Route Fifty
Measles Outbreak on Pace to Be Largest in Decades
Ninety new cases were confirmed last week, bringing the nationwide total to 555, according to federal health officials.
Nextgov
OMB Officials Tout Tech Office Transparency Amid Allegations of Turmoil
Officials within the Office of the Federal Chief Information Officer say their team is working as it should in the wake of a report that suggests otherwise.
Management
Basing Laws on Nothing Is Easier Than Using Evidence
Partnerships between policy makers and researchers could improve the lives of millions—but they’re harder than you think.
Defense
Pentagon Marks First Day of New Transgender Policy
Some 1,400 service members have been diagnosed with gender dysphoria.
Management
Analysis: Top EPA Advisers Challenge Long-Standing Air Pollution Science, Threatening Americans’ Health
Are health risks from air pollution less serious than we think? Mainstream scientists call this a fringe view, but it's getting high-level attention at the Environmental Protection Agency.
Defense
How the Navy’s Top Commander Botched the Highest-Profile Investigation in Years
The Navy said it was abandoning all remaining criminal charges against sailors involved in fatal accidents in the Pacific. Here’s how the actions of the chief of naval operations helped doom the cases.
Nextgov
GSA Testing Tool to Ensure Tech Projects Meet Accessibility Rules
A government-built AI tool to ensure compliance with accessibility mandates is headed for the user testing phase before going governmentwide this fall.
Oversight
Play of the Day: The American Security Apparatus Is Running Smoothly
No DHS chief? No Secret Service chief? No problem!
Route Fifty
State's Denial of Custom License Plate Triggers Free Speech Lawsuit
At issue is the phrase “come on you whites,” an English soccer team motto California's DMV says has possible racial connotations.
Route Fifty
Texas Can Keep Secret Execution Drug Supplier, Court Rules
The Texas Supreme Court found that disclosing where the state has obtained the drugs "would create a substantial threat of physical harm" to the companies.
Management
Federal Foresight Community of Interest Turns Five
An intrepid band of analysts from across the federal government is working hard to identify the long-term challenges that should concern today’s decision makers.
Pay & Benefits
Senators Join In Renewed Efforts to Give Feds Paid Family Leave
Latest bill is a companion to bipartisan legislation pending in the House.
Oversight
Bill to Curb Presidents’ Post-Tenure Benefits Would Save $2.5 Million Over 4 Years
CBO scores bipartisan plan to reflect reality of modern ex-leaders' power to earn.
Nextgov
Nearly Every Agency Missed Their Data Center Optimization Goals, Watchdog Says
Only two of 22 agencies expected to hit all five of OMB’s optimization benchmarks by the end of 2018.
Management
House Chairmen Probe Power Industry Group’s Influence on EPA
Two agency officials in air quality office formerly worked with what lawmakers call “a secretive front group funded by utility companies.”
Route Fifty
'Phone Addicts' Are the New Drunk Drivers, Report Says
An analysis of driver behavior data found that drivers are growing more distracted by their devices.
Management
To Change How You Feel, Put On a Smile
Changing your facial expression can alter the emotions you feel, according to 50 years of data.
Management
The IRS Could Do a First Draft Of Your Tax Return For You
The IRS already has all the info it needs from 40% of filers, yet lobbying by tax preparers is stymieing efforts to make the filing process simpler.
Nextgov
IRS’ Plan to Modernize Old Tech Will Cost About $2.5 Billion
The agency is seeking $290 million this year as part of a six-year modernization plan.
Oversight