Workforce
White House Threatens Discipline for Employees Engaging in ‘Divisive’ Training, Calls for Political Watchdogs
OMB issues new guidance to implement Trump's directives on diversity and inclusion training at federal agencies.
Nextgov
NASA to Debut New-and-Improved Space Toilet
Astronauts informed the unit's creation and have high hopes that it’ll bring more comfort to all who use it.
Route Fifty
One City's Pilot Program to Restart Live Entertainment
Six venues in Washington D.C. will be allowed to hold live performances under strict guidance and supervision from city officials.
Management
Viewpoint: Rush to Fill Supreme Court Vacancy Is an Attack on Democracy
President Trump’s pattern of selecting ethically dubious individuals to government posts should give Americans pause.
Management
OPM Updates Job Qualifications Following Hiring Executive Order
The Office of Personnel Management is asking agencies for feedback on a draft list of the qualifications required for federal jobs as part of the implementation of a recent executive order emphasizing applicants’ skills and experience, rather simply education.
Route Fifty
One Tennessee Prosecutor Says He Won’t Enforce Controversial Abortion Law
The Nashville district attorney says he won’t prosecute doctors who fail to inform patients that a medication abortion can be reversed—a claim medical groups say isn’t backed up by science.
Nextgov
Foreign Hacker Sentenced in $1M Scam Targeting Federal Employees and Contractors
The criminal ring used phishing emails and fake websites to get almost $1 million worth of printer toner to sell on black markets.
Workforce
Coronavirus Roundup: Military Suicides Increase in 2020; Senate Asks for More Transparency on Small Business Loans
There's a lot to keep track of. Here’s today’s list of news updates and stories you may have missed.
Management
We Must Address the Crisis in the Merit System
The historic system for hiring and promoting federal employees is failing the nation, and the consequences are profound.
Workforce
GovExec Daily: Making the Most of Your Work Life Online
Dr. Pamela Scott-Bracey discusses how to optimize telework for one's work and life.
Workforce
Microaggressions Aren’t Just Innocent Blunders – New Research Links Them with Racial Bias
White people are often defensive when they're called out for these subtle snubs and insults. But researchers have found that microaggressions correlate with racial bias.
Route Fifty
Local Officials Say They Need More Time to Spend CARES Act Money, as Future Aid Remains in Doubt
State and local governments are up against a Dec. 30 deadline to use the coronavirus relief money, a timeframe that many local officials say should be extended.
Route Fifty
Pandemic Drives Delaware to Pinpoint Internet Connectivity Speeds
The coronavirus pandemic has shown a spotlight on the digital divide and Delaware is hoping to gather more precise data on broadband deserts and connection speeds to help guide its broadband expansion plan.
Pay & Benefits
More Feds Subject to Mandatory Payroll Tax Deferral Than Initially Thought
The National Treasury Employees Union on Friday said that the Trump administration failed to clarify that the controversial initiative applies to those making $4,000 or less after several pre-tax deductions, not their gross pay.
Management
Biden’s Campaign Must Address the Need for ‘Nuts-and-Bolts’ Repairs Across the Federal Bureaucracy, Professor Argues
An upcoming series will lay the framework for a first-term agenda to fix structural government issues should the Democratic presidential nominee win in November.
Pay & Benefits
Biden Vows to Raise Federal Employees' Pay and Protect Benefits
In a questionnaire published by the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association, the former vice president said he would abandon efforts by the Trump administration to force federal workers to contribute more to their defined benefit retirement accounts.
Pay & Benefits
USPS Refuses to Comply With Judge's Order to Allow All Overtime Before Election
The Postal Service has agreed to other measures to ensure timely delivery of ballots and other mail.
Route Fifty
Florida AG Calls for Probe of Push to Help People Vote by Paying Off Criminal Debts
After Mike Bloomberg raised $16 million to help people with criminal records vote in the state, some officials said the billionaire is “buying votes” for Joe Biden.
Management
Trump’s Vaccine Czar Refuses to Give Up Stock in Drug Company Involved in His Government Role
The administration calls Moncef Slaoui, who leads its vaccine race, a “contractor” to sidestep rules against personally profiting from government positions. Slaoui owns $10 million in stock of a company working with his team to develop a vaccine.
Workforce