Timeline
Every post and feed across this instance
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L’Eglise catholique française entre crise de foi et crise économique
A Paris, Lourdes et Metz, l’Eglise catholique va accueillir le pape Léon XIV avec faste. Mais qu’en est-il de la puissance financière de l’institution, alors que les dons déclinent et que son patrimoine lui coûte cher ? -
Qui assume vraiment le coût de l'enfant ?
En évaluant l'ensemble des dépenses collectives consacrées aux moins de 20 ans, l'économiste Antoine Math montre que les prestations sociales soutiennent de moins en moins le pouvoir d'achat des familles. -
Marie Pla : « Notre impréparation face aux cyberattaques est liée au sous-investissement dans les services publics du futur »
Marie Pla, co-porte-parole du collectif Nos services publics, revient sur les failles de sécurité des administrations, devenues proies faciles pour les pirates. Elle alerte aussi sur le manque de prise en compte de la parole des agents. -
Parité dans le traitement de l’actualité : Alternatives Economiques progresse
Tous les six mois, nous mesurons la place accordées aux femmes dans nos publications. Nous nous étions donné un objectif de parité : iI est presque atteint, mais des progrès restent à accomplir. -
Washington Policy Review: September 24, 2026
Today’s Report
1. Overview
2. White House News
3. Truth Social Posts
4. Government Department News
5. Selected Democratic Officials
6. AI & Tech Company News
7. Congressional Watch
1. Overview
Trump hosted President Xi Jinping and Madam Peng at the White House for military honors and discussions. Trump described the President of China as “strong, vibrant, and fit” and claimed he would leave Super Intelligence “exactly where it is,” characterizing the DOJ as a “guardrail.” Additionally, Trump criticized news outlets for their coverage of the event, touted S&P Flash Survey economic data, and promoted commentary regarding Canada.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio congratulated Guinea-Bissau on its 53rd National Day, stating the United States “values its growing economic partnership” with the nation. The Department of War announced multiple contract awards, including $123.78 million to Northrop Grumman Systems Corp. for radar components and $114 million to Stark Aerospace Inc. for launching system canisters; most awards were non-competitively procured or sole-source.
Governor Gavin Newsom announced a report on wildfire mitigation efforts and stated that a court ruling against Sheriff Chad Bianco “affirms that in California we will defend democracy.” Additionally, Newsom announced that the Sites Reservoir project is nearing construction. Representative Ocasio-Cortez and colleagues reintroduced the Affordability is Access Act, which they described as a response to “senseless attacks” on reproductive care. Governor Andy Beshear urged Congress to support the Support Our Miners Act to adjust black lung disease disability benefits, while Governor JB Pritzker celebrated the opening of a $51.4 million Voortman Steel Machinery facility expansion.
No relevant updates were provided for AI and tech companies.
The Senate conducted proceedings on September 23, 2026, passing legislation including H.R. 1721 and H.R. 2481, and confirming the nomination of Angela Veronica Colmenero as a United States District Judge. Senate committees examined topics including national nuclear waste management policy, AI surveillance, and United States Central Command operations. The House of Representatives was not in session.
2. White House News
No White House news found.
3. Truth Social Posts
Trump hosted the President of China, Xi Jinping, and Madam Peng at the White House, sharing video coverage of their arrival, a military review, a silent drill platoon review, and the delivery of remarks. Trump remarked that President Xi appeared “strong, vibrant, and fit” and described Madam Xi as “BEAUTIFUL.” Regarding their discussions, Trump stated that Super Intelligence would be a topic, noting his intention to “leave it exactly where it is,” a stance he attributed also to China, while identifying the DOJ as a “guardrail.”
Trump criticized CNN and MSDNC for their “poor Ratings” and “NO CREDIBILITY,” alleging they refused to cover the arrival of the Chinese President to avoid giving him credit for what he called a “magnificent” and “beautiful” event. Trump asserted that these outlets and “Dumocrats” conspired to create a “Ford’s Theatre Lie,” claiming he wanted the theater named after him, which he dismissed as an “example of how the Fake News Media and the Dumocrats conspire together to make up false stories.”
Trump touted the current state of the economy, citing an S&P Flash Survey as evidence of the “HOTTEST” economy in the world, and shared a video segment advising viewers not to “believe the economic doomers.” He argued that media outlets are attempting to conceal economic progress to assist Democrats before the midterms. Additionally, Trump promoted a video commentary by Victor Davis Hanson regarding Canada.
Reference: https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump
4. Government Department News
State Department (state.gov)
Secretary of State Marco Rubio congratulated the people of Guinea-Bissau on their 53rd National Day on September 24, 2026. Rubio stated that the United States “values its growing economic partnership” with the nation, specifically citing the energy sector. He expressed that the two countries are “deepening our cooperation and expanding opportunities for trade and investment.” Rubio noted that the United States looks forward to strengthening the bilateral relationship in the future.
Department of War (war.gov)
The Department of War announced multiple contract awards. Northrop Grumman Systems Corp. received $123.78 million for F-35 radar components and a $97 million modification for FMU-139D/B Fuze System production. Stark Aerospace Inc. was awarded $114 million for MK 41 Vertical Launching System canister requirements. Raytheon Company received $50.07 million for EA-18G jammer repairs, and Electric Boat Corp. was awarded $40 million for hydraulic actuators for Virginia-class submarines. GE Aviation Systems LLC received $16.87 million. Most awards were non-competitively procured or sole-source.
