People
Arbitrator: Trump’s union EOs violate ‘hierarchy of law’
Independent federal arbitrator Marvin Hill defied the Trump administration's demand that he dismiss an internal grievance against the Defense Department, remarking that to do so would require "re-writing" most legal textbooks.
Artificial Intelligence
How the Government Publishing Office is using AI to enhance operations
GPO Chief Information Officer Sam Musa said the agency has been using Google NotebookLM to make AI-generated podcasts of internal documents for its workforce.
People
US DOGE Service is hiring following mass workforce losses across the government
The group housing Trump’s controversial cost-cutting program is one of several tech teams that are recruiting.
Cybersecurity
Analysts watch for heightened cyber, disinformation campaigns following Venezuela raid
Disinformation operations have been spotted, but there are no signs the efforts are being coordinated through a foreign government, one observer told Nextgov/FCW.
Ideas
The revolutionary new weapon in the Pentagon’s pocket — and why it matters now more than ever
COMMENTARY | The launch of comprehensive acquisition transformation will lift the burdens keeping U.S. companies from being as agile and responsive as possible.
People
Trump’s cuts to the civil service undermine new tech internship push, good government group argues
The goal of the administration’s new internship program is to recruit 200 students for tech-focused internships.
People
Kirsten Davies sworn in as Pentagon CIO
In a September letter to the Senate Armed Services Committee, more than 100 cyber professionals voiced support for Davies’ confirmation and said “she has built a reputation as a world-class cybersecurity executive.”
Ideas
NDAA: Massive expansion of commercial solutions openings and other key takeaways for defense contractors
COMMENTARY | The past year brought major changes for defense acquisition.
Cybersecurity
UL Solutions withdraws as lead admin for FCC cyber label program amid probe into China ties
It’s not immediately clear who would administer the program, which was launched under Biden to help designate cyber-secure consumer electronic devices.
People
Fed 100 deadline extended to Jan. 14, 2026
There is still time to get nominations in for the people that went above and beyond in federal IT this past year.
Ideas
Microsegmentation: the unsung hero of cybersecurity (and why it should be your top priority)
COMMENTARY | We need to stop treating microsegmentation like an optional upgrade.
People
Report: Federal statistical system needs help to meet its ‘basic mission’ in the face of upheaval
Statistical agencies have lost scores of staff under the Trump administration, threatening their ability to meet their mission, according to a new report from the American Statistical Association.
Cybersecurity
Cyber experts pinpoint what to look out for in 2026
Expect significant innovations in AI-driven cyber tools and a closer convergence between cybersecurity and geopolitics, they said.
Modernization
Inside the Transportation Department’s technology transformation
The agency took a step in its digital transformation journey in September by striking a deal with Google, through the General Services Administration’s OneGov program.
Artificial Intelligence
2026 is set to be the year of agentic AI, industry predicts
Leaders from major technology companies said their clients are asking for more specific agentic AI solutions, and cloud computing and data transformation will pave the way.
People
Ed Forst sworn in as GSA administrator
Forst was sworn in on Christmas Eve in Florida while on jury duty.
Modernization
VA readies to restart EHR deployments in 2026, despite lingering lawmaker unease
VA and Oracle Health say the modernization project’s operational pause has allowed them to enhance the new software’s usability and effectiveness.
Ideas
When data defense becomes national defense
COMMENTARY | The next frontier of defense is not in the skies or at sea; it is in the cloud, in our data centers and in the invisible flows of information that keep our societies running.
Defense
Now you can train for the next drone war on simulated Ukrainian front lines
A newly-released, public version of the drone simulator used to train thousands of Ukrainian military pilots offers a terrifyingly accurate glimpse into modern warfare.
Digital Government