What We’re Reading This Week

Here’s a selection of articles the Federal Relations team is reading this week.

Old Building$$ – While specifically about aging infrastructure on college campuses of agricultural research buildings, it really rings true about much of campus science-related infrastructure and the fact that deferred maintenance continues to be delayed. Read more at Ag Web. 

Cracking Down on Accreditors – Before he leaves office, Education Secretary Arne Duncan is preparing to unveil a package of proposals aimed at forcing colleges that receive federal money to improve graduation rates and to provide students with job skills by focusing on the accrediting agencies. Read more at The Wall Street Journal.

Speaker Ryan?  – Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI) announced that he will seek the position of Speaker, provided that he has the support of the whole House GOP caucus. The House Freedom Caucus is a little wary about his “demands” saying he’s setting them up for the blame if he ultimately doesn’t run. Read more at Politico. 

Deep Pockets – There are five races right now where the deep pockets, and self-funding, of the candidates could have a significant impact on who wins. Read more at Roll Call. 

Dress for Success – Looking the part is half the battle in DC. And that look is mainly Brooks BrothersHow do you look like a staffer and land that job? Read more at Roll Call.

October 21, 2015 – It was Back to the Future Day this week! How did the future stack up to the 1980s vision? Cars don’t fly but we do have holograms (not that eat you) and hoverboards (kinda, but they’re not the norm), but the Cubs might have a chance at winning the World Series!  Read more at the New York Times and at Vulture and at Vox.

To celebrate the release of the long awaited, much anticipated Star Wars: The Force Awakens trailer, here’s some background on how lightsabers get their different colors. Read it at Vox.