Defense
Afghanistan is ‘Not a Winnable War,’ White House Says as Taliban Storms Country
President Ghani leaves Washington empty handed, as Biden rejects Republican calls to reverse U.S. troop withdrawal.
Oversight
The U.S. Is Closing a Loophole That Lured Mexicans Over the Border to Donate Blood Plasma for Cash
Selling blood plasma in the U.S. could net Mexican residents hundreds of dollars a month — if they donated often enough. But some were putting their health at risk to do so.
Workforce
GovExec Daily: What's Next in the Battle for Civil Service
Dr. Donald F. Kettl joins the podcast to discuss the future of public service.
Retirement
GAO: Climate change weighs on TSP
Climate change threatens TSP investment returns and yet the board that governs the massive fund has been slow to adapt, GAO finds.
Route Fifty
Police Recruitment is Down. How One State is Partnering to Boost the Ranks
Ohio’s Office of Law Enforcement Recruitment is launching a pilot program at two universities that guarantees criminal justice graduates jobs in local law enforcement.
Management
Appeals Court Overrules FLRA on Telework Negotiability
A federal circuit court judge said a Federal Labor Relations Authority ruling improperly ignored provisions preserving management rights to deny telework requests.
Management
As Justice Dept Moves to Equip Its Officers with Body Cameras, IG Warns It's 'Unprepared'
Auditors expect implementation challenges with body cameras for federal officers due to inexperience.
Nextgov
Bill Would Create Cyber Workforce Training Programs at CISA and VA
The two programs would look to increase the pool of cybersecurity experts for the public and private sectors, but with a focus on preparing trainees for federal jobs.
Nextgov
Legislation Would Keep Inspectors General Active During Government Shutdowns
The bipartisan bill would amend the Inspectors General Act of 1978.
Workforce
Coronavirus Roundup: OMB Looks at Post-Pandemic Work; FDA Greenlights Another COVID-19 Drug Treatment
Here’s today’s list of news updates and stories you may have missed.
Management
No Restrictions for Fully Vaccinated Feds on Official Travel
The Safer Federal Workforce Task Force released new guidance for employees.
Management
What I Learned Helping Lead Oversight of $5 Trillion in Pandemic Relief
Large scale identity theft-based fraud in unemployment assistance stunned many, even those who fight fraud for a living.
Defense
White House, Pentagon Finalizing Plans to Get Thousands of Interpreters out of Afghanistan
No decision yet on where and how Afghans and their families will be housed and fed as they await U.S. visas.
Defense
U.S. Troops on Base Less Likely to Seek Extremist Content Than Americans in General, Study Finds
Service branches differ in their engagement with anti-Black extremism or anti-Semitic conspiracy theories, internet research firm says in upcoming report.
Management
Biden’s Goal to Permanently Boost Support for Families Echoes a Failed Nixon Proposal from 50 Years Ago – Will It Take off This Time?
Starting in July 2021, most US families will get monthly payments from the IRS of either $250 or $300 per child under 18.
Employee Policy
Fully vaccinated? You are cleared for official travel
The White House COVID Response Team has issued new guidance, clearing all fully vaccinated feds for official travel.
Employee Policy
Lawmakers spar over paid family and medical leave for feds
Lawmakers are sparring over a bill that would provide feds with paid family and medical leave, most recently in the House Committee on Oversight and Reform.
Pay & Benefits
Lawmakers Spar Over Paid Family Leave for Feds
Democrats argue that the pandemic revealed the need for more expansive leave policies: Republicans dismissed the plan as an unnecessary “perk” for bureaucrats.
Pay & Benefits
Fighting for the Right to Your Benefits
Federal employees meet virtually with lawmakers to make their voices heard on compensation issues.
Nextgov