Nextgov
‘Unprecedented’ Government Spending Spree Picks Up Speed
The federal government could spend close to half its appropriated budget in the final fiscal quarter, which ends Sept. 30.
Defense
U.S. Global Media Agency Launches Farsi Service to Reach Iranians
Newly renamed broadcasting board also anticipates first fully empowered CEO.
Tech
NASA's First Female Chief Spaceflight Director Is Holly Ridings
NASA is on a kick with promoting women leaders.
Management
Michael Flynn Will Finally Be Sentenced
The delays fueled speculation about Flynn’s value to Mueller as a witness in the Russia probe.
Oversight
Play of the Day: Emergency Alerts Straight From The White House
FEMA is testing a new system this week.
Route Fifty
North Carolina’s Florence Evacuees Urged to Hold Off on Returning
STATE AND LOCAL ROUNDUP | Sidewalk vending decriminalization in California … the most cost-effective bus lane enforcement … and Miami’s mystery fountain.
Route Fifty
The States That Could Be Derailed By an Economic Downturn
New research shows that some states have improved their ability to cope with a recession. Others remain less prepared.
Management
Senate Joins House in Passing Bill to Limit Postal Service Role in Opioid Crisis
Measure would require USPS to adhere to the same screening standards as private shipping companies.
Tech
Creating Space Force Will Cost $13B Over 5 Years: USAF Secretary
In a pointed memo, Heather Wilson counters several Space Force proposals championed by Deputy Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan.
Nextgov
Here’s What’s Blocking HHS Offices From Sharing Data with Each Other
Agency leaders want to embrace information sharing, but right now it’s uncharted territory.
Pay & Benefits
TSP Board Approves 16 Percent Increase in Budget
Individual participants will pay just $5 extra, because the overall number of enrollees in the retirement program has grown significantly.
Nextgov
Homeland Security Invests $11.6 Million in Countering Large-Scale Internet Outages
The grants are focused on the effect outages could have on critical infrastructure.
Management
EPA Program to Monitor Asbestos in Schools Is Under-Resourced, Watchdog Says
Federal inspectors trail those of states, while most regions lack a monitoring strategy.
Management
Agriculture Secretary Presses Unpopular Plan to Move Offices
Forced relocations "not a way to treat USDA family," one economist says.
Management
There’s An Optimal Time To Give Negative Feedback
Our willingness to learn from criticism is intimately tied to our capacity for self-regulation—which varies throughout the day.
Management
FEMA Chief Tries to Address Hurricane Response, But Gets Questions About His Job Security
Brock Long went on three talk shows to address his agency’s response to Hurricane Florence.
Oversight
Play of the Day: NASA Wants To Get Into The Advertising Business
The space agency might begin selling ads on its probes soon.
Nextgov
Fed Pay Raises Rise From the Dead and Congress Says “Meh” to Trump’s Election Security Order
It was a whirlwind week on the Hill. Here’s the Nextgov rundown.
Route Fifty
A 'Difficult and Grueling Weekend' Following Mass. Gas Explosions
STATE AND LOCAL ROUNDUP | Cryptocurrency mining policy in Missoula … ongoing health worries in Minneapolis homeless camp … and too-tall trucks vs. Michigan’s low-clearance bridges.
Route Fifty