone Listening?
The National Intelligence Council works inside government but is little understood outside. Yet it has helped respond to almost all the major foreign policy challenges of the last 40 years.
Management
Lawmakers: Discussion of Furloughs at OPM Was 'Premature and Unnecessary'
Officials should have considered furloughs or layoffs as a last resort in addressing the agency's budget shortfall, senators say in letter demanding more information.
Nextgov
GSA's Centers of Excellence Wants Industry Feedback on Pending OPM Effort
The General Services Administration’s Centers of Excellence effort at the Office of Personnel Management is ramping up.
Management
Border Patrol Condemns Secret Facebook Group, but Reveals Few Specifics
The agency won’t say how many employees have been disciplined or warned in the ongoing scandal over offensive social media posts.
Defense
Dunford: U.S. Will Provide Intel, Not Escorts, In Strait Of Hormuz
The Trump administration wants to put together an international coalition to prevent tanker attacks from Iran.
Defense
Sexual Assault Allegation Surfaces About Nominee for Joint Chiefs Vice Chairman
Cleared by Air Force investigators, Gen. Hyten may yet face questions during his Senate confirmation process.
Management
The Air Really Was Cleaner Under Obama
Pollution is up nearly 14 percent under the Trump administration.
Management
Mother Blames ICE for Toddler's Death in Emotional Congressional Testimony
Asylum seeker says federal agents treated her cruelly and provided inhumane conditions.
Route Fifty
Key Senators Pledge to Move on Federal Highway Bill This Summer
But lawmakers acknowledge that figuring out a long-term plan to pay for transportation infrastructure remains a major challenge.
Nextgov