Federal Drive
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Apple and pear growers in Washington State are using insects instead of chemical pesticides to control other bugs that can ruin crops. It's an old idea, but not a practical one, until now. Credit goes to an entomologist at the Agriculture Research Service, who is also a finalist in this year's Service to America Medals program. Federal Drive Host Tom Temin spoke with her: Rebecca Schmidt-Jeffris.
October 05, 2023 -
In today's Federal Newscast: The IRS may have over-estimated the public demand for a government-run online platform to file taxes. OPM reminds agencies to report telework data accurately. And Open Season is fast-approaching, meaning it's time for feds to scrutinize their health care options.
October 05, 2023 -
The White House recently established a new interagency council. It's called COFFA, the Council on Federal Financial Assistance. It will consist of grant-making agencies with the aim of making financial assistance more accountable and equitable.
October 04, 2023 -
Computational chemistry may not be at your top concern, but in reality, it's a key to solving some of the world's biggest problems. It takes a massive amount of computing power, something not everyone has had access to until now. The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is collaborating with Microsoft Corp. and Micron Technology to make computational chemistry broadly available to applied researchers and industrial users. For more, Federal News Network's Eric White spoke with the PNNL scientist leading the effort, Karol Kowalski.
October 04, 2023 -
The continuing resolution, which lasts until November 17, takes a six-and-a-half week bite out of fiscal 2024's calendar. In a sense, it resets the countdown to a government shutdown, especially if House Republicans succeed in ousting Speaker Kevin McCarthy, which, in case you hadn't heard...happened. Contractors have been sorting out what it all means. For an update, Federal Drive Host Tom Temin spoke with Stephanie Kostro, the Executive Vice president for Policy at the Professional Services Council.
October 04, 2023 -
Recent analysis from the Congressional Budget Office found that on average, "enlisted personnel receive cash compensation that is higher than that received by about 90% percent of civilians of the same age and education.” So what's the best way to capitalize on that?
October 03, 2023 -
We all saw the devastation from the wildfires in Maui. One federal agency that plays a big role in helping people get their lives back together is the Small Business Administration. SBA is currently in the process of giving out millions in Disaster Assistance loans for those impacted by the Maui wildfires. Federal Drive Executive Producer Eric White spoke to Francisco Sánchez Jr., the Associate Administrator in SBA's Office of Disaster Recovery & Resilience.
October 03, 2023 -
In today's Federal Newscast: Half of America's federal wildland firefighters say they will quit if their temporary pay raise is not made permanent. The State Department has measurably picked up the pace for issuing passports. And a high-ranking DoD official has been charged with facilitating a dog-fighting ring.
October 03, 2023