Oversight
Play of the Day: Mick Mulvaney's Job Interview at CFPB
The OMB chief says he won't "blow it up" at the consumer bureau.
Route Fifty
Supreme Court Will Hear 2 Cases Impacting State Government This Week
From the Tenth Amendment to the First, civil rights to states rights, a lot is at stake for state and local governments.
Management
Can Withering Public Trust In Government Be Traced Back To the JFK Assassination?
In the minds of many, the assassination remains a tragedy cloaked in mystery. How does this lack of closure – and the general distrust it fomented – resonate in American culture and politics today?
Management
Study: Three Or Four Cups Of Coffee A Day Does You More Good Than Harm
A new analysis shows that coffee is associated with a host of positive health effects.
Management
To Calm Your Emotions, Get 15 Minutes Alone
"When people willingly spend time alone, they reap the greater benefits—something that, of course, has always been a part of ancient wisdom and practices."
Route Fifty
Senate Approves Tax Bill With Limited State and Local Deduction
The legislation passed 51-49, without Democratic support. One credit rating agency described the bill as "negative overall for state and local government finances."
Oversight
Dodd and Frank Reunite to Defend Consumer Bureau's Succession Plan
Dueling acting directors continue at cross purposes as court case advances.
Oversight
Democrats Warn Against White House Interference in Russia Inquiry
Minority leaders stressed that investigations into potential Trump-Russia ties must continue unimpeded.
Management
Trump’s Man In Charge Of U.S. Crime Data Is Known For His Football Rankings
Jeffrey H. Anderson, Bureau of Justice Statistics head, doesn't appear to have much data experience, aside for a system supporting the reviled Bowl Championship Series.
Management
Appointee Watch: A Cabinet-Level Shuffle Could Be Looming
Trump announces key jobs at Education, Energy and NASA.
Route Fifty
Charlottesville Was Going to Be Bad. The Police Made It Worse
“This represents a failure of one of government’s core functions,” an independent reports says, “the protection of fundamental rights.”
Management
Postal Regulator Allows Higher Rates, but Denies USPS Autonomy in Setting Prices
The Postal Service had sought to get rid of price caps entirely.
Nextgov
Policy Opens the Door for Smartphone Use in Classified Settings
Mobile devices will still be banned from facilities where highly classified information is shared.
Pay & Benefits
Most TSP Funds Gained Ground in November
The F Fund was the sole loser among federal retirement portfolios last month.
Insights
Lessons on Cloud Migration: A New Way Forward
How have federal agency leaders been managing cloud migration and IT modernization? Government Business Council interviews key Department officials.
Nextgov
The Government’s Struggle to Hire Young Tech Talent is Worse Than You Thought
There’s only one under-30 IT specialist working in agencies for every four who are over 60 years old.
Management
Michael Flynn Pleads Guilty to Lying to the FBI
The former national-security adviser is the fourth Trump-campaign official to be charged in Robert Mueller’s inquiry into Russian interference in the 2016 election.
Management
Arrogance Can Be an Underrated Quality In a Boss
A new study investigated the effects of humility and found that context matters.
Management