Nextgov/FCW
The U.S. Office of Personnel Management has introduced new hiring standards for federal government technology jobs that remove degree requirements and prioritize skills-based assessments over formal education and years of experience. The reform aims to expand access to federal tech roles, modernize hiring for a rapidly evolving field, and shift evaluation toward demonstrated ability, with broader updates planned across hundreds of job classifications.
From "OPM Cuts Degree Requirements for U.S. Government Tech Jobs"
Nextgov/FCW (04/15/26) Natalie Alms
View Full Article
Infosecurity Magazine
Due to rapidly growing common vulnerabilities and exposures (CVEs) volumes, the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology's (NIST) National Vulnerability Database (NVD) will stop routine enrichment (providing additional information) for vulnerabilities reported before March 2026 and instead adopt a risk-based prioritization system. CVE submissions increased by 263% between 2020 and 2025. NIST's Harold Booth said that while the NVD is “working faster than ever,” it cannot catch up to the pace at which new CVEs get reported.
From "NIST Drops NVD Enrichment for Pre-March 2026 Vulnerabilities"
Infosecurity Magazine (04/16/26) Kevin Poireault
View Full Article
The Wall Street Journal
The U.S. Navy is deploying sea drones to detect and help clear mines from the Strait of Hormuz, aiming to restore commercial shipping amid tensions with Iran. Uncrewed surface and submarine vehicles use sonar to scan the bottom of the ocean for mines without risking sailors. “You’re less concerned about attrition, so sending them through the minefield is much more palatable, and if you lose some they can be replaced,” said Scott Savitz, a senior engineer at Rand who has provided analytical support to the Navy.
From "U.S. Navy Sends Robots to Clear Hormuz of Mines"
The Wall Street Journal (04/19/26) Jared Malsin
View Full Article - May Require Paid Subscription
CNet
Researchers at the U.K.'s University College London (UCL) have demonstrated that combining AI with quantum computing can significantly improve complex predictions. In experiments at the Leibniz Supercomputing Centre in Germany, an AI model used a quantum computer to perform calculations that would take traditional systems weeks. The AI handled most tasks but relied on the quantum computer for especially challenging computations. Said UCL’s Peter Coveney, "We are already at work on real-world applications."
From "Researchers Use Quantum Computer to Improve AI Predictions"
CNet (04/20/26) Julian Dossett
View Full Article
TVP World (Poland)
A humanoid robot named Edward Warchocki became an Internet celebrity in Poland after viral videos showed it chasing wild boars out of Warsaw and interacting with people. Created by tech entrepreneurs Radoslaw Grzelaczyk and Bartosz Idzik after training in robotics in China, the robot uses AI and LiDAR for navigation and can be remotely controlled or operate autonomously. Grzelaczyk said the robot is linked to a local AI model, as well as to broader sources of information.
From "Meet Poland's Newest Celebrity, a Boar-Chasing Robot"
TVP World (Poland) (04/14/26) Franciszek Józef Beszlej
View Full Article
NBC News
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has launched a criminal investigation into OpenAI over concerns its ChatGPT chatbot may have provided guidance to the gunman in last year's Florida State University (FSU) shooting that resulted in the deaths of two people. According to court documents, the suspected shooter was exchanging messages with ChatGPT in the minutes before the shooting, asking questions like: “What time is it the busiest in the FSU student union?”
From "Florida Attorney General Opens Criminal Investigation into OpenAI"
NBC News (04/22/26) Jared Perlo; Abigail Brooks
View Full Article
