Pat takes another look at the national debt problem, which has been building up in Washington for decades, as well as revisiting certain financial habits you would be better off breaking, as well as signs you may need a new advisor for the retirement phase of your life.

More Government Debt | Save Your Retirement with Pat Strubbe

We're joined by the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman Paula Sussex in our latest episode of Making Complaints Count. 

Paula speaks to senior caseworker James Glover about her first few months in the role and shares what most excites her about the future.

Episode seven | Paula Sussex, Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman

LGPro discusses December’s OH&S changes making mental health first aid training a must with master instructor, Michelle Kleinert. 

LGProcast - Episode 24 – The Deadline for Mental Health First Aid

Application of the Rule of Two in Federal Procurement

The team recorded the podcast straight after the Budget to share their instant reactions. They covered the Office for Budget Responsibility’s early report release and the pre-Budget leaks. Richard Hattersley shared his view on the announcements and what surprised him. Tom Herbert sank his teeth into some tech news, with e-invoicing and Making Tax Digital making the cut.
Paul Baker, tax partner at Buzzacott and speaker at the Finance, Accounting & Bookkeeping Show (FAB), joined to share his take. He discussed the day and what measures stood out. He mentioned the impact of extending the income tax and employer national insurance thresholds, whether this was the way forward and the issue of applying NICs to salary-sacrificed pension contributions of about £2k a year. He concluded the podcast by sharing concerns that he had and the next steps for a tax expert like himself.

No Accounting for Taste ep202: Budget 2025 special

Nigeria recently has been a horror show for her citizens, with the news going from bad to worse. Dominic Crown, a Junior Reporter with Youth Journalism International, takes a look at what Nigerians are currently facing.

Violence in Nigeria impacting all its citizens, by Dominic Crown

Political commentators say the United Kingdom’s new budget will make or break the Labour Party. Elodie Cockerell, a Junior Reporter with Youth Journalism International, explains.

Budget plan sets new direction for UK, by Elodie Cockerell

Middle East AI News Minute brought to you by Carrington Malin - Marketing for an AI First world. In this podcast: UAE advances integrated national AI ecosystem; Saudi Arabia rises to third in global AI rankings; and CQR unveils Saudi-built AI OT cybersecurity platform

Sign-up for the weekly email news digest here:
https://www.middleeastainews.com

#MiddleEastAINews

UAE president attends AI strategy briefing

From the tiniest of babies, to tweens and teens, every member of your family will have a different experience of the same emergency or traumatic event.  Storms, fires and floods have increased with changes in climate. When families experience trauma from major emergencies like these, each member responds and recovers in their own unique way. 
 Our expert psychologists are here to help with advice for parents and carers on how to take care of themselves, and their loved ones.   This episode explores helpful tips to guide families along their road to resilience.   

Children, families and trauma

Protesting Restrictions on Competition Based on Administrative Convenience

The Department of Heath and Human Services has been leaning into the use of artificial intelligence to drive better health outcomes for the American public, highlighted by the rollout of ChatGPT across the agency early this fall. In particular, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has been a leader in generative AI adoption since 2023. And Travis Hoppe, CDC’s chief AI officer, believes AI innovation can continue to move the needle on public health operations. Hoppe joined me recently onstage at FedTalks to share the latest on CDC’s AI journey, how the Trump administration’s AI Action Plan is guiding the agency’s implementation and what’s next.

The National Nuclear Security Administration is looking for information on potential AI uses for its mission, following an executive order to establish an integrated AI platform that will fuel scientific discovery. In a request for information posted to SAM.gov on Monday, the Department of Energy subcomponent that oversees the nation’s nuclear stockpile said it’s exploring the use of the budding technology, and specifically requested information about its use in classified environments, best practices for data curation, and how to approach developing and enhancing AI models, among other things. The request comes just a week after the Trump administration launched the “Genesis Mission,” aimed at scientific discovery through AI. That effort will not only create an AI platform for such discovery, but it will also depend on the country’s existing research and development infrastructure, including DOE and its national labs. To further the Genesis program, NNSA said it’s proactively exploring the use of AI for its “critical operations to accelerate nuclear weapons development timelines, ensuring our deterrent remains responsive, effective, and state-of-the-art against evolving global threats.”

