Management
10 surprising things about the ‘deep state’—starting with the Roman Emperor Caligula
COMMENTARY | There are basic truths that never go away, a former dean at the University of Maryland School of Public Policy explains.
Defense
One more hold: USAF colonel who urged conversations about racism
Missouri senator blocks promotion of author of “Dear white colonels” op-ed.
Management
Education Department withholds payments from student loan servicers
The department says Maximus' Aidvantage subsidiary, EdFinancial and Nelnet are not sending timely and accurate statements to borrowers.
Management
10 strategies HHS could use to bolster its preparedness for public health emergencies
COMMENTARY | The Health and Human Services Department should lean in on improving employee engagement and collaboration, writes one observer.
Tech
Agencies eye synthetic data to help train and test AI
The Department of Homeland Security and Chief Data Officers Council put out calls recently for products and insight on synthetic data generation.
Management
OMB head 'not optimistic' about avoiding a government shutdown
Congress is back this week with a short clock to pass a 2024 budget or extend the existing stopgap measures funding the government.
Pay & Benefits
Union decries end to retention pay at embattled Illinois prison
Labor leaders at Federal Correctional Institute Thomson said the Bureau of Prisons’ termination of a short-lived initiative to retain employees at the rural facility with a 25% boost to pay will cause hundreds to leave the agency.
Management
VA to begin researching psychedelics as treatment option for veterans
Some evidence suggests the substances can assist with PTSD and depression.
Workforce
Employees need drastic reskilling to deal with generative AI’s data needs
Data analysts are just one part of the picture, observers said. Governments will also need data architects and business analysts, as well as ethicists to help with its responsible use.
Management
How successful are President’s Management Agendas?
The White House touted the recent gains it made in workforce and customer experience goals in the latest update to the governmentwide management plan, but the tangible effects of PMAs often tend to be more gradual.
Workforce
OPM’s latest telework report highlights productivity gains
The annual telework report covers fiscal 2022, though officials promised that recent policy changes will improve data collection and analysis moving forward.
Defense
Flight recorder found as Pentagon investigates deadly Osprey crash
Military’s entire fleet of V-22s remains grounded.
Management
USPS struggles with theft as it begins ordering charging stations for forthcoming EVs
A review praised the mailing agency for ensuring the chargers would work.
Pay & Benefits
Planning a career change in 2024?
If a new career outside of the federal workforce is on your list of resolutions, here are a few things you need to know about your benefits.
Tech
Many agencies fail to meet tech accessibility mandates, report finds
The congressionally mandated report from the General Services Administration follows first-in-a-decade guidance on Section 508 released in December.
Workforce
OPM authorizes hiring flexibilities for AI
Government hiring tools like direct hire and Schedule A appointments are meant to help with an executive order-mandated AI talent surge into the government.
Workforce
Could ketamine use cause problems for your security clearance eligibility?
COMMENTARY | When it comes to drug treatments, there’s one key to staying on the right side of a security clearance adjudication.
Management
House GOP is obstructing progress at the border by blocking staffing surge, White House says
Republicans move forward with DHS secretary impeachment proceedings as the administration engages in border negotiations.
Pay & Benefits
When do Roth conversions make sense for your retirement funds?
Paying federal taxes now may be better for you in the long run, explains one financial advisor.
Workforce