SSA AI Chatbot: Boosting Performance & Filling Workforce Gaps
SSA introduces AI chatbot using OpenAI to aid content, research & coding, while facing workforce cuts. Aims to improve efficiency in benefit eligibility, but internal testing is lacking.
UK Seeks Trade Deal with US: Focus on Automotives & Pharma
UK Chancellor aims for US trade deal, focusing on automotives, drugs, and easing trade for US businesses in the UK. Discussions include tax policies and leveraging the strong UK-US investment and innovation partnership.
Agile Evidence Building: Modernizing Government for Efficiency & ROI
Modernize government evidence structure with agile practices. Shift from slow, costly evaluations to real-time monitoring and ROI reporting for better policymaking and efficient public services. Key is minimum viable analysis (MVE).
OPM Revives Schedule F: Federal Job Security at Risk
OPM proposes reviving Schedule F, potentially stripping civil service protections from thousands of federal workers in policy-related roles. Critics cite concerns about political influence and job security.
DOD Cuts DEI Positions: Impact & Disparities
The Defense Department reduced DEI roles after the 2024 NDAA, capping pay and reassigning staff. A GAO report revealed promotion disparities for women and minorities within the DOD. Diversity efforts lacked clear plans.
Trump, Iran, and Nuclear Deal: Diplomacy or Conflict?
Trump's diplomacy leads to US-Iran talks amid military threats. Iran's weakness and nuclear program concerns drive urgent negotiations for a deal. Key issues include enrichment and regional activities.
Revamping Federal Procurement: Streamlining for Taxpayers
The Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) are being revamped to eliminate waste, duplication, and outdated rules, focusing on competition, innovation, and value to taxpayers in government procurement.
Federal Workers Legal Network: Fighting Misuse & Firings
New network aids US federal employees facing wrongful termination or legal issues due to government workforce cuts. AFL-CIO, NTEU & others provide free legal advice and representation.
OFCCP Cuts: Federal Contractors & Equal Opportunity Concerns
OFCCP faces potential elimination amid government efficiency cuts, impacting equal opportunity enforcement for federal contractors. Concerns rise over discrimination and worker protections. Trump Admin rolls back key initiatives.
Schedule C Appointments: White House Control & HR Role
The White House is tightening control over Schedule C political appointments, sidelining HR and maximizing pay, raising concerns about qualifications and workforce reductions. Schedule C wages and appointments.
DOGE Demands Access: Interior Dept. CIOs Fired
Interior Department CIOs fired after pushing back against DOGE demands for access to federal employee payroll system. Concerns raised over data privacy and security. Leadership exodus ensues.
Trump directive aims to speed up deregulation by nixing public input
On Feb. 19, Trump signed an executive order requiring agencies, within 60 days and in coordination with the Office of Management and Budget and Elon Musk-backed Department of Government Efficiency, to identify for elimination or modification regulations that are unconstitutional or unlawful.
France could recognize a Palestinian state in June, says Macron
The French Jewish umbrella group Crif on Thursday slammed Macron’s decision to recognize a Palestinian state, calling it “an unacceptable political victory” for Hamas while dozens of Israeli hostages are still being held in Gaza.
CISA to make comprehensive staff cuts in coming days, people familiar say
CISA was created in November 2018, when a law signed by President Donald Trump transformed the National Protection and Programs Directorate in DHS into a component with more broad authority for handling cybersecurity threats and infrastructure security.
Putin wants Western Balkans as his next ‘playground,’ UK warns
In Bosnia-Herzegovina, Dodik, the fiery president of the country’s Serb-run republic, was sentenced to a one-year prison term and a six-year ban on holding public office for defying the orders of the international peace envoy, whose position was created to stop the region slipping back into war.
Trump administration moves to shutter mine safety offices in coal country
Miners’ advocates worry these closures could reduce the capacity of an agency that’s vastly improved mining safety over the past 50 years or so and could play a vital role as the Trump administration promotes fossil fuels like coal, and as decarbonization efforts increase the need for lithium and other metals.
Northern Ireland’s firms fear they’ll lose millions in Trump’s trade war
Speaking in the U.K. parliament on Thursday morning, Democratic Unionist Party MP Jim Shannon said Northern Ireland “remains exposed to potential EU retaliation,” and warned that “local businesses must not become collateral damage.”