Management
Transition Roundup: Biden Announces Health Team; Transition Challenges at the Pentagon
There's a lot to keep track of. Here’s today’s list of news updates and stories you may have missed.
Defense
US Officials Say They Can Seal F-35 Sale to UAE Before Trump Leaves
But that would depend on both Congress and the Gulf state.
Nextgov
Microsoft Unveils Top Secret Cloud for Government
The move comes among an array of other cloud-driving announcements.
Tech
GovExec Daily: Establishing Public Trust in a Vaccine
University of Florida's Ann Christiano and Jack J. Barry join the podcast to discuss how officials can promote health measures to help in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
Route Fifty
State Medical Board Won't Let Doctor Practice After He Advised Against Masks
STATE AND LOCAL ROUNDUP | U.S. House approves federal marijuana legalization … Endangered tree species that grizzlies rely on could see new protections soon … Two out of five transit riders in Utah say they won’t return after the pandemic.
Route Fifty
Updated Building Codes Prevent Billions in Disaster Damages. Many Localities Don’t Have Them in Place.
Almost two-thirds of local governments haven’t adopted modern building codes.
Route Fifty
States Overpaid Millions in Unemployment and Now Demand People Pay It Back
States rushed to get unemployment benefits approved when the pandemic struck. Reviews are now identifying millions of dollars in overpayments that they want workers to repay.
Nextgov
Robotic Surgeries Are Changing the Game Inside One VA Facility
More than 60 robotics-boosted surgical procedures were performed since March—and the program will likely expand in the next year.
Management
Compromise Defense Policy Bill Includes Paid Parental Leave Fix, Allows Feds to Carry Over More Annual Leave
The latest version of the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act does not include House-passed measures blocking the Defense secretary from exempting Pentagon employees from collective bargaining.
Management
Biden Will Issue Mask Mandate for Federal Buildings
The president-elect will also encourage universal mask wearing for his first 100 days.
Management
Senators Raise Concerns Over Burrowing In, Other 'Midnight' Activities at VA
Rushed policies and hiring decisions "should be left to the incoming administration," lawmakers say.
Nextgov
Bipartisan Cadre of Lawmakers Call for Permanent Telehealth Expansion
Telehealth has proved vital during the COVID-19 pandemic, and more than four dozen lawmakers want to see maximized moving forward.
Management
Viewpoint: Move to Politicize the Career Civil Service is an Insider Threat to the Country
Two former-high-ranking intelligence community officials issue a stark warning about President Trump’s order creating a new category of federal employees.
Management
Transition Roundup: Biden Asks Fauci to Stay; USAID Watchdog Probes Possible Records Violation
There's a lot to keep track of. Here’s today’s list of news updates and stories you may have missed.
Management
While Biden’s Cabinet Is Important, Watch the Sub-Cabinet
The skills and background needed for managerial positions are significantly different than those for policy positions.
Route Fifty
With New Funding Elusive, a Governor Turns to Planning to Address Flood Hazards
Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf outlined a three-pronged initiative this week. “It’s the best we can do right now,” he said.
Route Fifty
Mayors Pessimistic About Cities' Prospects for Post-Covid Rebound
Concerns highlighted by the Menino Survey of Mayors include possible deep cuts to local education and the changing economic landscape for local businesses.
Route Fifty
Mayors and Governors Apologize for Violating Their Own Covid Suggestions
STATE AND LOCAL ROUNDUP | Auditor finds Chicago has not been enforcing recycling laws … Health officials say vaccination cards will be issued to those who get Covid shots … Provo City Council votes to preserve a popular waterfall.
Workforce
Federal Meat Inspectors Decry Lack of Access to COVID-19 Tests, Working Through Exposures
“They don’t want to know,” one employee says of his agency's attitude toward coronavirus.
Management