Route Fifty
Got the Big City Blues? This Mayor Thinks His Town Can Help.
Mayor David Condon describes Spokane as a possible refuge for those who’ve grown weary living in the Seattle’s of the world.
Nextgov
Stopgap Spending Measure Doesn’t Fix Federal Contractors’ Problems
Rebooting the government after a shutdown is not an immediate process and contractors are waiting for invoices to be paid.
Management
Trump Administration Issues Guidelines to 'Revolutionize' Private Sector Role in Veterans Health Care
Critics warn the plan could cause the cost of privatized care to skyrocket.
Nextgov
While You're Watching Super Bowl LIII, DHS and Atlanta Will Be Watching You
Federal and local law enforcement are combining efforts—and technology assets—to secure the biggest sport event of the year.
Pay & Benefits
Many Families May Need Months to Recover From the Shutdown
As federal employees and contractors return to work, they’re still processing some of the emotional and financial stress of the past six weeks.
Oversight
IRS Private Debt Collectors Make Deals That Don’t Always Pan Out
Customer satisfaction is high for four companies, but payment calculations can be wrong, watchdog finds.
Pay & Benefits
2.6 Percent Pay Raise Bill Passes House, Shutdown-Related TSP Withdrawals Exceed $140M, and More
A weekly round-up of pay and benefits news.
Nextgov
Report: Shutdown Had ‘Minimal’ Effects on Government Cybersecurity
But that doesn’t mean there won’t be long-term consequences.
Management
NASA Employees Return to Flooded Space Center Post-Shutdown
Burst pipe spills water into lab, space hardware testing area and laser communications room.
Management
Interior Dept. Plan to Streamline FOIA Responses Alarms Transparency Groups
Efficiency proposal from unconfirmed deputy secretary may be illegal, groups say.
Defense
Intelligence Chiefs Diverge From Trump On Main Threats to U.S.
The things that worry America’s intelligence community can’t be stopped by a wall.
Oversight
Play of the Day: Weather, Climate and the President
Donald Trump tweeted about climate and had another typo issue.
Route Fifty
Kentucky Governor: Cold Weather Closures Set Bad Example for Kids
STATE AND LOCAL ROUNDUP | STD spike in Indiana … N.Y.C.’s new unified contracting system … and radon gas risks in Colorado.
Management
DC-Area Agencies to Open Three Hours Late on Wednesday
Employees have the option of unschedule leave or unscheduled telework.
Route Fifty
The Case For Helping Local Government Employees Better Manage Their Finances
“It’s not just the right thing for employers to do,” says the co-author of a new report. “It also makes good business sense.”
Nextgov
Agencies Spent Record $64.7B on IT Contracts in 2018
Some agencies saw double-digit growth in pursuit of modern systems.
Route Fifty
City Officials Push for National Housing Strategy
A new housing task force intends to publish a policy toolkit in June for localities looking to address the affordability crisis, but federal, state and private partnerships are key.
Pay & Benefits
Despite Threats, Feds Who Called Out During Shutdown Unlikely to Face Discipline
But those who missed work are still at risk of not receiving back pay.
Nextgov