Federal Newscast
1,818 episodes - English - Latest episode: 9 days ago - ★★★★ - 36 ratingsTHE FEDERAL NEWSCAST, (length about seven minutes), is a weekdaily, high-information compilation of nine 40-second news stories and news packages, generated by the non-partisan, non-political, private-sector team of reporters at Federal News Network. Federal News Radio Producer/Newscaster Peter Musurlian assembles and reads the stories on the THE FEDERAL DRIVE with TOM TEMIN, the weekday morning-drive program, heard from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. (ET) on the Federal News Network app (and website), on any smart speaker, and on WFED 1500 AM, a 50,000-watt 'Class A' powerhouse radio station in the nation's capital. The podcast is most popular with FNN's audience of highly educated listeners, who conveniently access THE FEDERAL NEWSCAST, 24/7, on any podcast platform . Listen to it (as just mentioned) or read the stories each weekday morning at FederalNewsNetwork.com, where the news items contain hyperlinks for those who want more information on a given story.
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Episodes
Since recent pay raise, fewer feds leaving TSA
April 17, 2024 11:28 - 6 minutes(4/17/24) - In today's Federal Newscast: A half million veterans give high marks to VA health care. The NSA is urging organizations to deploy increasingly ubiquitous AI systems with security in mind. And recent TSA pay raises have reportedly done wonders for staff attrition. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Accenture Federal Services acquires major federal contractor
April 16, 2024 11:21 - 6 minutes(4/16/24) - Lawmakers are pushing for more access to specialty services in the military’s health care system. The IRS hit its goal for the number of tax filers who used the agency's new-and-free Direct File system. And Accenture Federal Services has acquired a major contractor for the Veterans Affairs Department. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
OMB discards all COVID-19 executive orders onto the syringe-heap of history
April 15, 2024 11:58 - 6 minutes(4/15/24) - In today's Federal Newscast: Military pharmacies are finally back to business as usual after a February cyber attack. A new request for information is asking for feedback on a new part of the Federal Acquisition Regulations. And OMB disbands the Safer Federal Workforce Task Force and tosses all COVID-19 orders and guidance onto the syringe-heap of history. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
COVID-fraud crackdown has netted over $3B since 2021
April 12, 2024 11:12 - 6 minutes(4/12/24) - In today's Federal Newscast: Junior enlisted service members could get a 15% pay hike as soon as next year. A Senate committee is trying to find out why the Postal Service keeps raising mail prices. And DoJ's efforts to come down hard on pandemic fraudsters, has recovered more than $3 billion. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Since February, DHS has received over 3,000 applications for new AI Corps
April 11, 2024 12:06 - 8 minutes(4/11/24) - In today's Federal Newscast: To curb costs, Army officials are considering cuts to education benefits for their soldiers. The Army's Chief Information Officer is out with another new policy. And the Department of Homeland Security is seeing a lot of interest in new job postings for artificial intelligence. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Navy unveils new strategy for science and technology
April 10, 2024 11:55 - 6 minutes(4/10/24) - In today's Federal Newscast: An Air Force legislative proposal to transfer National Guard space units to the Space Force is sparking a backlash among state governors. NIST is seeking feedback on new recommendations for cyber incident response. And the Navy has a new strategy for science and technology. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oregon Senator fed up with data breaches, blasts Big Tech, demands mandatory standards
April 09, 2024 12:26 - 7 minutes(4/9/24) - In today's Federal Newscast: The General Services Administration is looking to eliminate the use of "forever chemicals" in federal buildings. Meantime, a couple of California Congressmen want to turn empty federal buildings into housing. And Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) is fed up with data breaches and has Big Tech in his crosshairs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Feds in fatigues, too fatigued to properly do their jobs, GAO says
April 08, 2024 12:16 - 6 minutes(4/8/24) - For another year, agencies have likely escaped budget cuts due to sequestration. CISA is preparing to host its biggest biannual cybersecurity exercise called, “Cyber Storm.” And service members are reportedly not getting enough sleep each night to properly do their jobs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Some lawmakers offer more teeth to Biden's Schedule F takedown
April 05, 2024 11:23 - 6 minutes(4/5/24) - In today's Federal Newscast: New guidance is out to improve the management of more than a trillion dollars in federal grants. The Postal Service is missing more than half its service targets for mail products on which it has a monopoly. And the congressional push continues to guarantee the death of Schedule F. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Justice Department issues data challenge to help address nation’s drug crisis
April 04, 2024 11:29 - 8 minutes(4/4/24) - In today's Federal Newscast: The State Department says recent budget cuts will lead to an overburdened workforce. The Department of Homeland Security is on the hunt for fresh cyber talent. And the Justice Department has issued a data challenge to help address the nation’s drug crisis. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
New chief diversity and inclusion officer headed to State Dept.
