IRS News Today — October 22, 2026
HHS telework rollback challenge upheld by FLRA and more — today's irs signal.
The use of technology and management practices in government agencies is under scrutiny today. A recent decision by the Federal Labor Relations Authority upheld a challenge to a rollback of telework policies at the Department of Health and Human Services, highlighting ongoing tensions between agencies and their employees over workplace flexibility. Meanwhile, an investigation found that US Citizenship and Immigration Services may have artificially lowered employee performance ratings under a forced distribution mandate, raising questions about fairness and transparency in performance evaluations.
These stories come as governments at all levels increasingly turn to technology and data-driven tools to carry out their missions. For example, a state government recently touted the safety of resident data used in a new artificial intelligence tool, but advocates expressed concerns about potential risks and lack of transparency. As government agencies continue to navigate the use of new technologies and management practices, issues of fairness, transparency, and employee experience are likely to remain front and center.
Today's signal:
• HHS telework rollback challenge upheld by FLRA (govexec.com)
• ‘It’s The Price is Right’: How USCIS artificially deflated employee ratings under forced distribution mandate (govexec.com)
• State says resident data is safe with state AI tool. Advocates have concerns. (route-fifty.com)