Defense
President Trump Just Called Jim Mattis ‘Sort of a Democrat’
Trump’s description in a testy 60 Minutes interview doesn’t bode well for the defense secretary’s longevity in the Trump cabinet after the midterms.
Oversight
The Backlash to New Rules on Protests in D.C.
The National Park Service is considering restrictions on demonstrations around the White House and the National Mall.
Nextgov
IARPA Wants to Identify Criminals From Their Skin Cells
The goal isn’t to replace DNA analysis but rather add another technology to forensic analysts’ toolbox.
Management
Learning from Government’s Past to Anticipate Its Future
A new book assesses the long arc of government reform.
Oversight
Play of the Day: Kanye West Visits The White House
The rapper and President Donald Trump had a meeting and it went just about as expected.
Route Fifty
As Sears Declares Bankruptcy, Sites of Shuttered Stores Present Economic Development Challenges
STATE AND LOCAL ROUNDUP | Minnesota data breach … Fresno officials scoff at proposed e-scooter fines … and N.Y.C. pension funds warm up to de Blasio divestment plan.
Route Fifty
How a Midsize U.S. City Is Preparing to Host One of the World’s Largest Sporting Events
The IAAF track-and-field world championships are still three years away. Local officials in Eugene, Oregon may be “slightly nervous” but are embracing an “opportunity to really shine.”
Management
For Remote Workers, Virtual Body Language Really Matters
Remote workers don’t have a physical presence, but they still send signals through the way they make themselves “seen” at work.
Defense
In Pacific, U.S. Army Shifts Training from Disaster Relief to War
The change reflects Trump’s defense strategy and rising threats from China and North Korea.
Route Fifty
Outside Utility Crews Ready to Help Restore Water Service in Florida, Georgia
After storms, rural water workers from other states help restore service. Following Hurricane Michael, many were awaiting word that they could access damaged areas.
Nextgov
GSA’s Tech Teams Increasingly Important to Administration’s Tech Priorities
18F and the Technology Transformation Services face a more certain future than just two years ago.
Nextgov
Agencies Can’t Dine and Dash on Technology Modernization Fund, Official Says
Awards are an advance, not a grant, and the program office has ways to make sure the fund stays solvent.
Oversight
Democratic Lawmakers Challenge State Department Same-Sex Visa Limits
Twenty senators, 119 House members warn of cruelty and hindrance for foreign diplomats.
Management
Agencies Backslide in Fight Against Jargon, Amid High Staff Turnover
Average plain language grades for 23 agencies fell from B to C in new report card.
Management
DHS Says It’s Finally Hiring More Border Agents Than It’s Losing
The Trump administration has struggled to fulfill the president’s hiring mandate.
Management
Hurricane Michael’s Remarkable, Terrifying Run
The storm shocked forecasters by rapidly intensifying, and then remained strong for hours after landfall.
Management
Why Vague Feedback is So Destructive and What to Do About It
When feedback is not specific and behavioral, it’s not actionable.
News
Complaints After the Presidential Emergency Alert: Hatch Act Confusion, Technical Troubles and More
The FCC received dozens of complaints after the Oct. 3 message was sent to Americans' phones.
Route Fifty
Washington Supreme Court Strikes Down Death Penalty
The justices found racial bias in the imposition of capital punishment by juries.
Management