Tech
Astronaut Advice: How to Cope with Social Distancing
If you think social distancing is tough, imagine doing it in space. Veteran astronaut Michael E. Fossum offers some tips on coping with isolation.
Workforce
How to Listen to Your Loved Ones with Empathy when You Yourself Are Feeling the Strain of Social Distancing
When you are stuck at home during social distancing, it's only natural to feel on edge at times. So how do you listen to a loved one who is on edge, too?
Route Fifty
Federal Aid Critical for Closing West Virginia Budget Gap, Republican Governor Says
State revenues are lagging by about $200 million. Without enough federal funds to help bridge that shortfall, Gov. Jim Justice warns “you're going to have a bankrupt state.”
Route Fifty
Coastal Towns Weigh Reopening Beaches Before Memorial Day
Towns with economies that rely on summer tourism are anxious to reopen, but leaders don’t know when it will be safe to do so.
Management
Americans Support Postal Service Bailout, Polls Show
Trump has said he would oppose any effort to provide financial assistance to the cash-strapped agency.
Nextgov
Citing Cyber Threats, Trump Orders Ban on Buying Energy Sector Equipment from Foreign Adversaries
Some stakeholders say Commerce Department rules to implement a similar order about telecommunications equipment from last May are “impossible” to comply with.
Workforce
What Feds Teleworking During the Pandemic Need to Know About Complying With the Hatch Act
Special counsel releases guidance on what counts as “on duty” while working from home, and what not to do during video conferences.
Route Fifty
One Governor's Plan to Provide Free Tuition to Essential Workers
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's proposal would offer a "tuition-free" pathway to post-secondary education to grocery store employees, delivery people and sanitation workers, as well as health care workers on the frontlines during the coronavirus pandemic.
Workforce
Coronavirus Roundup: IRS Issues Stimulus Payment Deadline Reminder, Watchdog Has Advice for HHS and IRS
There's a lot to keep track of. Here’s today’s list of news updates and stories you may have missed.
Nextgov
Labor Wants Feedback on Checklist for Modernizing State Unemployment Systems
The federal agency seeks input on the mandatory guidance it released to help states prevent service disruptions as they update their technology.
Defense
Navy Picks Wisconsin’s Fincantieri Marinette Marine to Build New Frigate
Awarded months ahead of schedule, the contract further solidifies the shipbuilder’s U.S. foothold.
Management
NASA’s Jane Datta On the People Part of the Space Mission
In a time of pandemic, serving as the space agency’s chief human capital officer presents unprecedented challenges.
Defense
U.S. Intel Community Says Coronavirus Was Not Made In a Lab
The statement from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence comes after months of speculation and disinformation.
Oversight
Grieving Families Need Help Paying for COVID-19 Burials, but Trump Hasn’t Released the Money
FEMA has helped pay for the burials of victims of past disasters. But months into the coronavirus pandemic, the Trump administration has sat on similar requests. Families of COVID-19 victims have been forced to turn to religious centers and GoFundMe.
Workforce
Federal Inspectors Are Fearful, Angry About Trump's Order to Reopen Outbreak-Stricken Meat Plants
USDA is still not providing masks and is doing "absolutely nothing" to protect workers, inspectors say.
Nextgov
House Lawmakers Press HHS Secretary for Details on Contact Tracing Programs
States are turning to smartphone apps and other digital tools that could compromise privacy, the lawmakers wrote.
Management
Legislation Would Designate a Civilian Official to Oversee Acquisition of Medical Supplies, Bolster Transparency
Process of getting equipment to front-line workers during the coronavirus pandemic has been “absolute chaos” so far, bill sponsor says.
Nextgov
How the Justice Department is Permitted to Use Counter-Drone Technology
The guidance enables the agency and its subcomponents to intercept, damage or destroy threatening drones in some cases.
Pay & Benefits
Lawmakers Prepare New Legislation to Protect TSA Employees During Pandemic
House Democrats will push to pass bills guaranteeing health care and workers compensation benefits for part time transportation security officers.
Pay & Benefits