Route Fifty
Protection from Ransomware Attacks Isn’t as Simple as Insurance
In the wake of high-profile ransomware attacks, local governments are looking to cyberinsurance to mitigate risk. But not all policies are equal and merit close scrutiny, experts say.
Nextgov
DOJ Makes Another Plea for Encryption Backdoors
While officials have long framed end-to-end encryption as an impediment to fighting terrorism, the department is now focusing on its impacts on child sex abuse.
Management
Analysis: When a Vice President Becomes a Threat
The fragility of Mike Pence’s partnership with Donald Trump could soon be on high display.
Management
Shutdown’s Damage to IRS Morale and Customer Service Will Linger, Study Finds
The appropriations lapse occurred during filing season, the agency’s busiest time of year, and will affect next year’s filing season as well.
Management
Trump’s Undermining of Federal Scientists Signals Need for Systemic Overhaul, Bipartisan Group Says
Career federal scientists are increasingly prohibited from doing their jobs freely, report finds, imperiling U.S. democracy.
Route Fifty
On the Hunt for Lean Protein, Food Pantries Turn to Hunters
Across the country, hunters donate thousands of pounds of game meat to help stock food pantries in their communities.
Nextgov
Air Force CXO: We Don’t Have to Delight the User
Colt Whittall, the Air Force’s first chief experience officer, talks with Nextgov about the new role and what it will take to provide a better user experience for airmen.
Route Fifty
Enlisting Truckers to Fight Human Trafficking
Lawmakers in Wisconsin are hoping to add human trafficking curriculum to classes for commercial drivers' licenses.
Defense
The Future of the Marines Is Smaller, More Robotic, More Naval
The new Commandant of the Marine Corps lays out a vision for high-tech force that will often operate like special forces.
Defense
Pentagon’s Top Lawyer to Review All Ukraine-Aid Documents
But a Defense spokesman still won’t say when the department was told about the aid freeze at the heart of the impeachment inquiry.
Oversight
Play of the Day: The President Is Bringing the World Together
Donald Trump is talking to Russia, Ukraine and China.
Route Fifty
California Local Governments Gain a Pathway to Establish Public Banks
Cities and counties would be able to create up to 10 public banks where governments could deposit money under a bill the state's governor signed into law this week.
Nextgov
Attorney General, DHS Secretary Call on Facebook to Build Encryption Backdoors
“Security enhancements to the virtual world should not make us more vulnerable in the physical world,” they said in a letter to CEO Mark Zuckerberg.
Oversight
Federal Election Commission Faces Growing Backlog in Enforcement Docket
A long-standing problem is exacerbated by the FEC’s recent loss of a quorum.
Nextgov
Agencies Offer Sneak Peeks into Their 5G Plans
From fixing planes before they break to doctors performing surgery in real time from two continents, agency officials are already looking at how faster connections could change their missions.
Route Fifty
Want a Good Police K9? Try the Animal Shelter.
Rescue dogs, including pit bulls, are finding work as police K9s across the country.
Pay & Benefits
It’s Time to Start Thinking About Health Insurance Open Season
It’ll get here quicker than you think.
Oversight
Viewpoint: The U.S. Government Has a Secrecy Problem
American officials classify too much information, from the trivial to the politically inconvenient. The overreliance on secrecy invites abuse.
Nextgov