Route Fifty
Signs of Rising Support From Governors For Legal Pot, As AG Nominee Vows Not to Crack Down
An advocacy group notes a “dramatic shift” in elected officials' views on marijuana. U.S. Attorney General nominee William Barr says it's time for Congress to take action on the issue.
Management
Watchdog: GSA Ignored Ethics Advice on Constitutionality of Trump Hotel Lease
Inspector general blasts “unwillingness” to consider Emoluments Clause violations.
Nextgov
Researchers: Flaws In Vendor Security Software Could Leave Some Federal Buildings Vulnerable
Poor credential management could let bad actors enter secure buildings, lock doors and download or change federal employee and contractor data.
Oversight
Federal Service Contractors Blitz Capitol Hill to Protest Shutdown
Democratic senators applaud union tactic of delivering unpaid bills to majority leader.
Nextgov
Draft Solicitation for Multibillion DEOS Coming This Month
GSA signaled it is close to issuing a draft request for quotations for the Defense Enterprise Office Solutions contract.
Management
The Citizenship Question Isn’t Quite Dead Yet
A federal judge held that the Trump administration’s desired change to the census violates the law, but the Supreme Court could review the decision.
Oversight
Trump's Chief Advocate on Capitol Hill Has Somehow Survived
But the shutdown is proving to be her greatest challenge yet.
Nextgov
Shutdown Takes Numerous Government Digital Services Offline
It’s also left some websites vulnerable to cyber threats.
Pay & Benefits
It's Official: Furloughed Feds Will Receive Back Pay Once the Shutdown Ends
Bill signed into law on Wednesday also will ensure retroactive compensation for furloughed feds in future shutdowns.
Pay & Benefits
Aid for Furloughed Feds, Blended Retirement Opt-In Window Closes, and More
A weekly round-up of pay and benefits news.
Pay & Benefits
As Congress Continues to Flounder, Agencies Begin Recalling Thousands of Furloughed Workers
Federal agencies are gearing up for a long-term shutdown, bringing on 40,000 more employees to work without pay.
Nextgov
Work on Security Clearance Backlog Continues Through Shutdown
While OPM is closed, the National Background Investigations Bureau continues to chip away at its 600,000-case backlog.
Defense
China’s Military Is Getting Better at a Lot of Things at Once: Pentagon Intelligence
The DIA’s first public report cites rapid advances, extended reach, and increasing confidence.
Management
Attorney-General Nominee Breaks With Trump on the Mueller Probe
Bill Barr attempted to assuage Democrats’ fears that he would be beholden to the president, but parts of his testimony still left them unnerved.
Tech
Don’t Blame the Government Shutdown for SpaceX Delays
The impasse in Washington hasn’t yet threatened a significant milestone in the American space program.
Pay & Benefits
Shutdown Roundup: Pelosi Requests State of the Union Delay, Super Bowl Travel Woes and More
With no end in sight, the shutdown is in its fourth week.
Management
10 Things to Know About Government Reorganizations
The “soft” stuff turns out to be the hard stuff.
Oversight
Play of the Day: The Clemson Tigers Ate 'Hamberders' at the White House
The president served the NCAA football champs fast food, then made an unfortunate typo in a tweet.
Route Fifty
Denver Offers $5,000 in Mortgage Aid for Eligible Federal Workers Hit by Shutdown
“We’re stepping up to support our federal employees," said Denver Mayor Michael Hancock.
Route Fifty