Management
Social Security Expands Flexible Hours for Some Workers
After months of urging, officials at the agency will allow some employees the option of working outside normal business hours to better juggle family demands during the pandemic.
Workforce
VA Says It's Providing a COVID-19 Test to Any Employee Who Asks. Employees Say That's Not True.
Employees were being denied tests as recently as Friday and a dozen workers said widespread testing is not available for staff.
Management
The Regulatory State Is Failing Us
Tyler Cowen suggests how to address some of the biggest obstacles to fighting COVID-19.
Management
Justice Department Advises Agencies on Continuing to Meet FOIA Requests During the Pandemic
Watchdogs and journalists have been using FOIA to shed light on the federal government’s coronavirus actions.
Nextgov
Advancing Blockchain Act Calls for Federally-Led Deep-Dive Into the Nascent Tech
One industry insider said it’s long overdue.
Management
Federal CIO Suzette Kent on Tools and Techniques for the New Way of Work
Federal agencies were modernizing their information technology systems and business processes at varying rates. Then came the pandemic.
Management
5 Reasons to Switch Jobs During a Pandemic
Most people are reluctant to change jobs during an economic downturn, but that may not be the best approach right now.
Nextgov
NSA Attributes Attacks on Common E-mail Transfer Software to Russian Agents
A patch for the vulnerability the hackers are targeting has existed for almost a year.
Route Fifty
A State Moves to Publicly Disclose Information on Workplace Coronavirus Outbreaks
The decision by Oregon officials comes after scrutiny over outbreaks at a fruit company there.
Workforce
Coronavirus Roundup: Trump Extends National Guard Deployments; State Department Outlines Process to Resume Passport Operations
There's a lot to keep track of. Here’s today’s list of news updates and stories you may have missed.
Route Fifty
Health Inspections Take on New Role in Monitoring Restaurant Safety
Local health departments that suspended in-person inspections of restaurants and bars are beginning to restart their programs and now have even more responsibilities than before, like enforcing social distancing.
Route Fifty
Democratic State Attorneys General Push Back on Trump Social Media Order
The executive order would direct federal agencies and state attorneys general to investigate social media companies for alleged bias in their content moderation policies.
Defense
Hidden in the New House Coronavirus Relief Bill: Billions for Defense Contractors
A section of the HEROES Act championed by Virginia Democrat Gerry Connolly would cover executive compensation and other perks for defense and intel contractors. The legislation’s wording mirrors what an industry group proposed.
Management
Analysis: The Justice Department Has Had to Twist Itself in Knots to Defend Trump on Emoluments
For decades, the department has interpreted the Constitution to err on the side of country first. Now all that has changed.
Workforce
GovExec Daily: Why D.C.-Area Workers With Security Clearances Are Doing Well
ClearanceJobs.com's Evan Lesser joins the program to talk about his site's survey of cleared job seekers and employees.
Nextgov
Government’s Annual Cyber Report Shows Improvements Across the Board
Agencies received lower scores for not holding contractors responsible for privacy requirements.
Route Fifty
As Virus Keeps Kids From Schools, New Figures Show Millions Lack Home Internet
Meanwhile, a California education official this week said it would take at least $500 million to get students there the computers and internet access they need, and asked the private sector to help.
Pay & Benefits
Lawmaker: White House ‘Overstepped its Authority’ in Demanding TSP Abandon I Fund Changes
Chairman of House Oversight and Reform subcommittee says instructing the Thrift Savings Plan not to shift international investments to a broader index effectively “politicized” the independent agency.
Workforce
New Federal Workers More Likely to Be Fired After Filing Whistleblower Complaints
Between 17% and 69% of workers in their probationary period who filed whistleblower retaliation complaints were fired in 2018, GAO finds.
Nextgov