Management
Almost 150 Groups Call for Better Whistleblower Protections for Contractors, Grantees
The diverse coalition sent a letter to Congress on Wednesday.
Nextgov
Air Force to Build New Center to Study and Enhance Directed Energy Capabilities
Experts expect the technology to play a major role in some future weapon systems.
Workforce
5 Ways to Turn Your Anxiety into Something Useful
The author of a new book has some tips on how you can transform your anxiety into a "superpower." One tip is as simple as looking at your phone les
Workforce
GovExec Daily: What do Feds Really Want at their Workplaces?
Accenture's Britaini Carroll joins the podcast to discuss research on how to support and retain top talent.
Management
91% of VA Health Care Workers Submitted COVID-19 Vaccine-Related Data
“The goal of the disciplinary process is not to fire people,” but rather “get people vaccinated,” said the VA secretary.
Workforce
Federal Judge Declines to Block Vaccine Mandate for Feds
Judge says the challenge is both premature and unlikely to supersede the public interest in ending the pandemic.
Nextgov
DHS Researching Public Perception of Facial Recognition and AI Use
The Department of Homeland Security is collecting privacy concerns as critics fight to ban facial recognition outright.
Oversight
13 Trump Officials Found to Have Violated the Hatch Act Ahead of 2020 Election
The Trump administration had a “willful disregard” for the law, Office of Special Counsel says.
Workforce
Social Security Employees Slated to Return to Offices in January
Restrictions on telework and confusing vaccine rules for visitors to SSA offices rankle union officials, who have demanded to bargain over employees’ reentry to their traditional worksites.
Route Fifty
The Cost for States to Expand Free Pre-K Under the Biden Plan
The Build Back Better proposal provides money for free preschool for 3- and 4-year-olds. States are required to contribute a percentage and will likely incur costs for workforce development, pay increases and adjusting elementary school curriculum.
Defense
‘Our Job Is Not Done’: How Women Veterans in Congress Continue to Help Afghan Refugees
These policymakers are pressing the Biden administration to protect Afghan refugees, specifically women and children.
Nextgov
Critical Update: Veterans Affairs Applies Mixed Reality Tech to Solve Real-World Health Issues
Department officials are exploring virtual worlds and using artificial intelligence to transform medical treatments.
Defense
Veterans Day: How Crosses and Mementos Help These Marines Remember Fallen Comrades
For some military members, a hillside in California embodies the sacrifices of serving.
Workforce
GovExec Daily: Report Finds GSA Failed to Remove Hazardous Materials from Facility For Years
Erich Wagner joins the podcast to discuss an OSC documenting a whistleblower’s allegations.
Management
Labor Department Works to Rescind ‘Problematic’ Contractor Rule
The Trump-era rule clarified religious protections for federal contractors, which many critics argued would allow for discrimination.
Tech
Is COVID-19 Here to Stay? A Team of Biologists Explains What It Means for a Virus to Become Endemic
Some viruses go extinct, while others stick around. The virus that causes COVID-19 seems likely to remain with us for the long term.
Nextgov
White House Highlights Cybersecurity Benefit in Infrastructure Package
Along with more than $1 trillion in funding, the House-passed bill moves to the president’s desk with new authorities for relevant agencies and officials.
Workforce
Coronavirus Roundup: Court Temporarily Blocks OSHA Vaccine Rule, Defense Ships Vaccines for Military Children Overseas
Here’s today’s list of news updates and stories you may have missed.
Defense
Plan to Draft Women is Uniting Unlikely Political Allies
Anti-war activists and conservative hawks both want women to stay out of the Selective Service System.
Oversight