Management
Book Review: Voices From a Slow-Moving Nuclear Calamity
In “The Hanford Plaintiffs,” Trisha T. Pritikin gives voice to the downwinders of the notorious Hanford nuclear plant.
Management
How a Key Federal Civil Rights Agency Was Sidelined as Historic Protests Erupted
Launched by President Lyndon Johnson in 1964, the Community Relations Service has been without a director and short-staffed during recent unrest. The Trump administration has repeatedly tried to eliminate the agency.
Route Fifty
‘A Safety Net That’s Ripped’: Problems Plague State Unemployment Systems
In states like Florida and Alabama, people have struggled to get unemployment insurance benefits as the coronavirus continues to drive a flood of claims.
Oversight
One Federal Agency Was Suing Him for Fraud. Another Paid His Company Millions for Masks.
Court records show the federal government gave $20 million in contracts to a company partly controlled by a man with a history of shady business practices.
Oversight
Eroding Private Border Wall to Get an Engineering Inspection Just Months After Completion
Months after the “Lamborghini” of border walls was built along the Rio Grande, the builder agreed to an engineering inspection of his controversial structure. Experts say the wall is showing signs of erosion that threatens its stability.
Oversight
COVID-19: as Offices Reopen, Here’s What to Expect if You’re Worried about Getting Sick on the Job
Tens of millions of Americans who have been telecommuting during the pandemic are beginning to head back to the office – even though COVID-19 remains a threat.
Management
The Most Common IRS Tax Forms You’re Likely to Come Across When Filing
For 2020, the tax deadline was extended to July 15. Here’s a guide to the most common tax forms and when they’re used — as well as other things to keep in mind when filing during COVID-19.
Route Fifty
One-Third of U.S. Workers Want Permanent Remote Work
A new Morning Consult survey finds many workers would like to continue working from home after the coronavirus pandemic recedes and some would likely move to a new city or state if remote work becomes permanent.
Management
OPM Delays Annual Workforce Survey Again Four Days Before Kickoff
The federal government’s human resources agency declined to explain the reasoning for the last minute postponement aside from allowing agencies to “focus on critical missions.”
Workforce
Surge in Coronavirus Cases Raises New Questions About Agencies' Office Reopenings
Return of employees at the Defense Department has corresponded with a 35% spike in cases there.
Nextgov
Energy IG Finds Science Offices Skirt Security Rules for Peripheral Devices
Officials tell internal watchdogs securing devices like printers and flash drives is just hard, expensive and inhibits collaboration.
Workforce
Recent Legal Developments Are Good News for Feds
There are some bright spots for federal employees ahead.
Route Fifty
Dribble, Don't Spit: University Debuts New Saliva-Based Covid Test
The test is free for students, faculty and staff at the University of Illinois, where it was developed. Results are available in 24 hours, but it's unclear whether testing would be mandatory.
Oversight
South Texas Landowners Are Hoping to Use President Trump's Own Words Against Him in a New Border Wall Lawsuit
Landowners are alleging that the construction of the barrier is driven by little more than racism and politics and is therefore unconstitutional, according to a new lawsuit.
Workforce
Coronavirus Roundup: National Archives Took on Black History Project During Telework; CDC and Outside Experts Are Working to Determine Who Gets Vaccine First
There's a lot to keep track of. Here’s today’s list of news updates and stories you may have missed.
Management
Supreme Court Upholds American Indian Treaty Promises, Orders Oklahoma To Follow Federal Law
Land in what is now eastern Oklahoma, which was granted to the Creek Nation by Congress in 1833, is still under tribal sovereignty, the Supreme Court ruled.
Nextgov
COVID-19 Could Change Government Contact Centers Forever
The pandemic has forced major changes in the way federal agencies serve customers.
Defense
Top U.S. General Slams Confederacy As ‘Treason’, Signals Support For Base Renaming
“Those generals fought for the institution of slavery,” Gen. Mark Milley told a House hearing.
Tech
Digital Contact Tracing’s Mixed Record Abroad Spells Trouble for U.S. Efforts to Rein in COVID-19
Effective national leadership and trust in government appear to be prerequisites for countries to achieve widespread digital contact tracing.
Oversight