Software company SAP inked a new agreement with the General Services Administration to offer federal agencies access to its services at significantly discounted rates, deepening its longstanding partnership with the federal government. The GSA announced the OneGov deal Tuesday, stating that the agreement offers up to 80 percent discounts on SAP’s database, cloud, and analytics services. The agency estimated this will lead to $165 million in savings for federal agencies. Specifically, agencies will be able to access products related to SAP’s database and data management services with an 80 percent discount. SAP’s cloud services, including SAP Business Technology Platform, SAP Analytics Cloud and HR Payroll, will be offered at a 35 percent discount, GSA said.

Also in this episode: Databricks VP of Public Sector Todd Schroeder joins SNG host Wyatt Kash in a sponsored podcast discussion on why agencies are prioritizing the use of AI that works across existing data environments, saving time and infrastructure costs. This segment was sponsored by Databricks.

The Daily Scoop Podcast is available every Monday-Friday afternoon.

If you want to hear more of the latest from Washington, subscribe to The Daily Scoop Podcast  on Apple Podcasts, Soundcloud, Spotify and YouTube.

How the CDC is using AI to revolutionize public health

A bill that would overhaul how the federal government purchases software has found itself in a familiar place: moving forward in the House while awaiting Senate consideration with just a few weeks left in the congressional calendar. The Strengthening Agency Management and Oversight of Software Assets (SAMOSA) Act advanced out of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee on Tuesday, teeing it up for a vote in the full chamber. The SAMOSA Act, which would direct federal agencies to assess their software licensing practices and streamline future IT buying decisions to avoid duplicative purchases, was reintroduced in the House in September following the Senate’s move to do the same in July. The bill passed the House a year ago but stalled out in the upper chamber, despite backing from a host of software and IT trade groups, including the Computer & Communications Industry Association, the Alliance for Digital Innovation, NetChoice, OpenPolicy and the Software Information Industry Association. Congress has been trying to move forward with the SAMOSA Act since at least 2022. House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer, R-Ky., noted during Tuesday’s markup that the current iteration of the SAMOSA Act is “identical” to what passed the chamber last year.

In other news: The Small Business Administration may soon be forced to confront the flawed rollout of an online certification platform it launched late in the Biden administration.The House on Monday passed a bill that would require the SBA to implement nearly a dozen recommendations made in a Government Accountability Office report about the agency’s Unified Certification Platform for small business contracting assistance. The lawmakers behind the SBA IT Modernization Reporting Act — Reps. Gil Cisneros, D-Calif., and Brian Jack, R-Ga. — believe the legislation will help the agency avoid various pitfalls that plagued the UCP, helping it better develop and manage digital projects going forward. The UCP project was launched in 2023 with the goal of easing small businesses’ interactions with the SBA’s contract assistance programs. But deployment of the platform was delayed and applications for certification were paused in August 2024. The UCP went live two months later, but according to the GAO, work to migrate data and secure the system was incomplete. House Small Business Committee Chair Roger Williams said before Monday’s vote that the “failed … portal rollout resulted in delays, errors and cybersecurity risks, shutting out small businesses from the vital government contracting opportunities.”

The Daily Scoop Podcast is available every Monday-Friday afternoon.

If you want to hear more of the latest from Washington, subscribe to The Daily Scoop Podcast  on Apple Podcasts, Soundcloud, Spotify and YouTube.

