Pay & Benefits
Federal Employees Continue to Retire in Greater Numbers Than in Previous Years
The Office of Personnel Management has managed to keep the claims backlog in check, despite the increase. Separately, OPM clarifies hiring preference for Gold Star fathers.
Management
Trump Picks a Washington Insider as His Next Attorney General
William Barr served in the role under President George H. W. Bush from 1991 to 1993 and has been critical of the Russia probe.
Nextgov
Technology Business Management Chair Tapped to Lead Government’s Tech Innovation Shop
Anil Cheriyan will take over as director of the Technology Transformation Service in January.
Management
Trump Protests Infringement on Executive Branch in Coast Guard Act
Signing statement addresses antitrust laws, president’s authority to close facilities.
Defense
The F-35 Is About to Get A Lot Smarter
A California company is looking to accelerate the Defense Department’s embrace of artificial intelligence, starting with some of its most important aircraft.
Management
Nikki Haley is Emerging From the Trump Administration Unscathed
In an interview with The Atlantic, the outgoing U.S. ambassador to the UN made the case for a values-driven foreign policy, and acknowledged daylight between her and the president.
Management
Michelle Obama Has Imposter Syndrome, Too—And Some Advice For Dealing With It
The former first lady shared her secret during a talk at an all-girls school in London.
Oversight
Play of the Day: The President Celebrates Hanukkah
There were two events for the festival of lights at the White House.
Route Fifty
Report: Racial Bias Continues to Limit Black Homeowners’ Wealth, Upward Economic Mobility
Homes in majority-black neighborhoods are worth $48,000 less on average than similar ones in neighborhoods with no black residents, research from the Brookings Institution and Gallup says.
Oversight
IG Criticism of GSA Management Raises Questions About Agency's Ability to Take on OPM Functions
Trump administration reorganization plan calls for GSA to assume retirement services, health care and other HR responsibilities.
Route Fifty
Evacuation Center Needs Time to Recover From Disaster Recovery
Hundreds of Kīlauea lavaflow evacuees ended up at a recently built rec center on the Big Island. Now it needs to close for months of repairs.
Management
Senate Confirms Consumer Bureau Nominee as Bureau Defends Name Change
Internal analysis had shown acting Director Mulvaney’s new acronym costing $300 million.
Management
The DEA Is Hiding Surveillance Cameras In Vacuum Cleaners
Secret video cameras in streetlights, traffic barrels, and now, at least one vacuum cleaner.
Management
The Saudi Ambassador is Back in D.C. Will Anyone Talk to Him?
At least one senator calls for Prince Khalid’s expulsion over Jamal Khashoggi’s murder.
Management
Congress Approves Two-Week Spending Deal, Averting a Partial Shutdown
New government shutdown deadline is set for Dec. 21.
Nextgov
Senators Introduce Bill to Let Hackers Reports Bugs to DHS
Think of it as a standing bug bounty program.
Pay & Benefits
Last-Minute Shopping Tips for Open Season
Advice for procrastinators on evaluating your health insurance options.
Nextgov
Pentagon Considers Cybersecurity Certification for Its Contractors
It’s still unclear what would be required for certification or how much it would cost for businesses.
Route Fifty