Management
How a Consultant Said He Gamed HUD Inspections: Sweep Problems Behind a Wall
A housing consultant was recorded bragging about how he helped properties pass HUD inspections, likening it to a “chess game manipulation strategy.”
Oversight
Play of the Day: The New Facial Recognition System at the White House
Is it McLovin? Or Steve Mnuchin? There are still kinks to work out.
Management
ProPublica: We Found 95 New, Undisclosed Trump Appointees
Among the latest hires: a longtime DuPont manager who is now at an EPA position that is typically not a political appointment.
Route Fifty
Tax Cuts, Whale Funding and Pay Bonuses Among the Priorities in Governors' Proposed Budgets
Across the U.S. governors are rolling out their spending plans for the upcoming fiscal cycle.
Defense
Trump Kicks Mattis Out Early, Names Shanahan Acting Defense Secretary
The abrupt decision comes amid a growing crescendo of criticism of the president’s snap decision to withdraw U.S. troops from Syria.
Management
White House Digs In on Wall Demand, Aims for ‘Painless’ Shutdown
Officials said furlough estimates were “fluid” as agencies aim to maximize use of carry-over funds.
Management
Partial Government Shutdown Guaranteed, as Congress Calls it a Night
Despite a late effort to jumpstart negotiations, nine departments and several independent agencies will shutter at midnight.
Pay & Benefits
Senate Passes Bill to Guarantee Furloughed Feds Back Pay
About 345k federal workers face furloughs and will not be guaranteed pay until the House acts.
Pay & Benefits
Still No Deal Imminent as Shutdown Appears Likely
Barring big breakthrough, "We're headed to a shutdown," Senate appropriations chair says.
Management
Hard-Nosed Pentagon Negotiator Removed From Job; Racked Up Huge Travel Costs
Shay Assad also backed a controversial plan to slow payments to defense contractors.
Management
Park Service GS-14 Sues Interior Department for Gender Bias Against Females
Lawsuit against Secretary Zinke and Deputy Bernhardt seeks $400,000 for denied promotion.
Pay & Benefits
‘Confusion’ and ‘Surprise’: How Agencies and Employees Are Gearing Up for a Shutdown
Agencies are readying furlough notices as employees seek clarity.
Nextgov
Federal Contractors Need to Prepare for a Long Government Shutdown
A shutdown of government operations for any length of time will have a significant effect on the contractor community, especially small businesses.
Pay & Benefits
Pay, Shutdown Procedures Complicated by Impending Holidays
The Office of Management and Budget issued special guidance in preparation for a partial lapse of appropriations beginning Friday night.
Defense
Four People Who Could Be the Next Defense Secretary
Former generals and powerful senators are likely to be considered to take over as President Trump’s next defense secretary.
Management
The Trump Administration’s Davos 2019 Hotel Bills Have Already Hit $2.9 Million
Sitting U.S. presidents don't normally go to the ritzy Davos conference in Switzerland, but this is Trump's second year.
Pay & Benefits
Congressman to Feds: Shutdowns Are Just 'Part Of' Your Job
"It's actually part of what you do when you sign up for any public service position," Rep. Mark Meadows, R-N.C., told reporters as a partial shutdown draws nearer.
Management
Get Ready for a Shutdown ‘For a Very Long Time’ Trump Warns
The president unleashed a torrent of tweets Friday to demand a wall on the U.S.-Mexican border.
Defense