5. Selected Democratic Officials
Gavin Newsom (gov.ca.gov)
Report Highlights Progress in California Wildfire Resilience
Governor Gavin Newsom announced a new report detailing California’s wildfire mitigation efforts over the last five years. The state trained firefighting personnel, performed fuel reduction on thousands of acres, and prevented millions of metric tons of carbon emissions. Officials highlighted the success of SB 901 funding in treating lands to reduce fire intensity and protect communities. Secretary for Natural Resources Wade Crowfoot stated, “We’re seeing what sustained investment in wildfire resilience can deliver: safer communities, healthier forests, cleaner air and more jobs.”
Governor Newsom on the California Supreme Court ruling Sheriff Bianco illegally seized ballots
The California Supreme Court ruled that Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco acted unlawfully when he seized hundreds of thousands of ballots following the 2025 special election for Proposition 50. In response, Governor Newsom stated the ruling “affirms that in California we will defend democracy — using every branch of government.” The Governor noted that he recently signed a 13-bill election protection package intended to prevent similar occurrences and ensure that citizens can trust that their ballots remain secure and counted.
California’s largest new water storage project takes a major step forward
Governor Newsom announced that the Sites Reservoir project is nearing construction after the Sites Project Authority confirmed a revised water right permit is viable. The project, designed to capture Sacramento River flood flows to improve drought resilience, will next face a State Water Board review on November 4. The reservoir is expected to store 1.5 million acre-feet of water. Governor Newsom stated the project is “moving with urgency to build the water infrastructure our changing climate demands” to address anticipated future water supply losses.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (ocasio-cortez.house.gov)
On September 24, 2026, Representatives Ocasio-Cortez, Pressley, Bera, and Senators Murray, Hirono, and Cortez Masto reintroduced the Affordability is Access Act. The legislation aims to require insurance companies to fully cover over-the-counter birth control without fees or out-of-pocket costs once FDA-approved. It further mandates coverage for all FDA-approved contraceptives without cost sharing. Proponents described the bill as a necessary response to what they termed “senseless attacks” and a “far-right dystopia” from the Trump administration regarding reproductive care and contraception access.
Andy Beshear (governor.ky.gov)
Gov. Beshear Stands Up for Coal Miners; Urges Congress To Expand Benefits for Black Lung Disease
On September 24, 2026, Gov. Andy Beshear urged Kentucky’s Congressional Delegation to support the Support Our Miners Act to address a resurgence of black lung disease. Gov. Beshear stated the legislation would adjust disability benefits to account for inflation, noting benefits have decreased 30% since 1969. The Governor said, “Kentucky miners powered homes, communities and our economy for generations,” and argued the current system is inadequate. He cited resolutions from various city and county governments supporting an increase in these benefits.
JB Pritzker (gov.illinois.gov)
Gov. Pritzker Cuts Ribbon at Voortman’s Grand Opening Facility
Governor JB Pritzker joined Voortman Steel Machinery and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to celebrate the opening of the company’s $51.4 million expansion in Monee. The 100,000-square-foot facility is expected to create 51 new jobs and retain 40 existing positions. Governor Pritzker stated the expansion reinforces Illinois’ status as a hub for advanced manufacturing. The project received support through the state’s Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) program to bolster the regional supply chain and local workforce.
Daily Public Schedule: Thursday, September 24, 2026
Governor JB Pritzker’s schedule for September 24, 2026, included two public appearances. At 12:00 PM, the Governor delivered remarks at the Illinois Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Luncheon held at the Hilton Chicago. At 2:00 PM, the Governor attended the grand opening of the Voortman USA facility in Monee, where additional press availability was scheduled.
6. AI & Tech Company News
No relevant AI & tech company updates found for this date.
7. Congressional Watch
Covers the 2026-09-23 session — the Congressional Record is published with a one-day delay.
Senate
The Senate conducted routine proceedings and passed multiple bills and resolutions, including legislation concerning satellite cybersecurity and fraud prevention in online dating. Senators also continued consideration of the Protect College Sports Act and confirmed the nomination of Angela Veronica Colmenero as a United States District Judge.
H.R. 1721 — Requires a feasibility study on manufacturing critical infrastructure products in the United States [Passed]
S. 1363 — Facilitates cooperation between the federal government and New Mexico land grant communities [Passed]
S. 2933 — Renames a West Virginia playground to honor children and families affected by childhood cancer [Passed]
H.R. 2481 — Mandates fraud ban notifications for online dating service members [Passed]
S. 1962 — Restricts telecommunications licenses for entities on the Covered List [Passed]
S. 3404 — Requires a report on federal support for commercial satellite cybersecurity [Passed]
S. Res. 863 — Designates September 13–19, 2026, as National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week [Agreed to]
S. Res. 888 — Honors the Paseo Verde Little League baseball team for their World Series championship [Agreed to]
S. Res. 892 — Supports designating September 18, 2026, as National Concussion Awareness Day [Agreed to]
S. Res. 893 — Designates October 2026 as National Country Music Month [Agreed to]
S. Res. 894 — Designates September 25, 2026, as National Ataxia Awareness Day [Agreed to]
S. Res. 895 — Designates October 4–10, 2026, as National Community Policing Week [Agreed to]
S. Res. 896 — Expresses the sense of the Senate regarding artificial intelligence transparency and religious freedom [Agreed to]
S. Res. 897 — Honors the life and legacy of former Senator Jon Llewellyn Kyl [Agreed to]
Angela Veronica Colmenero — Nomination for United States District Judge for the Southern District of Texas [Confirmed 50–47]
House of Representatives
The House of Representatives was not in session on September 23, 2026.
