Route Fifty

Supply Chain Issues, Poll Worker Shortages Worry States Ahead of Elections

Election officials in some states are recruiting more poll workers but say getting power supplies and extension cords are also problems.

Workforce

All Inspectors General Need Testimonial Subpoena Authority, Watchdogs Say

Three IGs testified before lawmakers about various reforms needed to improve their oversight. 

Nextgov

Bill Would Block Contractors from Selling Data Harvested with AI Tools to Third Parties

A bipartisan proposal would also clarify that the government ultimately owns the data collected by federal contractors and their artificial intelligence systems. 

Workforce

Labor Authority Nominees Vow to Tackle Case Backlog That Flourished Under Trump

Unfair labor practice complaints stagnated for the last four years because the agency’s general counsel position sat vacant for the entirety of the previous administration.

Oversight

The Federal Government Gave Billions to America’s Schools for COVID-19 Relief. Where Did the Money Go?

The Education Department’s limited tracking of $190 billion in pandemic support funds sent to schools has left officials in the dark about how effective the aid has been in helping students.

Defense

Navy Seeks To Improve Firefighting After ‘Preventable’ Bonhomme Richard Disaster

Naval Safety Center gets a promotion, while ships’ crews will be trained to respond to pierside fires.

Management

Most Americans Resumed Risky Activities before COVID Vaccines Came Out

Americans started getting back to regular activities like travel and eating indoors before COVID-19 vaccines became available, according to a new study.

Tech

GovExec Daily: Detecting Waste and Abuse Through Data and Determination

Bill Lucia speaks to Pittsburgh official Marty LaMar about COVID-19 funding oversight and technology.

Route Fifty

Cities Crack Down on Unvaccinated Municipal Workers

New York City expanded its vaccine mandate to all employees Wednesday while Chicago began to place police officers who refused to disclose vaccine status on unpaid leave.

Workforce

Federal Agencies to Inform New Hires of Union Eligibility, Rights

As part of the Biden administration’s initiative to promote collective bargaining in the federal government, agencies also will be expected to inform current employees of their union rights at least twice per year.

Pay & Benefits

Feds, Funding, Furloughs and the Fiscal Rollercoaster

How we got to where we are in the annual budget mess, and where we’re headed.

Management

Three Pandemic Lessons for the Next Crisis

What we've learned from dealing with COVID-19 could improve the federal response in the future.

Management

A Historic Swearing in at the Public Health Service Commissioned Corps

Dr. Rachel Levine became the United States’ first openly transgender four-star officer and first female four-star admiral of the corps. 

Management

How Government Is Failing Public Servants

A new book argues that federal and state governments need to articulate a vision for training their workers for problem solving in the 21st century.

Oversight

FAA Suggests Steps to Improve Aviation Safety in Alaska. Some Experts Say They’re Not Enough.

In a recently released report, the FAA recommended safety measures to address Alaska’s high share of aircraft accidents. The report, which contains few new initiatives or calls for funding, falls short of what’s needed, according to experts.

Workforce

GovExec Daily: The Hatch Act and the Biden Administration

Courtney Bublé joins the podcast to discuss a new complaint against White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki.

Route Fifty

Public Health Workers Request Federal Aid to Combat Threats

After the Justice Department said it would intervene to assist school boards and educators who have become the target of harassment during the pandemic, a public health association wants the same resources.