Defense
Esper Condemns ‘War Crimes’; Trump Orders 1,000 US Troops Out of Northern Syria
As Turkey strikes deeper into northern Syria, Trump says "let them" fight.
Route Fifty
Texas Chief Information Officer Shares Lessons Learned from Ransomware Attack
The 23 municipalities hit in a July ransomware attack put themselves at risk by failing “to follow good cyber hygiene,” the state’s CIO said.
Tech
The Endless Aerial Surveillance of the Border
New reports suggest that drone activity at the southern border is spreading to nearby cities, erasing the line between police procedures and immigration enforcement.
Management
‘Take Action Now to Defend This Great Institution,’ Yovanovitch Implores Congress
The former ambassador to Ukraine warns of irreparable harm to U.S. interests as “loyal” civil servants come under attack.
Workforce
'The Worst Period of My Life': Career Fed Reflects on Being Caught Between Congressional and Agency Demands
"I don't envy them," former official says of current employees in the middle of the Trump administration's standoff with Congress.
Management
Former White House Officials Call Trump Administration’s Foreign Aid Process ‘Unconventional,’ But Legal
House Democrats have subpoenaed OMB and the Defense Department for documents related to the decision to withhold funding from Ukraine.
Management
OPM Urges Agencies to Abandon Disciplinary Guidelines for Poor Performers
The Trump administration wants to give managers more discretion to pick an appropriate punishment for a given situation.
Defense
Defense Secretary: I Can't Put Forces Between Turks and Kurds
Esper explained why the U.S.-backed rebels will get no air cover or other help. But he couldn't explain why U.S. troops were moved after this particular Turkish threat to invade.
Nextgov
VA to Launch Adaptive Game Therapy Program
The agency also announced it will introduce adaptive esports into its national game competition during a visit with Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella.
Management
Democrats Subpoena Rick Perry for Documents Related to Impeachment Inquiry
The former Texas governor will have to hand over documents related to his involvement in the president's July 25 call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Nextgov
Inside the NSA's New Cybersecurity Directorate
The National Security Agency has a new state-of-the-art center and a new attitude about sharing its threat information.
Route Fifty
Legislators Aim to Curb Anti-Semitism by Requiring Classes on the Holocaust
A proposed bill would make Massachusetts the 13th state to mandate students learn about the Holocaust as part of public school curriculum.
Route Fifty
More States and Cities Getting Interested in Ranked Choice Voting
Proponents say ranked choice voting could lessen polarization and make third party options more viable.
Management
Tackling Both Sides of the Government Innovation Challenge
Bringing commercial technology into the federal market requires a comprehensive solution.
Management
Top Commerce Officials Played Key Role in Drafting Hurricane Statement Supporting Trump, NOAA Chief Says
The White House chief of staff was also involved, the administrator told Congress.
Defense
Anti-ISIS Operations In Syria Cease Amid Turkish Assault
“The SDF is clearly focused on the northern border to protect their forces,” a defense official said.
Oversight
Play of the Day: Some Rough Numbers For the President
A Fox News poll showed 51% of those surveyed support impeachment and Donald Trump took to Twitter to comment.
Nextgov
How OPM Cut the Paper Out of the Performance Review Process
So far, the USA Performance app tracks more than 35,000 federal employees—a number expected to more than double in 2020.
Pay & Benefits
Advocates: Congress 'Very Close' to Passing Paid Family Leave for Feds
Union officials and members are hopeful a Defense policy bill provision providing 12 weeks of paid leave for the birth or adoption of a child and other medical issues will make it into law.
Management