J Lee
@washingtonhorizon.com
I write about federal #acquisition, #travel, and #aviation, and edit WashingtonHorizon.com. #hereforit #202horizon #proudAmerican
Sen. Jim Banks, certain his white fragility trumps academic freedom, said of a lecturer challenging MAGA, "At least one student in the classroom was uncomfortable." Wow.
Indiana Professor Removed From Class Over White Supremacy Lesson
The professor will no longer be able to teach a class on diversity after she showed students a diagram that included the “Make America Great Again” slogan as an example of white supremacy.
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November 14, 2025 at 2:52 PM
Sen. Jim Banks, certain his white fragility trumps academic freedom, said of a lecturer challenging MAGA, "At least one student in the classroom was uncomfortable." Wow.
This article highlights another reason to use travel agencies, which for higher-end properties can book you into agent-exclusive programs with the benefits of hotel programs' top-tier elites (I use Live Luxe Travel).
Why Hotel-Room Cancellations Disappeared
The age of travel flexibility is over.
buff.ly
November 14, 2025 at 12:27 PM
This article highlights another reason to use travel agencies, which for higher-end properties can book you into agent-exclusive programs with the benefits of hotel programs' top-tier elites (I use Live Luxe Travel).
Hmm. I guess Israel's qualitative military edge is now clear.
U.S. Officials Raise Concerns About Saudi Arabia’s Bid for F-35 Jets
A Pentagon intelligence report says China could try to acquire advanced F-35 technology in Saudi Arabia if the Trump administration sells jets to the kingdom.
buff.ly
November 13, 2025 at 10:12 PM
Hmm. I guess Israel's qualitative military edge is now clear.
Johns Hopkins can't sell its DC building, because classes can only be offered on nights and weekends rendering "the building functionally useless." DC council to the rescue? buff.ly/yYNXBEq
Johns Hopkins claims ‘unusually restrictive’ rule hindering sale of Dupont Circle building - Washington Business Journal
Johns Hopkins has been trying to sell a Dupont Circle building for two years. Here's the catch.
buff.ly
November 13, 2025 at 12:27 PM
Johns Hopkins can't sell its DC building, because classes can only be offered on nights and weekends rendering "the building functionally useless." DC council to the rescue? buff.ly/yYNXBEq
Google sues to stop a phishing-for-hire operation, notes sophistication and scale of operation. Paging US law enforcement. arstechnica.com/tech-policy/...
Google vows to stop scam E-Z Pass and USPS texts plaguing Americans
“Phishing for dummies” kits make it easier to scam millions, Google alleged.
arstechnica.com
November 12, 2025 at 11:37 PM
Google sues to stop a phishing-for-hire operation, notes sophistication and scale of operation. Paging US law enforcement. arstechnica.com/tech-policy/...
Reposted by J Lee
Around D.C., analogies about Laura Loomer abound—she is everything from Trump’s Rasputin to the “MAGA Grand Inquisitor.” Loomer thinks the most apt comparison is to Joseph McCarthy, a parallel she finds flattering. https://newyorkermag.visitlink.me/nzLTtb
Laura Loomer’s Endless Payback
The President’s self-appointed loyalty enforcer inspires fear and vexation across Washington. What’s behind her vetting crusades?
newyorkermag.visitlink.me
November 10, 2025 at 7:30 PM
Around D.C., analogies about Laura Loomer abound—she is everything from Trump’s Rasputin to the “MAGA Grand Inquisitor.” Loomer thinks the most apt comparison is to Joseph McCarthy, a parallel she finds flattering. https://newyorkermag.visitlink.me/nzLTtb
Reposted by J Lee
DHS is deliberately allowing Noem and all the rest to operate in the shadows. They work for US. This should not be allowed under ANY circumstances.
DHS ditched software that archived officials’ electronic messages
Those officials are now asked to screenshot their messages and upload them to a shared drive, according to sworn court testimony released this week.
fedscoop.com
November 10, 2025 at 11:51 PM
DHS is deliberately allowing Noem and all the rest to operate in the shadows. They work for US. This should not be allowed under ANY circumstances.
Reposted by J Lee
Today the Supreme Court heard a very, very technical case about whether a government contractors (in this case, private prison company GEO Group) should get essentially qualified immunity for contractors (I'm oversimplifying). The answer, it seems, will be no.
news.bloomberglaw.com/daily-labor-...
news.bloomberglaw.com/daily-labor-...
Justices Doubt Timing of Immunity Appeal in GEO Wage Case (1)
Several US Supreme Court justices appeared skeptical of GEO Group Inc.’s argument that it can immediately appeal a lower court’s rejection of its immunity defense to escape forced labor claims from im...
news.bloomberglaw.com
November 11, 2025 at 12:08 AM
Today the Supreme Court heard a very, very technical case about whether a government contractors (in this case, private prison company GEO Group) should get essentially qualified immunity for contractors (I'm oversimplifying). The answer, it seems, will be no.
news.bloomberglaw.com/daily-labor-...
news.bloomberglaw.com/daily-labor-...
