Getting 2026 Right in Federal IT Modernization: Progress and Opportunity

by  Photo for Lewis ShepherdLewis Shepherd

2025 saw the government remove roadblocks to AI deployment, acquisition reform and increased security, creating an ideal environment for continued private cloud repatriation in 2026 and beyond.

Summary

Federal IT modernization is entering a transformative era in 2026, driven by 2025 policy reforms that dismantled bureaucratic roadblocks. Initiatives like“America’s AI Action Plan” and updated acquisition strategies empower agencies to operate at the“speed of business.” A significant shift toward private cloud repatriation is underway, led by the Department of War’s use of platforms like Stratus and JWCC Next to integrate AI and autonomous capabilities securely.

As agencies race toward the FY2027 Zero Trust deadline, the “One Platform” approach facilitates infrastructure consolidation, reducing technical debt while enhancing cyber resilience. By leveraging private clouds and agentic AI, the government aims to deliver efficient, innovative services while navigating a relentless threat landscape and tight budgetary constraints

 Read full story at Broadcom…

Government Trends 2026: The Future of Government Is Now

by  William D. Eggers, Beth McGrath, Jennifer J. Walcott

Governments are entering a transformative period of redesign—not another modernization or digitization cycle

Summary

The 2026 Government Trends report highlights a fundamental shift in public administration, moving from incremental reform to a comprehensive rewriting of government“operating systems.” As external pressures from AI and fiscal constraints accelerate, traditional architectures struggle to keep pace. Forward-thinking jurisdictions are redesigning work around outcomes by integrating five critical layers: simplified rules, mission-driven teams, shared digital platforms, partner ecosystems, and continuous feedback loops.

Eight key trends define this trajectory, including the rise of “agentic AI” for personalized services and the transition of technology leaders to mission architects. By moving from siloed programs to shared platforms and redesigning human-AI collaboration, governments are achieving “quantum-leap” improvements. Ultimately, success in 2026 depends on an architecture designed for constant adaptation rather than episodic change.

 Read full story at Deloitte…

The Government Is Buying AI Faster Than It Is Assigning Authority

by Arthur D. Sidney

Federal AI governance will become credible when agencies can answer a simple question before deployment, not after failure.

Summary

The federal government needs to prioritize establishing clear authority for pausing or overriding AI systems when conditions change.

This includes granting agencies explicit override rights, ensuring auditable decision trails, and treating federal procurement as a governance instrument. Without these measures, the government risks exposure despite efforts to modernize and automate.

 Read full story at NextGov…

AI Companies Think Destroying the Planet Is an Acceptable Trade-Off for Unlimited Profits

by  AJ Dellinger

So much for those net-zero emissions pledges huh, guys?

Summary

The rapid expansion of data centers in the US, driven by the demand for cloud computing and AI, is leading to a surge in greenhouse gas emissions.

Many of these data centers are powered by gas-fired power plants, undermining the net-zero emissions pledges made by tech companies. Despite public opposition and concerns about environmental impact, the data center boom continues, raising questions about the true cost of technological advancement.

 Read full story at Gizmodo…

Google Will Punish Sites That Hijack Your Back Button

by  Alex Perry

Google is tackling a problem that we've all dealt with on the internet.

Summary

Google announced a significant update to its spam policy targeting the frustrating phenomenon of “back button hijacking.” This practice, also known as “history manipulation,” occurs when a website interferes with a browser's functionality, preventing users from returning to their search results and instead redirecting them to unwanted ads or internal pages. Google officially categorized this as a “malicious practice” because it breaks the expected user journey and compromises the overall experience.

Starting June 15, 2026, websites utilizing these deceptive tactics will face manual spam actions or automated demotions in search rankings. By providing a two\–month warning, Google expects developers to disable these features, ensuring that search visibility aligns with transparent, user—first web standards.

 Read full story at Mashable…

Microsoft: Built-In Windows 11 Antivirus Is Enough Protection for Most Users

by  Michael Kan

Defender is 'usually sufficient,' it says in a blog post that might rile up the antivirus industry.

Summary

Microsoft is weighing in on whether users should install third-party antivirus software on Windows 11 PCs, stating that its built-in Microsoft Defender Antivirus is sufficient for most people.

In a recent Learning Center article, the company wrote: “For many Windows 11 users, Microsoft Defender Antivirus covers everyday risk without requiring additional software.”

Microsoft adds that Windows antivirus protection is usually enough when default protections are enabled, updates are installed regularly, and users avoid risky behavior such as falling for scams, phishing emails, or pirated downloads.

While acknowledging that the choice to add third-party antivirus “depends on how you use your PC and which features you value,” Microsoft notes it may be worth considering extra software for managing multiple devices, shared family PCs, or additional services like identity monitoring and parental controls.

Despite Microsoft’s push, independent reviews show Defender is solid but not always the best at catching every threat, especially new malware variants.

 Read full story at PCMAG…

Can US Utilities Meet AI's Need for Speed?

by  Mathew Lee

U.S. utilities face a tough timeline to meet surging AI data-center power demand. We assess the constraints across gas, solar, nuclear and other generation options.

Summary

The rapid growth of data centers in the U.S. is increasing electricity demand and creating challenges for utilities to meet these needs quickly.

While natural gas plants offer reliable power, turbine backlogs pose a challenge, and renewable energy sources like solar and storage face supply-chain bottlenecks and technological limitations.

Investors can use tools like the MSCI Energy Transition Framework to assess the viability of different power solutions and identify potential bottlenecks for tech companies relying on data centers.

 Read full story at MSCI…

Energy Department Announces $171.5 Million To Expand U.S. Geothermal Energy

by  US Dep't of Energy

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced a funding opportunity of $171.5 million to support next-generation geothermal field-scale tests for both electricity generation and exploration drilling to support characterization and potential confirmation of promising geothermal prospects.

Summary

The U.S. Department of Energy announced a $171.5 million funding opportunity to support next-generation geothermal field-scale tests and exploration drilling.

This initiative aims to advance geothermal technology, innovation, and exploration, supporting the potential for geothermal energy to provide affordable, reliable electricity nationwide.

The funding opportunity includes six topics, with two open for applications in the first round.

 Read full story at US Dep't of Energy…

FERC Tees Up June Decision on Data Center Interconnection Reform

by  Ethan Howland

Other open meeting takeaways: Chairman Swett is “perplexed” on PJM backstop auction, the agency rejected a renewable developer's $44-million waiver request, and zombie dockets die.

Summary

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) announced plans to address the Department of Energy's proposed data center interconnection reforms this June. While the DOE originally requested a decision by April 30, FERC delayed action to ensure its response is “legally durable” and accounts for recent regulatory shifts in markets like PJM and SPP.

A primary focus for Chairman Laura Swett involves clarifying the boundaries between federal and state jurisdiction—a concern echoed by the National Association of Regulatory Commissioners. Commissioners emphasized that their forthcoming action aims to target specific pressure points without disrupting progress already made at the state level. Ultimately, the agency seeks to streamline the co-location of load and generation while preventing unfair cost-shifts to existing customers.

 Read full story at UtilityDive…