Not applicable — The House was not in session [No action taken]
Committee Highlights
Senate - Committee on Armed Services — Examined updates on United States Central Command operations
Senate - Committee on Armed Services — Reported 6,859 military nominations
Senate - Committee on Armed Services (Subcommittee on Cybersecurity) — Examined cyber operations, readiness, and election security
Senate - Committee on Environment and Public Works — Examined updates to national nuclear waste management policy
Senate - Committee on Foreign Relations — Examined efforts to combat and deter wrongful detentions
Senate - Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs — Examined a request to direct Senate Legal Counsel to file an immunity application
Senate - Committee on Indian Affairs — Reported S. 5354 concerning Native American housing assistance
Senate - Committee on Indian Affairs — Examined legislation regarding federal recognition and land trust status for various tribes
Senate - Committee on the Judiciary — Examined opportunities and safety for women in sports
Senate - Committee on the Judiciary (Subcommittee on Crime and Counterterrorism) — Examined a nationwide artificial intelligence surveillance network
Senate - Committee on Veterans’ Affairs — Examined nominations for the Board of Veterans’ Appeals and the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims
Senate - Select Committee on Intelligence — Examined certain intelligence matters in a closed session
Senate - Special Committee on Aging — Examined generic drug manufacturing competitiveness
Coming Up
The Senate will convene at 10 a.m. on September 24, 2026, to continue consideration of the Protect College Sports Act. The House of Representatives will meet in a pro forma session at 2:30 p.m. on September 24, 2026.
Reference: Congressional Daily Digest — 2026-09-23
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Washington Policy Review: September 23, 2026
Today’s Report
1. Overview
2. White House News
3. Truth Social Posts
4. Government Department News
5. Selected Democratic Officials
6. AI & Tech Company News
7. Congressional Watch
1. Overview
The White House announced on September 22, 2026, that its official mobile app reached the No. 1 ranking in the News category and the overall App Store Top 20, reporting two million downloads. The administration claimed the app allows users to access news “not filtered through networks that have spent years distorting the record of President Donald J. Trump.” Additionally, the White House reported the launch of TrumpTV, which it described as a “major success.” President Trump also addressed the United Nations, asserting he has achieved “historic results that have reshaped world order for America’s benefit.”
President Trump denounced reports alleging he intends to rename Ford’s Theatre as a “Ford’s Theatre Hoax,” characterizing the claim as a “ridiculous lie” and “FAKE NEWS.” He further labeled political opponents as “Degenerates and Losers” who he alleged participate in “never-ending, malicious falsehoods to try to discredit and demean.”
The Department of State launched the Andes-Atlantic Corridor with Argentina to modernize infrastructure, supported by a $7 billion “U.S.-Argentina Build the Future Framework” financing commitment. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced a new visa restriction policy targeting individuals who facilitate “birth tourism,” stating the measure is intended to “defend the integrity of U.S. citizenship.” The Department of State also pledged $267 million in health assistance for the Ebola response in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Department of War announced $230 million in grants for military infrastructure and awarded multiple contracts, including a $3.5 billion award for environmental and construction services. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. announced $51 million in awards to expand dental care for children with neurodevelopmental disorders and launched a Request for Information regarding deceased donor islet cell treatment regulations. The USTR announced Fiscal Year 2027 sugar tariff-rate quota allocations totaling 1,117,195 metric tons.
Governor Gavin Newsom announced the expansion of California’s Cap-and-Invest market and authorized the regulatory process to link it with Washington State. At a United Nations event, he criticized President Trump’s environmental record, calling him a “fossil fuel industry’s puppet.” Governor Newsom also named experts to advise on his AI executive order, including work on “kill switches” for AI models. Governor Wes Moore signed an executive order establishing a Maryland Data Center Task Force and announced plans to repeal a data center tax exemption. Governor Andy Beshear reported that his administration has invested $45.5 million in pediatric cancer research. Governor Tim Walz highlighted $410 million in state funding for the Destination Medical Center and appointed two new District Court Judges. Senator Jon Ossoff reported he is cosponsoring the bipartisan Clean Water Allotment Modernization Act of 2026.
OpenAI announced it will provide the Government of Ukraine access to its Daybreak program to protect civilian infrastructure from cyber attacks, with Head of National Security Policy Sasha Baker stating the initiative provides tools to “find and fix vulnerabilities.” OpenAI CEO Sam Altman addressed the United Nations Security Council, where he warned that companies must prioritize human control over competitive speed and stated, “We should not train models that we cannot make an extremely strong case that we will be able to keep under human control.”
On September 22, 2026, the Senate voted 52-43 to agree to cloture on the nomination of Angela Veronica Colmenero and 70-21 to agree to cloture on an amendment to S. 4668, a bill regarding student athlete rights. The Senate also passed H.R. 4467, regarding Vicksburg National Military Park, and H.R. 952, regarding federal land in Sacramento. The House of Representatives was not in session.
2. White House News
White House App Hits No. 1 in News and Cracks App Store Top 20 as Americans Tune Out Fake News
As of September 22, 2026, the White House announced its official mobile app reclaimed the No. 1 News ranking and reached the overall Top 20 on the App Store. With two million downloads, the White House claims Americans use the app to access news “not filtered through networks that have spent years distorting the record of President Donald J. Trump.” Additionally, the administration reported the launch of TrumpTV, featuring 24/7 streaming content available via the app, WhiteHouse.gov, and YouTube, describing it as a “major success.”
Reference: Original White House release
President Trump Delivers Powerful America First Message to the United Nations
In his United Nations address, President Donald J. Trump asserted he has achieved “historic results that have reshaped world order for America’s benefit” and made the nation “safer and more prosperous.” The White House stated that Trump is holding the U.N. accountable following “years of weak and failed Democrat leadership under the Biden Administration that put America last.” According to the White House, Trump is “allowing America to WIN again” by protecting national interests, bolstering defense, and creating jobs, noting that “he’s only just begun.”
