Workforce
Coronavirus Roundup: Vice Presidential Candidates Debate Pandemic; Thousands Could Have Been Infected from White House Outbreak
There's a lot to keep track of. Here’s today’s list of news updates and stories you may have missed.
Oversight
DOJ Frees Federal Prosecutors to Take Steps That Could Interfere With Elections, Weakening Long-standing Policy
In an internal announcement, the Justice Department created an exception to a decades-long policy meant to prevent prosecutors from taking overt investigative steps that might affect the outcome of the vote.
Defense
All US Troops In Afghanistan To Withdraw By Christmas, Trump Tweets
The bewildering message came just hours after his national security advisor said the United States would draw down to 2,500 by 2021.
Nextgov
Defense to Outfit and Steer Military Dogs with Augmented Reality Goggles
Sights are set on tapping new technology to help better protect soldiers and the canines they guide.
Management
Why Friendships Are Falling Apart Over Politics
A recent Pew survey showed just how deep the divide has become, with about 40% of registered voters saying that they didn't have a single close friend supporting a different presidential candidate.
Workforce
GovExec Daily: The White House COVID-19 Outbreak
Katherine McIntire Peters joins the podcast to discuss the president's diagnosis and the workplace safety measures at the White House.
Route Fifty
Wisconsin Prepares to Open Field Hospital, as Several States See Troubling Trends With Virus
STATE AND LOCAL ROUNDUP | Texas high court blocks unsolicited mail-in ballot applications … Seattle Human Rights Commission calls for mayor’s ouster … Possibility of $200 million in workforce cuts looming in Chicago … Snow days nixed for Bangor students.
Management
Civil Rights Groups Pressure VA Ahead of GAO Racism Audit
GAO has agreed to investigate the prevalence racism at the Veterans Affairs Department after a survey revealed that the vast majority of bargaining unit employees had either experienced or witnessed acts of discrimination on the job.
Defense
Can Dr. Conley — a Military Doctor — Say 'No' to the President?
Yes, but he’s under a lot of pressure that other physicians caring for VIP patients might not be.
Management
Appeals Court Rejects Trump Administration's Renewed Efforts to End Census Early
Judges say the administration's argument was "barebones," but Supreme Court fight still possible.
Pay & Benefits
Higher TSP Contributions Kick In, and More
A weekly roundup of pay and benefits news.
Route Fifty
Cities Giving Paid Leave to Employees to Work the Polls
Facing shortages of poll workers, some city officials are allowing employees to volunteer as election workers in exchange for paid leave.
Workforce
Coronavirus Roundup: More Top Officials Test Positive or Go Into Quarantine; HHS Whistleblower Resigns
There's a lot to keep track of. Here’s today’s list of news updates and stories you may have missed.
Defense
Joint Chiefs In Isolation After Coast Guard Vice Commandant Tests Positive For COVID
But multiple officials suggested that they could return to the Pentagon this week.
Workforce
Federal Workplaces Aren’t Safe — My Husband Died After Contracting COVID-19 in One
A visibly sick co-worker and insufficient safety protocols created unnecessary risk at a Virginia facility.
Management
The Justice Department May Have Violated Attorney General Barr’s Own Policy Memo
In a memo from May, the attorney general reminded Justice Dept. prosecutors to avoid partisan politics. Then a U.S. attorney in Pennsylvania announced an election investigation that had partisan overtones.
Pay & Benefits
GovExec Daily: The State of the Payroll Tax Deferral
Erich Wagner joins the podcast to discuss the latest pay and benefits news.
Route Fifty
Trump Says He Is Shutting Down Covid-19 Stimulus Negotiations Until After the Election
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin had been in discussions with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi over a possible new deal.
Management
USPS, CBP Not Implementing Law to Stop Flow of Opioids Into the Country
The Postal Service is not receiving the data that makes it easier to detect illicit goods coming from overseas.
Management