Nextgov
The Trump Administration’s Plan to Usher in ‘Second Bold Era’ of Science and Technology
The administration’s lead budget and science policy shops released an outline of funding priorities to maintain America’s competitiveness through research and development of new technologies.
Pay & Benefits
Most TSP Funds Take a Tumble in August
Only two of the Thrift Savings Plan’s portfolios ended last month in the black.
Tech
Why is the Pentagon Interested in UFOs?
During a military mission, whether in peace or in war, the inability to identify an object within an area of operation represents a significant problem.
Tech
Why Soviets Sent Dogs to Space While Americans Used Primates
Researchers didn’t know how people would react to weightlessness. So they sent animals first.
Pay & Benefits
Trump Endorses 2.6% Across the Board Pay Raise for Federal Workers
In a surprise move Friday, the president abandoned his quest for a pay freeze in 2020, although there will be no locality pay adjustment under his plan.
Route Fifty
Legal Challenge Over $14 Billion in State Debt Is Sidelined For Now
A judge has blocked the Illinois case from proceeding, but the think tank CEO who brought it says he plans to appeal.
Workforce
The Aging Federal Workforce Needs ‘New Blood,’ Experts Say
There are twice as many workers over age 60 as there are under 30.
Nextgov
How an Autonomous Self-Assembling Space Robot Could Transform NASA’s Future Missions
The Archinaut One could support NASA’s efforts to reach the moon and Mars—and one day, potentially defend itself in outer space.
Route Fifty
A City-Run Database to Boost Local Arts and Culture
Lafayette, Louisiana is creating a cultural asset database as a way to make it easier to find and connect with local artists, musicians, venues, and others in creative industries.
Route Fifty
Some States Move to Curtail Suspension and Expulsion of Students
California and Texas have both made strides to keep young students—and particularly students of color—in the classroom.
Workforce
Tensions Rise Over Interior Department Relocations
Trump administration officials get personal with lawmakers objecting to the planned moves.
Nextgov
DHS: App Vetting Tools Are a Must-Have for Agencies, Despite Their Flaws
There’s still no ideal way to integrate mobile security tools, but that shouldn’t stop agencies from using them, according to Homeland Security researchers.
Management
Unions Request Rehearing of Trump's Federal Workforce Orders Case
Attorneys argue that a three-judge panel erred in overturning an injunction against three controversial executive orders on jurisdictional grounds. The outcome could have enormous consequences for federal employees.
Oversight
Trump Administration Announces Rollback Of Obama-era Methane Regulations
The unwinding of requirements that oil and gas companies tamp down on climate-warming methane leaks has big implications for Texas, the nation's petroleum king.
Management
When a Hurricane Hits, Neighbors Are the Real First Responders
The best determinant of how well a community fares in a storm is often not what happens after landfall, but what it was like before the wind and water hit.
Defense
Alleged Israeli Strikes Bring U.S. to Crossroads in Iraq
The Pentagon is worried that attacks on Iran-linked targets could damage its relationship with Baghdad. But what does the White House want?
Route Fifty
When a Cougar Comes to Town
There have been reports of a big cat lurking in Washington’s capital city. A state agency is looking into the sightings.
Route Fifty
Texas Cities Rebounding From Ransomware Attack
Local governments have credited data backups and cyber security policies with the quick recovery and say cyber insurance will help recoup recovery-related costs.
Management
Hundreds of Thousands of Delinquent Taxpayers Could Have Their Passports Revoked
The IRS is cracking down on tax scofflaws, but some experts worry the agency is bypassing due process.
Management