Reference: Original White House release
3. Truth Social Posts
Trump denounced as a “ridiculous lie” and “FAKE NEWS” claims that he or the White House intend to affix his name to Ford’s Theatre, the site of President Abraham Lincoln’s assassination. Characterizing the report as a “Ford’s Theatre Hoax,” Trump stated that “The Dumocrats suffer from serious Trump Derangement Syndrome.”
He further labeled these political opponents as “Degenerates and Losers” who fabricate “lie after lie.” According to Trump, this narrative is part of their “never-ending, malicious falsehoods to try to discredit and demean.”
Reference: https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump
4. Government Department News
State Department (state.gov)
Joint Statement on the Launch of the Andes-Atlantic Corridor
U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau and Argentine Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno launched the Andes-Atlantic Corridor to modernize infrastructure linking Argentina’s economic sectors to Atlantic ports and Western markets. The initiative aims to facilitate public and private investment in transportation, energy, and digital infrastructure. The United States intends to utilize financing tools from the DFC, EXIM, and the U.S. Trade and Development Agency, while Argentina aims to strengthen legal and regulatory frameworks to attract foreign capital.
United States and Argentina Launch Andes-Atlantic Corridor Fact Sheet
The Andes-Atlantic Corridor is a G7 Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment initiative designed to connect Argentina’s mining and energy basins to Atlantic ports. EXIM and Argentina signed the “U.S.-Argentina Build the Future Framework,” providing up to $7 billion in financing by 2027. U.S. agencies plan to advance projects that exclude “non-market actors” and utilize “trusted technology.” A U.S. delegation will visit Argentina in October 2026, and officials plan to host roadshows for U.S. companies in December 2026.
United States Pledges Additional Life-Saving Health Assistance in Response to Ebola Outbreak
The Department of State announced $267 million in additional health assistance for the Ebola response in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This brings total U.S. contributions to $887 million, with the State Department providing over $780 million. The funding supports treatment units, burial teams, and surveillance efforts. The Department noted this assistance fulfills a G7 summit commitment and builds on a global health Memorandum of Understanding. The United States called on “capable nations to increase burden sharing” to address the crisis.
Secretary Rubio’s Meeting with Indian External Affairs Minister Jaishankar
Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Indian External Affairs Minister Jaishankar in New York. The officials discussed the U.S.-India strategic partnership and its role in the Indo-Pacific, as well as developments in the Middle East. Additionally, they reviewed potential sanctions against states engaging economically with Russia and Iran. Secretary Rubio stated the United States is “well-positioned to help regional partners address their energy security challenges.”
Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced a new visa restriction policy under Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act targeting individuals who facilitate “birth tourism.” The policy applies to owners of commercial networks, visa “fixers,” and medical providers who assist foreign nationals in obtaining U.S. citizenship for profit. Secretary Rubio stated the administration is taking these measures to “defend the integrity of U.S. citizenship, protect American public benefits and U.S. taxpayers from exploitation, and safeguard our national security.”
Secretary Rubio’s Meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov
Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. The discussion focused on the Russia-Ukraine war and the state of the U.S.-Russia bilateral relationship.
Department of War (war.gov)
DoW Approves $230 Million in Grants Under the Defense Community Infrastructure Program
The Department of War announced 26 grants totaling $230 million for infrastructure projects supporting military installations. Assistant Secretary of War Dale Marks stated the funding aims to “strengthen military installations” and support national security. The program, which leverages $120 million in additional funding, covers projects ranging from airport runway improvements to education and utility facilities. The grants are part of the Fiscal Year 2026 Defense Community Infrastructure Program, with $100 million sourced from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
The Department of War announced multiple contract awards on September 23, 2026. Thirty-four companies were awarded a combined $3.5 billion contract for environmental optimization and construction services through September 2034. Additionally, PTC Inc. received a $99,767,830 modification for Air Force supply chain analysis, and KAL Architects Inc. was awarded a $25,000,000 contract for architect and engineering services. Segue was awarded a $17,167,724 contract for the modernization and cloud migration of the Manpower Programming and Execution System.
Department of Health and Human Services (hhs.gov)
HHS Invests $51 Million to Expand Dental Care for Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced $51 million in awards to 28 health centers to improve dental care for children with neurodevelopmental disorders. Through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), each recipient will receive up to $2 million to develop evidence-based models, address barriers like sensory sensitivities, and improve workforce capacity. Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. stated the goal is to “remove barriers to care, equip providers to better serve these children, and give families more options close to home.”
HHS Seeks Public Input to Improve Access to Deceased Donor Islet Cell Treatments
HHS released a Request for Information regarding the regulation of deceased donor islet cell products used to treat type 1 diabetes. The FDA currently regulates these as biological products; the agency is evaluating if this framework limits patient access or if classifying them as organs—shifting oversight to HRSA and the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network—would be effective. Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. stated HHS is examining if regulations “unnecessarily stand between patients and these potentially life-changing treatments.” Comments are due by November 8, 2026.
United States Trade Representative (ustr.gov)
USTR Announces Fiscal Year 2027 WTO Tariff-Rate Quota Allocations for Raw Cane Sugar
The USTR announced country-specific in-quota allocations for the Fiscal Year 2027 tariff-rate quota (TRQ) for imported raw cane sugar, totaling 1,117,195 metric tons raw value (MTRV). This total meets the minimum U.S. commitment under the WTO Agreement. Following a July 2026 notice for 1,061,202 MTRV, the USTR is now allocating the remaining 55,993 MTRV. Imports may enter the United States starting October 1, 2026, provided they are accompanied by certificates of quota eligibility and, for net importers, verified certificates of origin.
