Workforce
Union Organizers Score Another Win at USDA
Staff at National Institute of Food and Agriculture vote 137-2 to join the American Federation of Government Employees.
Nextgov
NIST Asks for Input on Building Secure Software
The draft framework is intended to both instruct developers on building safe tech and help IT buyers, like the government, know which companies they can trust.
Defense
Trump Sides With North Korea Against the CIA
The president responded to reports that Kim Jong Un’s brother had been an American asset by reassuring the strongman he would not allow such spying in the future.
Management
A Once Unthinkable Proposal for Refugee Camps
A political scientist has suggested closed camps on Western soil. Only the awfulness of the status quo makes it worth considering.
Oversight
Play of the Day: The President Has an Agreement on This Piece of Paper, But You Can't See It
Donald Trump waved around a white sheet of paper, but didn't explain its contents to the assembled press.
Route Fifty
Washington Supreme Court Hears Arguments about Legislature’s Public Documents
STATE AND LOCAL ROUNDUP | Alabama may eliminate an elected state school board … Oregon tries to manage a growing wolf population … A men-only retreat stirs controversy.
Route Fifty
Treasury Blocks State Charitable Deduction Workarounds to SALT Cap
Taxpayers won't be able to write off contributions they make as charitable donations, if they receive tax credits in return.
Defense
U.S. to Send 1,000 More Troops to Poland
Last fall, Warsaw asked for a tank division; White House officials are hinting at a “significant” increase.
Pay & Benefits
House Panel Approves 3.1% Pay Raise for Feds in 2020
The bill advanced by the House Appropriations Committee to the House floor Tuesday also would increase funding for a number of civilian agencies.
Pay & Benefits
VA Faces Multi-Faceted Challenges to Its Attempts at Firing and Accountability Reform
The department can no longer publicly post its disciplinary data.
Nextgov
Top U.S. Intelligence Official Says Cloud ‘One of Best Decisions We Made’
Cloud computing is changing the way U.S. spy agencies meet their missions.
Management
House Budget Chair Suspects White House Will Flirt with Shutdown
John Yarmouth, D-Ky., says the administration wants to delay a deal to maximize leverage with Congress.
Route Fifty
Using Data to Predict Coastal Flood Risk
A new online tool compiles NOAA water-level data and storm forecasts to help coastal residents prepare for floods.
Tech
The True Price of Privatizing Space Travel
As NASA opens up the International Space Station to private astronauts, the romance of space will be within reach for those who can afford it.
Workforce
IG: USPS Is Putting Injured Workers at Risk by Failing to Adequately Reduce Opioid Use
Average number of opioid prescriptions per injured employee has climbed over last few years, despite nationwide cuts.
Nextgov
FBI Warning: The Lock Icon Doesn’t Mean That Website Is Safe
Having HTTPS and a TLS certificate doesn’t mean the site isn’t a platform for scammers and thieves.
Management
Homeland Security Watchdog Retires After Flap Over ‘Feel Good’ FEMA Reviews
11-year veteran Kelly told staff on Monday he accelerated his move after criticism.
Nextgov
Critical Update: Inside DARPA's DARPA
Valerie Browning, director of DARPA’s Defense Sciences Office, discusses self-aware machines, the future of quantum computing and preventing technology surprises.
Defense
‘Space Force’ Shrinks in House Proposal
A bipartisan amendment would trim several generals from the new space-focused component.
Oversight