Oversight
Play of the Day: Kelly and Bolton Get Into It
Two of the president's top aides argued last week in a big way.
Route Fifty
Soda Makers, Grocers Dump Millions Into Anti-Tax Ballot Initiatives
Washington and Oregon voters will decide on measures that would prohibit certain taxes on sugary drinks and grocery businesses.
Management
This May Reduce Racial Bias In Groups At Work
Research has shown that groups working on a project often diminish the contributions minorities make. A small change could make things more equal.
Defense
Will Trump Really Cut Defense Spending by 5%? It’s Way Too Early To Say
The Pentagon’s No. 2 confirms that the president’s surprise order will affect the military, but experts say there may ultimately be no decline at all.
Management
Response Rates to Federal Employee Workplace Satisfaction Survey a Growing Concern
Despite widening who can participate in the annual Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey, responses fell 5 percentage points from 2017.
Route Fifty
A New Approach for Hurricane Recovery Efforts
A coastal county in North Carolina created an entirely new office to coordinate recovery efforts among federal and state partners.
News
State Department Training School Has a New Man on Campus
Ambassador Daniel Smith takes the help of the Foreign Service Institute.
Management
Trump Signs Law to Curb Postal Service's Unintentional Role in Opioid Crisis
Measure attempts to make it easier for customs officers to screen for illicit materials, end USPS' reputation as drug courier.
Defense
Trump Wants Troops To Defend U.S. Borders. His Staff Wants Another Solution.
A senior administration official told reporters that the only way to stop immigrants is by changing the law.
Nextgov
White House Sets Deadlines for Agencies to Protect Their Digital Crown Jewels
The new guidance also requires agencies to justify buying cyber monitoring tools that aren’t vetted by Homeland Security.
Defense
Funding Battle Leaves Afghan Translators in Limbo
They risked their lives to support U.S. troops, but congressional budget maneuvers may leave them out in the cold.
Management
State Department Vacancies Are Delaying Embassy Construction
Planners also failed to account for inflation in cost calculations, GAO finds.
Defense
If the Pipe-Bomb Mailings Weren't Terrorism, What Is?
There is no consensus—in academia, law, or common usage—on when an attack is more than just a crime.
Management
Now’s Your Chance To Drive Trucks Full Of Weed Around For The U.S. Border Patrol
The agency is looking for a few good men and women to take its "bulk marijuana" seizures to incinerators. Don't bother applying if you have a neck tattoo.
Oversight
Play of the Day: Listening In On The President's iPhone Calls
China and Russia are reportedly able to spy on Donald Trump's private conversations.
Route Fifty
This Region’s Home Prices Are Being Hit Hard by SALT Deduction Changes
STATE AND LOCAL ROUNDUP | Super Typhoon Yutu’s destruction … Missing vote-by-mail applications in Ga. … Wis.’s slipping DMV performance … and Philly City Council honors Gritty mascot.
Tech
Would a Space Force Mean The End of NASA?
The United States already has a space agency: NASA. So why do we need a Space Force, and what would it do? Could a Space Force strain diplomatic relationships, reigniting the race to militarize space?
Route Fifty
DOJ Chases Positive Overdose Numbers With More Funding
Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced a new “strike force” to investigate and prosecute prescription opioid abuse in Appalachia.
Management
OPM: Federal Happiness Stagnated in 2018, While Survey Participation Tanked
This year marks the first time the annual governmentwide survey of employee attitudes was conducted as a census.
Nextgov