Defense

Pentagon’s Fine-Tuned Transgender Policy Draws Flak

Though not a ban, Trump approach denies accommodations for "gender dysphoria."

Pay & Benefits

Weighing the Social Security Benefit Decision

When to start collecting benefits depends on your individual circumstances.

Nextgov

What DOD Plans To Do With $9.6 Billion in Cyber Funding

Defense Department cyber leaders explained the 2020 budget request and offered insight into how U.S. Cyber Command is using its new acquisition authority.

Management

Chemical Board Settles with Managing Director After Three-Year Paid Leave

The government spent some $485,700 just to cover David Horowitz’ salary in a case that highlighted the inefficiencies of federal personnel management.

Management

Bill Would Ban Federal Contractors From Asking About Criminal History Early in Job Application Process

Legislation would codify delaying when federal hiring officials inquire about candidates’ criminal records, and apply the requirement to contractors as well.

Management

Boeing Has ‘Severe Situation’ After Parts Left in Tankers, Says Top USAF Buyer

Will Roper’s harsh assessment comes amid the unrelated grounding of company’s popular 737 Max jetliner.

Oversight

The Senate Could Embarrass Trump Over His National Emergency

A sufficient number of Republicans are poised to band with the Democrats in opposition to the president’s border-wall funding.

Management

The FAA Rigorously Tested the Boeing 737’s Software

So how did a problem slip through?

Defense

Top Navy Admiral Warns of Cyber Attacks Against Brass

CNO says that’s why the service stopped publishing promotion lists in October.

Route Fifty

Federal Court Deals Airbnb a Blow in its Fight Against Local Regulations

“This case is hugely significant,” says one legal scholar.

Route Fifty

Transportation Officials Seek Flexible Federal Infrastructure Funding

Some states and localities have struggled to curb congestion because of the limited funding available for pedestrian, bicycle and transit infrastructure.

Nextgov

CYBERCOM Seeks Troops Who Can Unleash Artificial Intelligence

AI won’t solve the military’s shortage of cyber professionals but can act as a force multiplier to ease the strain.

Oversight

FOIA Requests Are Up In Trump Era, But Parties Disagree on Whether That’s Good

Leaders at Interior Department and EPA attract the most requests.

Route Fifty

The Gig Economy is Actually Pretty Tiny

An analysis from the Economic Policy Institute found that workers who sourced jobs through apps like Uber and Lyft comprised just a minuscule fraction of the overall workforce.

Nextgov

Labor Department Creates Chief Data Officer Position

In addition to a CDO, the agency will establish a data board—both in accordance with the OPEN Government Data Act.

Management

GSA Chief Declines to Disclose What She Discussed With Trump Regarding FBI HQ

Administrator says she has "no knowledge" of Trump exerting undue influence on decision making.

Pay & Benefits

Lawmakers Renew Push for Contractor Back Pay, An Expansion of Veterans’ Benefits and More

A weekly round-up of pay and benefits news.

Oversight

Report: Shutdown Delayed 737 Max Software Fix

The update was to be finished in January, but was delayed "five weeks" because of the 35-day lapse in appropriations.