April 03, 2024 10:13 - 6 minutes(4/3/24) - In today's Federal Newscast: The Pentagon's first-of-its-kind Commercial Space Integration Strategy comes out this week. The Office of Personnel Management is offering a webinar to people thinking about entering the federal workforce. And a new chief diversity and inclusion officer is headed to the State Department. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Women-owned small businesses win record $25.5B in federal contracts
April 02, 2024 11:15 - 7 minutes(4/2/24) - In today's Federal Newscast: The Navy is updating its basic training phone call policy. The Census Bureau is looking to roll out a remote-work policy it drafted at the end of last year. And women-owned small businesses won a record $25.5 billion in federal contracts in fiscal 2023. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
OMB adds new category to federal requirements for collecting race, ethnicity data
April 01, 2024 11:20 - 6 minutes(4/1/24) - In today's Federal Newscast: The Defense Department has established the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Cyber Policy. There is a new section to the FAR and it may be the most important change in decades. And an OMB working group has added Middle Eastern or North African to federal requirements for collecting race and ethnicity data. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Agencies continue struggle with overspending when doling out benefits
March 29, 2024 11:59 - 7 minutes(3/29/24) - In today's Federal Newscast: The Army has opened a central office to manage the relocation of military families with special needs. A data analytics tool used to fight COVID-19 fraud might be redeployed. And agencies continue to struggle with giving too much money to citizens when doling out benefits. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Lawmakers call telework protest 'hypocritical'
March 28, 2024 11:33 - 7 minutes(3/28/24) - Federal employees donated more than $68 million to this year’s Combined Federal Campaign. The DoD abortion policy, that Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) objected to, cost about $44,000 last year. And two lawmakers call a recent telework protest "hypocritical." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Hand-to-phone combat: DoD marches toward social media to battle recruiting crisis
March 27, 2024 11:21 - 6 minutes(3/27/24) - In today's Federal Newscast: TSP participants, receiving a full match, is once again on the rise. Senate lawmakers are advancing legislation that aims to bolster the security of government facilities. And in hand-to-phone combat, DoD is turning to social media to battle its recruiting crisis. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Hackers have 'gone phishing' at State, targeting paychecks and pensions
March 26, 2024 10:31 - 5 minutes(3/26/24) - In today's Federal Newscast: Following a recent ransomware attack, the Senate Homeland Security Committee Chairman is calling on HHS to increase its oversight of cybersecurity in the healthcare sector. More Defense Department organizations are entering the Thunderdome. And hackers have gone phishing at the State Department, targeting paychecks and pensions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
With an eye toward China and Russia, Senate Intelligence Committee asks DoD for advanced civil nuclear technology on U.S. bases
March 25, 2024 10:57 - 6 minutes(3/25/24) - In today's Federal Newscast: Vendors likely will have to wait a little longer for the final solicitation of the SEWP VI governmentwide acquisition contract. Congress bumps up the Defense Department's funding for artificial intelligence for this year. And with an eye toward China and Russia, the Senate Intelligence Committee is asking the pentagon for advanced civil nuclear technology on U.S. bases. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
New bill calls for permanent, renewed pipeline between federal unions, management
March 22, 2024 11:51 - 6 minutes(3/22/24) - In today's Federal Newscast: The Defense Innovation Unit could get a major funding boost. A powerful senator is asking the GAO to review the risks the Census Bureau faces, as it prepares for the 2030 count. And a new bill is calling for a more permanent path forward for better relationships between federal unions and management. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Judge orders Army Corps of Engineers send whistleblower 'thank you letter'
March 21, 2024 11:13 - 8 minutes(3/21/24) - In today's Federal Newscast: Military families continue to discourage family members from joining the military. Meanwhile, the Army is looking to retirees to fill the ranks. And a judge with the Merit Systems Protection Board is ordering the Army Corps of Engineers to send a whistleblower a "thank you letter." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Amid safety concerns, AFGE urges Congress to increase Bureau of Prison funding
March 20, 2024 10:47 - 6 minutes(3/20/24) - In today's Federal Newscast: U.S. spy agencies are doubling down on efforts to harness open-source intelligence. A free, online tax preparation tool run by the IRS is gaining momentum. And a big employees union is warning of big dangers if the Bureau of Prisons fails to receive more funding. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Coast Guard improves access to mental health care
March 19, 2024 11:13 - 6 minutes(3/19/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: HHS is launching a probe into the huge cyber attack on Change Healthcare. GSA is ready to take the next step in setting up its new contract for cloud services. And the Coast Guard is improving access to mental health care for its service members. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Supreme Court rules public officials cannot block critics on social media, even from personal accounts
