Oversight
Pentagon Struggles to Teach Afghan Government Accountability Controls
Newly declassified IG report shows there are too few U.S. trainers to combat fraud and waste.
Pay & Benefits
VA Enables Vets to Discuss Marijuana Use With Doctors Without Losing Benefits
Department still prohibited from prescribing cannabis.
Defense
Why Do People Refer to a Non-Existent 'Nuclear Button'?
It’s, in fact, a briefcase—but that’s little consolation if you’re faced with annihilation.
Nextgov
Data Breach Affected More Than 240,000 Homeland Security Workers, IG Confirms
The breach also affected non-DHS employees who communicated with the department’s inspector general.
Management
A Psychotherapist Explains How To Improve Your Work Friendships
Research shows that having a good pal at work can be very good for your overall productivity and performance, but work friends can also create problems.
Oversight
Senator Subpoenas OPM Over 2013 Obamacare Rule
The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee chairman has vowed to hold up confirmation of the OPM director nominee until he receives documents related to the regulation.
Pay & Benefits
TSP Shows Modest Gains, Blended Retirement Goes Live and More
A weekly round-up of pay and benefits news.
Nextgov
GSA’s $50 Billion IT Contract Delayed Again
A pair of companies is challenging General Services Administration’s Alliant 2 contract vehicle in court.
Management
State Department Aims to Soon Name Envoy to Combat Anti-Semitism
Tillerson abandoned initial resistance after lawmakers and Jewish groups protested.
Management
Trump's White House Is Ahead of the Curve on Pushing Out Campaign Aides
Every president ends up pushing out campaign aides in favor of government professionals, but few have done it as swiftly as the office’s current incumbent.
Defense
When the War Comes, What Should We Civilians Do?
The military can’t do it all. The U.S. needs a national civilian emergency corps, trained and ready to help in case of the next disaster, be it cyber, nuclear, or natural.
Management
Writing Guides To Our Work Styles Helped My Team Bond
The "user manual" exercise has been recommended by CEOs, entrepreneurs, and executive coaches as a way to “shorten the learning curve” for new teams.
Oversight
Play of the Day: Trump Can't Deal With North Korea. He's Too Busy Keeping Planes in the Air.
The president takes credit on one thing and said "we'll see" on another.
Management
Replacing the Federal Pay Program
Employees have a lot to gain from a system that rewards performance.
Route Fifty
‘Waiting on an Opportunity to Work With the Administration’ on Infrastructure
State and local groups start 2018 awaiting the White House’s long-promised public works package.
Nextgov
Now It's Industry's Turn to Come Up with Botnet Fighting Ideas
A Commerce Department center is seeking partners to make internet-connected devices more secure.
Management
Half of Puerto Rico Still Doesn’t Have Power—104 Days After Hurricane Maria
Parts of the island will likely be without power until May. That would be eight months after the storm hit.
Nextgov
A Customs Computer Outage Strands Thousands in Airports, Again
It’s not the first time a Customs and Border Protection system caused headaches for holiday travelers.
Oversight