Management
Analysis: A Coronavirus Quarantine in America Could Be a Giant Legal Mess
America’s defense against epidemics is divided among more than 2,000 individual public-health departments, which makes implementing a national strategy very difficult.
Workforce
U.S. Workplaces Are Nowhere Near Ready to Contain a Coronavirus Outbreak
Americans tend to work even when they are sick, in part because of a lack of paid sick leave.
Workforce
Federal Employees Are on the Frontlines of the Fight Against the New Coronavirus
Agencies are taking special precautions to protect those workers, officials said Monday.
Management
Viewpoint: The Trump Administration Has Made the U.S. Less Ready for Infectious Disease Outbreaks like Coronavirus
The Trump administration has cut funding for infectious disease research and reduced high-level staffing for global health security, leaving the nation less prepared for major outbreaks.
Management
Analysis: Coronavirus Is Coming—And Trump Isn’t Ready
In order to combat the disease, the president will have to trust the kind of government experts he has disdained and dismissed.
Management
How Federal Agencies Are Responding to the New Coronavirus Outbreak
CDC and the White House are tapping $105 million for initial efforts while deploying employees around the country.
Oversight
In Win for Harvey Victims, Federal Judge Finds Government Liable for Reservoir Flooding
During Hurricane Harvey, thousands of properties behind two federally owned reservoirs flooded. On Tuesday, the United States Court of Federal Claims ruled that the government was liable for the flooding and that property owners are eligible for damages.
Oversight
Watchdog: EPA ‘Effectively Managed’ Hurricane Harvey Relief Funds
Inspector general finds EPA handled $11 million in FEMA funds appropriately, corrected issues found in previous investigations.
Management
The Forest Service Is About to Set a Giant Forest Fire—On Purpose
A man-made blaze on a remote Utah mountainside could provide valuable insights into the behavior of the powerful wildfires growing more and more common out West.
Management
Imelda Victims Will Receive Federal Assistance after Disaster Declaration
Nearly 900 homes sustained major damage or were destroyed and uninsured in six affected counties, according to a preliminary assessment.
Management
Tropical Storm Imelda Left 5 Dead in Texas and Many Flooded. Will FEMA Aid Come Next?
While Gov. Greg Abbott declared a state of emergency for Tropical Storm Imelda, it does not qualify individuals for financial assistance. That will have to come from FEMA.
Oversight
HHS Lacked Adequate Staffing in 2017 Hurricane Responses, Watchdog Finds
Coordination with other agencies and patient tracking were also problems.
Oversight
FEMA Officials Charged With Bribery Over Puerto Rico Power Contracts
A 15-count federal indictment accuses two former FEMA officials and a contractor with bribery, fraud and other offenses related to disaster relief efforts after Hurricane Maria devastated the island in 2017.
Workforce
Agencies Offer Accommodations for Feds Affected by Hurricane Dorian
The Office of Personnel Management reminds agencies of options for federal employees in Dorian’s path.
Management
FEMA Officials Confident About Dorian Response Despite Shortage of 2,000 Reserve Workers
The agency has deployed roughly 1,500 employees to prepare for the hurricane’s possible landfall.
Management
Despite Outrage, Moving Money from FEMA to ICE Is Unlikely to Affect Hurricane Response
The transfer could spur Congress to cut off the Homeland Security secretary's spending flexibility, however, which could have long-term impact.
Management
Lawmakers Introduce Legislation to Improve Federal-State-Local Coordination
Bipartisan bill would create an updated version of a former intergovernmental commission.
Management
Senate Panel Advances Merit Board, FEMA Administrator Nominees
The federal employee appeals board may soon have a quorum for the first time in 2.5 years.
Oversight