Federal Newscast

(1/16/24) - In today's Federal Newscast: The Senate VA committee continues it pointed scrutiny of sexual harassment claims against the VA DEI office. The government’s top and first DEI official is headed to "the happiest place on Earth." And speaking of happiness, feds in the DMV got a snow day today.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(1/12/24) - In today's Federal Newscast: Postmaster General DeJoy rejoices over new package-business customers. The National Treasury Employees Union sounds the alarm over a potential government shutdown. And with a partial government shutdown a week away, the Senate considers a short-term continuing resolution.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(1/11/24) - In today's Federal Newscast: Since June 2023, the first permanent chief human capital officer at GSA is waiting in the wings. The chief of naval operations crafts a one-page document called, "America's Warfighting Navy." And federal facilities still present physical barriers for disabled feds.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(1/10/24) - In today's Federal Newscast: The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation has a new inspector general. Holiday returns keep the Postal Service busy and raking in the cash. And more Bureau of Prisons pay incentives get the death penalty.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(1/9/24) - In today's Federal Newscast: A former federal cyber leader finds her next gig. NIST warns that American adversaries could poison AI data. And the Pentagon is ordering a 30-day review to look into the secrecy surrounding Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s hospitalization.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(1/8/24) - In today's Federal Newscast: Some TSP participants can expect some information about recalculated life expectancy numbers. The VA plans new research using psychedelics to treat PTSD and depression. And billions in cuts to the IRS have just been accelerated.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(1/5/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: Rocks are falling from the ceiling at an IRS underground storage facility. A full-year Continuing Resolution could require big cuts to agency discretionary budgets. And the latest skinny on Fat Leonard.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(1/4/24) - In today's Federal Newscast: Some 500 correctional officers are seeking justice at the Department of Justice. Former GSA executive Sonny Hashmi uncorks his 2024 private-sector persona for Unqork. And the White House is seeking a new CIO, a sort of SES tech exec.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(1/3/24) - In today's Federal Newscast: The military's Joint Staff finally has a Senate-confirmed chief information officer. The Postal Service reminds former employees that certain ethics rules still apply. And a key technology and cyber official is heading to GSA from OMB.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(1/2/24) - In today's Federal Newscast: Congress wants to know how many people have access to secret information. The Department of Transportation sees some big cybersecurity improvements coming in 2024. And the new year brings in new rules for GSA contracting officers.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(12/29/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: Some 6,000 vendors fail to comply with the ban on Chinese telecommunications equipment. A tiny agency has cleared it's backlog of incident reports in time for 2024. And the Marines Corps is looking for a new chief information security officer.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(12/28/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: Thousands of dollars in retention bonuses, are not retained for the new year. Federal facility safety stations get their first upgrade in 15 years. And Rocket Lab lands a half-billion-dollar government contract.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(12/27/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: Foggy Bottom has signed an agreement with the Smithsonian to assist in international expansion. New requirements in the law, require better living conditions in military barracks. And the Office of Management and Budget is proposing new pay rules for feds working above their pay grade.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(12/26/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: If you're in the government, you may or may not see more pay in 2024. Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) waste shames specific government spending in his 9th Annual Festivus Report. And agencies have new guidance to promote more public engagement in federal rulemaking.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(12/22/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: The National Security Agency issues its cybersecurity year-in-review report. A new document calls on DoD to improve its processes for civilian harm reduction. And the Treasury IG says the IRS needs to do more to enforce the TikTok ban.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(12/21/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: Some federal correctional officers are set to lose pay bonuses in 10 days. The White House forms a task force to fight fraud against veterans. And on its fourth anniversary, the U.S. Space Force commander says SPACECOM has reached its full operational capability.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(12/20/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: Lt. Gen. Timothy Haugh has been nominated to be the next NSA director and commander of U.S. Cyber Command. Seven federal agencies are banding together to form the Biden Administration's "Climate Corps.” And it took three years, but the Navy finally has a new acquisition chief.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(12/19/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: Martin O'Malley turned 60 this year; Now he gets to run the Social Security Administration. The Defense Department IG is warning that systemic problems with military health care, could be leading to opioids being overprescribed. And one of the Energy Department’s major labs is creating a new hub for artificial intelligence research.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(12/18/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: Army and Air Force Exchange Service employees in Germany vote to join AFGE. A company that makes bug-repellent combat uniforms, is stung with charges from the Justice Department. And HHS has developed a suite of tools other agencies can use to improve grant management.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(12/15/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: The National Defense Authorization Act looks like it is headed for a smooth landing on the President's desk for signature. Senate Republicans say they smell a rat, in the case of the missing OPM use-of-official-time webpage. And a bipartisan bill in congress aims to increase the salary of VA radiation specialists from an annual $195K to $280K.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(12/14/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: The Office of Personnel Management serves up a few onboarding reminders. The 2024 National Defense Authorization Act clears its latest hurdle. And Sen. Joni Ernst wants feds fired who get convicted of a sexual assault.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(12/12/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: Harry Coker has been confirmed as the next national cyber director. The Bureau of Prisons tries to deal with a 40% shortage of correctional officers nationwide. And as plans for a news FBI headquarters putter along, the old building falls apart.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(12/12/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: The Small Business Administration is redefining small. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency is rolling out a new cybersecurity tool for agencies. And DARPA makes plans to build a booming economy on the moon.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(12/11/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: The GAO looks to improve agency adoption of agile and iterative software development. The U.S. Space Force has officially activated its component for Europe and Africa. And GAO is projecting money for DoD's Armed Forces Retirement Homes is running out.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(12/8/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: The National Park Service offers the best customer experience in the government, according to research firm Forrester. The chief management officer is not coming back to the Defense Department. And blindsided by pay problems, certain VA medical employees might be allowed union help.