Route Fifty
White House Pushes Back Against Governors’ Calls to Block Refugees
The Obama administration is trying to assuage national security concerns—and remind states that refugees are handled by the federal government.
Management
Yet Another Agency Head Asks for More Firing Authority
Head of the Secret Service says "yes," when asked if he would like Congress to give him authority to take swifter disciplinary action.
Management
Cubans Are Rushing to the American Border Just Before an Important Immigration Loophole is Shuttered
Cubans fear that the US will stop giving them preferential treatment once it restores ties with their island.
Defense
CIA Director: Paris Attacks are a ‘Wakeup Call’ To Europe On Encryption
The ability to shield communications from anyone but the intended recipient via encryption and other digital means will now face unprecedented challenges.
Nextgov
Here's An Account of Security Holes at the $1 Trillion Education Dept. Bank
Government watchdogs at a Tuesday congressional hearing counted the ways in which the department is putting the identities and finances of students and their parents in jeopardy.
Route Fifty
Mapping U.S. Geographic Variations in Outpatient Antibiotic Prescribing
Knowing where antibiotics are prescribed most often could help effectively target antibiotic stewardship efforts.
Pay & Benefits
House Passes Bill Capping Fiscal 2016 VA Senior Executive Bonuses
Companion legislation approved by Senate does not include language limiting VA performance awards for top career leaders.
Management
Why Does Progress on Women's Wages Seem to Be Stalling?
So far, 2015 has seen a widening of the gender pay gap—the first in decades.
Nextgov
OPM, DHS, White House Declined to Brief House Armed Services Panel on Historic Hack
The conversation would have been documented for the record.
Route Fifty
Google Stuck Waiting in Line at the DMV; Seeking State Troopers in Washington
Also: West Virginia education officials relent, say they’ll replace Common Core standards, and FBI Director Comey lauds Connecticut anti-crime gang program.
Oversight
How the Debate Over Syrian Refugees Changed in an Instant
Lawmakers and governors are now scrambling to take the toughest line against admitting refugees to the U.S.
Route Fifty
State Lotteries Look to Protect Their Image
There’s a new program to promote “responsible gambling” amid ongoing criticism that lotteries prey on the poor.
Management
Does Pay for Success Work? Define 'Success'
Performance-based experiments net mixed reviews.
Oversight
Ryan's Ascent, Budget Deal Force a Message Change for Democrats
The minority is now focused on warning that a functional GOP will be worse for the country than a dysfunctional one.
Oversight
Play of the Day: Hillary Clinton Needs to Step Up Her Crazy Game
The Democratic frontrunner needs to take cues from Ted Cruz in the debates.
Management
Americans Support Cutting Mail Services to Save USPS, Survey Finds
Voters don't want the Postal Service to take up banking.
Defense
Scholars Blast Obama’s Syria Policy
Brookings analysts say political expediency has taken precedence over long-term sustainability.
Pay
Payments in USPS settlement slated before Dec. 25
The U.S. Postal Service has told certain eligible postal workers that they likely will receive their share of a monetary grievance settlement before Christmas, the American Postal Workers Union announced.
Route Fifty
Alaska’s Gloomy Economic News; Flint Water Crisis Lawsuit Looms
Also: Houston’s looming pensions problem and Portland’s new giant homeless shelter.
Pay & Benefits