Route Fifty
The Sounds of State Parks—on Spotify
Michigan's tourism arm will drop an album this month of ambient music layered with sound recordings from 10 state parks.
Management
Agriculture’s Economic Researchers Vote to Unionize Ahead of Planned Move
AFGE successfully organizes professional and support staff in sign of resistance.
Defense
The FBI Has 850 Open Domestic Terrorism Investigations
Homegrown extremism is rising, one year after the Trump administration cut funding to programs that counter hate groups.
Nextgov
The Government Narrowed Its Tech Workforce Age Gap for the First Time in a Decade
But agencies efforts to recruit young talent still have a long way to go.
Nextgov
6 Citizen-Focused Steps Census is Taking to Improve the 2020 Count
Officials hope improving the customer experience for citizens will boost the participation rate for the Census Bureau’s biggest undertaking.
Management
Lawmakers Worry Current Squabbles Bode Poorly for Looming Sequester, Shutdown Fights
"If we can’t do this, what the heck can we do on something much bigger?" key GOP senator asks.
Tech
Even Astronauts Binge-Watch TV While in Space
In a cramped and isolated environment like a space station, leisure activities are extra important for maintaining mental health.
Oversight
Panel Hears ‘Extremely Distressing’ Complaints of Sexual Harassment in the Federal Workplace
The lack of resources to address sexual harassment in government is "jaw dropping," chairwoman says.
Management
'You’ve Had a Rough Year,' Senator Tells Feds at SAMMIE Awards Event
Lankford, co-author of bill to end shutdowns, thanks the federal workforce for its “gift to the country.”
Defense
CBO: Space Force Could Cost $3B Up Front, $1.3B Annually
The new independent analysis comes as lawmakers weigh the creation of a new branch of the military.
Oversight
Will Trump’s Use Of Executive Privilege Help Him Avoid Congressional Oversight? It Didn’t Help Nixon
President Trump has invoked executive privilege to stymie congressional investigators. Another president, Richard Nixon, did the same thing. It helped Nixon hold onto power – but only for a while.
Defense
Senior Military and Trump Officials in Washington Escalate Iran Warnings
General says sending aircraft carrier and B-52 bombers is not a pretext for war.
Management
Play of the Day: Executive Privilege At The Executive Branch
The administration is invoking executive privilege to keep itself away from Congressional oversight.
Route Fifty
Washington State Tightens Gun Regulations
STATE AND LOCAL ROUNDUP | States consider lowering DUI threshold … Alabama advances equal pay legislation … Illinois proposes LGBTQ curriculum.
Route Fifty
Group Reveals Planned Route For Coast-to-Coast Bicycle and Pedestrian Trail
It crosses 12 states and about half of it relies on trails that are already built.
Nextgov
Adaptive Gaming Offers Disabled Veterans a New Way To Connect
A partnership between the Veterans Affairs Department and Microsoft is opening video games and esports up to vets with limited mobility.
Route Fifty
States Move to Crack Down on Fertility Fraud
In most states, fertility doctors wouldn't face criminal charges for secretly using their own sperm to inseminate patients. Some lawmakers are trying to change that.
Pay & Benefits
Progress on the Retirement Backlog, and a Panel Appears Set to Consider Shutdown Bills
A weekly roundup of pay and benefits news.
Nextgov