March 18, 2024 10:45 - 6 minutes(3/18/24) - In today's Federal Newscast: The Defense Department has a new director in charge of security clearances. Wildland firefighters are still fighting for a permanent pay increase. And the Supreme Court has ruled that, in many cases, public officials cannot block their critics on social media, even from their personal accounts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
White House looking to invest more in younger workforce in government
March 15, 2024 15:35 - 6 minutesIn today's Federal Newscast, the Biden administration is eyeing more investments for federal early-career hiring in fiscal 2025. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Secret Service beginning preps to welcome soccer fans from all over the world
March 14, 2024 15:30 - 7 minutesIn today's Federal Newscast, the Secret Service is warming up plans for one of the biggest sporting events in the world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Federal employee groups want to know why civilians can't get the same raise as military members this year
March 13, 2024 14:59 - 6 minutesIn today's Federal Newscast, federal groups and unions are less than pleased with the White House's proposed 2% raise for civilian feds in 2025 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
White House wants Congress to give IRS back promised Inflation Reduction Act funds
March 12, 2024 10:00 - 6 minutesIn today's Federal Newscast, the White House wants Congress to reverse a big cut to the IRS’ multi-year modernization fund. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
New instructions to help agencies to re-establish relationships with federal employee unions
March 11, 2024 15:46 - 6 minutesIn today's Federal Newscast, agencies and federal unions just got marching orders to re-establish labor-management forums. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Marines become first military branch to ever pass financial audit
March 08, 2024 13:16 - 7 minutes(3/8/24) - In today's Federal Newscast: A new-and-improved effort is underway to sell federal buildings. Agencies and vendors have until Monday to give feedback to the FedRAMP cloud security program on its draft Emerging Technology Framework. And it's not like storming a beach, but the Marines Corps becomes the first military branch in history to pass a financial audit. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
DoD slated to receive over $18B for military construction initiatives
March 07, 2024 13:07 - 8 minutes(3/7/24) - In today's Federal Newscast: The Government Publishing Office has a new CHCO. VA efforts have accelerated to hire and market jobs to military spouses. And the Defense Department is slated to receive over $18 billion for military construction initiatives. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
New House bill specifies how agencies should use artificial intelligence
March 06, 2024 12:42 - 7 minutes(3/6/24) - In today's Federal Newscast: When it comes to safety, many federal buildings can't keep up, according to the Government Accountability Office. The National Cyber Director is touting progress on the White House’s cyber efforts. And a new House bill specifies how agencies should buy, use and manage artificial intelligence. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
VA finalizes new abortion rule for all states
March 05, 2024 11:51 - 6 minutes(3/5/24) - In today's Federal Newscast: Funding for IT modernization at one agency is slated to get a boost this year. CISA says hackers are still exploiting vulnerabilities in a widely used VPN service. And the VA finalizes its new abortion rule that will apply to all 50 states. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Lawmakers weekend effort delivers six funding bills, as government-shutdown-fuse burns slowly toward detonation
March 04, 2024 12:45 - 7 minutes(3/4/24) - In today's Federal Newscast: The Commandant of the Marine Corps is still waiting to get the all-clear from his doctors, since his January heart surgery. The PLUM Book is one step closer to its hard-copy demise. And some lawmakers worked over the weekend to deliver a package of six funding bills, as the government shutdown bomb continues to tick. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
DoD contractors slip the grip of new environmental regulations
March 01, 2024 12:29 - 7 minutes(3/1/24) - In today's Federal Newscast: . President Biden names his former Labor Secretary to the Postal Service Board of Governors. The Social Security Administration is getting a new technology leader. And Congress helps DoD contractors slip the grip of new greenhouse-gas reporting regulations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Agencies need to do more to train employees on workplace sexual harassment prevention, GAO says
February 29, 2024 12:14 - 7 minutes(2/29/24) - In today's Federal Newscast: The White House is considering new recommendations for agencies to take action on critical infrastructure security. The FDA has outlined six goals driving its technology modernization. And the GAO says agencies need to do more training to prevent workplace sexual harassment. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Thrift Savings Plan board prepares for government shutdown
February 28, 2024 13:10 - 7 minutes(2/28/24) - In today's Federal Newscast: The Army is cutting about 24,000 military positions, as it restructures itself for large-scale combat operations. The Energy Department is handing out $45 million for 16 new cybersecurity projects. And the board, over at the Thrift Savings Plan, prepares for a government shutdown. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
House VA Committee Chairman takes closer look at recent sexual harassment scandal
