Digital Government
Employers in D.C. Region Expect Some Remote Work Into Mid-2021, Survey Finds
About 60% of respondents anticipated less than a third of workers would return to the office by early September because of coronavirus risks. Some are planning for a portion of staff to still be working remotely even next summer.
Policy
Bill Would Prompt USDA Intelligence Office to Probe Foreign Threats to America’s Agriculture
The legislation comes amid reports of Americans receiving and planting unsolicited “mystery seeds” reportedly arriving from China.
Artificial Intelligence
Defense Innovation Board Adopts AI Testing, Digital Workforce Recruitment Resolutions
The board pushed the department to embrace remote work beyond the pandemic as a tool to attract more civilian talent.
Cybersecurity
Justice Department Charges 5 Chinese Nationals with Hacking More than 100 Companies
Two Malaysian businessmen also were arrested in Malaysia and face extradition in related charges.
Digital Government
Calls for Investigations, Resignations Ramp Up Over Allegations of Political Interference at Federal Agencies
Democrats are probing potential improper political influence at several different agencies across government.
Ideas
Strict Distancing Keeps Your COVID Risk Much Lower
Using public transportation, visiting a place of worship, or otherwise traveling from the home is associated with a significantly higher likelihood of testing positive, the researchers report.
Cybersecurity
Wanted: Poll Workers Able to Brave the Pandemic
Election officials in many states are anticipating severe shortages of people to run the polls on Nov. 3.
Cybersecurity
What the U.S. Needs to Do to Secure Election 2020
Concerns extend far beyond safeguarding insecure voting machines and questions about voting by mail.
Modernization
Bipartisan House Bill Targets Improving Digital Identity Verification
Lawmakers aim to help confront and curb identity theft through strategic modernization.
Digital Government
House Democrat Seeks to Hold IGs Accountable for Reviewing Agencies’ Reopenings
Most of the watchdog offices contacted by Rep. Connolly plan to conduct some form of review.
Emerging Tech
Bill Would ‘Jumpstart’ Planning Process for Beefing up Border Security Tech
The bill, announced by Rep. Elissa Slotkin, would require the Homeland Security Department to develop a comprehensive border security technology strategy.
Emerging Tech
City Ban on Business Use of Facial Recognition Tech Said to Be a First
Elected leaders in Portland, Oregon approved the measure this week.
Digital Government
DOD Explains How Contractors Will Get Reimbursed for COVID Expenses—If Congress Cuts a Check
Ellen Lord says the bill would come to $10 billion to $20 billion.
Ideas
It’s Time to Shore up the Universal Service Fund So It Can Live up to Its Name
Congress needs to create a solution that reflects how Americans actually use telecommunications services rather than how we once did.
Digital Government
'Perfect Storm' Threatens 'Major Institutional Defeat' for the Census, Top Watchdog Says
The decennial count is ahead of schedule overall, but a condensed schedule and hiring shortfalls are creating significant risks.
Artificial Intelligence
How the Pentagon’s JAIC Says It’s Prioritizing Ethics In Its AI-Driven Pursuits
Joint Artificial Intelligence Center officials stay connected with stakeholders through an executive steering group and other working groups.
Ideas
What a Smoky Bar Can Teach Us about the '6-Foot Rule' During the COVID-19 Pandemic
It’s important to understand the rule's limitations.
Artificial Intelligence
House Energy and Commerce Greenlights Bill to Explore AI, Blockchain Use for Consumer Safety
The proposed studies could pave the way for new legislation regulating the tech.
Cybersecurity
Cyber Commission Suggests Reforms to Allow Flexible Pay, Hiring to Boost Workforce
Prospective federal employees might be turned off by cybersecurity jobs being classified as IT.
Digital Government