PCS News Today — September 18, 2026

As we dive into today's top stories, it's clear that innovation and infrastructure are intersecting in exciting - and sometimes concerning - ways. On one hand, we're seeing significant investments in cutting-edge technologies like super-hot-rock geothermal energy, with Khosla-backed Mazama Energy raising $135 million to further develop this promising field. Meanwhile, tech giants like Google, Nvidia, and Anthropic are turning to AI startup Emerald to help them navigate the complex challenge of integrating more data centers into the grid.

But as our digital lives continue to expand, so too do the stakes around data, power, and influence. Amazon, for example, is quietly layering on new perks for Prime members, highlighting the ongoing quest to capture and retain consumer attention. And in a more sobering note, the upcoming election season is set to feature hundreds of candidates who have denied the legitimacy of previous electoral outcomes, raising important questions about the health of democratic institutions. As we explore these stories and more, we'll be keeping a close eye on the intersections between technology, politics, and the future of our planet.

Today's signal:
• Khosla-backed Mazama Energy just raised $135M to drill deeper into super-hot-rock geothermal (techcrunch.com)
• 26 Amazon Prime Perks You Might Know You Have (2026) (wired.com)
• Google, Nvidia and Anthropic want Emerald AI to find space on the grid for more data centers (techcrunch.com)
• Hundreds of Election Deniers Will Be on the Ballot This November (wired.com)