Digital Government

Ignoring Trump and Right-Wing Think Tanks, Red States Expand Vote by Mail

The Heritage Foundation and other conservative groups warn, with little evidence, that voting by mail fosters fraud. But some Republican secretaries of state reject those concerns and see no alternative to absentee voting if the pandemic persists.

Digital Government

House Democrats Urge Leadership to Begin Paid Parental Leave for Feds Early

A group of 12 lawmakers said the new benefit for federal workers, currently slated for implementation in October, should apply retroactively to December.

Digital Government

Audit: HHS Not Maximizing Authorities to Recruit Scientists

The audit suggests the Health and Human Services Department should make use of the 21st Century Cures Act to recruit and retain more government scientists.

Cybersecurity

CISA Flags False Statements from China in COVID-19 Disinformation Warning

The agency also cautioned against dangerous suggestions—such as ingesting bleach—as cures for the disease.  

Ideas

The U.S. Military Has Officially Published Three UFO Videos. Why Doesn't Anybody Seem to Care?

This is the first time the Pentagon has publicly confirmed the authenticity of UFO footage.

Artificial Intelligence

COVID-19 Is Accelerating Trends in the U.S.-China Relationship

Economic analysts see a closing window for U.S. policymakers to engage with Chinese counterparts on areas of mutual interest and benefit.

Digital Government

House Legislation Would Protect Feds’ Unused Leave During Coronavirus Pandemic

Rep. Jennifer Wexton, D-Va., has introduced a bill that would ensure that federal workers who are unable to take a vacation due to the COVID-19 outbreak will not lose their paid leave.

Emerging Tech

Big Tech and Aviation Companies to Set Standards For New Drone-Tracking System

The eight vendors will set the technology standards for FAA’s Remote ID program to track drones and their operators.

Emerging Tech

Pentagon, Senators Blast FCC Decision to Let Company Share GPS Spectrum

Space Force chief, Pentagon tech leaders, and the Armed Services chairman led calls to reconsider the controversial license for Ligado.

Cybersecurity

Government Absence Leaves Big Tech to Steer Privacy for Contact Tracing Apps

Agency CISOs will have to weigh the ramifications of apps that could combine health and location data of federal employees, a security professional said.

Digital Government

Bipartisan Senate Group Urges Hazard Pay for Feds

Nineteen senators encourage authorization of a 25% pay increase for frontline federal workers during the coronavirus pandemic, along with more guidance enhancing telework, leave and other protections for employees.

Digital Government

CFPB Seeks Health Guidance for Bringing Employees Back to Offices

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is looking for advice on health protocols, personal protective equipment, and general guidance for a workforce “re-entry” plan.

Digital Government

Trump’s Intelligence-Chief Nominee Vows to ‘Speak Truth to Power’

GOP lawmakers are seeking to fasttrack Rep. John Ratcliffe’s nomination, but his careful answers did not appear to satisfy skeptics.

Cybersecurity

Defense Contractor Certification Body Says Maintenance of Companies’ Cybersecurity Posture is Within its Role

The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification Accreditation Board plans to provide more than certification and training.

Artificial Intelligence

Sammie Finalists Highlight Outstanding Accomplishments of Federal Employees

Dr. Anthony Fauci is one of 27 career civil servants recognized in the Partnership for Public Service’s prestigious annual awards program.

Digital Government

What Feds Teleworking During the Pandemic Need to Know About Complying With the Hatch Act

Special counsel releases guidance on what counts as “on duty” while working from home, and what not to do during video conferences.

Artificial Intelligence

Senator Wants Details on Clearview AI’s Contact Tracing Pitches

Sen. Ed Markey wrote a letter to the controversial startup asking about its plans to use facial recognition technology to track patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Policy

Will COVID-19 Disrupt Election Day 2020?

"We have held elections during the Civil War and during World War I despite extreme conditions, so there isn’t any precedent for this," a professor of political science said.

Ideas

To Safely Reopen, Make the Workweek Shorter. Then Keep It Shorter.

This crisis is the ideal time to make radical changes to how we work in America.