Management
U.S. Marshals Complain That System Unfairly Denies Them a Promotion
Clash on merit principles raises questions about agency’s management structure.
Defense
The Afghan Government Is Missing From Afghanistan's Peace Process
Two sets of negotiations with the Taliban are under way in Afghanistan. Neither includes the country’s democratically elected, internationally recognized administration.
Management
Analysis: Shutdowns Are a Way to Drown Government in the Bathtub
The government shutdown provided a short-term version of what some activists have long wanted: A government small enough so that you could 'drag it into the bathroom and drown it in the bathtub.'
Oversight
Play of the Day: Working Hard During 'Executive Time'
President Trump tweeted that no president has been more productive during their time in office.
Utah Lawmakers Move to Restrict Voter-Approved Medicaid Expansion
STATE AND LOCAL ROUNDUP | Denver teachers go on strike … Kansas’ low meningitis vaccination rate … and New Jersey’s 94-year-old mayor.
Management
Lawmakers Say They Have an Agreement to Avoid Another Shutdown
Negotiators say they have worked out disagreements on border spending, but they still have to win over Trump.
Forget Smart Cities. It’s Regions That Need to Be Smarter.
Widespread digital access and comprehensive infrastructure inventories will be the keys to regional success, according to Brookings policy experts.
Nextgov
White House Unveils a National Artificial Intelligence Initiative
The executive order calls for agencies to focus on AI, but details and funds are sparse.
Hike Taxes on the Rich to Pay for Education? Voters in this State Support the Idea, Survey Finds
The poll results come amid discussions about taxing wealthier Americans more at the federal level.
Oversight
EPA Press Office Under Fire for Releasing Politically Charged Resignation Letter
Advocacy group complains to Special Counsel of potential Hatch Act violations.
Nextgov
Latest Technology Modernization Fund Award Will Support Governmentwide Payroll Project
With the seventh project award, the fund has just under $11 million left.
Management
Justice Department Sues Energy Contractors for Fraud Over Hanford Site Cleanup
The government accuses Lockheed Martin Corp. and affiliates of making false claims, kickbacks.
Pay & Benefits
GOP Senator Endorses 2.6 Percent Pay Raise for Feds, Improving Proposal's Prospects
Union officials said they are confident any spending deal will include a raise between 1.9 percent and 2.6 percent for 2019.
Management
White House Says Shutdown Still 'On the Table' as Congressional Negotiations Stall
Earlier progress appears halted with just days until funding expires.
Management
Restoring Health to a Civil Service on Life Support
The diagnosis may be easier than the cure, but there are steps federal employees can take to improve the outlook.
Defense
Trump To Feds: Prioritize Artificial Intelligence Work
A sweeping executive order to be signed Monday will push agencies to boost funding, improve training, and propose regulations for AI-related efforts.
Tech
A Space Nerd’s Reading of Ariana Grande’s ‘NASA’ Song
The singer says she’s a star. But what kind?
Oversight
Play of the Day: Mulvaney's Time in the President's Doghouse May Be Ending
The acting Chief of Staff is taking the heat from Trump, but will he leave?
Nextgov