Management
U.S. Tragedies from Guns Have Often – but not Always – Spurred Political Responses
Congress tends to be most likely to act after an assassination or assassination attempt of historic proportions or mass shootings. But sometimes lawmakers do nothing beyond debate new measures.
Tech
How Long Does COVID-19 Vaccine Protection Last?
COVID vaccines provide protection, but immunity wanes over time. Researchers found a drop from 83% after the first month to 22% after five or more months.
Workforce
GovExec Daily: What the TSP Changes Mean For Feds
Erich Wagner joins the podcast to discuss the ways the retirement savings plan is shifting, on the board and with its service provider.
Oversight
A New Law Will Make It Harder to Escape Investigation By Leaving Federal Service
The measure will allow the Veterans Affairs Department IG to subpoena former feds and contractors.
Workforce
The EEOC Will Keep Online Mediation Around Post-COVID
The EEOC had to offer mediation sessions online because of the pandemic and the agency wants to keep the virtual option for the future.
Pay & Benefits
TSP Participants Bemoan Bumpy Recordkeeper Transition
Federal employees and retirees have reported problems with setting up new accounts for online access to the federal government’s 401(k)-style retirement savings program, and the agency’s call center has been deluged.
Management
A New Law Ensures Kids’ Needs Are Prioritized In Natural Disasters and Other Catastrophic Events
“Children suffer the most when these tragedies occur in communities,” one lead lawmaker says.
Defense
Raytheon Technologies to Move HQ from Massachusetts to Northern Virginia
The move means the five largest defense contractors will all call the D.C. region home.
Workforce
The EEOC Is Proceeding With Office Reentry Plans Despite COVID-19 Spikes. Its Union Wants More Communication
Bargaining unit employees are expected to double their amount of in-office work next week, despite increasing numbers of agency offices located in high transmission regions.
Oversight
What 5 Previous Congressional Investigations Can Teach Us about the House Jan. 6 Committee Hearings
The public hearings of the House Jan. 6 investigative committee will deal with unprecedented events in American history, but the very investigation of these events has strong precedent.
Tech
GovExec Daily: Using AI to Predict Weather
SAIC's Jay Meil and Andy Henson join the podcast to discuss how artificial intelligence and machine learning are increasingly part of the forecasting toolbox.
Workforce
The Biden Administration Implements More Distinctions in Fed Workforce COVID Policies Based on Vaccination Status
Unvaccinated feds will face more limitations in travel, but may receive more paid administrative leave.
Management
Federal Prisons Are Losing Staff. The Bureau’s Director Would Like to Fix That By October
Steps to boost hiring will include a $1,000 recruitment incentive.
Nextgov
Bipartisan Bill Establishes All-Encompassing Federal Data Privacy Standards
The American Data Privacy and Protection Act stands to improve American users’ data privacy and offers federal regulatory power.
Tech
Why Are so Many Big Tech Whistleblowers Women? Here Is What the Research Shows
Frances Haugen, Timnit Gebru and Janneke Parrish are at the forefront of a group of high-profile women calling out big tech. Is there a connection between their gender and their role as whistleblowers?
Defense
House Bill Would Allow Military to Perform, Fund Abortions
“Reproductive rights cannot and should not end when you put on our nation’s uniform,” Rep. Sara Jacobs said.
Workforce
Solarium Successor Wants the White House to Lead on Cyber Workforce Strategy
One recommendation: establish cyber excepted service authorities, like the Department of Homeland Security's newly launched cyber hiring initiative, government-wide.
Workforce
GovExec Daily: How to Negotiate Your Salary… And Everything Else
Author Jotham S. Stein joins the podcast to discuss how to gain leverage in work negotiations.
Workforce
Most of the COVID-19 Workforce Were Women of Color. What Happens Now as Those Jobs End?
Women of color took on the majority of new jobs created during the pandemic to do contact tracing, and to test and vaccinate Americans, experts said. But as sites ramp down, the future of that workforce is now uncertain.
Management