Route Fifty

Hike Taxes on the Rich to Pay for Education? Voters in this State Support the Idea, Survey Finds

The poll results come amid discussions about taxing wealthier Americans more at the federal level.

Oversight

EPA Press Office Under Fire for Releasing Politically Charged Resignation Letter

Advocacy group complains to Special Counsel of potential Hatch Act violations.

Nextgov

Latest Technology Modernization Fund Award Will Support Governmentwide Payroll Project

With the seventh project award, the fund has just under $11 million left.

Management

Justice Department Sues Energy Contractors for Fraud Over Hanford Site Cleanup

The government accuses Lockheed Martin Corp. and affiliates of making false claims, kickbacks.

Pay & Benefits

GOP Senator Endorses 2.6 Percent Pay Raise for Feds, Improving Proposal's Prospects

Union officials said they are confident any spending deal will include a raise between 1.9 percent and 2.6 percent for 2019.

Management

White House Says Shutdown Still 'On the Table' as Congressional Negotiations Stall

Earlier progress appears halted with just days until funding expires.

Management

Restoring Health to a Civil Service on Life Support

The diagnosis may be easier than the cure, but there are steps federal employees can take to improve the outlook.

Defense

Trump To Feds: Prioritize Artificial Intelligence Work

A sweeping executive order to be signed Monday will push agencies to boost funding, improve training, and propose regulations for AI-related efforts.

Tech

A Space Nerd’s Reading of Ariana Grande’s ‘NASA’ Song

The singer says she’s a star. But what kind?

Oversight

Play of the Day: Mulvaney's Time in the President's Doghouse May Be Ending

The acting Chief of Staff is taking the heat from Trump, but will he leave?

Nextgov

Lawmakers Propose a Rotational Program for Federal Cyber Workers

They also introduced bills to bolster counterterrorism efforts, stop robocallers and keep ZTE in check.

Route Fifty

A New Call to Scrap Portland’s Unusual Form of Government

STATE AND LOCAL ROUNDUP | Proposal would shutter Syracuse freeway … Palo Alto parking garage proposal scrutinized … and Massachusetts vaporizer tax.

Management

Are You Working With People or Through People?

When you don’t have total control, you have to have influence.

Route Fifty

U.S. Bicyclist Deaths Hit a High Mark Not Seen Since the 1990s

"Fatalities are at a 25-year high," says one expert.

Route Fifty

‘At-Risk’ Railroads Hit Safety Equipment Deadline, Officials Say

After delays, Association of American Railroads staff are confident the industry will implement positive train control where federally mandated no later than Dec. 31, 2020.

Oversight

Democrats Confident of Spending Deal, One Week from Shutdown Deadline

Bipartisan negotiations on border security are reportedly likely to fall far short of President Trump’s $5.6 billion wall request.

Defense

Pentagon Auditors Advised to Better Monitor Contractor Business Systems

GAO says department’s auditors lack tool for keeping examinations timely.

Nextgov

Amazon Proposes Facial Recognition Guidelines to Policymakers

The company called for “open, honest and earnest dialogue” instead of a ban.

Nextgov

NASA Picks New Vendor For Renamed $2.9B IT Services Contract

The ACES contract is now NEST, with Leidos taking over the space agency’s central end user IT services contract.

Pay & Benefits

Democrats Propose 3.6 Percent Raise for Feds in 2020

The proposal comes as lawmakers consider multiple plans to override a pay freeze imposed by President Trump this year.