Defense
Robert Mueller’s Russia Probe Has a New Indictee: A Former Russian Spy
Kilimnik, who worked for Manafort, is accused of tampering with witnesses related to Manafort's probe. Prosecutors say he used to work for Russian military intelligence.
Nextgov
Schumer, Rubio Seek to Reverse Trump Reversal on ZTE Ban
Trump wants to help ZTE as part of a U.S.-China trade deal, but lawmakers say the company’s a national security risk.
Management
Survey: Half of Feds Support White House Attempts to Ease Firing Process
But support for federal employee unions, which oppose the changes, remains steady at 42 percent.
Nextgov
Congress Says It Doesn’t Need a Tech Advisory Office
Lawmakers voted against reinstating the Office of Technology Assessment, which was defunded in 1995.
Oversight
Justice Department Watchdog Sets Stage With Congress for Politically Fraught Report
Trump tweets build anticipation on Horowitz’s review of FBI probes during 2016 election.
Management
Overcoming a Big Obstacle to Citizen Feedback
It took the Defense IG more than a year to get approval for a simple five-question survey asking users’ opinions about its website.
Tech
‘We Choose to Go to the Moon’ Again—But When?
NASA has spent years talking about going to Mars, with little action. Is it about to do the same for the moon?
Oversight
Play of the Day: Recounting Scott Pruitt's Recent Scandals
The EPA chief bought some pens, angled for a used mattress and even abused his White House mess privileges.
Route Fifty
Ranking the ‘Worst Connected’ Cities in the U.S.
This National Digital Inclusion Alliance report isn’t something the local Chamber of Commerce is likely going to put in promotional materials.
Management
House Passes Bill to Rescind $15 Billion From Federal Agencies
Trump says the measure is "getting the government back on track."
Nextgov
Modernization Board Awards Half Its First Year Funding to Three Projects
They are the first projects to receive Modernizing Government Technology funds.
Pay & Benefits
Major Changes to Federal Separation Pay and Hiring Tucked Into Senate Defense Bill
Measure would dramatically expand direct hire authority and give employees better incentives to leave federal service.
Defense
Secret Service Blames Late Data Entry for Accused Murderer Working in White House
Democratic lawmaker presses Trump chief of staff on contractor’s security clearance.
Route Fifty
Worries Over Cyanotoxins in Tap Water of Oregon's Capital City
STATE AND LOCAL ROUNDUP | Dallas looks to reform “generous” bulk trash rules … Tenn. vice mayor charged in food stamp conspiracy … and a Maine town warns of caterpillar hazard.
Nextgov
Bill Would Prevent States from Messing with Encryption
The bill comes amid an encryption debate that pits national security against cybersecurity.
Management
Chemical Safety Board Chair Needs Broader Authority, IG Says
Troubled agency soon to lose leader is under scrutiny for low morale.
Pay & Benefits
Avoiding Tax Pitfalls
Be prepared so you don’t have an unwelcome surprise when you retire.
Route Fifty
Federal Housing and Transportation Spending Bill Moves to Senate
Programs key to local and state government would largely see either steady funding or spending increases.
Management
Appointee Watch: A Wave of State, Defense Nominations
Senate cancels August recess, blaming Democratic intransigence in confirmation process.
Route Fifty