More than 65 years after Chuck Yeager flew past the sound barrier, the sonic boom remains an obstacle to supersonic flight. For decades, NASA has tried to solve the puzzle of how to fly commercial planes at the speed of sound without creating deafening shock waves. Larry Benson has done extensive research on the subject. His book, “Quieting the Boom,” details early supersonic flight and what’s holding NASA back.

The Justice Department has a big to-do list this year, from easing overcrowding at federal prisons to operating national security programs without stepping on civil rights. Inspector General Michael Horowitz published the list of top challenges.

You can’t say the Broadcasting Board of Governors lacks ambition. Its strategic goal is to become the world’s leading international news agency by 2016. In the meantime, it’s enjoying record audiences. All of this in the middle of a major reorganization. Andre Mendes is the BBG’s incoming director of global operations.

The Homeland Security Department wants to use federated identity management to build networks of trust with state, local and federal government partners. The goal is to make information sharing easier and more secure. Federal News Radio’s Jason Miller explains how DHS is easing the burden of managing so many different identities.