Route Fifty

Legal Challenge Over $14 Billion in State Debt Is Sidelined For Now

A judge has blocked the Illinois case from proceeding, but the think tank CEO who brought it says he plans to appeal.

Nextgov

How an Autonomous Self-Assembling Space Robot Could Transform NASA’s Future Missions

The Archinaut One could support NASA’s efforts to reach the moon and Mars—and one day, potentially defend itself in outer space.

Route Fifty

A City-Run Database to Boost Local Arts and Culture

Lafayette, Louisiana is creating a cultural asset database as a way to make it easier to find and connect with local artists, musicians, venues, and others in creative industries.

Route Fifty

Some States Move to Curtail Suspension and Expulsion of Students

California and Texas have both made strides to keep young students—and particularly students of color—in the classroom.

Workforce

Tensions Rise Over Interior Department Relocations

Trump administration officials get personal with lawmakers objecting to the planned moves.

Nextgov

DHS: App Vetting Tools Are a Must-Have for Agencies, Despite Their Flaws 

There’s still no ideal way to integrate mobile security tools, but that shouldn’t stop agencies from using them, according to Homeland Security researchers.

Management

Unions Request Rehearing of Trump's Federal Workforce Orders Case

Attorneys argue that a three-judge panel erred in overturning an injunction against three controversial executive orders on jurisdictional grounds. The outcome could have enormous consequences for federal employees.

Oversight

Trump Administration Announces Rollback Of Obama-era Methane Regulations

The unwinding of requirements that oil and gas companies tamp down on climate-warming methane leaks has big implications for Texas, the nation's petroleum king.

Management

When a Hurricane Hits, Neighbors Are the Real First Responders

The best determinant of how well a community fares in a storm is often not what happens after landfall, but what it was like before the wind and water hit.

Defense

Alleged Israeli Strikes Bring U.S. to Crossroads in Iraq

The Pentagon is worried that attacks on Iran-linked targets could damage its relationship with Baghdad. But what does the White House want?

Route Fifty

When a Cougar Comes to Town

There have been reports of a big cat lurking in Washington’s capital city. A state agency is looking into the sightings.

Route Fifty

Texas Cities Rebounding From Ransomware Attack

Local governments have credited data backups and cyber security policies with the quick recovery and say cyber insurance will help recoup recovery-related costs.

Management

Hundreds of Thousands of Delinquent Taxpayers Could Have Their Passports Revoked

The IRS is cracking down on tax scofflaws, but some experts worry the agency is bypassing due process.

Management

Despite Outrage, Moving Money from FEMA to ICE Is Unlikely to Affect Hurricane Response

The transfer could spur Congress to cut off the Homeland Security secretary's spending flexibility, however, which could have long-term impact.

Oversight

Viewpoint: James Comey Gets a Taste of His Own Medicine

An inspector general says the former FBI director won’t be prosecuted, but scolds him harshly for his handling of documents. Hillary Clinton can probably relate.

Nextgov

Senior Justice Official Caught Watching Porn on Government Computer

The then-deputy assistant attorney general resigned after investigators found a trove of sexually explicit content on their computer.

Nextgov

CBP to Test Autonomous Drones for Use at the Border

The experimental project reached the fourth and final stage of development: testing in real-world environments.

Management

The Man Who Couldn’t Take It Anymore

“I had no choice but to leave,” General James Mattis says of his decision to resign as President Trump’s secretary of defense.