Agency software-buying bill advances in the House

Saving American Liberty, Session 5

In this session from the New Discourses event 'Saving American Liberty,' Michael O’Fallon argues that global political, corporate, and religious institutions are jointly reshaping Western society through “degrowth” policies, sustainability mandates, and ideological frameworks like ESG and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, which he sees as mechanisms for centralizing control and limiting individual freedom. He contrasts the West’s self-imposed economic contraction with China’s expansion through the Belt and Road Initiative, claiming this shift empowers China while weakening America’s global position. O’Fallon warns that identity-based conflicts, migration pressures, and urban destabilization are fragmenting Western societies into competing tribal enclaves, leaving them vulnerable to foreign influence. He concludes that COVID-era restrictions, digital surveillance, and AI-driven governance signal a broader transition from a merit-based, liberty-oriented system to one that demands ideological compliance from both citizens and institutions.

The other lectures in this series can be found here:
Session 1: https://youtu.be/4u2ak-DmKD4
Session 2: https://youtu.be/gUiLUmZWsc4
Session 3: https://youtu.be/WRheQNDTSOQ
Session 4: https://youtu.be/AjKqBgzF36w

Latest from New Discourses Press! The Queering of the American Child: https://queeringbook.com/

Support New Discourses: https://newdiscourses.com/support

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© 2025 New Discourses. All rights reserved. #NewDiscourses #MichaelOFallon #Sustainability

Sustainability and the One Belt One Road Initiative | Michael O'Fallon

After two years of research into how states are using and thinking about AI, New America has published an expansive report that its creators say contains encouraging signs. Lilian Coral, vice president of New America's technology and democracy programs, and Neil Kleiman, urban policy professor at Northeastern University’s public policy school, tell the Priorities Podcast that the implications of generative AI are far-reaching. Kleiman called the findings “remarkable.” “The other thing we were struck by was the politics around this,” he says. “Everybody is either excited or so freaked out about this technology that everybody is ready to do something.” Coral says she also hears fear and excitement emanating from government, but “what I was really encouraged by was the level of conversation that I could hear.”

This week’s top stories:

A repurposed IT system being used by the Department of Homeland Security presents “unacceptable risks” to the nation’s eligible voters, according to a group of secretaries of state who on Monday signed off on a letter opposing a recent proposal by the federal agency. The Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements Program is subject to numerous legal changes under DHS’s proposal, including that it would be used not for its original narrow purpose, but allow bulk searches and searches of “individuals that are U.S. citizens by birth” to find ineligible voters and instances of voter fraud.

After numerous stalled attempts from the White House and Congress to preempt states from enforcing their artificial intelligence laws, yet another attempt is brewing in Congress, this time potentially bundling AI preemption with child online safety legislation. Doug Robinson, the executive director of the National Association of State Chief Information Officers, sent a letter to congressional leaders last week urging them to reject any such continued attempts at state AI law preemption, even one coupled with laws designed to protect kids. 

Two former committee chairs at the Association for Computing Machinery argue in a commentary piece for StateScoop that Congress must preserve state authority in AI governance. In the piece they argue that “AI’s impact is happening now, not in some distant future” and that states must be permitted to create and enforce their own laws as the need arises.
New episodes of StateScoop’s Priorities Podcast are posted each Wednesday. For more of the latest news and trends across the state and local government technology community, subscribe to the Priorities Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Soundcloud or Spotify.

‘Fear and excitement’ are driving AI discourse in government

The Trump administration is aiming to release its six-part national cybersecurity strategy in January, according to multiple sources familiar with the document. The document, which is a mere five pages long, will possibly be followed by an executive order to implement the new strategy. The administration has been soliciting feedback in recent days, which one source considered more of a “messaging” document than anything, with more important work to follow. According to sources familiar with the strategy, the six “pillars” focus on cyber offense and deterrence; aligning regulations to make them more uniform; bolstering the cyber workforce; federal procurement; critical infrastructure protection; and emerging technologies. An opening section of the draft offers a Trumpian call for a more muscular approach to cyberspace. Despite its short length — the Biden administration’s cybersecurity strategy was 35 pages long — it touches on a significant number of topics. Those subjects include cybercrime, China, artificial intelligence, post-quantum cryptography and more. A source told CyberScoop the administration appeared genuinely interested in soliciting feedback on the strategy to incorporate or change. The release date of the strategy is fluid. While the administration is targeting January, its publication might follow the broader national security strategy.