5. Selected Democratic Officials
Gavin Newsom (gov.ca.gov)
Governor Newsom announced plans to expand California’s Cap-and-Invest carbon market. He also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Finland to foster economic cooperation in clean technology and innovation. Additionally, the Governor held meetings with Australian officials to strengthen existing partnerships regarding grid innovation and energy storage. Newsom stated that by collaborating globally, California can build a “future that is more affordable, more secure, and more prosperous.” The state’s Cap-and-Invest program has reportedly generated $37 billion in climate investments over thirteen years.
Governor Newsom calls out Trump’s climate failure at the United Nations
At a United Nations event, Governor Newsom criticized President Trump’s environmental record, describing him as a “fossil fuel industry’s puppet” and an “invasive species.” Newsom highlighted California’s economic growth, asserting that the state has reduced greenhouse gas emissions while growing its GDP by 40% since 2019. He argued that California’s transition to clean energy proves that climate action and economic prosperity are compatible. Newsom affirmed that California will continue its climate policies “no matter who occupies the White House.”
Governor Newsom named a group of technology and policy experts to advise on his recent executive order regarding artificial intelligence safety. The group will examine proposals such as embedding independent third-party monitors within frontier AI companies and developing emergency “kill switches” for AI models. Newsom stated his administration is not “waiting around” to address AI risks. Appointees include Jason Goldman, Gillian Hadfield, Alondra Nelson, and Rob Reich, who will provide guidance on independent verification, auditing, and institutional governance mechanisms for frontier AI.
Governor Newsom authorized the process to link California’s Cap-and-Invest program with Washington State’s carbon market. The Governor completed the legally required findings, enabling the California Air Resources Board to begin the public regulatory process. This linkage aims to create a more stable market for cutting climate pollution and funding community investments. Governor Ferguson of Washington stated that “linkage isn’t just good climate policy — it’s smart economics.” The program previously linked with Québec in 2014, allowing for the mutual acceptance of compliance instruments.
Wes Moore (governor.maryland.gov)
Governor Moore Celebrates Maryland’s Feature on Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel List
Governor Moore announced Maryland’s inclusion on Lonely Planet’s “Best in Travel 2027” list, citing the state’s history, nature, and culture. In 2025, the state hosted 47.4 million visitors, supporting local economies. Maryland Department of Commerce Secretary Harry Coker Jr. stated the recognition underscores the diversity of the visitor economy. Managing Director of the Maryland Office of Tourism Cassandra Vanhooser noted the state’s offerings connect travelers to local experiences. The state plans to highlight its railroad heritage for the 2027 anniversary of American railroading.
Governor Moore signed an executive order creating a Maryland Data Center Task Force and establishing development standards for projects of 25 megawatts or more. The task force will issue public project determinations and manage a Data Center Dashboard for reporting power and water usage. The Governor also announced plans to seek repeal of the 2020 Data Center Sales and Use Tax Exemption. Gov. Moore stated the order aims to ensure “Marylanders do not foot the bill” while asserting that federal policy has allowed “Big Tech” insufficient regulation.
Andy Beshear (governor.ky.gov)
Gov. Beshear and First Lady Recognize Kentucky’s Leading Role in Fight Against Childhood Cancer
During Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, Gov. Andy Beshear and First Lady Britainy Beshear announced that the administration has invested $45.5 million in pediatric cancer research and family support. The Kentucky Pediatric Cancer Research Trust Fund has sponsored 62 projects at the University of Louisville and the University of Kentucky since 2015. Gov. Beshear stated, “Team Kentucky has stepped up, providing more than $45 million in state funding during my administration for pediatric cancer research and support for families going through this.”
JB Pritzker (gov.illinois.gov)
Daily Public Schedule: Wednesday, September 23, 2026
Governor Pritzker has no public events scheduled for Wednesday, September 23, 2026.
Tim Walz (mn.gov)
Governor Tim Walz visited Rochester’s Destination Medical Center (DMC) to highlight eight years of investments in healthcare and scientific innovation. The DMC, a public-private partnership, utilizes $410 million in state funding to support infrastructure and economic growth. Governor Walz described the partnership as a “win across the board,” emphasizing Minnesota’s role as an “internationally recognized hub for academic medicine.” Officials noted that the initiative aims to build a global biomedical ecosystem and bolster Minnesota’s reputation for high-quality healthcare and business expansion.
Governor Walz Appoints Jeremy Blackwelder and Aaron Zurek to Fill Fifth Judicial District Vacancies
Governor Tim Walz appointed Jeremy Blackwelder and Aaron Zurek as District Court Judges in the Fifth Judicial District. Blackwelder, an assistant public defender and former police officer, will replace the late Tricia B. Zimmer. Zurek, currently the Chief Public Defender for the district, will replace Gregory J. Anderson. Governor Walz praised Blackwelder’s “unique perspective” and described Zurek as a “brilliant legal mind” committed to treating individuals with dignity. The appointments cover judicial seats chambered in Ivanhoe, Marshall, and Mankato.
Jon Ossoff (ossoff.senate.gov)
Sen. Ossoff Working Across the Aisle to Improve Sewer and Stormwater Infrastructure Across Georgia
Sen. Ossoff is cosponsoring the bipartisan Clean Water Allotment Modernization Act of 2026 to update the EPA’s Clean Water State Revolving Fund formula to better reflect state population and infrastructure needs. Sen. Ossoff stated, “Investing in Georgia’s sewer and stormwater infrastructure means protecting our families, homes, and communities.” The Senator also highlighted recent Federal funding secured for stormwater projects in East Point, South Fulton, and Hampton, and noted the implementation of his Georgia Stormwater Management Act, which provided $3,120,000 for the South Columbus Water Resources facility.
