Management
USDA Rebuts Author’s Critique of Trump Transition
Vanity Fair’s Michael Lewis wrote a scathing narrative about the “stunningly unqualified” political leadership at the department.
Management
What It Will Take To Keep Trump Tweeting From Behind China’s Great Firewall
China's censorship machine doesn't really apply to the U.S. president.
Management
The White House’s New Climate-Change Report Directly Conflicts Trump’s Stance
The National Climate Assessment makes clear that climate change is manmade. Trump and many of his inner circle are adamant climate-change deniers.
Oversight
Play of the Day: President Trump is Photographed With Many People
George Papadopoulos is just one of the many unsavory characters with which the president has appeared in pictures.
Route Fifty
Volcker Alliance Grades the 50 States According to Their Budget Practices
The report, the result of a multi-year study examining state budget procedures in five categories, aims to identify “the strongest and weakest among states will encourage new efforts to raise standards for all states.”
Management
Obama’s Four Rules For Persuading People and Effecting Real Change
"When you disagree, don't be disagreeable," is one of them.
Management
The Hiring Bias Toward Attractive People Is Way More Complicated Than We Thought
"Are attractive people more likely to get hired? Not always, a new study suggests.
Route Fifty
House Chair Leaves Door Open for Bumping Up State and Local Deduction in Tax Bill
But Ways and Means Committee Chairman Kevin Brady declined to speculate on the odds a property tax deduction cap would be raised above $10,000.
Nextgov
Fate of Chief Data Officers Relies on Which Data Transparency Bill Passes
Two different versions of the OPEN Government Data Act are working their way through Congress.
Oversight
FEMA Delivers Mixed Messages on Whether It’s Paid for Any of Now-Terminated Puerto Rico Contract
Lawmakers open second inquiry into contract with similar provisions.
Oversight
Trump Demands the Prosecution of His Defeated Rival
Even as he admits he’s not supposed to interfere with the Justice Department, the president just can’t help himself.
Defense
Trump's North Korea Policy Earns Praise—From a Former North Korean Diplomat
“The unpredictability has worked to some extent,” says one of the country’s highest-profile defectors.
Oversight
Senate Panel Requests Information on Whistleblower Retaliation at TSA
Committee leadership highlights poor FEVS scores on questions relating to whistleblower protections, "arbitrary" actions.
Management
Appointee Watch: Agriculture Nominee Withdraws, Fed Chair Nominated, and More
More ambassadorial nominees announced amid Trump comments on vacancies at State.
Management
A Program Providing Vital Data to Threatened Citizens Is Itself at Risk
NOAA’s Digital Coast platform gives vulnerable communities access to critical information during natural disasters.
Pay & Benefits
The State Department Spends $500M Annually on Perks for Employees Overseas
Payments range from adjustments for dangerous posts to pet relocation.
Nextgov
Army and Navy Cyber Command Ready Way Ahead of Schedule
The services reached the milestone a year ahead of schedule.
Management
Trump Nominates Justice Dept. Attorney to Be Intel Community Watchdog
Pick comes as acting leaders pursue change in whistleblower protections.
News
Trump Continues to Insist He’ll Never Fill Some Top Government Jobs
“I’m the only one that matters” when it comes to policy decisions, president says.
Management