Tech
‘We Have Nothing’ Showing UFOs Are of Alien Origin, Defense Official Says
So far, data has not shown unidentified anomalous phenomena to be from an alien source, according to defense officials.
Management
Coronavirus Roundup: A New Year Brings New Priorities, Including Another COVID Oversight Panel
There's a lot to keep track of. Here’s this week's list of news updates and stories you may have missed.
Oversight
Ancient Greece Had Extreme Polarization and Civil Strife Too – How Thucydides Can Help Us Understand Jan. 6 and Its Aftermath
The insights of an ancient historian show that the causes of civil unrest are often the same over time and across societies.
Workforce
Working in Isolation Can Pose Mental Health Challenges – Here’s What Anyone Can Learn from How Gig Workers Have Adapted
Gig workers navigate the challenges of solo work by seeking out relationships and cultivating skills to cope with emotional turbulence.
Management
USPS Will Make Mistakes and Learn From Them
Eric Katz joins the podcast to discuss Louis DeJoy's managerial process… and his legacy.
Management
With a New Congress, Comes Another Try for Biden’s Nominees
“We seek the swift confirmation of many critical, crucial, high-qualified nominees to serve across the administration,” said White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre.
Pay & Benefits
Employee Benefit Changes for 2023
How new pay rates, Social Security earnings limits and other factors could affect your retirement planning.
Management
Biden Announces More Resources for the Border as He Aims to Further Restrict Illegal Crossings
The administration will also expand humanitarian programs, though staffing shortfalls could hurt implementation.
Management
Long COVID Stemmed from Mild Cases of COVID-19 in Most People, According to a New Multicountry Study
While there are still far more questions than answers about long COVID-19, researchers are beginning to get a clearer picture of the health and economic consequences of the condition.
Defense
Pentagon Scrambles to Prep New COVID Rules as Vaccine Mandate Nears End
Vaccine-refusal separations are on hold as DOD develops “further guidance.”
Workforce
Americans Are Taking More Control Over Their Work Lives – Because They Have To
‘Career portfolioing’ is a trend where people assemble different sources of income, such as side gigs, to give them a measure of independence from employers who provide little job security.
Workforce
How Public Sector Women Lead
The Partnership for Public Service's Emily Kalnicky joins the podcast to discuss research on gender and leadership.
Management
The Postal Service Can Continue to Deliver Abortion Pills Anywhere in America, DoJ Says
The Biden administration confirms USPS can continue its existing practice without fear of retribution for employees.
Management
The D.C. Mayor Wants ‘Decisive Action’ on the Federal Government’s Return to Office Plans
There has been movement to get some employees back in person and assess real estate needs, but the mayor would like more specifics.
Workforce
National Science Foundation Spearheads New Funding to Improve Diversity in AI Workforce
In collaboration with six other federal groups, the NSF will focus on expanding minority-serving university offerings in artificial intelligence and machine learning education.
Workforce
The Federal Labor Relations Authority Is Now Ideologically Deadlocked After Its Chairman’s Term Expired
President Biden designated Susan Tsui Grundmann to be chairwoman of the agency after Ernest DuBester reached the end of his term, although the president could reappoint the longtime FLRA member.
Pay & Benefits
Almost Every TSP Fund Ended Last Month (and Year) Down
The government securities (G) fund was the only offering in the retirement savings program that gained ground in 2022.
Tech
The DHS Tech Office Develops a Portable Gunshot Detection System
The new gunfire detection tool can be deployed in temporary locations and is designed to reduce instances of false positives.
Management
Why You Should Give the Gift of Mindfulness This New Year
Mindfulness can teach us to be more present – not just for ourselves, but also for our colleagues, friends and loved ones.
Oversight