Workforce
VA Issues Eviction Notices to Unions at Its Facilities
Unions can keep office space if they pay their "fair share," VA says as it implements Trump's executive orders.
Tech
U.S. Vets Targeted by Foreign Actors Aiming to Sway Elections, Experts Tell Congress
Actors from Russia, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Macedonia, and elsewhere gain access to online forums by impersonating vets they find online
Management
Bernie Sanders Announces Plans to Break Up Homeland Security Dept. and Expand VA
DHS is an aimless "bureaucratic behemoth," Sanders says, while VA is on a path toward privatization.
Defense
Viewpoint: How Best to Thank a Veteran? Avoid More Unjust Wars
A 2017 poll found that about half of Americans would support launching an unprovoked war on a country that poses no near-term threat.
Management
Union Decries VA Response to Lynched Doll Found in Staff Area of Louisiana Facility
Employees at the Overton Brooks VA Medical Center have questioned the finding that the person responsible was not an employee, given where the doll was located.
Management
Health Care Workers Wanted: a Veteran Needs You to Work at a VA Hospital
Americans say they love their veterans, but a sad fact has emerged that betrays that profession. Huge vacancies in VA medical centers means that veterans are not getting the health care they need.
Oversight
After Scathing Report, VA Faces Criticism for Not Improving Whistleblower Protection Office More Quickly
"I cannot in good faith direct them to your office," a top lawmaker tells the head of VA's whistleblower office.
Management
VA Office Meant to Protect Whistleblowers Actually Helped Retaliate Against Them, IG Finds
In a scathing report, VA's auditor says the office engaged in "misdeeds and missteps" and failed to discipline top execs.
Management
How Donald Trump Turned to a Comics Titan to Shape the VA
In a new book and an interview with ProPublica, former VA Secretary David Shulkin describes how Marvel Entertainment’s Ike Perlmutter and two associates with no government experience exerted influence over millions of veterans.
Pay & Benefits
Lawmakers Look to Ban 'Bribes' Federal Unions Use to Recruit New Members
Union says payments are merely rebates used to incentivize participation.
Pay & Benefits
New Program Leads to Uptick in Vets Using Private Health Care, but VA Insists It's 'Not Privatizing'
Ninety days into new initiative, VA has provided more than 1 million private sector consultations.
Oversight
Former VA Union Local Official Sentenced for Embezzlement
A former treasurer of the American Federation of Government Employees Local 331 pleaded guilty in May to stealing more than $80,000 from the union.
Pay & Benefits
Higher Pay and Parental Leave Could Help VA Address Vacancies, Official Says
Administration officials at multiple agencies acknowledge shortfalls in medical staffing.
Oversight
Officials Are Investigating 11 'Suspicious Deaths' at West Virginia VA Hospital
"These crimes shock the conscience," says Sen. Joe Manchin.
Management
‘I’m Just Baffled’: Internal Emails Show Career VA Employees Frustrated by Influence of Mar-a-Lago Outsiders
Employees question knowledge of the "Mar-a-Lago" crowd, but note importance of appeasing Trump's friends.
Defense
Trump Told the VA to Order ‘a Lot’ of Ketamine for Vets
The president wants to make a controversial new nasal spray available to depressed veterans. The agency says it will consider incorporating the drug after it has more data.
Oversight
5 Indicted for Alleged Scheme to Steal Millions From Military Members and Veterans
Potential victims of fraud and identity theft will be notified, and Defense will provide free credit monitoring services.
Workforce
Union Files Grievance After VA Bans Employees From Smoking at Work
VA says new policy will improve care for veterans, but employees say it violates their contract.
Management
'No Comment': Emails Show the VA Took No Action to Spare Veterans From a Harsh Trump Immigration Policy
The VA’s approach differs sharply from the Pentagon’s, which won an exemption for active-duty members of the military.
Management