Defense
As Arctic Warms, U.S. Navy Considering Summer Transit, Bering Sea Port
The Navy secretary says his service must be ready to answer Russian moves at the top of the world.
Pay & Benefits
Shutdown Roundup: How Beer is Affected, Which States Feel the Most Heat and HUD's Letter to Landlords
This government shutdown is approaching the longest-ever gap in funding.
Defense
Can the U.S. Military Build a Border Wall Even as It Struggles to Rebuild Itself?
President Donald Trump has floated the idea that the military build his much-touted border wall. The idea might become reality.
Pay & Benefits
Why Unpaid Federal Workers Don't Just Strike During a Shutdown
The law prohibits federal employees from walking off the job—even if they’re not being paid.
Oversight
Play of the Day: The President Enjoyed His First Primetime Oval Office Address
However, it didn't move the shutdown talks forward.
Route Fifty
First-in-the-Nation ‘Skip the Slip’ Bill Introduced
STATE AND LOCAL ROUNDUP | Florida State Capitol sexual harassment settlement … Mayor De Blasio announces NYC Care … and Pennsylvania’s carbon goals.
Management
In Primetime Addresses, Trump and Democrats Show No Progress Toward Ending Shutdown
Both sides highlight federal employees, but for very different reasons.
Route Fifty
The States That Give and Get the Most Federal Dollars
A new analysis identifies states that have sent more money to Washington than they saw in returned federal spending.
Route Fifty
Detroit Gears Up for Decennial Effort to Avoid Census Undercounting
In a city with a long history of population losses, Mayor Mike Duggan announces the city’s point person to lead community outreach to promote the 2020 count.
Pay & Benefits
Shutdown Complicates Federal Retirement Plans for Some
Although the Office of Personnel Management’s Retirement Services division is not affected by the lapse in appropriations, retirements may be delayed by agency HR furloughs.
Pay & Benefits
As Jan. 11 Pay Deadline Looms, GOP Senators Express Increased Urgency in Ending Shutdown
One Republican says he may introduce legislation to ensure certain impacted feds are paid throughout a shutdown.
Nextgov
GPO Awards $115 Million for Census Questionnaires, Paper Products
The contract was recompeted after the previous vendor filed for bankruptcy.
Nextgov
Air Force Turns to GSA Pilot for DevOps Platform
The Air Force is using GSA’s Commercial Solutions Opening pilot program to speed through the acquisition process.
Oversight
Advocacy Group Mimics Consumer Bureau's Discontinued Student Loan Report
The private loan servicing company drawing the most complaints is Navient.
Nextgov
Shutdown Forces Feds Off the Conference Circuit
And that could be cutting off agencies from valuable new ideas.
Management
White House Takes Risk Directing IRS to Un-Furlough Staff to Process Tax Refunds
Effort to make shutdown “less painful” could violate Anti-Deficiency Act.
Route Fifty
IRS Cancels Meeting on Opportunity Zones Rules Due to Shutdown
Those interested in the economic development program have been closely tracking the guidelines.
Management
The Case for Inbox Infinity
It means accepting the fact that there will be an endless, growing amount of email in your inbox every day, most of which you will never address.
Pay & Benefits
Shutdown Roundup: GoFundMe for Feds, Weather Forecasts Suffer and Less Filet-o-Fish
Feds are trying to adjust to the shutdown in its third week.
Management