Edward Forst, President Trump's nominee to lead GSA, says the agency must fix a multi-billion-dollar maintenance backlog and get rid of underused federal buildings. He wants to "right-size" the real estate portfolio, renegotiate leases, and consolidate space to save taxpayer money.
Trump’s pick to lead GSA vows to address ‘delinquent’ condition of federal buildings
Ed Forst, a real estate and financial services executive, says GSA “stands at the tip of the spear” of the Trump administration’s government efficiency agenda.
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October 24, 2025 at 11:27 AM
Edward Forst, President Trump's nominee to lead GSA, says the agency must fix a multi-billion-dollar maintenance backlog and get rid of underused federal buildings. He wants to "right-size" the real estate portfolio, renegotiate leases, and consolidate space to save taxpayer money.
OMB’s memo revives a narrow but real risk: furloughed feds’ back pay may need explicit language in the reopening bill. GEFTA creates the obligation, but startup text turns it into paychecks. #FederalWorkforce #Appropriations
OMB agues backpay for furloughed feds not automatic
American feds are again being leveraged by the Trump administration, now via a draft memo from the OMB’s counsel arguing that back pay for furloughed workers after the current shutdown is not…
buff.ly
October 8, 2025 at 1:52 PM
OMB’s memo revives a narrow but real risk: furloughed feds’ back pay may need explicit language in the reopening bill. GEFTA creates the obligation, but startup text turns it into paychecks. #FederalWorkforce #Appropriations
OFPP gets its first confirmed leader since 2019, IRS governance raises oversight questions, F‑35 engine buys slip to 2026, and a data‑driven program revives Army recruiting—your Cutting-room links for 8 October. buff.ly/wXnoNir
Horizon cutting-room links: 8 October 2025
"Senate Confirms First OFPP Administrator Since 2019," Federal News Network The Senate has confirmed Kevin Rhodes as the first permanent administrator of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy…
washingtonhorizon.com
October 8, 2025 at 11:55 AM
OFPP gets its first confirmed leader since 2019, IRS governance raises oversight questions, F‑35 engine buys slip to 2026, and a data‑driven program revives Army recruiting—your Cutting-room links for 8 October. buff.ly/wXnoNir
The Starlink-powered “T-Satellite” service now supports WhatsApp, Google Maps, X, AccuWeather, and T-Mobile’s customer service app T-Life, alongside the AllTrails, CalTopo, and onX outdoor exploration apps.
T-Mobile’s satellite service now supports Google Maps, WhatsApp, X, and more
Now you can doomscroll tweets in the wilderness.
buff.ly
October 3, 2025 at 9:12 PM
The Starlink-powered “T-Satellite” service now supports WhatsApp, Google Maps, X, AccuWeather, and T-Mobile’s customer service app T-Life, alongside the AllTrails, CalTopo, and onX outdoor exploration apps.
#GAO rejects protest of no solicitation #amendments—the Army’s #TRADOC support RFP's place of performance hasn't changed despite rumor mill.
United Defense, LLC (B-423577)
You should not care. Category: Requirements Date: 13 August 2025 URL: https://www.gao.gov/products/b-423577 United Defense protested the US Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) intelligence…
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October 3, 2025 at 4:12 PM
#GAO rejects protest of no solicitation #amendments—the Army’s #TRADOC support RFP's place of performance hasn't changed despite rumor mill.
Hegseth women to be just like men. Or not.
Hegseth rails against “fat” to military leaders, makes no mention of stupid
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth used a rare, closed-door gathering of flag officers to press a throwback agenda heavy on grooming and fitness mandates and light on the complex realities of modern war,…
buff.ly
October 3, 2025 at 2:53 PM
Hegseth women to be just like men. Or not.
In today's cutting-room links, #GSA eyes a 5% cap on #reseller markups, the UK renews a push for an #iCloud encryption backdoor, and the #USAF readies T‑7A Red Hawk training.
Horizon cutting-room links: 3 October 2025
**"Is GSA Attempting to Apply Price Controls to the Reseller Market?"**Federal News Network GSA is reportedly moving to impose a five percent cap on the markup for value-added resellers (VARs). It’s…
buff.ly
October 3, 2025 at 1:52 PM
Can’t meet agency’s sixty-day delivery requirement? GAO says you don’t have standing to protest other matters. #Protest dismissed and request for #costs denied.
