Breaking News
Defense
It Really Was 800+ Afghans on That Plane. They Forgot to Count the Kids.
The iconic photo of Reach 871, the packed U.S. Air Force C-17 cargo plane, touched people around the world—and highlighted the dire situation now facing Afghans.
Defense
At Kabul Airport, 2,000 Marines Provide Security and Process Evacuees
Meanwhile, the airfield perimeter is mostly held by soldiers of the 82nd Airborne.
Employee Policy
State employees: "Do everything possible"
The leading organization of State Department employees is urging the Biden administration to secure all Americans, to "do everything possible" to assist those who want to leave, and to "bring as many Afghans to safety as humanly possible."
Employee Policy
Workforce panel explains new COVID testing requirements
Agencies are not permitted to assign employees to remote or telework based solely on their vaccination status, the guidance says.
Tech
The Texas National Guard Just Unveiled the Largest 3D Printed Structure in North America
But Russia and China are preparing to 3D print hypersonic components.
Route Fifty
Businesses Challenge One City’s Covid Vaccine Mandate
New York City will require proof of Covid-19 vaccination for entry to restaurants, gyms and entertainment venues. San Francisco and New Orleans have issued similar orders.
Pay & Benefits
When It’s Time to Retire, Be Ready for Things to Go Wrong
Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst when you file your retirement papers.
Workforce
Coronavirus Roundup: Booster Shots Coming; State Outlines Certification Process for Employees
Here’s today’s list of news updates and stories you may have missed.
Management
Agencies Must Set Up COVID-19 Testing for Unvaccinated Feds In-House or Through a Contractor
Employees must receive their test through agency-sanctioned means and may face punishment if they refuse.
Nextgov
NASA Wants Industry to Build Next-Generation Space Stations
The space agency is looking to industry to design and build destinations in space that can be used for tourism and science-based missions.
Defense
An Afghan American Scholar Describes His Fear-Filled Journey from the Chaos at Kabul Airport to a Plane Bound for Home in the U.S.
Hanif Sufizada got caught in Kabul as the Taliban took over. A scholar and resident of the US who works at the University of Nebraska in Omaha, Sufizada describes his experience trying to leave.
Defense
‘Cannot Ensure Safe Passage’: U.S. Tells Americans in Kabul to Get to Airport On Their Own
Biden says U.S. forces may have to stay past Aug. 31 to help evacuate stranded personnel.
Oversight
Republicans Seek Briefing from Afghanistan Reconstruction Watchdog
“It is unclear if continued U.S. assistance would find its way into the hands of terrorists and be used to finance attacks on Americans,” GOP members wrote.
Management
Analysis: As Colorado River Basin States Confront Water Shortages, It’s Time to Focus on Reducing Demand
A long-expected federal drought declaration underlines how serious the Colorado River water shortage has become for Western states.
Workforce
GovExec Daily: OPM Makes It Easier For Agencies to Hire Interns
Erich Wagner joins the podcast to discuss new Office of Personnel Management regulations.
Employee Policy
Watchdog says contractor oversight lacking in Afghanistan
The Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction's newest report calls out the government's failure to oversee contractors on waste, fraud and abuse.
Employee Policy
AFA: Reflections on a long war
The Air Force Association, a nonprofit support and education organization, and its leadership are speaking on the U.S. experience in Afghanistan. Namely, that the core mission of defeating Al Queda was accomplished early on, with aerospace capability being the key to success—as it remains the mainstay of evacuating Americans and allies from the country.
Management
Biden Announces Pick to Lead the National Park Service
If confirmed by the Senate, Charles Sams III would become the first permanent leader in the position in over four years.
Route Fifty
States Turn to Recruiting and Retention Bonuses for Police
Florida’s governor was the latest to propose such a perk, as law enforcement agencies across the country struggle to find and keep officers.
Pay & Benefits