Emerging Tech
Video games and virtual reality are combining to make government jobs safer
The combination of the two technologies is enabling agencies to give employees hands-on training in the safest environments possible.
Cybersecurity
Top cyber lawmaker wants answers on CISA workforce reductions
Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., penned a strongly-worded letter to CISA’s acting director asking for an update on the status of the cyberdefense agency’s staffing posture.
Cybersecurity
Inside America’s next information war
Washington is paring back its defenses against influence operations, even as adversaries supercharge them with AI. Much of the fight is shifting to the private sector.
Emerging Tech
Energy announces roadmap for fusion science and technology
Energy Secretary Chris Wright discussed the plan to rapidly scale the U.S. fusion energy generation, highlighting the important role that the nation’s network of national labs will play in the effort.
Ideas
Bridging the gap: Unlock the power of AI for government agencies through cross-domain solutions
COMMENTARY | Cross-domain solutions can help agencies better deploy AI tools across their operations.
Cybersecurity
Multiple CISA divisions targeted in shutdown layoffs, people familiar say
CISA units including its Stakeholder Engagement division are believed to have been hit. A DHS spokesperson said that the RIFs are meant to help get CISA “back on mission.”
Breaking News
People
‘Substantial’ layoffs begin at federal agencies, White House says
The Trump administration is following through on its threat to leverage the shutdown to implement federal workforce reductions.
Artificial Intelligence
AI export control bill passes Senate as NDAA amendment
The GAIN AI Act, which forces chip manufacturers to prioritize U.S.-based customers, made its way into the Senate’s final National Defense Authorization Act text.
Ideas
When AI agents go rogue, the federal government needs reversible resilience
COMMENTARY | Agentic AI can help optimize government operations, but federal agencies need to prioritize resilience as they onboard these capabilities.
Exclusive
Digital Government
Labor Department looks to pilot intaking unemployment claims for states
The effort follows the department’s notice that it may create a national claims database, a move critics say raises cybersecurity, privacy and surveillance risks.
Artificial Intelligence
Shutdown could delay Congress ‘getting serious’ about AI policy
The shutdown hobbled congressional activity on artificial intelligence legislation, a setback that could hinder the Trump administration's broader tech policy plans.
Ideas
Risks of cyber fraud allegations remain high for companies subject to government requirements
COMMENTARY | Stricter government cybersecurity requirements present elevated risk to companies due to increased enforcement pressure and additional bases for allegations of cybersecurity fraud.
Cybersecurity
Senator makes new attempt to extend cyber info-sharing law by 10 years
Sen. Gary Peters, D-Mich., said he’s spoken directly with Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., about renewing the 2015 Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act, which lapsed when the government shut down.
People
Hundreds of DHS staff face reassignments to border security, immigration
Affected workers — including people in the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency — have been given a week to respond or risk termination from federal service.
Emerging Tech
Congressional commission to deliver national biotechnology research recommendations
Sen. Todd Young, R-Ind., said that a forthcoming report will outline proposed requirements that “reimagine” the U.S. biotechnology R&D landscape.
Exclusive
People
On Tuesday, the Trump admin said furloughed feds were not guaranteed back pay. On Wednesday, it sent notices saying they were
Just one day after taking a different argument, the Trump administration notes federal law guarantees back pay for employees sent home during a shutdown.
Ideas
Four steps for successful generative AI governance
COMMENTARY | Agencies need to consider security and privacy concerns before deploying new AI capabilities.
Acquisition
Tracking shutdown costs now will determine what you can recover later
Contractors have 30 days after work resumes to file for equitable adjustments, but the accounting and documentation must start now.
People
How Trump’s OPM director wants to attract tech talent after months of workforce cuts
OPM Director Scott Kupor wants to bring on new feds with cutting edge skills, but the government’s recent flood of layoffs and resignations could complicate that effort. With a government shutdown ongoing, too, the administration is threatening more layoffs.
People