February 27, 2024 12:15 - 7 minutes(2/27/24) - In today's Federal Newscast: The White House is shining a light on a major source of cybersecurity risks. A new policy will increase drinking water system oversight across all Navy installations. And House VA Committee Chairman Mike Bost is taking a closer look at the recent sexual harassment scandal at VA. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Whistleblowers exposing fraud pocket over $350M
February 26, 2024 12:51 - 7 minutes(2/26/24) - In today's Federal Newscast: The FCC moves toward establishing an “Energy Star” type labeling program for cybersecurity. Navy’s new council will focus on enhancing supply chain resilience. And Whistleblowing is a growth industry, as those exposing fraud pocket hundreds of millions of dollars. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Fraudster hacks federal auction website, buys truck for a dollar
February 23, 2024 12:39 - 6 minutes(2/23/24) - In today's Federal Newscast: The Justice Department has named a Princeton professor as its first chief science and technology adviser. Some new proposals for cybersecurity standards and regulations are causing industry heartburn. And an Oklahoma man faces prison time, for hacking into a federal online auction site and getting some pretty good deals. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Top DoD intelligence official retiring
February 22, 2024 12:43 - 7 minutes(2/22/24) - In today's Federal Newscast: A top Defense Department intelligence official is retiring. U.S. Central Command is about to release its own data strategy. And the U.S. Special Operations Command is seeking feedback from small businesses. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
NSA cyber official retiring
February 21, 2024 11:43 - 4 minutes(2/21/24) - In today's Federal Newscast: The Agriculture Department is launching a Digital Service Fellows Program. Lawmakers want the next military budget to focus on the well being of service members and their families. And one of the National Security Agency’s top cyber officials is retiring. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Pentagon IG not impressed by effectiveness of DoD vendors' award fees
February 20, 2024 12:40 - 6 minutes(2/20/24) - In today's Federal Newscast: The Army is looking for international innovators to share their novel technology solutions. CISA is renewing a task force to examine artificial intelligence and other critical technology issues. And the Pentagon IG questions the effectiveness of "awards fees" for DoD vendors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Congresswoman blasts GSA for making Chinese-tech purchases
February 16, 2024 11:57 - 7 minutes(2/16/24) - In today's Federal Newscast: Congresswoman Nancy Mace is taking on the GSA for making Chinese-tech purchases. The Social Security Administration is taking a new approach to try to reduce improper payments. And Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro has a few choice words for contractors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Bloody syringes in VA hospital laundry bins, inject 'better staff training' into GAO recommendation
February 15, 2024 12:49 - 7 minutes(2/15/24) - In today's Federal Newscast: The Navy has updated its uniform-and-personal-appearance policy. Bloody syringes in a VA hospital laundry bin, get the attention of GAO. And the Coast Guard has a new lead technology executive. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Feds get details via video on how snow days determined
February 14, 2024 12:42 - 8 minutes(2/14/24) - In today's Federal Newscast: A DoD contractor pleads guilty to shafting domestic suppliers, by buying cheaper parts overseas. The Navy is using AI to optimize personnel assignments. And federal employees can now watch a video on a snow day, on how snow days are determined. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
NASA names new small business programs director
February 13, 2024 12:19 - 5 minutes(2/13/24) - In today's Federal Newscast: U.S. Cyber Command gets federal laboratory designation. NASA names Dwight Deneal as its new director of small business programs. And veterans exposed to Agent Orange might soon find it easier to get VA health benefits. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Decade of pay stagnation continues for for VP, senior political appointees
February 12, 2024 12:36 - 6 minutes(2/12/24) - In today's Federal Newscast: The Congressional Research Service is hiring a new director. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services completed 10 million cases last year, to boast a 15% backlog reduction. And a decade of no pay raises continues for the Vice President and senior political appointees. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oregon senator urges Biden to fire Social Security's IG
February 09, 2024 12:15 - 6 minutes(2/9/24) - In today's Federal Newscast: A new tutorial video is out to help feds through the retirement process. NIH has a new director of its Center for Information Technology. And Senator Ron Wyden wants the IG at Social Security to be fired. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Federal-watchdog impersonators make phone calls in 'money-laundering' scam
February 08, 2024 13:24 - 7 minutes(2/8/24) - In today's Federal Newscast: The Department of Homeland Security plans to go on an AI hiring spree. Lawmakers urge OPM to do more to make feds aware of paid-parental-leave options. And some phone-calling scammers attempt to steal cash through a money-laundering hoax. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Intelligence Community gets another new big-agency leader
February 07, 2024 11:38 - 7 minutes(2/7/24) - In today's Federal Newscast: The Senate confirms Kurt Campbell as the next deputy secretary of state. The Office of Management and Budget is looking to add a chief customer experience officer to its ranks. And there’s a new face in charge at another one of the country's largest intelligence agencies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices