Oversight

Trump's Chief Advocate on Capitol Hill Has Somehow Survived

But the shutdown is proving to be her greatest challenge yet.

Nextgov

Shutdown Takes Numerous Government Digital Services Offline

It’s also left some websites vulnerable to cyber threats.

Pay & Benefits

It's Official: Furloughed Feds Will Receive Back Pay Once the Shutdown Ends

Bill signed into law on Wednesday also will ensure retroactive compensation for furloughed feds in future shutdowns.

Pay & Benefits

Aid for Furloughed Feds, Blended Retirement Opt-In Window Closes, and More

A weekly round-up of pay and benefits news.

Pay & Benefits

As Congress Continues to Flounder, Agencies Begin Recalling Thousands of Furloughed Workers

Federal agencies are gearing up for a long-term shutdown, bringing on 40,000 more employees to work without pay.

Nextgov

Work on Security Clearance Backlog Continues Through Shutdown

While OPM is closed, the National Background Investigations Bureau continues to chip away at its 600,000-case backlog.

Defense

China’s Military Is Getting Better at a Lot of Things at Once: Pentagon Intelligence

The DIA’s first public report cites rapid advances, extended reach, and increasing confidence.

Management

Attorney-General Nominee Breaks With Trump on the Mueller Probe

Bill Barr attempted to assuage Democrats’ fears that he would be beholden to the president, but parts of his testimony still left them unnerved.

Tech

Don’t Blame the Government Shutdown for SpaceX Delays

The impasse in Washington hasn’t yet threatened a significant milestone in the American space program.

Pay & Benefits

Shutdown Roundup: Pelosi Requests State of the Union Delay, Super Bowl Travel Woes and More

With no end in sight, the shutdown is in its fourth week.

Management

10 Things to Know About Government Reorganizations

The “soft” stuff turns out to be the hard stuff.

Oversight

Play of the Day: The Clemson Tigers Ate 'Hamberders' at the White House

The president served the NCAA football champs fast food, then made an unfortunate typo in a tweet.

Route Fifty

Denver Offers $5,000 in Mortgage Aid for Eligible Federal Workers Hit by Shutdown

“We’re stepping up to support our federal employees," said Denver Mayor Michael Hancock.

Route Fifty

Will the FCC’s Small Cell Order Hinder 5G Deployment?

If cities are to be 5G hubs and close their digital divides, they should be freed up to build out networks, policy experts argued Tuesday.

Pay & Benefits

9,000 Furloughed Federal Employees in D.C. Area File Unemployment Claims

Those receiving benefits will have to return the money when government reopens.

Pay & Benefits

Analysis: The Shutdown Will Harm The Health And Safety Of Americans, Even After It’s Long Over

The shutdown poses a very real threat to preparedness for future emergencies, such as natural disasters and disease outbreaks.

Management

The Spyware That Brought Down El Chapo’s Drug Empire

For months, the FBI listened as Mexico’s infamous drug kingpin allegedly trafficked drugs and arranged assassinations. Here’s how.

Nextgov

Defense Acquisition Reform Panel Suggests Reevaluating Department CIO

The Section 809 Panel’s third report recommends big changes to how the Defense Department buys technology.

Pay & Benefits

Judge Denies Restraining Order in Shutdown Suits, Citing Potential for 'Chaos and Confusion'

U.S. District Judge Richard Leon ordered an expedited schedule for a full hearing in the cases, with a hearing slated for Jan. 31.

Management

Pentagon Could Claim Authority to Build Trump's Border Wall, CRS Says

Updated analysis by Congress's legal researchers predicts a court challenge.