In other news: Anthropic’s Claude for Government is now available across the Department of Health and Human Services, according to an internal announcement obtained by FedScoop. The launch was announced in an email to staff Wednesday from HHS Deputy Secretary Jim O’Neill, and comes two months after the department made ChatGPT available to all of its workers. O’Neill encouraged workers to use either ChatGPT or Claude for their queries or “ask both and compare the responses.” He said in his email: “HHS users can work confidently and securely, with minimal restrictions on the types of information entered, while maintaining full compliance with federal cybersecurity and privacy standards. With this release, we are ensuring that all divisions, programs, and employees have access to two secure cutting-edge AI capabilities.”    The email doesn’t mention specific contracting details of how HHS is providing access to the tool, but ChatGPT at least was provided through the company’s nearly free OneGov deal with the General Services Administration. Anthropic similarly has such a deal with GSA to offer its services to government customers for a nominal fee of $1.

The Daily Scoop Podcast is available every Monday-Friday afternoon.

If you want to hear more of the latest from Washington, subscribe to The Daily Scoop Podcast  on Apple Podcasts, Soundcloud, Spotify and YouTube.

Holes

In recent years, autonomy how completely transformed how future wars will be fought and won. And with that, a new crop of defense startups have emerged with a focus on bringing autonomy and artificial intelligence to the battlefield at scale. On this episode of CTRL + ALT +DEFENSE, Brandon Tseng, co-founder and president of Shield AI, shares how autonomy has moved the needle in foreign conflicts, how upstart tech companies are injecting innovation into the Department of Defense, and what's ahead. 

Brandon Tseng: The Autonomous Future of Defense

Peraton has emerged as the winner to overhaul the air traffic control system, securing a contract to oversee the multi-billion dollar project with the Federal Aviation Administration. In an announcement Thursday night, the FAA said the Virginia-based technology firm will be the integrator for the project. Initial funding includes a $12.8 billion infusion from Congress as part of the One Big Beautiful Bill earlier this year, but the agency is eyeing billions more to complete the project. FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said an additional $20 billion will be needed to finish the modernization effort. Bedford said in a statement included in the release: “This is a long-term investment in the future of air travel, and we’re committed to getting it right.”. According to the agency, Peraton had capabilities that matched the needs of the project, including “integrating complex tech platforms and successful collaboration with federal government agencies.” The project is planned to take just three years. The FAA’s search for an integrator for the modernization effort began earlier this year and came amid concerns over its aging air traffic control systems. The issues with the existing infrastructure range from IT outages that cause travel delays to the continued use of antiquated technology, such as floppy disks. In a public appearance in September, Bedford said the current system is “failing every day.”

The Education Department informed numerous Office of Civil Rights employees Friday that they are expected to return to work later this month while they await a court ruling on reduction-in-force orders that sidelined them nearly eight months ago. Multiple workers in Education’s OCR told FedScoop they received notices from the agency late Friday afternoon. Those notices stated that they are expected to return in person to their assigned-duty location on either Dec. 15 or 29. The notice, according to four copies obtained by FedScoop, said the following: “While RIF notices are tolled during litigation, it is important to refocus OCR’s work and utilize all OCR staff to prioritize OCR’s existing complaint caseload.” The notice stated: “In order for OCR to pursue its mission with all available resources, all those individuals currently being compensated by the Department need to meet their employee performance expectations and contribute to the enforcement of existing civil rights complaints.” The agency told workers this will boost enforcement activities in a way that “serves and benefits parents, students, and families.” Workers have until Monday to inform the agency if they do not plan on returning to their positions.

The Daily Scoop Podcast is available every Monday-Friday afternoon.

