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Digital Government
Direct File won’t happen in 2026, IRS tells states
The free service that allowed taxpayers to file online directly with the IRS was used by hundreds of thousands of taxpayers in 2024 and 2025, who gave it high marks — although tax prep companies and Republicans have sought its end.
Emerging Tech
Energy allocates $625M for national labs’ quantum research
Funding for research centers at five national laboratories is intended to support U.S. advancements in quantum information sciences and technology.
People
Threats against public servants increased over 35 times what they were a decade ago, according to new research
Threats and violence against public servants hurt the ability of the government to deliver, say the groups behind a new map showing threats against public sector employees.
People
A leadership vacuum and staff cuts threaten NSA morale, operational strength
The signals intelligence giant has halted recruitment for its Legal Honors Program, two people familiar say, slowing inflow of top legal talent. Other long-term capabilities are at risk.
People
OPM to pursue ‘mass deferment’ of deadlines for CyberCorps students
The extensions would occur once the government shutdown ends, the government’s personnel agency said. An exact deferment length was not given.
Policy
DHS proposes biometrics expansion for immigrants, dropping age restrictions and requiring biometrics from some US citizens
A new DHS regulatory proposal would allow CBP and ICE to collect biometrics from children under the age of 14.
Policy
House Republican questions government stake in tech companies
Georgia Congressman Rich McCormick disputed the Trump administration’s approach to investing in the private sector while aligning with its broader low-regulatory regime.
Ideas
The hidden debt slowing America’s AI future
Government modernization must be driven by a single goal: eliminating the readiness debt.
Acquisition
Contractors fear retaliation if they try to recover shutdown costs
Legal rights do exist for companies to recoup their losses, but attorneys say fears of Trump administration reprisal loom over industry.
Emerging Tech
D-Wave makes its quantum annealers available for national security work
Quantum computing company D-Wave has installed one of its quantum annealers alongside Davidson Technologies for federal customers to access.
People
Employees are receiving renewed furlough notices as shutdown enters second month, this time without back pay guarantees
The shutdown is heading into November, sparking new, altered furlough notices to 650,000 employees.
Cybersecurity
FCC to vote on reversing telecom security rulemakings next month
The initial measures proposed at the end of the Biden administration came in response to the Salt Typhoon telecom hacks carried out by China.
Ideas
Uncle Sam's software sprawl: Billions wasted, time to go pro
COMMENTARY | Most agencies simply don't know what software they own, what they use or what they truly need.
People
Top CISA official exits for TSA role amid recent cyber office reductions
Ryan Donaghy had served at CISA since 2016. It’s not clear if she was voluntarily moved to TSA or was given transfer orders.
Cybersecurity
AI has leveled the field between cybercriminals and nation-state hackers, FBI official says
The FBI is slower to adopt AI tools due to the sensitive nature of the data that it works with, Brett Leatherman, the FBI Cyber Division head, said.
Modernization
Inside the Secret Service hunt for skimmers as outdated SNAP cards let thieves steal millions
The government still uses 1970s-era technology to deliver SNAP, leaving beneficiaries vulnerable to transnational crime rings that have taken hundreds of millions of dollars in benefits in recent years.
Artificial Intelligence
Lawmaker, advocacy leader underscore legal immigration as central to US AI dominance
Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D. and National Association of Manufacturers President Jay Timmons agreed that legal immigration is needed to fill manufacturing jobs that will be crucial for U.S. AI sector growth.
Cybersecurity
Upcoming White House cyber strategy to seek more involvement with private sector
The Trump 2.0 cyber strategy is in development, National Cyber Director Sean Cairncross said, though he did not elaborate on when it would be released.
People
Shutdown furloughs will permanently cost the economy at least $7 billion, CBO says
Unlike most of the shutdown's economic impacts, the lost productivity from feds not working cannot be reversed.
Cybersecurity