6. AI & Tech Company News
OpenAI (openai.com)
OpenAI extends cyber access to Ukraine for civilian defense
OpenAI announced it will provide the Government of Ukraine access to its Daybreak program to assist in defending civilian infrastructure against cyber attacks. In collaboration with the Ministry of Digital Transformation, the initiative allows Ukrainian teams to use AI tools for identifying software vulnerabilities and testing fixes. Sasha Baker, Head of National Security Policy, stated, “We want to put more capable tools in their hands to help them find and fix vulnerabilities and protect the critical networks people depend on.”
Sam Altman’s remarks at the United Nations Security Council
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman addressed the UN Security Council regarding AI, balancing its potential for “creativity and discovery” with risks of “upheaval and disarray.” Altman emphasized that companies must prioritize human control and safety over competitive speed. He identified two primary risks: losing control to autonomous systems and the concentration of power in too few hands. Altman stated, “We should not train models that we cannot make an extremely strong case that we will be able to keep under human control.”
7. Congressional Watch
Covers the 2026-09-22 session — the Congressional Record is published with a one-day delay.
Senate
The Senate conducted routine proceedings and debated the Protect College Sports Act. The chamber also moved toward confirming a judicial nominee and approved several ceremonial and land-related measures.
Angela Veronica Colmenero — nomination to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of Texas [cloture agreed to by 52 yeas to 43 nays (Vote No. EX. 239)]
S. 4668 — bill to protect student athlete rights and promote fair intercollegiate competition [cloture on Amendment No. 6776 agreed to by 70 yeas to 21 nays (Vote No. EX. 240)]
S. Res. 870 — resolution recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month [agreed to]
S. Res. 871 — resolution supporting the goals of National Purple Heart Recognition Day [agreed to]
H.R. 4467 — bill to modify the Vicksburg National Military Park boundary [passed]
H.R. 952 — bill to convey federal land interest in Sacramento, California [passed]
House of Representatives
The House of Representatives was not in session on September 22, 2026.
None — The House was not in session [N/A]
Committee Highlights
No committee meetings were held.
Coming Up
The Senate will convene at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, to continue consideration of the Protect College Sports Act and vote on the confirmation of Angela Veronica Colmenero. The House will meet in pro forma session at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 24, 2026.
Reference: Congressional Daily Digest — 2026-09-22
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Man shot and wounded during Trump assassination attempt in Butler dies
James Copenhaver, 76, left with lingering injuries after gunman opened fire from rooftop at 2024 Pennsylvania rally
James Copenhaver, one of three campaign rally attendees shot in 2024 during an assassination attempt on then candidate Donald Trump, has died in Pittsburgh, his lawyer said Thursday. He was 76.
Copenhaver was in the bleachers during the event in Butler, Pennsylvania, when a 20-year-old gunman opened fire from a nearby rooftop, grazing Trump’s right ear with one bullet. Copenhaver was struck in the arm and in the abdomen, wounds that left him with lingering injuries and walking with a cane.
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Au procès en appel du MoDem, François Bayrou se compare au capitaine Dreyfus
Le patron du parti centriste a nié toute responsabilité dans l’affaire des assistants parlementaires européens, jeudi, devant la cour d’appel de Paris. Il a également commis quelques sorties douteuses. -
Trump Officials Eject 750,000 From Obamacare Markets, Claiming Fraud
Vice President JD Vance said the measure would save the government $2.2 billion. -
Vance cancels $2.2B in Obamacare funds over fraud
The Trump administration has cancelled enrollment in the Affordable Care Act healthcare program for about 750,000 people due to ineligibility suspicions, according to Vice President JD Vance. The individuals are allegedly connected to over $2.2 billion in fraudulent Obamacare payments, or about 2% of the AffordableCare Act's annual $112 billion budget. The announcement is part of an effort to ensure that elderly Americans and children who rely on Obamacare services receive the services they need. Mehmet Oz, Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, said Obamacare is structured in a way that prevents law enforcement from assessing fraud damages. CMS will hold a six-month moratorium on Obamacare broker enrollments and require all existing agents and brokers to re-identify proof of eligibility through a federal database. -
Dissidente sonore à plusieurs voix – Episode 1
En cette époque fascisante et anxiogène, on avait envie de vous partager des textes et des récits qui nous donnent de la force ! Alors on vous propose en plusieurs épisodes une version sonore du numéro #1 (janvier 2026) de la superbe revue antiraciste et féministe Dissidente.
Vous entendrez différentes voix racisées et/ou issues des colonisations pour lire la revue.
Cette série d'épisodes est diffusée sur les ondes de radio Galère 88.4 à Marseille puis sur différentes radios associatives.
Alors pour qui ne lit pas, n'arrive pas à lire ou n'aime pas, enjoy et fais tourner !
Voici le premier épisode, bonne écoute ! ICI
Entre nous – l'organisation intracommunautaire
Voix : Fatou, Ayefemi, Emi
¤ Intro
¤ Sommaire
¤ Edito écrit par Dawud Bumaye, fondatrice de Dissidente et lu par Emi
à 1 min 44¤ « Afroféminisme : penser la circulation, l'hybridité et l'initiation aux féminités noires » écrit Elsa Rakoto et lu par Fatou et Ayefemi
à 6 min 40Musiques
¤ Charlotte Adigéry – Googoo gaga
¤ The Webs – It's so hard to break a habit
¤ Uzi Freyja – Anger
Voir en ligne : Dissidente sonore à plusieurs voix – Episode 1 -
MIAM
Salut ! Pour le retour de laitue nocturne : une émission autour de la cuisine avec les récits croisés de Fatou, Pat
et Soraya. Des histoires de transmissions, de nostalgie, de souvenirs et de nouvelles façons...
