Defense
Mattis Confirms Chemical Weapons Attack in Syria, But No Trump Decision to Strike Yet
The National Security Council discussed options with the president for responding to the attack, but the administration was still syncing up with allies Thursday evening.
Management
Trump Creates Task Force to Fix the Postal Service, Though Congress Already Has Its Own Ideas
Stakeholders welcome attention on postal issues, but major reform proposals are already well established.
Nextgov
Audit: Veterans Affairs IT Security Officials Have A Lot Of Work To Do
The annual FISMA report includes 29 recommendations to fix significant security weaknesses in eight areas.
Management
Appointee Watch: Former TSP Chairman Nominated to Lead Social Security
The Senate voted Thursday to confirm President Trump’s pick for deputy EPA administrator.
Route Fifty
In Most States, the Middle Class Is Now Growing — But Slowly.
The share of middle-class households grew more in Montana than in any other state between 2013 and 2016.
Nextgov
DOD Official Says It Won't Halt Other Cloud Contracts Because of JEDI
The Defense Department pushed back against rumors that its JEDI cloud acquisition would stifle its other cloud contracts.
Nextgov
How Lawmakers Want to Rein in Facebook
Mark Zuckerberg's marathon testimony foreshadowed that regulations are coming.
Defense
Special Operators Are Getting a Bit More Much-Needed Rest
At least two SOF components are on a ‘glide path’ to the Pentagon’s desired optempo.
Defense
Mike Pompeo Is Warming Up To Manmade Climate Change
Trump's nominee for secretary of state was once dubbed "the congressman from Koch."
Oversight
Play of the Day: A New EPA Challenge Coin Design
Scott Pruitt wants an agency symbol to more reflect his values.
Route Fifty
Some Good News (For Once) About the Nation’s Opioid Abuse Crisis
STATE AND LOCAL ROUNDUP | Okla. teachers declare victory … Calif. city manager accused of unlawful recordings … N.M. small towns oppose faster internet … and Florida sees uptick in sinkholes.
Route Fifty
2018 Hurricane Season Awaits Communities Still Recovering From 2017
Local officials have pushed for hazard mitigation funds as well as outstanding FEMA reimbursements.
Nextgov
FBI Considering One $5 Billion Contract For All IT Supplies, Services
A request for information sheds light on the FBI’s upcoming IT Supplies and Support Services contract, including the bureau’s preference to include all such services in a single contract.
Management
VA Denies Accusations of Restricting Hiring at Local Facilities
Senators say new policy was initiated to push veterans toward private sector care.
Route Fifty
The State Pension Funding Gap: 2016
Investment shortfalls, insufficient contributions reduced funded levels for public worker retirement plans
Oversight
Treasury and White House Regulatory Chief Agree to Vet IRS Rules
Neomi Rao promises to avoid delaying implementation of new tax law.
Management
Analysis: Firing Rosenstein Won’t Save Trump
The move would come at a high political cost, and have little effect on the actual investigation.
Management
You Aren't Too Nice To Be Leadership Material
Being nice is not considered cool. Or powerful. Or effective. But it should be.
Pay & Benefits