Route Fifty
From Jacksonville to Louisville, Confederate Statues Are Coming Down
Calls to remove the statues, denounced as symbols of white supremacy, were reignited in the wake of national protests against police brutality and the death of George Floyd.
Workforce
DHS to Begin Sending Furlough Notices to 15,000 Employees Next Week
Immigration agency is set to start 30-day RIFs for three-quarters of its workforce next month absent congressional intervention.
Nextgov
Energy Explores the Potential of an Artificial Intelligence Grand Challenge
The department’s new AI-focused office highlighted its intent to “push the frontiers” of AI development.
Nextgov
Federal Tech Leaders Outline How Agencies Need to Adapt to the Changing Workforce
Old hiring methods and assumptions won’t hold up in the future, according to a new report from the Federal CIO Council.
Workforce
Coronavirus Roundup: EPA Union Asks for Transparency on Reopenings; OSHA Provides Guidance on Wearing Masks at Work
There's a lot to keep track of. Here’s today’s list of news updates and stories you may have missed.
Management
Federal Agencies Have Spent Millions on KN95 Masks, Often Without Knowing Who Made Them
Government employees at several agencies are relying on KN95 masks that the agencies cannot guarantee offer the most protection. Some agencies have paid little attention to important manufacturing details and been tripped up by shifting regulations.
Oversight
House Democrats Ask IC for Plans to Prevent Foreign Actors from Exploiting Racial Tensions
“Unfortunately, we know that foreign actors have historically sought to exploit tensions in American communities during times like these,” they wrote.
Defense
Trump Vows to Keep Confederates’ Names on US Army Bases
As the military wrestles with racism and its symbols, the commander-in-chief draws a line.
Management
Analysis: Could Pressure for COVID-19 Drugs Lead the FDA to Lower Its Standards?
The FDA has sped up its approval process for coronavirus treatments, creating a new division to expedite the regulatory process. But is safety being sidelined for speed?
Employee Policy
State Department's ex-IG calls out 'bullying'
Steve Linick told lawmakers that he didn't know why he was dismissed from his post, but many Democrats say investigations of Secretary Mike Pompeo played a role.
Employee Policy
Union wins CBP case against FLRA
A federal judge ruled that the Federal Labor Relations Authority went too far in enforcing new working conditions at Customs and Border Protection.
Management
GovExec Daily: The Phases of States Reopening
Virginia State Health Commissioner Dr. Norman Oliver joins the program to talk about how Virginia is moving onto phase 2.
Workforce
Black DOJ Employees Demand Action on Police Reform: We 'Will Not Be Silent'
Employee group calls for "swift action against bias, discrimination and misconduct" and condemns forceful action against peaceful protestors.
Workforce
Census Delays Create Uncertainty for Temporary Workers
Bureau faces a series of risks as it attempts decennial count during a pandemic.
Route Fifty
States Still Trying to Get a Handle on Virus Testing in Nursing Homes
Oregon this week became one of the latest states to move ahead with a testing initiative. People have been getting sick from the coronavirus in long-term care facilities at disproportionate rates.
Pay & Benefits
Union Urges Congress to Act on Hazard Pay, Expanded Leave and More
A weekly roundup of pay and benefits news.
Insights
Safeguarding Network Integrity
For the newest on federal government cybersecurity during COVID-19, Government Business Council (GBC) issued a candid survey of government decision-makers and IT professionals on their cybersecurity status quo and challenges.
Nextgov
DOD, GSA to Rethink $8B DEOS Cloud Contract—Again
In the works since 2018, the Pentagon’s Defense Enterprise Office Solutions contract remains on hold.
Nextgov