Ce nouvel épisode se découpe en deux parties et voici la première ICI. Et si vous voulez attendre et découvrir l'émission dans son intégralité, une version sera également mise en ligne en octobre 2026.La suite le mois prochain sur radio galère à Marseille 88.4 le 4e lundi du mois d'octobre à 22h !
Zik :
– Canticuénticos / El pulpo cocinero
– Manu Dibongo / Soul Makossa
Voir en ligne : MIAM -
ICE has wasted tens of millions to carry out Trump’s mass detention agenda – report
GAO documents array of costly problems as ICE pursues controversial plans to rapidly increase detention capacity
US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other federal agencies have wasted tens of millions of dollars pursuing controversial plans to rapidly increase detention capacity – and the total will likely rise due to continuing mismanagement, congressional investigators warned on Thursday.
The US government accountability office (GAO) documented costly problems in several initiatives ICE has pursued since Donald Trump returned to office in January 2025 and ordered the mass arrest and deportation of people his administration has deemed should be forced out of the country.
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Face aux huées du cortège lors de la dernière manif anti-CRA,, l’adjointe é…
Face aux huées du cortège lors de la dernière manif anti-CRA,, l’adjointe écologiste Marie Vitoux montait pourtant au créneau pour défendre l’institution, jurant que la municipalité s’opposait fermement au centre de rétention administrative.
Aujourd’hui, le masque tombe : la maire PS refuse d’attaquer le projet en justice.
On nous balade de A à Z. Les élu·es jouent la comédie de l’indignation dans la presse tout en laissant le terrain libre à l’État pour bâtir sa taule pour sans-papiers.
À cette allure, comme toujours à Nantes, ce simulacre politique prépare le terrain à la matraque : le préfet finira par imposer le chantier par la violence policière et les lacrymos.
Face aux mensonges de la mairie et aux futures charges de la préfecture, aucune confiance dans les institutions.
Le CRA ne se négocie pas, il se bloque.
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[Brochure] Sous des horizons proches : mise à jour de l’adresse mail
« L’élaboration du concept de terrorisme s’est progressivement développée, surtout au cours des cinquante dernières années, sous des formes toujours plus évanescentes, toujours plus fumeuses, toujours plus éloignées de la signification objective de ce mot. »
— Réflexions scélérates, 2024.Depuis l’arrêt des services Autistici/Inventati, si vous voulez recevoir et lire le zine Sous des horizons proches c’est désormais possible d’écrire à : ehohⒶriseup*net. Gratuit en PDF ou par courrier sans frais d’envoi.
Le terroriste, c’est l’État !
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(Affiche) Brisons la chaîne !
Le texte de l’affiche :
Brisons la chaîne !
Le patron exploite son employé (à qui ça fout le seum, normal)
Mais cet employé choisit de se décharger sur sa femme,
qui, à son tour, maltraite son enfant,
qui, à son tour, humilie sa camarade queer, bizarre,
qui, à son tour, insulte son voisin arabe, noir, juif,
qui, à son tour, frappe son chat.
Et si on renvoyait plutôt nos rages contre ceux qui nous écrasent ?!
La guerre entre dominé.e.s
ça fait la paix des puissants.
Des Fachos,
Des Réacs,
Des Politicien.ne.s,
et Chefs en tout genre…
Complices et Solidaires,
Sortons des rangs !!
Sabotons l ordre toxique !
Contre toute autorité.
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Trump swoons over strongman soulmate Xi – are you feeling jealous, Vladimir?
Deference was deafening as US president rolled out red carpet for world’s biggest jailer of journalists – perhaps he was seeking tips
One is an authoritarian who represses the media and has a strong allergy to democratic elections. The other is head of the Chinese Communist party.
Donald Trump welcomed the Chinese president, Xi Jinping, to the White House on Thursday, setting the stage for a scene quite unlike anything the august old building has seen over more than two centuries.
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En Éthiopie, une reprise de la guerre à grande échelle se profile
Le 22 août, des combats ont éclaté sur plusieurs fronts dans le nord de l’Éthiopie. Dès le lendemain, les vols vers le Tigré ont été suspendus. -
Trump Easily Loses His Censorial SLAPP Suit Over A Poll Predicting He Might Lose
You may recall that after he had won the 2024 Presidential election, the sorest winner in the history of sore winners, Donald Trump sued retiring pollster Ann Selzer and the Des Moines Register for… having reported the — admittedly surprising and, in retrospect, wildly off — poll results suggesting that Kamala Harris actually had a chance to win over Donald Trump in Iowa. As we pointed out at the time, this was utter nonsense for multiple fairly obvious reasons. Poll data isn’t defamatory. It’s just the result of a poll. Also, what fucking damages could he possibly argue, given that he won?
Anyway, an Iowa state judge has now dismissed the case, while calling out what kind of chilling effects allowing it to proceed would have had on speech. The ruling is pretty thorough and fairly obvious, even if it sucks that Selzer had to deal with it for the past two years.
This case sets a President, a member of Congress, and a former state senator against a pollster and a newspaper, and it arises out of an election. A case of that kind invites the reader to look for a political result. The Court’s role is narrower. It is to sit as an impartial arbiter, to apply the law without passion or prejudice, and to rule without regard to the politics of the day. As such, the only question before the Court is whether the Petition states a claim the law recognizes. At its core, the Plaintiffs’ Petition seeks to stretch both Iowa statutory and common law beyond their current bounds, turning speech that enjoys the highest category of First Amendment protection into a liability. After considering the parties’ arguments, the Court must conclude that the protection is too great and the reach is too far. The case must therefore be dismissed.
