Management
Here's What Deployed Federal Agencies Say They Are Doing During Protests
Federal personnel are deployed across the country to support local police and investigate "agitators" who have "hijacked" the police brutality protests.
Nextgov
Energy Curates New Tools, Unveils Funding to Assist Research Efforts Against COVID-19
Through its COVID-19 Technical Assistance Program, the department will provide roughly $500,000 to support research against the pandemic.
Management
Wonder How You’re Going to Go Back to Work? Watch the Postal Service
Having helped many of us stay safe at home during the pandemic, USPS is establishing the protocols we may need to return to work and school.
Oversight
Legislation Seeks to Increase Transparency and Strengthen Congress’ Role in Federal Spending
Both parties have “encroached on the power of the purse,” said one senator, but “this has been acutely true under this administration.”
Route Fifty
'A Parade, Not A Protest': An Interview With Sheriff Who Took Off Riot Gear, Walked with Protesters
Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson won attention for marching in solidarity with protesters in Flint Township, Michigan. He says he knows it will take more efforts to really improve many people's perceptions of law enforcement.
Pay & Benefits
Social Security Services and Scams
What you need to know about recent changes in agency operations and ongoing fraud schemes.
Nextgov
Lawmaker Wants Hard Details on Agencies’ Plans to Upgrade Legacy IT
Sen. Maggie Hassan gave 10 agencies until August 3 to answer six questions about their modernization plans—or lack thereof.
Workforce
Coronavirus Roundup: VA Is Still Struggling on Testing; OMB Stresses ‘Decentralized’ Approach to Agencies’ Return to Workplaces
There's a lot to keep track of. Here’s today’s list of news updates and stories you may have missed.
Defense
Who Are They? Unmarked Security Forces in DC Spark Fear
Mistaken for mercenaries, armed personnel from federal agencies refuse to identify themselves to street protestors and media.
Management
The Critical Need for Reliable Antibody Testing for COVID-19
While there are some good tests out there, not all are equally reliable, the director of the National Institutes of Health explains.
Defense
Service Chiefs Acknowledge Racism in the Ranks, Pledge Dialogue, Change
After days of civil unrest and several Esper missteps, each one of the service branch chiefs has begun to speak out.
Defense
James Mattis Denounces Trump as a Threat to the Constitution
In an extraordinary condemnation, the former defense secretary backs protesters and says the president is trying to turn Americans against one another.
Nextgov
Bill Would Prevent the President from Nuking Hurricanes
It came on the first day of hurricane season, in response to a recommendation Trump reportedly made in the past.
Management
Contractors for Trump’s Controversial $3 Billion Food Aid Program Have Hired a Longtime Lobbyist to Tout Their Work
Lawmakers are asking why some federal contractors in Trump’s food aid program apparently lack qualifications to deliver the goods. Companies hired a consultant to tell positive stories.
Workforce
3 Ways Your Pets Feel the COVID-19 Anxiety, Too
Pets could be feeling secondhand anxiety from their owners.
Workforce
GovExec Daily: Federal Law Enforcement at D.C. Protests
Eric Katz joins the podcast to discuss how federal LEOs were part of the response to the demonstrations near the White House.
Route Fifty
Virginia and Richmond Leaders Plan to Move on Confederate Statue Removal
STATE AND LOCAL NEWS ROUNDUP | Hawaii opens up to interisland travel this month … Tropical storm projected to be headed to Gulf Coast … Nebraska governor apologizes for saying ‘you people’ to black pastors.
Defense
Can the President Really Order the Military to Occupy U.S. Cities and States?
President Trump has warned that he will send the military into states to curb protests. Is Trump’s warning bluster? Or does the president have the authority to send the military into American cities?
Management
OMB Nominee Pledges to Work With Congress and GAO on Coronavirus Investigations
The Office of Management and Budget will “be as responsive as we possibly can,” said Russell Vought.
Management