Management
Analysis: As Colorado River Basin States Confront Water Shortages, It’s Time to Focus on Reducing Demand
A long-expected federal drought declaration underlines how serious the Colorado River water shortage has become for Western states.
Workforce
GovExec Daily: OPM Makes It Easier For Agencies to Hire Interns
Erich Wagner joins the podcast to discuss new Office of Personnel Management regulations.
Management
Biden Announces Pick to Lead the National Park Service
If confirmed by the Senate, Charles Sams III would become the first permanent leader in the position in over four years.
Route Fifty
States Turn to Recruiting and Retention Bonuses for Police
Florida’s governor was the latest to propose such a perk, as law enforcement agencies across the country struggle to find and keep officers.
Pay & Benefits
Another Vaccination Incentive for Feds, and More
A weekly roundup of pay and benefits news.
Workforce
Biden Proposes Dramatic Hiring Surge in Asylum Workforce as Part of Immigration Overhaul
The administration is looking to more than double the number of asylum employees as it shifts responsibilities between agencies.
Management
‘All the Signs Have Been There’ Predicting Afghan Security Force Collapse, IG Says
For more than a decade, the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction has been warning about “ghost soldiers” and corruption to anyone willing to pay attention.
Pay & Benefits
Federal Firefighters to See Pay Increase Next Week
The pay raise, intended to ensure firefighters receive at least $15 per hour, was promised by President Biden earlier this year and will be retroactive to June 30.
Nextgov
Background Check Agency Wants a Social Media Search Tool
The Defense Department office charged with investigating potential insider threats wants to use social media to add context to allegations.
Management
CDC to Launch New Disease Forecasting Center
The organization, funded by the American Rescue Plan, will focus on predicting outbreaks and sharing information about them.
Nextgov
California Lawmakers Call for NOAA-Led Research Testbeds to Study and Stop Wildfires
The legislation would commit $15 million to such a pursuit in fiscal 2022.
Management
Federal Vaccine Program Hasn’t Helped Those Whose Lives Were Altered by COVID-19 Shot
A national vaccine court has paid out billions to families who could prove their kids were injured by vaccines. But there’s only a skeletal program for the rare victims of covid vaccination, raising concerns as the pressure for mandated shots grows.
Defense
Afghanistan Veterans Struggling With News of Taliban Takeover
Advocates encourage veterans to use VA, veteran service organization resources for help.
Defense
U.S. Ramps Up Emergency Kabul Airlift to Get 5,000 to 9,000 Out Per Day
American commanders are in direct talks with Taliban, who now control all outside access to the airport
Management
Deb Haaland Asks America to Teach the History It Doesn’t Want to Repeat
Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland, first Native American Cabinet member, said that "history doesn't change," but that "we can choose not to learn about it."
Management
GovExec Daily: How Will Feds Prove That They're Vaccinated?
Courtney Bublé joins the podcast to discuss the procedures that public servants will follow for Biden's mandate.
Route Fifty
This Week in Federal Funding
In the Aug. 17 edition, we talk with Shamiah Kerney, director of Baltimore's new Office of Recovery Programs. Also, updates from St. Louis, Hoboken, N.J., and Memphis.
Route Fifty
Poll Finds Weak Support for State Bans on Local Mask Mandates
The survey results come as state and local officials in some places battle over mask policies, and as cases of the virus swell.
Route Fifty
States Snag $240M to Combat Unemployment Fraud
The federal grant funding can be used to pay for identity verification services, cybersecurity, or other expenses related to fraud detection.
Management