Management
A Brief History of Presidential Lethargy
Calvin Coolidge, during one stretch of his presidency, was getting 15 hours of shut-eye each day, while William Howard Taft was known for nodding off during public events.
Oversight
Play of the Day: Declaring an Emergency and Heading to the Omelette Bar
The president was at Mar-a-Lago after his Friday announcement.
Route Fifty
Town Can Prohibit Union's Inflatable Rat Display, Appeals Court Rules
Grand Chute, Wisconsin didn't violate the Constitution when it ordered a union to remove "Scabby the Rat" from a road median.
Route Fifty
Invasive Species Have Some States Seeking Increased Federal Partnership
More than 5,000 invasive species—from plants like cheatgrass to rodents like nutria—inhabit the U.S. causing about $120 billion in economic damage annually.
Management
Trump's Declaration of Emergency Authority to Redirect Spending Will Bring Complex Challenges
His $8 billion shuffle to build a border wall is unprecedented, maybe illegal in some parts.
Pay & Benefits
When Federal Employees Can Expect to See Their 1.9 Percent Pay Raise
Providing a retroactive pay increase could be less complicated than post-shutdown back pay, sources say.
Route Fifty
Economic Boom Hasn't Led to Economic Prosperity For All
New research suggests that about a third of Americans struggle with financial security, including many who would be considered middle class.
Oversight
Can Congress or The Courts Reverse Trump’s National Emergency?
History shows that Congress can play an important role in checking a president's power.
Management
Lawmakers Aim to Protect Private Landowners on U.S.-Mexico Border
Members of Congress hope to pass laws to help border-adjacent property owners who may be displaced through eminent domain if Trump’s border wall plans proceed.
Management
Trump Signs Spending Bill and Emergency Declaration, Avoiding Shutdown and Granting Pay Raise
Most agencies will see an uptick in funding for fiscal 2019.
Nextgov
The Pentagon Thinks AI Could Help Troops Telepathically Control Machines
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency is looking to build artificial intelligence into neural interfaces to let humans control machines with their thoughts.
Nextgov
Here’s What Technology Modernization Fund Dollars Are Doing Now
Three projects have awarded contracts so far and two have already spent a combined $6 million to date.
Management
Trump Declares National Emergency, Calling Government Border Drug Stats ‘Lies’
In a dark, rambling speech, the president repeated long-debunked arguments — and provided ammunition for likely court challenges.
Management
Too Few Women Leading Justice Department Litigation, Employees Say
Network of 375 federal attorneys says "dearth" of women sends "negative message."
Management
Analysis: What Trump Could Do If He Declares a State of Emergency
A president’s emergency powers are extensive, and largely unchecked.
Management
Trump’s Emergency Declaration Is a Test for Senate Republicans
For weeks, GOP lawmakers have warned the president against pursuing extraordinary measures. What now?
Oversight
Play of the Day: A National Emergency Fight Is Coming
Trump is going to try and bypass Congress to get his wall and late-night hosts are here to joke about it.
Route Fifty
General Electric to Pay Back State Incentives After Backtracking on New Headquarters
STATE AND LOCAL ROUNDUP | Ann Arbor dioxane plume … Norfolk’s recycling quandary … and the Bay Area’s new managed toll lane agreement.
Management
Former Trump Officials Are Supposed to Avoid Lobbying. Except 33 Haven’t.
The former officials — including ex-Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke — have found ways to sidestep the administration’s ethics pledge. At least 18 of them are now registered federal lobbyists and the rest work in jobs that closely resemble lobbying.
Management