Skyladder Corporation—Protests and Costs (B-423498.2; B-423498.3)
You should not care. Category: Technical compliance, interested party, protest costs Date: 13 August 2025 URL: https://www.gao.gov/products/b-423498.2%2Cb-423498.3 Skyladder challenged DLA Aviation’s…
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October 3, 2025 at 11:27 AM
#Boeing has started clean-sheet development on a #737 replacement after steadying the ship after the MAX crashes. With certification of the #MAX 10 and 777X in process, can the plane-maker plug the hole in its lineup?
Boeing launches 737 replacement program
The Journal is reporting that Boeing has started work on a replacement for its aging 737 narrowbody jets, holding talks with engine-maker Rolls Royce. The so-called “clean sheet” replacement for the…
buff.ly
October 2, 2025 at 9:12 PM
GAO upholds DLA’s late‑delivery rejections—base access and weather delays don’t excuse missed proposal deadlines. #lateislate
ConnectUP; Labasa LLC; SOFX Inc. (B-423557; B-423557.2; B-423557.3)
You should not care. Category: Late is late, delivery logistics Date: 12 August 2025 URL: https://www.gao.gov/products/b-423557%2Cb-423557.2%2Cb-423557.3 Three SDVOSBs protested DLA’s rejection of…
buff.ly
October 2, 2025 at 4:12 PM
GAO upholds DLA’s late‑delivery rejections—base access and weather delays don’t excuse missed proposal deadlines. #lateislate
"Someone who says I’m against abortion but I’m in agreement with the inhuman treatment of immigrants in the United States, I don’t know if that’s pro life,” said the Pope. www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/266859/...
Pope Leo wades into Durbin debate
Pope Leo XIV said U.S. Sen. Richard Durbin’s record should be considered in its totality and that Americans should search together for the truth on moral questions.
www.catholicnewsagency.com
October 2, 2025 at 1:52 PM
"Someone who says I’m against abortion but I’m in agreement with the inhuman treatment of immigrants in the United States, I don’t know if that’s pro life,” said the Pope. www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/266859/...
@dgcassidy.bsky.social SmartThings makes it easier to share Matter networks with other hubs. www.sammobile.com/news/smartth...
October 2, 2025 at 1:25 PM
@dgcassidy.bsky.social SmartThings makes it easier to share Matter networks with other hubs. www.sammobile.com/news/smartth...
In this shutdown edition of cutting-room links, Trump leverages the shutdown to pressure Democrats, agencies prep layoffs, unions sue, USPTO shutters Denver office, GSA halts property disposals, and credit unions offer lifelines to furloughed feds. #shutdown #federalworkers
Horizon cutting-room links, shutdown edition: 2 October 2025
"Trump Uses Shutdown to Maximize Pain for Democrats and Move Forward With Layoffs," New York Times President Trump aims to inflict maximum political damage on Democrats by halting billions in federal…
buff.ly
October 2, 2025 at 11:27 AM
In this shutdown edition of cutting-room links, Trump leverages the shutdown to pressure Democrats, agencies prep layoffs, unions sue, USPTO shutters Denver office, GSA halts property disposals, and credit unions offer lifelines to furloughed feds. #shutdown #federalworkers
In today's cutting-room links, the government #shutdown, #CACI and #SAIC settle their long-running feud, more F-35 orders &c.
Horizon cutting-room links: Wednesday, 1 October 2025
From the Horizon, the US government shuts down, and OMB threatens further layoffs as Dems balk. "CACI-SAIC Dispute Over Air Force Contract Payment Comes to an End," Washington Business Journal The…
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October 1, 2025 at 9:12 PM
A #shutdown isn’t just brinkmanship—it’s a lever. With a historic #RIF already underway, OMB’s hardline posture could accelerate a downsizing of the civil service while the parties spar over #ACA subsidies.
Shutdown strategy: OMB threatens further layoffs as Dems balk
The Atlantic reports that “275,000 federal workers—more than a tenth of the workforce—will have voluntarily left the civil service by the end of December,” according to OPM on background. That person…
buff.ly
October 1, 2025 at 4:12 PM
#SecDef Pete #Hegseth gathers military leadership to complain about the overweight and unshaved, but makes no direct mention of the #stupid. Do haircuts trump military strategy?
Hegseth rails against “fat” to military leaders, makes no mention of stupid
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth used a rare, closed-door gathering of flag officers to press a throwback agenda heavy on grooming and fitness mandates and light on the complex realities of modern war,…
buff.ly
October 1, 2025 at 1:52 PM
The US government shuts down. What federal acquisition and travel pros need now. #GovernmentShutdown #FedGov buff.ly/27rlItL
US government shuts down
US government funding lapsed as Wednesday began after the White House and Congress failed to reach a deal on FY2026 appropriations, triggering a shutdown halting federal services and furloughing…
washingtonhorizon.com
October 1, 2025 at 11:25 AM
The US government shuts down. What federal acquisition and travel pros need now. #GovernmentShutdown #FedGov buff.ly/27rlItL