Route Fifty
In States Embracing More Toll Roads, Freeways May No Longer Be Free
Some transportation officials are considering road-funding plans that were once unthinkable.
Oversight
Pentagon Owns Fewer Buildings Than Previously Thought: Audit
The Navy was counting buildings that were demolished and the Army was counting uninhabitable facilities on the books.
Route Fifty
A Turbulent Stock Market Can Benefit State and Local Borrowers
When stocks get dicey, one place investors turn to is municipal bonds.
Management
Psychology’s Five Revelations For Finding Your True Calling
Is having a passion enough? Or does finding a calling take grit, effort and purpose? The latest findings from psychology.
Pay & Benefits
‘Either Way I Don’t Get Paid:’ Excepted Federal Workers Ponder How Long They’ll Work Without Pay
Aside from personal difficulties, employees warn of mission-critical work going undone and endangering the public.
Management
House Approves Spending Bill With 1.9 Percent Civilian Pay Raise in Latest Attempt to Reopen Government
Measure is the first of four the House plans to take up; President Trump walked out of a meeting with congressional leadership Wednesday after Democrats declined to support his $5.7 billion border wall funding demand.
Management
GPO Redirects Census Printing Contract Following Legal Challenge
Forms and mailers for 2020 count awarded to R.R. Donnelley for $114 million.
Oversight
Furious Democrats Blast Shutdown as ‘Stupid’ and ‘Madness’
“Who’s going to want to work for the federal government?” House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer asked. Lawmakers hear from angry federal employees.
Route Fifty
Amid Shutdown, Feds Figure Out Ways to Fund Food Stamp Benefits. For Now.
States have until Jan. 20 to request an early issuance to make sure they receive February SNAP funding.
Nextgov
Rep. Kelly: Shutdown Hurts Government’s IT Workforce
The shutdown will have long-term consequences on federal agencies’ recruiting and retention efforts, Rep. Robin Kelly said.
Pay & Benefits
Back Pay for Some Contractors, TSP Loosens Loan Rules and More
A weekly round-up of pay and benefits news.
Pay & Benefits
25K Feds Still Await Court-Ordered Payout From 2013 Shutdown
The 2013 case set the precedent that lawsuits during the current shutdown hope to follow.
Nextgov
DARPA Thinks Insect Brains Might Hold the Secret to Next-Gen AI
They’re small, efficient and capable of basic reasoning, and researchers want artificial intelligence tools to do the same.
Defense
As Arctic Warms, U.S. Navy Considering Summer Transit, Bering Sea Port
The Navy secretary says his service must be ready to answer Russian moves at the top of the world.
Pay & Benefits
Shutdown Roundup: How Beer is Affected, Which States Feel the Most Heat and HUD's Letter to Landlords
This government shutdown is approaching the longest-ever gap in funding.
Defense
Can the U.S. Military Build a Border Wall Even as It Struggles to Rebuild Itself?
President Donald Trump has floated the idea that the military build his much-touted border wall. The idea might become reality.
Pay & Benefits
Why Unpaid Federal Workers Don't Just Strike During a Shutdown
The law prohibits federal employees from walking off the job—even if they’re not being paid.
Oversight
Play of the Day: The President Enjoyed His First Primetime Oval Office Address
However, it didn't move the shutdown talks forward.
Route Fifty
First-in-the-Nation ‘Skip the Slip’ Bill Introduced
STATE AND LOCAL ROUNDUP | Florida State Capitol sexual harassment settlement … Mayor De Blasio announces NYC Care … and Pennsylvania’s carbon goals.
Management