Defense
62% Disapprove of Trump’s Coronavirus Response, Reader Survey Finds
Most respondents feel “less safe” because of the president’s actions. Esper gets higher marks, but many fear premature reopening.
Management
GovExec Daily: Postal Leadership and Financial Issues
Michael Plunkett joins the podcast to examine the financial troubles and management changes at USPS.
Route Fifty
Many Americans Were on Shaky Financial Ground When Virus Hit
This is underscored by a new report from the Federal Reserve, which also highlights how job losses during the coronavirus outbreak have been severe for lower earners.
Management
Arbitrator Finds Social Security Violated Federal Labor Law in Negotiations with Administrative Law Judges
An independent arbitrator rules that SSA management engaged in bad faith bargaining by repeatedly withholding information from a union representing the judges as the parties were preparing to negotiate a new contract.
Nextgov
TSA Issues Road Map to Tackle Insider Threat With Artificial Intelligence
The agency says protection of privacy and civil liberties will be a guiding principle.
Oversight
Lawmakers Press the Trump Administration for More Transparency on Coronavirus Drug Distribution
Inquiry comes after reports of a chaotic initial rollout.
Workforce
‘I Was Met With Indifference’: Whistleblower Testifies on HHS Leaders' Response to His Early Coronavirus Concerns
Former vaccine agency director removed from position after speaking out implores Trump administration to let federal scientists "speak truthfully without fear of retribution."
Pay & Benefits
How Long Does It Take To Get a TSP Withdrawal?
A look at the process of taking money out of your retirement savings.
Oversight
Pence’s 'Special Envoy' in Foreign Aid Office Sparked an Ethics Complaint Just Weeks After He Started His Job
Weeks before joining the administration, Max Primorac, a USAID appointee and adviser to Vice President Mike Pence, pushed the business interests of a client to an organization funded by USAID.
Route Fifty
For Firefighters Battling Wildfires, Coronavirus Adds New Risks to Already Dangerous Job
States plan to change many usual practices to help prevent the disease from spreading among firefighters, as well as evacuees.
Nextgov
GSA Seeks Support for Challenge Sites, Including Potential New Challenge X Lab
The crowdsourcing Challenge.gov and Citizenscience.gov need program support, as does a potential new testbed for agencies.
Workforce
Coronavirus Roundup: Unions Support New Stimulus Package; Pentagon to Purchase Protective Gear for Nursing Homes
There's a lot to keep track of. Here’s today’s list of news updates and stories you may have missed.
Route Fifty
Pennsylvania Attorney General Opens Criminal Investigations Into Nursing Homes Deaths
State Attorney General Josh Shapiro says he wants to determine if management is at fault for the thousands of residents who have died in his state.
Nextgov
Agencies Lean Into Automation During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Robotic process automation is accelerating across the National Institutes of Health, Internal Revenue Service and Housing and Urban Development Department.
Defense
A ‘Mass Breakout’ of ISIS from Syrian Prisons Remains a Risk, Pentagon Watchdog Says
The coalition has had “little or no direct access” to the facilities since Turkey’s October invasion.
Oversight
A Trump Official Tried to Fast-Track Funding for His Friend’s Unproven COVID-19 'Treatment,' Whistleblower Says
Whistleblowing virologist Rick Bright says that his Trump-appointed boss tried to fast-track funding for a friend’s coronavirus treatment, and that he was reassigned for insisting that funding be reserved for “safe and scientifically vetted solutions.”
Management
Gen Z Doesn’t Want to Work for the Government
Here are three things agencies can do to appeal more to these young, tech-savvy workers.
Management
GovExec Daily: Racial Disparities in Coronavirus Treatment
Dr. Tina Sacks joins the show to discuss how the federal government can bridge the gaps in health care and outcomes for racial minorities during and after the pandemic.
Route Fifty