Oversight
Joe Biden Tours El Paso for First Border Visit of His Presidency
He was greeted by Gov. Greg Abbott upon arrival at the El Paso airport. Abbott has been a chief critic of Biden’s immigration policies and has frequently called on him to visit the border over the past year.
Workforce
Diversity of U.S. Workplaces Is Growing in Terms of Race, Ethnicity and Age – Forcing More Employers to Be Flexible
Employers need good strategies to hire and retain more workers of color and older workers. The mandatory diversity training and requisite skills tests many of them now rely on don’t measure up.
Workforce
Retirement, Savings and Learning from Financial Classes
Sidney and Saundra Curry join the podcast to discuss financial wellness programs can serve public servants.
Defense
What We Know About U.S.-Backed Zero Units in Afghanistan
Deadly night raids. Faulty U.S. intelligence. A “classified” war loophole. Reporter Lynzy Billing’s investigation offers an unprecedented insight into the civilian casualties of Afghanistan’s Zero Units.
Oversight
VA Is Much Slower at Setting Appointments When Sending Vets to the Private Sector for Care
The department is failing to meet its less ambitious goals for health care appointments outside its own system.
Tech
‘We Have Nothing’ Showing UFOs Are of Alien Origin, Defense Official Says
So far, data has not shown unidentified anomalous phenomena to be from an alien source, according to defense officials.
Management
Coronavirus Roundup: A New Year Brings New Priorities, Including Another COVID Oversight Panel
There's a lot to keep track of. Here’s this week's list of news updates and stories you may have missed.
Oversight
Ancient Greece Had Extreme Polarization and Civil Strife Too – How Thucydides Can Help Us Understand Jan. 6 and Its Aftermath
The insights of an ancient historian show that the causes of civil unrest are often the same over time and across societies.
Workforce
Working in Isolation Can Pose Mental Health Challenges – Here’s What Anyone Can Learn from How Gig Workers Have Adapted
Gig workers navigate the challenges of solo work by seeking out relationships and cultivating skills to cope with emotional turbulence.
Management
USPS Will Make Mistakes and Learn From Them
Eric Katz joins the podcast to discuss Louis DeJoy's managerial process… and his legacy.
Management
With a New Congress, Comes Another Try for Biden’s Nominees
“We seek the swift confirmation of many critical, crucial, high-qualified nominees to serve across the administration,” said White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre.
Pay & Benefits
Employee Benefit Changes for 2023
How new pay rates, Social Security earnings limits and other factors could affect your retirement planning.
Management
Biden Announces More Resources for the Border as He Aims to Further Restrict Illegal Crossings
The administration will also expand humanitarian programs, though staffing shortfalls could hurt implementation.
Management
Long COVID Stemmed from Mild Cases of COVID-19 in Most People, According to a New Multicountry Study
While there are still far more questions than answers about long COVID-19, researchers are beginning to get a clearer picture of the health and economic consequences of the condition.
Defense
Pentagon Scrambles to Prep New COVID Rules as Vaccine Mandate Nears End
Vaccine-refusal separations are on hold as DOD develops “further guidance.”
Workforce
Americans Are Taking More Control Over Their Work Lives – Because They Have To
‘Career portfolioing’ is a trend where people assemble different sources of income, such as side gigs, to give them a measure of independence from employers who provide little job security.
Workforce
How Public Sector Women Lead
The Partnership for Public Service's Emily Kalnicky joins the podcast to discuss research on gender and leadership.
Management
The Postal Service Can Continue to Deliver Abortion Pills Anywhere in America, DoJ Says
The Biden administration confirms USPS can continue its existing practice without fear of retribution for employees.
Management
The D.C. Mayor Wants ‘Decisive Action’ on the Federal Government’s Return to Office Plans
There has been movement to get some employees back in person and assess real estate needs, but the mayor would like more specifics.
Workforce