Management
Coronavirus Roundup: House Republicans Take Aim At COVID Policies
There's a lot to keep track of. Here’s a list of this week’s news updates and stories you may have missed.
Oversight
Special Counsels, like Those Examining Biden’s and Trump’s Handling of Classified Documents, Are Intended to Be Independent – but They Aren’t Entirely
Special counsels can help administrations avoid the perception of bias, but politics is never fully out of the picture.
Workforce
Remote Work Has Made Developing Relationships with Colleagues Harder – Here’s What Workers and Bosses Need Now
Hybrid and remote-heavy work setups have fundamentally changed how people interact at ‘the office.’ What do workers and managers want out of the workplace now?
Workforce
It's OK to Feel Optimistic About Governing and Democracy
Lisa Parshall joins the podcast to discuss the ways the Biden Administration
Oversight
The Commerce Dept. Needs Better Oversight of its Law Enforcement Unit, IG Found
The unit handles investigations and enforcement actions on violations related to export laws and regulations, and the bureau that houses it has become “even more important amid Russia’s war and rising U.S.-China tensions,” one analyst observed.
Management
Mail and Package Volume Dipped During the 2022 Holiday Season, but USPS Delivered More Quickly
The Postal Service also sped up ballot delivery during the 2022 midterms.
Workforce
Feds Mull Changes to Cannabis Questions on Vetting Forms
A plan to modernize intake forms for candidates for government service could include revisions to the type of questions asked about marijuana use.
Defense
Lawmakers Slam Colleagues’ Talk of 2024 Defense Cuts
Still, Rep. Jordan insists “everything” is on the table.
Workforce
House Overseers Are Looking Into the GSA Administrator’s Telework
GOP-led committee is seeking details about Robin Carnahan's work arrangements, as it attempts to get more federal employees back in the office .
Oversight
America’s Biggest Museums Fail to Return Native American Human Remains
The remains of more than 100,000 Native Americans are held by prestigious U.S. institutions, despite a 1990 law meant to return them to tribal nations. Here’s how the ancestors were stolen — and how tribes are working to get them back.
Workforce
Why Do Americans Fear Government So Much?
Lisa Parshall joins the podcast to discuss the new edition of her book on the administrative state and the differences in administration between Donald Trump and Joe Biden.
Pay & Benefits
How to Calculate Your 2023 Pay Raise, and More Pressure to Return to the Office
A weekly roundup of pay and benefits news.
Management
5 States Challenged the Federal Contractor Wage Increase and Lost
But this may not be the end of the dispute, which stems from an April 2021 executive order.
Pay & Benefits
Board Again Significantly Scales Back Marquee Federal Employee Firing Law
Tens of thousands of workers will no longer be eligible for expedited removal.
Management
What Keeps Public Employees In Their Jobs? It’s Not Just Pay
There are several factors more important than money in reducing staff turnover among government workers, a new study shows.
Tech
The VA’s Initiative to Recruit Laid Off Tech Workers is Paying Off, Official Says
Ongoing efforts to recruit high-skilled professionals displaced by layoffs across the tech sector are helping to fill a host of tech-related vacancies in the department.
Oversight
Burning Man Sues BLM Over Geothermal Project
The nonprofit behind the festival says that the agency failed to comply with the National Environmental Policy Act when it ruled in October that the exploration project would have “no significant impact,” meaning it doesn’t require a more rigorous environmental review.
Breaking News
Defense
Pentagon Rescinds COVID-Vaccine Mandate
The move was required by the 2023 defense policy bill. Troops who were ejected for refusing the vaccine may petition for a change in their discharge status.
Workforce