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The Fight Continues Over Paying Enhanced Jobless Benefits Beyond July
Senate Democrats introduced legislation that would extend the $600-per-week unemployment supplement, but Republicans say the size of the extra payment discourages people from returning to work.
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State AG Recommends Data Reporting Mandate for Police Deadly Force Incidents
As it stands, most police agencies in Washington state are not reporting this type of information through a program the FBI launched last year.
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Libraries Begin Partial Reopening as Covid-19 Cases Surge
Most libraries are implementing phased reopening plans, beginning with contactless pickup of materials that undergo a quarantine period for safety.
Nextgov
OMB Official: We Need More Cross-Agency Collaboration Tools
Mass teleworking due to the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of digital government, including a lack of communication options for interagency collaboration.
Nextgov
House Committee Leader Wants Oversight of Pentagon’s Handling of Banned Chinese Gear
One observer says prospects look dim for contractors requesting an extension on compliance with provisions in the National Defense Authorization Act.
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Despite Mitigation Efforts, Watchdog Finds Rise in Repeatedly Flooded Properties
The Government Accountability Office says steps like acquiring and demolishing flood-prone homes won't be enough to shore up the finances of the National Flood Insurance Program.
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Fire Departments Anticipate Busy Fourth of July as Fireworks Sales Skyrocket
In a normal year, fire safety officials encourage people to attend public fireworks displays instead of attempting to create them at home. But most fireworks shows are canceled this year because of coronavirus.
Nextgov
What the COVID-19 Pandemic Is Revealing to Federal Chief Data Officers
While some agencies have yet to reveal a chief data officer, others are spinning up new teams, tools and projects to address the global health crisis.
Nextgov
Critical Update: How Veterans Shaped a Coronavirus Chatbot
Chief Technology Officer Charles Worthington discusses how the agency rolled out new digital tools to help respond to the novel coronavirus pandemic.
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Supreme Court Shows Interest in Clash Over Pipeline Builders Seizing State Land
The high court is asking the Trump administration to offer its views on the New Jersey case, which involves a roughly $1 billion natural gas pipeline project.
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For July Fourth, Many Cities Go Virtual or Cancel Fireworks Displays
Some larger cities have opted to cancel their Independence Day fireworks while others are hosting virtual events or taking steps to encourage social distancing. New York City is planning a nightly surprise show each day this week.
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Mississippi Lawmakers Vote to Remove Confederate Symbol from State Flag
STATE AND LOCAL NEWS ROUNDUP | House approves Democrat-backed police overhaul bill ... Nevada eviction moratorium to lift in September ... Boston mayor creates "equity and inclusion" cabinet.
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How Did Americans Spend Their Stimulus Payments? New Data Offers Clues.
Findings from a new Census Bureau survey show how people at different income levels have used the money in different ways.
Nextgov
Lawmakers Introduce Bill to Ban Federal Use of Facial Recognition Tech
If passed, federal agencies would not be able to run, fund, purchase or otherwise use data from facial biometric systems without congressional authorization.
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One State is Manufacturing Free Masks for Any Resident Who Wants One
Since April, the state of Utah and area manufacturers have supplied more than 1 million masks to state residents for free.
Nextgov
Intelligence Authorization Would Add to Due Process Rules for Security Clearance Reviews
Also new in the bill is a provision allowing the government to share negative information about contractors with their companies.
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Saharan Dust Sweeps Into Gulf Coast Region
The atmospheric event isn’t uncommon, but this time the plume is unusually large. It could pose some health risks for people with preexisting respiratory conditions.
Nextgov
Federal CIO Suzette Kent Tells Staff She’s Retiring
The government’s top IT leader is leaving government in July.
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Rhode Island Moves to Remove ‘Plantations’ From Official State Name
The full name of the country’s smallest state, “The State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations,” will be changed on official documents to remove the words that have an association with slavery.
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