If you want to hear more of the latest from Washington, subscribe to The Daily Scoop Podcast  on Apple Podcasts, Soundcloud, Spotify and YouTube.

Peraton wins deal to oversee multi-billion-dollar FAA air traffic control modernization

The Middle East AI News Minute gives you a daily one-minute daily briefing on the top AI-related stories coming out of the Middle East. If you are a busy technology, business or government leader who want to get a quick update, then this is the podcast for you.

A podcast covering the latest news & trends facing top government leaders on topics such as technology, management & workforce. Hosted by Billy Mitchell on FedScoop and released Monday-Friday.

LGPro is the member association and leading voice for people working in Local Government in Victoria, providing leadership, professional development, advocacy, and representation in the pursuit of excellence.

Join LGPro for intimate conversations with local government leaders and sector experts as they tackle the big issues facing council leaders as they arise in the podcast for local government decision makers across Victoria, the LGProcast.

Each Wednesday, StateScoop’s Priorities Podcast explores the latest in state and local government technology news and analysis. Listen to in-depth conversations with government and industry’s top executives, and learn about trending stories affecting state and local IT leaders ranging from modernization and digital accessibility to the latest advances in generative artificial intelligence.

Coming August 4: CTRL + ALT + DEFENSE podcast hosted by Billy Mitchell and Meagan Metzger! 
A raw, unfiltered new podcast from DefenseScoop and Dcode, exploring how cutting-edge technology, institutional barriers, and evolving national security priorities collide in today’s defense landscape.


CTRL + ALT + DEFENSE features candid conversations with leaders across defense, tech, venture capital, and policy—bringing forward diverse perspectives on the future of defense innovation.


From the front lines of government to the forefront of technology, this series examines the challenges and breakthroughs shaping tomorrow’s mission-critical decisions—with no spin, no agenda, and no filter.
⁠Stay tuned. ⁠


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About DefenseScoop 
DefenseScoop is the premier community-driven news source dedicated to the U.S. military’s acquisition, development and use of technology as a force for modern defense. As the Department of Defense moves in the direction of Joint All Domain Command and Control and other initiatives to connect the joint force and fight future battles, DefenseScoop will deliver the latest insights, trends and analysis on this pivotal transformation and engage Pentagon and service senior leaders to discuss ways technology can be a central fixture in our nation’s ability to understand threats, make decisions and take action in a rapid manner. ⁠https://defensescoop.com/about/

Government Contracts Law Firm Focused on Assisting Businesses Contract with and Litigate against the U.S. Federal Government

Independent Composer DJ Producer from UK.
I make music that lives between club lights and quiet thoughts.
Real takes, developing layers, human pulse.
Not chasing perfect - just truth, rhythm, and a little bit of soul.
I will listen to your tracks if you repost or like mine - I repost and follow If I like your music!

Youth Journalism International connects student writers, artists and photographers with peers around the globe, teaches journalism, fosters cross-cultural understanding, and promotes and defends a free youth press.

Patrick A. Strubbe, ChFC, CLU, RFC is the founder and managing partner of Preservation Specialists, LLC. He has been helping clients with their financial futures since 1997. Pat has been featured as a retirement expert in USA Today, Investors Business Daily, Fortune.com, and Entrepreneur.com, and on WIS-NBC TV News with Dawndy Mercer Plank.

Pat is also the author of the Amazon.com best-selling books, “Save Your Retirement!” and "The Retirement Secret," Pat’s down-to-earth humor and expertise shine through his Super Retirement Planner’s character. His books help many people understand the serious challenges faced by those nearing or in their retirement years.


To learn more about us, visit us at scpreservation.com

Making Complaints Count is our podcast where we'll be exploring the power of complaints and how organisations can use them to listen, learn and improve. 
 
Each episode we'll be joined by experts working in the health and public sector, complaints champions and those who have experienced the complaints journey first-hand.

Pursuing the light of objective truth in subjective darkness.

New tracks tagged #GOVERNMENT