Route Fifty
'Grab and Go' Treats and Other Strategies Cities Are Suggesting to Save Halloween
Trick-or-treating is still happening, but with new restrictions or guidance, and most cities have canceled Halloween parades, festivals and haunted houses.
Route Fifty
Some States See Better Than Expected Revenues, But Budget Outlook Is Still Tough
Evaporating federal aid and uncertainty over what will happen next with the virus and the economic recovery are casting a long shadow over states’ finances.
Route Fifty
No More Rush Hour? A Look at the Pandemic’s Impact on Traffic
The average number of vehicle miles traveled was 16% lower in July than the previous year, and rush hour traffic is now more spread out over time, according to a new report.
Pay & Benefits
Senate Democrats Introduce Bill to Make Payroll Tax Deferral Optional
Legislation requiring workers, including federal employees and military service members, to consent in writing to have their Social Security taxes deferred between now and the end of the year has the support of nearly 20 employee groups.
Management
Lawmaker Urges State to Ease Voting for Feds Overseas
The pandemic may disrupt normal procedures for federal employees voting from abroad, committee chairman warns.
Oversight
USDA Secretary Violated Hatch Act With August Speech, Watchdog Finds
Secretary Sonny Perdue needs to reimburse the taxpayers for costs associated with the speech, Office of Special Counsel says.
Workforce
Confronting Racism is Our American Duty
Any guidance on how employees can better understand and respect others is a sign of progress in a civilized society, not a threat to it, argues the leader of the National Treasury Employees Union.
Workforce
Coronavirus Roundup: CDC has ‘Limited Role’ in White House Contact Tracing; White House Employees at Risk
There's a lot to keep track of. Here’s today’s list of news updates and stories you may have missed.
Nextgov
Former GSA IT Contracting Officer Sentenced in Bribery Scheme
A former procurement official overseeing contracts on IT Schedule 70 was sentenced to almost two years in prison on federal bribery charges.
Management
These 12 Exemplary Feds Led Hurricane Response, Coronavirus Vaccine Research and Much More
Honoring the 2020 Theodore Roosevelt Government Leadership Award winners.
Route Fifty
Why We Need to Pay Attention to Police Officers’ Mental Health
COMMENTARY | A new study found that as police are under more scrutiny than ever, their mental health struggles remain profound.
Tech
The US Military Is About to Launch Its Largest 5G Experiments Yet
The “at-scale” tests could change defense networks, training, and logistics — and how Americans use the Internet.
Nextgov
Pandemic-Fighting Supercomputer Gains Upgrade through Coronavirus Relief Funds
And boosts to other U.S. supercomputing systems are likely on the horizon.
Management
GovExec Daily: Debates and the Electoral Process
Dr. Mitchell S. McKinney joins the podcast to examine the history of the format and what debates bring to voters.
Route Fifty
Militia Group Plotted to Kidnap Michigan Governor, Feds Say
STATE AND LOCAL NEWS ROUNDUP | West Virginia selected for $500 million hyperloop site … Vermont moves ahead with retail marijuana … Library worker allegedly stole $1.3 million in printer toner ... Tofurky sues over Louisiana “burger” labeling law.
Pay & Benefits
OPM Seeks to Limit Back Pay Awards for Employees, Unions
Officials at the Office of Personnel Management want to upend a nearly 40-year-old set of regulations, restricting which actions are subject to grievances under the Back Pay Act, and banning unions from being awarded attorney's fees when their members win their cases.
Workforce
Trump Administration Has Cut the Number of Federal Personnel Deployed in COVID-19 Fight by 60%
Administration officials say they have demobilized feds as missions are completed.
Oversight
Trump’s Refusal to Commit to a Peaceful Transition Is a Wake Up Call for Civil Servants
Whistleblowers can play a critical role in the integrity of the election and its aftermath.
Route Fifty
A State Provides an Online Option for Driver's License Tests
Prospective drivers in Minnesota can now take their learner's permit knowledge test online, one of several state initiatives deployed during the coronavirus pandemic.
Management