Labor Tech Office Shakeup: Shedd Offboarded, Staff Departures
Tesla engineer Shedd offboarded from Labor's tech office amid staff departures (40%). Budget scrutiny and delayed acquisitions cited. GSA role continues. 20% Labor staff loss reported.
EU Official: Gaza Situation “Looks Increasingly” Like Genocide
EU official Ribera criticizes EU's inaction on Gaza, stating the situation "looks increasingly" like genocide. She urges concrete action and calls for a ceasefire and aid access.
FBI Whistleblower Protection: New Legislation for Security Clearances
Legislation ensures conflict-free process for FBI whistleblowers facing security clearance withdrawal due to retaliation. Protects those who speak out against wrongdoing, ensuring fair treatment and justice.
Train Wi-Fi Connectivity: Challenges and Solutions
Train Wi-Fi faces challenges due to speed, tower density, and cabin design. Solutions involve telecom upgrades, signal boosting, and addressing the Doppler effect for better connectivity. Starlink and 5G are explored.
Senate Passes Bills: Whistleblower Protection & CBP Retirement
Senate committee OKs bills protecting whistleblowers & fixing CBP retirement benefits issue affecting officers hired before 2008. Legislation addresses past errors and ensures promised benefits.
Union Challenges Trump’s Order on Federal Employees’ Rights
A union, IFPTE, challenges Trump's executive order restricting federal employees' bargaining rights, citing national security concerns and First/Fifth Amendment violations. The lawsuit targets Defense Secretary Hegseth's implementation.
Trump Budget Cuts Threaten US National Labs, AI Leadership
California Democrats warn Trump's budget cuts to national labs jeopardize US technological and AI leadership, causing layoffs and hindering AI development crucial for competing with China. Labs vital for energy, security.
Ingrassia Nomination Delayed Amidst Outcry
Paul Ingrassia's nomination for Office of Special Counsel is delayed after concerns arise over his qualifications, associations with controversial figures, and denigration of federal workers. Groups urge withdrawal.
UK May Recognize Palestine: Gaza Conflict & Statehood
UK PM Starmer may recognize Palestinian statehood if Israel doesn't act on Gaza. France urges recognition, condemned by Israel. Move aims to isolate Hamas and resolve conflict. Two-state solution gains traction.
Wildfires, Staffing Shortages, and Government Response
Western wildfires are surging amid staffing shortages and criticism of government response. Documents reveal high vacancy rates and internal dissent despite administration claims of preparedness. Wildland firefighter concerns grow.
Trump’s Science Cuts: NASA & Research Under Threat
Speakers protested Trump's science funding cuts, endangering US competitiveness and research. NASA faces staff reductions and grant terminations, threatening innovation and safety.
IRS Workforce Cuts: Impact on Taxpayer Services & Compliance
Proposed budget cuts threaten IRS Taxpayer Services, potentially slashing staffing and decreasing service levels. Trump's plan seeks significant funding increases, while House Republicans aim to reduce the IRS workforce and budget. Impact on taxpayer compliance is highlighted.
Federal Firefighters: Pay, Benefits, and the Families First Act
Federal firefighters face low pay and grueling schedules. The Families First Act aims to improve their retirement benefits by reducing work hours and properly counting overtime pay, addressing high attrition.
Protecting Whistleblowers: New Act Against Retaliation
The Expanding Whistleblower Protections for Professionals Act of 2025 (S. 874) reinforces protections for federal contractor whistleblowers, closes loopholes, and shields them from retaliation for reporting fraud, waste, and misuse.
AI & Veteran Suicide Prevention: VA’s REACH VET Program
VA uses AI like REACH VET to identify veterans at risk of suicide, but faces challenges in lowering overall rates. The program aims to target support, though limitations exist in reaching all at-risk individuals. AI + suicide + prevention + veterans
UK Bans Ransom Payments to Cybercriminals: New Cybersecurity Plan
UK bans ransom payments by key sectors to cybercriminals. New plan strengthens cybersecurity, covering public bodies & critical infrastructure after rising attacks. Focus on AI, semiconductors, and water sector.
Federal Agencies & Religious Accommodations: Telework & Flexibility
OPM urges federal agencies to generously consider telework and flexible arrangements for religious accommodations, following the Groff v. DeJoy ruling. Agencies must engage in good faith with employees.