Workforce

The Justice Dept.’s Workplace Safety Plan Details COVID-19 Testing Protocols

The plan’s language encouraging a “broader” application of telework disappointed career prosecutors, who had hoped for a firm baseline of two days per week of working remotely after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Nextgov

Justice Builds Out Crypto Tracking, International Engagement Teams on Ransomware

The Justice Department will now require prosecutors to consult with the international and cyber crime specialists on significant cyber investigations.

Workforce

Part of Biden’s $15 Contractor Minimum Wage Order Was Temporarily Halted

“This ruling helps more than 40,000 companies like Arkansas Valley Adventures who provide seasonal recreational services on federal lands,” said an attorney for the plaintiffs.

Workforce

Tell Us How the Pandemic Has Changed Your Job and Life

We’re looking for readers who want to share with us their experiences two years into the pandemic.

Management

Coronavirus Roundup: The Pandemic is a ‘Wild Card’ as Biden Plans His State of the Union Address

There's a lot to keep track of. Here’s today’s list of news updates and stories you may have missed.

Defense

Austin is Alarmed by Beijing’s Approval, As Russia Moves Troops From China's Border to Ukraine

Russians “edge closer to that border,” with troops, combat aircraft, ships, and blood supplies, says Pentagon.

Nextgov

Survey: 58% of Working Americans Say Their Jobs Are ‘Main Source’ of Mental Health Challenges

Nearly 90% of Americans believe being in control of their work schedules, along with performance measures, could improve burnout.

Defense

What’s Taking So Long? Rename Those Confederate Bases

It shouldn’t be this hard or require this political theater to do what’s right, right now.

Management

How Ketanji Brown Jackson’s Pursuit of Success as a Lawyer and Parent Got Her a Potential Supreme Court Nod

In a 2017 speech to law students, the potential Supreme Court nominee talked about the difficulties of working at a big law firm — and how a confirmation hearing led her to knitting.

Oversight

GovExec Daily: Feds Have to Follow Stronger Ethics Rules Than Members of Congress. Why?

The Project on Government Oversight's Dylan Hedtler-Gaudette and National Taxpayers Union's Andrew Lautz join the podcast to discuss members of Congress trading individual stocks and ethics.

Oversight

A Watchdog Has Found the Trump Administration Handled Some Ukraine Funds Lawfully

This is “distinguishable” from the 2020 ruling in which the watchdog determined the Trump administration did violate the law with other aid spending, GAO said. 

Management

Democrats Want an Overhaul of the Debt Ceiling to Avoid Future Crises

The possibility of default has threatened disruptions to federal operations, including furloughs for civil servants.

Oversight

Rooting out Fraud in Government Programs

Machine-learning helps spot fraud, waste and abuse because it can not only automatically check massive amounts of data for signs of sketchy activity but also improve over time.

Tech

Agencies Need to Measure Improvements to Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity, Report Says

Federal agencies tasked with critical infrastructure risk management aren't measuring improvements made by the adoption of new guidelines, according to a watchdog report.

Tech

Agencies Shouldn't Use Facial Recognition for ID Verification, Groups Say

More than 45 organizations signed onto a letter asking government agencies to stop their use of ID.me or any facial recognition for identity verification, and Senate Democrats are also still asking questions.

Management

Air Quality in Your Home May Be Worse Than in Your Office

New research highlights the importance of improving air quality in homes for employees who continue to work remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Management

The Biden Administration Can Seize a Once-in-a-Generation Opportunity to Advance Equity. Here’s How.

The administration must reset its relationship with people who lack access to federal services.

Management

GovExec Daily: Fauci's 'All-of-Government' Pandemic Approach

Dr. Anthony Fauci, Chief Medical Advisor to the President and NIAID chief, joins Courtney Bublé on the podcast to discuss prep for the next crisis.

Oversight

Biden Can do More to Protect Inspectors General, Says Former Watchdog Fired by Trump

Guidance issued by the Biden administration was “important,” but an executive order could also help preserve IG independence, said Michael Atkinson.