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.

Route Fifty

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.

Route Fifty

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.

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?

Nextgov

Lawmakers Propose a Rotational Program for Federal Cyber Workers

They also introduced bills to bolster counterterrorism efforts, stop robocallers and keep ZTE in check.

Route Fifty

A New Call to Scrap Portland’s Unusual Form of Government

STATE AND LOCAL ROUNDUP | Proposal would shutter Syracuse freeway … Palo Alto parking garage proposal scrutinized … and Massachusetts vaporizer tax.