Workforce
How the United States' Massive Failure to Close the Digital Divide Got Exposed By Coronavirus
Three out of four Americans without reliable high-speed internet access live in urban areas. Most haven’t connected because they can’t afford it.
Oversight
GovExec Daily: The State of Police Reform
Route Fifty's Emma Coleman joins the podcast to consider police reform options at the federal and state levels.
Oversight
Senator Asks Inspector General to Investigate Global Media Agency Firings
The new U.S. Agency for Global Media CEO has sparked fears over politicization of employees’ journalism.
Route Fifty
One State is Manufacturing Free Masks for Any Resident Who Wants One
Since April, the state of Utah and area manufacturers have supplied more than 1 million masks to state residents for free.
Workforce
Trump Administration Lacks Comprehensive Plan to Reopen Federal Offices, GAO Says
Republicans say feds should swiftly go back to work: "It’s time to take our chances," one argues.
Nextgov
Intelligence Authorization Would Add to Due Process Rules for Security Clearance Reviews
Also new in the bill is a provision allowing the government to share negative information about contractors with their companies.
Route Fifty
Saharan Dust Sweeps Into Gulf Coast Region
The atmospheric event isn’t uncommon, but this time the plume is unusually large. It could pose some health risks for people with preexisting respiratory conditions.
Management
White House Advisor Sought Legal Opinion to Allow Trump to Fire Anyone In Government
A recently published internal White House document from early in the Trump administration proved to be a road map for the White House’s efforts to weaken unions and cut federal employee pay and benefits.
Workforce
Coronavirus Roundup: Watchdog Outlines Government’s Shortcomings in Pandemic Response; Native Tribe Sues Administration Over Funding Loss
There's a lot to keep track of. Here’s today’s list of news updates and stories you may have missed.
Nextgov
Federal CIO Suzette Kent Tells Staff She’s Retiring
The government’s top IT leader is leaving government in July.
Oversight
Democrats Don’t Know How to Handle Bill Barr
Dems have a long list of grievances against Attorney General Barr, but the president’s ally at the Justice Department is proving an elusive target.
Defense
Critics, Allies Wonder What Trump’s Trying to Achieve with Troop Cuts
One GOP lawmaker worries “it’s going to hurt U.S. strategic interests more than it’s going to punish Germany.”
Route Fifty
Rhode Island Moves to Remove ‘Plantations’ From Official State Name
The full name of the country’s smallest state, “The State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations,” will be changed on official documents to remove the words that have an association with slavery.
Employee Policy
White House designs on OPM get renewed attention
The administration’s plan to dismantle the Office of Personnel Management and weaken civil servants' protections from political interference gets a fresh look.
Employee Policy
COVID comeback with a touch of CX
Agencies can help staff adapt to remote citizen service through the development of customer experience, or CX, feedback.
Defense
Same Mission, Different Pay for National Guard
Benefits for National Guard members vary widely from state to state.
Oversight
GovExec Daily: Updating Recent TSP News
Erich Wagner joins the podcast to discuss how the pandemic is affecting federal retirement.
Route Fifty
Trump Administration Weighs in Against Hawaii Quarantine Mandate for Travelers
Restrictions on out-of-state arrivals in several states have drawn court challenges. Meanwhile, New York and two other states moved ahead with a policy like this on Wednesday.
Management