Route Fifty

A Public-Private Effort to Build New Tech Careers in Kentucky’s Coal Country

TechHire Eastern Kentucky is different than a community college training course or coding bootcamp. And it’s been a life-changing opportunity for some who have few other options.

Oversight

House Approves Disputed Bill to Curb 'Midnight Rules'

Republican plan would allow Congress to cancel months-old Obama regulations.

Route Fifty

Distressing Stat on Colorado’s Overdose Deaths Underscores Urban-Rural Disparities

In 2015, more people died from opioid overdoses than homicides and the problem is made worse by a lack of access to treatment options.

Management

Under New Affirmative Action Rule, Agencies Must Hire More Disabled Workers

Agencies also must provide personal assistance services to employees who need them.

Management

Bonneville Power Administration Faulted for Lax Oversight of Contractors

Energy watchdog cites risk of private workers doing inherently governmental tasks.

Pay & Benefits

New Rules for Juggling Telework and Childcare, Mileage Rate Cuts, FEHB Access and More

A weekly roundup of pay and benefits news.

Nextgov

The Case Against Federal Chief Innovation Officers

An executive with another title could make more impact, analysts say.

Pay & Benefits

Republicans Expected to Reduce Feds’ Pensions, Outsource More Work

A look at what federal employees should expect from the 115th Congress.

Management

Obama: The Ocean President

Inspired by his childhood in Hawaii, he has protected more waters than any of his predecessors—even George W. Bush, who was no slouch.

Pay & Benefits

Most Calif. National Guard Soldiers Won't Have to Repay Improper Bonuses

Pentagon official expects “vast majority” of 17,500 cases involving improper reenlistment bonuses will be dismissed before review’s July 1 deadline.

Nextgov

Lawmakers Face Big Fines for Livestreaming

A resolution in the House rules package adds punishment for members who broadcast from the chamber floor.

Management

Memo to the President: Strengthening Partnerships with State and Local Governments

The federal government needs to establish a new paradigm that substitutes collaboration and cooperation for command and control.

Management

Trump Nominates Jay Clayton to Chair SEC, Where Morale Is Improving

GAO survey finds increased trust but cites weak internal communication.

Route Fifty

Calif. Lawmakers Seek Eric Holder’s Help; Okla. Gets Another Federal REAL ID Act Extension

Also in our State and Local News Digest: Snow-removal headaches in Billings; Philly is now collecting its soda tax; and weak state revenues in Illinois prompt budget worries.

Management

When America Last Had Two Presidents at One Time

In 1968, Richard Nixon torpedoed LBJ’s peace negotiations in Vietnam, newly revealed documents show—presaging today’s tension between President Obama and President-elect Trump.

Tech

Trump Might Be Thinking About a Moon Base

Here’s why that’s a bad idea.

Management

The Navy is Retraining Its Mine-hunting Dolphins to Help Save an Elusive, Endangered Species

There may be fewer than three dozen vaquita porpoises left in the wild.

Oversight

Play of the Day: Donald Trump Talks Russian Hacking… With Don King at His Side

Is the boxing promoter advising the president-elect?

Management

It's Time to Bury A-76—It Worked Once, But Its Day Is Past

An advocate of using competition to drive greater government efficiency explains why a decades-old outsourcing tool needs to die.

Route Fifty

New York’s Other Costly and Long-Delayed Transportation Megaproject

Huzzah! The first phase of the expensive Second Avenue subway is open for business after a tortured 100-year history. But don’t overlook the even-more-expensive and delayed East Side Access project.