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(12/7/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: DoD's Electronic Health Record problems, are still a big factor in military recruiting challenges. The GAO says the Department of Veterans Affairs is failing to detect drug felons during the hiring process. And the Senate has confirmed the new Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(12/6/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) has lifted his abortion-driven hold on military promotions. Job satisfaction at the Homeland Security Department has increased. And GAO blames staffing shortages for the failure of federal agencies to battle cyber attacks.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(12/5/23) - On today's Federal Newscast: CENTCOM's got a new chief data officer. A month after the decision was announced, Virginia lawmakers are still fighting to be the site of the new FBI headquarters. And the Internet of Things looms large in OMB's 2024 FISMA guidance.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(12/04/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: Some Senators have introduced legislation to scrap TSA's use of facial recognition at airports. The Office of Special Counsel warns federal employees about expressing partisan opinions on the war in Gaza. And Speaker Mike Johnson just received a letter saying money for Ukraine is running. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(12/1/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: GSA's Inspector General will scrutinize the decision to relocate the FBI HQ to Greenbelt, Maryland. Gen. CQ Brown spells out the dangers of a year-long CR, from his perch as Joint Chiefs Chairman. And the Merit Systems Protection Board is close to filling the final spot on its three-member panel.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(11/30/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: The Cyber Accreditation Body has a new leader. The Department of Veterans Affairs has surpassed its goal to permanently house veterans experiencing homelessness. And SmartPay celebrates its 25th anniversary with a facelift of its website.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(11/29/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: The State Department is setting records issuing visitor visas. Maryland's former governor is getting closer-to-confirmation to run the Social Security Administration. And Labor Department employees will be greeted by 2024 with less telework.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(11/28/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: Stamp prices will go up again. (That's five times since 2021). A new IARPA Program will try to expose perpetrators behind cyber attacks based on coding styles. And the Defense Department is seeking to update its acquisition regulations.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(11/27/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: The Secretaries of the Army and Air Force call the hold on the confirmation of hundreds of military officers "problematic." The GAO reports that the federal workforce is more diverse than the nationwide labor force. And improper payments crept up in 2023.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(11/22/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: The Navy has a new 14-page cyber strategy that was published yesterday. House lawmakers want to offer more help to military spouses who battle mobility in order to keep their jobs. And the National Archives and Records Administration is on track to eliminate the veterans records backlog by January.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(11/21/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: A new bill aims to raise the pay for blue-collar federal employees. CISA is expanding its cyber services beyond federal agencies. And if you'd like to ghost write for Santa, USPS has a deal for you.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(11/20/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: Postponing maintenance at federal buildings is costing the government $22 billion. The White House has temporarily filled a top cyber job. And a Senate committee has taken a big step to help end the hold on nearly 370 military nominations.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(11/17/23) - In today's episode of the Federal Newscast: The Defense Department is still the only federal department that's never earned a clean audit opinion. GOP lawmakers are trying to override a controversial cybersecurity regulation. And locality pay strikes again, as more than 33,000 federal employees will see additional raises in January.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(11/16/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: The IRS's new CIO makes a move with vast experience and success modernizing legacy technology. Several key Biden administration nominees are moving forward in the Senate. And the GSA sees record spending through its contracts for IT products and services.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(11/15/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: A Fort McNair Army civilian is guilty of charging thousands of dollars on a GSA gas card. A deputy archivist ends her federal service after more than three decades. And the Pentagon has a new responsible artificial intelligence toolkit.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(11/14/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: The Technology Modernization Fund Board awards $3.5 million to establish an online "lost and found” registry for unclaimed retirement benefits. A DoD official arrested last month for involvement in a dogfighting ring, has been replaced. And Kemba Walden will step down as acting National Cyber Director at the end of the week.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(11/13/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: GSA is setting up a new contract to help agencies mitigate their supply chain risks. Congressional leaders want an update on how agencies are using AI tools. And as you brace for a government shutdown, how about a snow day?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(11/9/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: Bain Capital has bought consulting firm Guidehouse for $5.3 billion. There’s new leadership at one of the largest federal law enforcement employee groups. And the head of the Pentagon office responsible for investigating UFOs has identified retirement as his next step. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(11/8/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: The size of the U.S. military has dropped nearly 3%. FEMA and CISA publish a first-ever guide for emergency managers to prepare for attack. And the number of TSP millionaires jumps to nearly 100,000.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(11/7/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: The GSA is pouring $2 billion into sustainable construction projects. Data brokers are selling sensitive information like health and financial data of current and former military personnel. And Jane Rathbun is losing her "acting" title as the Navy Department's chief information officer.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(11/6/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: Polaris is facing yet another protest. A federal watchdog has found multiple cases of risky mobile apps downloaded onto ICE devices. And the CIO Council has delivered a new guide for managing cloud services.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(11/3/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: In an effort to avoid problems, a Senate bill looks to mandate the use of an AI playbook. An industry association is calling for the streamlining of software compliance requirements from the federal government. And the U.S. Senate confirms the first woman to serve on the Joint Chiefs of Staff.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(11/2/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: President Biden plans to nominate a new second-in-command at the State Department. Military families could see improvements to housing, child care and school-meal access. And the Senate takes a big step to avoid a government shutdown.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(11/1/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: The SEC is suing SolarWinds and its Chief Information Security Officer for "defrauding investors." The Pentagon prepares to launch an artificial intelligence pilot program. And spending on classified intelligence activities has taken a big jump to nearly $100 billion.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(10/31/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: Gen. Eric Smith, the commandant of the Marine Corps, has suffered what appears to be a serious health episode. Agencies have received updated guidance for the type of infrastructure projects that the Buy American Act applies to. And House Republicans propose taking away billions of dollars in IRS modernization money and using it for aid to Israel.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.