Nextgov
CISA Orders Federal Agencies to Turn Off SolarWinds Products
A critical flaw in software used throughout government was reportedly used to breach a major security company and at least two federal agencies.
Workforce
Workers Are Looking for Direction from Management – and Any Map Is Better Than No Map
Without some sense of direction, burned out employees simply can’t be reengaged via another virtual happy hour.
Workforce
GovExec Daily: Workforce Management During a Transition
National Academy of Public Administration Fellow Jeffrey Neal joins the show to talk about personnel issues between administrations and at the beginning of a new admisnistration.
Management
What Know-It-Alls Don’t Know, or the Illusion of Competence
The problem is that when people are incompetent, not only do they reach wrong conclusions and make unfortunate choices, they also are robbed of the ability to realize their mistakes.
Management
‘I Want to Be Part of Making This Work:’ Marcia Fudge Talks About How She Plans to Lead HUD
The Ohio representative speaks with The 19th in her first interview since being nominated to lead the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Route Fifty
Fire Official Urges Governors to Be Proactive on Hardening Homes Against Wildfire
Failing to do so, the official said, means “we're just building tomorrow’s problems.”
Route Fifty
‘Trigger Laws’ in Some States Would Ban Abortion Immediately If Roe is Overturned
The country already has a patchwork of different restrictions on abortion. How would that change in a post-Roe world?
Management
Tens of Thousands of Federal Workers Can Expect to Receive the COVID-19 Vaccine This Week
More federal agencies unveil vaccine distribution plans.
Management
Acting State Dept. IG Leaves the Day After Report on Travel of Pompeo’s Wife Is Published
The IG office cited the Vacancies Act to explain the latest in a series of departures.
Tech
Scientists Suggest U.S. Embassies Were Hit With High-Power Microwaves – Here’s How The Weapons Work
High-power microwave weapons are useful for disabling electronics. They might also be behind the ailments suffered by US diplomats and CIA agents in Cuba and China.
Pay & Benefits
Federal Employees to Get a Full Day Off on Christmas Eve
President Trump issues an executive order that breaks with recent precedent by granting vacation for all of Dec. 24, rather than a half-day.
Management
Trump Signs Stopgap Funding, Deferring Shutdown Threat for One Week
Many hurdles remain in avoiding a shutdown come Dec. 18.
Management
Transition Roundup: IG Panel Publishes Transition Guide; Trump Orders ‘Rebrand’ of Foreign Aid During Lame Duck Period
Here’s today’s list of news updates and stories you may have missed.
Management
Biden Under Pressure to Appoint First Native American to Head Interior Department
Many tribal leaders, environmental groups and progressive activists are urging the president-elect to nominate New Mexico Rep. Deb Haaland as secretary of the department.
Tech
Expert: We Need New Laws For The Facial Recognition ‘Wild West’
A new paper outlines why Congress needs to regulate facial recognition to protect consumers and their "faceprints."
Oversight
GovExec Daily: The CR and the Possibility of a Shutdown
Eric Katz joins the podcast to discuss the negotiations in Congress before funding runs out.
Route Fifty
Mile-by-Mile, Proposed Nationwide Bike and Foot Trail Sees Progress
Advocates for the trail say there are now over 2,000 miles of segments complete and that more money flowed toward the project this past year.
Management
DeJoy, USPS Look to Strike Down Court Restrictions Blocking Reform Efforts
Postal Service is appealing injunctions issued prior to the election that prevented controversial initiatives.
Management
Election Commission Regains Quorum and Resumes Full Duties, Facing a Massive Backlog of Work
There are 446 matters before the agency and 275 staff reports awaiting decisions from the commissioners.
Route Fifty