Nextgov

Developing Standards For AI Won’t Go Like Past Technologies

Top experts and officials working on artificial intelligence say global competition has set the stage for a very different standards discussion than with past technologies.

Management

Secret Service Training Crimped by Rising Workload Under Trump, GAO Finds

Review of remedies following 2014 breach at White House cites some progress.

Route Fifty

A New Way for Firefighters to Track Their Exposure to Carcinogens

A new app allows firefighters to track in real-time their exposure to dangerous substances.

Management

OPM Abandons Proposal that Federal Job Applicants Disclose Pre-Trial Diversion Participation

Although federal officials say the plan was well intentioned, advocates decried the initiative as counter to ongoing criminal justice reform efforts.

Pay & Benefits

Separating Fact and Opinion

It can be difficult to tell the two apart in the federal retirement world.

Pay & Benefits

U.S. Postal Employees’ Retirement Assets Are Invested More Cautiously Than Those of Their Foreign Counterparts

Legally mandated strategy is not risky, but also does not produce high returns that might help reduce a gap in pension assets and liabilities, report notes.

Pay & Benefits

Early Retirement, Severance Options Unclear for Forest Service Workers Facing Layoffs

The decision to eliminate 1,100 Forest Service jobs by Sept. 30 leaves a lot of unanswered questions for employees.

Defense

Viewpoint: A Stain on the Honor of the Navy

In acceding to a White House request to cover the name of the USS John S. McCain, officers and officials revealed a rot within the service.

Management

Top U.S. Officer: Iran’s Threats Look Like a ‘Campaign’

The Joint Chiefs chairman says he saw ‘multiple threat streams that were all, perhaps coming together, in time.”

Route Fifty

Texans Won’t Need Permits to Carry Handguns After Disasters Under Newly Passed Bill

Lawmakers say they backed the measure to prevent residents from choosing between violating gun laws or falling victim to looting, but some officials question whether it's necessary.

Pay & Benefits

TSA Announces Pass-Fail Performance Management System for Screeners

Officials say the new process will cut down on paperwork and continue to reward strong performers.

Oversight

Transportation Dept. Rebuts Report that Secretary Failed to Divest Stock

Chao’s retention of shares in Vulcan Materials was approved by ethics officer.

Management

Mueller Breaks His Silence—Without Breaking Protocol

The career G-man is bound by the rules. He made it clear that the president is bound only by Congress.

Route Fifty

State Lowers Degree Requirements for Child Welfare Case Workers

The move in Oregon comes amid concerns about workforce diversity and recruiting and retaining employees.

Management

6 Ways To Protect Your Mental Health From Social Media’s Dangers

Just 5% of US adults say using social media is good for their mental health. A psychologist offers some tips to help the other 95%.

Management

Homeland Security Watchdog Issues Unusual Retraction of 13 FEMA Reports

Results of self-criticism to be fewer “feel-good” after-action evaluations.

Management

Happiness Doesn’t Follow Success: It’s The Other Way Round

Success won’t make you happy – but happiness will improve your job.

Management

3 Plants From U.S. Civil War Medical Guide Fight Infection

A 1863 guide for battlefield surgeons reveals plants with antiseptic effects. Could they help fight drug-resistant infections today?