Workforce

Trump Administration Lacks Comprehensive Plan to Reopen Federal Offices, GAO Says

Republicans say feds should swiftly go back to work: "It’s time to take our chances," one argues.

Nextgov

Intelligence Authorization Would Add to Due Process Rules for Security Clearance Reviews

Also new in the bill is a provision allowing the government to share negative information about contractors with their companies.

Route Fifty

Saharan Dust Sweeps Into Gulf Coast Region

The atmospheric event isn’t uncommon, but this time the plume is unusually large. It could pose some health risks for people with preexisting respiratory conditions.

Management

White House Advisor Sought Legal Opinion to Allow Trump to Fire Anyone In Government

A recently published internal White House document from early in the Trump administration proved to be a road map for the White House’s efforts to weaken unions and cut federal employee pay and benefits.

Oversight

Democrats Don’t Know How to Handle Bill Barr

Dems have a long list of grievances against Attorney General Barr, but the president’s ally at the Justice Department is proving an elusive target.

Defense

Critics, Allies Wonder What Trump’s Trying to Achieve with Troop Cuts

One GOP lawmaker worries “it’s going to hurt U.S. strategic interests more than it’s going to punish Germany.”

Route Fifty

Rhode Island Moves to Remove ‘Plantations’ From Official State Name

The full name of the country’s smallest state, “The State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations,” will be changed on official documents to remove the words that have an association with slavery.

Defense

Same Mission, Different Pay for National Guard

Benefits for National Guard members vary widely from state to state.

Oversight

GovExec Daily: Updating Recent TSP News

Erich Wagner joins the podcast to discuss how the pandemic is affecting federal retirement.

Route Fifty

Trump Administration Weighs in Against Hawaii Quarantine Mandate for Travelers

Restrictions on out-of-state arrivals in several states have drawn court challenges. Meanwhile, New York and two other states moved ahead with a policy like this on Wednesday.

Management

Union, Trump Administration Trade Barbs in Impasse Panel Lawsuit Hearing

Attorneys for the Trump administration argued that the D.C. District Court lacks jurisdiction to hear constitutional challenges against how members of the panel are appointed, but a judge in a separate case ruled against the government on that issue Monday.

Management

ICE Struggles to Protect Detained Immigrants as Coronavirus Spreads in Its Facilities

Hundreds of employees are also calling out from work as they say physical distancing is impossible and personal protective equipment is in insufficient supply.

Route Fifty

State Fairs Are the Latest Casualty of Covid-19

At least 15 states have canceled their annual fairs due to public health concerns amid the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, while others are moving ahead with modified, pared-down events.