We had previously covered some of the extremely shady procedural maneuvers that Trump’s lawyers had made in the course of the case, including dropping the federal case and refiling in state court in an attempt to dodge Iowa’s new anti-SLAPP law. But the state case was dead on arrival as well, even as Trump’s lawyers did a ridiculous “there’s no First Amendment implication here at all” shrug:
Plaintiffs’ initial argument is that the First Amendment has no relevance to this case. They say this litigation has nothing to do with a government attempt to chill private speech; no claim involves government suppression; and that Defendants’ argument over the absence of a general government power to punish political falsehoods is beside the point, because the parties on both sides are private. If Plaintiffs were right about this, the rest of this Part would be unnecessary. They are not right.
Under First Amendment principles, the identity of the party seeking the court to sanction speech is irrelevant. What matters is whether state law, applied by a state court’s judgment, will be used to do so. That principle was set in New York Times Co. v. Sullivan, which was itself a private tort action between private parties. In that case, the Supreme Court set the precedent that what a State may not constitutionally accomplish through a criminal statute is likewise prohibited in its civil law, and the prospect of damage awards may inhibit speech more effectively than the threat of prosecution. It makes no difference that a State is acting solely through its judicial branch, because the Constitution asks a court to scrutinize the application of state power.
This point has been applied to tort claims in the decades since, and it is clear that the Free Speech Clause may serve as a defense in state tort suits.
We occasionally hear this kind of nonsense from internet trolls, arguing that “defamation has nothing to do with the First Amendment, because it’s between two private parties, not the government.” But as the judge explains here, that’s not how any of it works. What matters is that the state, through its courts, is being asked to punish speech. That’s why NYT v. Sullivan (itself a lawsuit between private parties) made it clear that the First Amendment is quite relevant to any defamation claim.
In response to this case law, the Plaintiffs cite no authority for the contrary proposition, and the Court is aware of none. The rules are simple. Just because a private party rather than a prosecutor seeks the sanction does not remove the constitutional protection.
The First Amendment clearly applies in this case.
The fact that the polls turned out to be “false” also doesn’t change things, because the Supreme Court has made it clear that the vast majority of false speech is still protected by the First Amendment, with only a few narrow categories of false speech (like defamation and fraud) carved out. And, you should want it that way, because otherwise, any time anyone is aggrieved about someone’s speech, they could take them to court and spend years and millions of dollars fighting over truth vs. falsity. It would be a recipe for non-stop SLAPP suits.
In particular, this case turns on the principle that falsity alone does not create a category of unprotected speech. The Supreme Court has never recognized that false statements by themselves are not entitled to First Amendment protection, and it refused to do so when squarely presented with the opportunity. The Eighth Circuit held that even knowingly false campaign speech is not excluded from the Amendment’s protection.
Plaintiffs attempt to rebut this authority on falsity with a listing of statements from decisions in other contexts as support for the proposition that there is no constitutional value in false statements of fact, and that false speech is not protected for its sake.
This line of argument is unpersuasive because the Supreme Court has considered those very statements and explained that they do not support the conclusion that false statements are, generally, outside the Constitution’s protection. The passages Plaintiffs cite were written in the context of an area of speech that is unprotected for its own sake, and they do not stand for the general proposition that falsity is unprotected.
But, even more importantly, a poll isn’t the kind of thing that can be “true” or “false” in the first place. It’s an estimate, a snapshot of what a sample of people said at one moment, with a margin of error, about an event that hasn’t happened yet. It’s no more “false” when the result differs than a weather forecast is “false” when it doesn’t rain, which the judge notes:
A poll is simply an estimate. A poll reports responses from a sample of voters and includes a reported margin of error. It is based on a known methodology, and concerns an event that has not yet happened. Things of that nature are not the sort of things that can be said to be true or false in the manner required by the fraud exception. Opinion polls of random samples of voters are snapshots with margins of error, and campaigns are dynamic. A statement of conjecture about a future state of affairs is not provably false, even when the speaker is alleged to have known better. Ratings, forecasts, and predictions that reflect a subjective weighing of objective data points are not sufficiently factual to be susceptible to proof, and predicting uncertain future events is not an exact science for which a publisher may be held to account.
Honestly, this ruling by Judge Scott J. Beattie does a really excellent job cleanly and clearly explaining basic First Amendment principles. Too often in First Amendment cases, the judges get caught up in the details and legalese, which often makes it harder for lay people to understand the basic concepts. But Judge Beattie’s writing is very direct and on point regarding how the First Amendment actually works.
Is there actual malice? Of course not. Actual malice means they published it knowing it was false, or with reckless disregard for whether it was, meaning they actually had serious doubts about its truth. Trump, as per usual, presented zero evidence of actual malice:
Plaintiffs are public figures, and the Iowa Poll dealt with a matter of public concern. The privilege which bars defamation actions thus applies to Plaintiffs’ claims, and Plaintiffs must allege that Defendants published the poll knowing it to be false, or with reckless disregard as to the truth of the poll.91 Reckless disregard is not whether a reasonably prudent publisher would investigate further; it must be supported by facts that a publisher actually had serious doubts as to the truth of the publication.
The Petition does not contain such facts of actual malice. Although Plaintiffs have asserted that manipulation and falsification occurred in their pleadings and at oral argument, the Petition alleges no facts that support the notion that samples were manipulated, responses falsified, or the questionnaire slanted. What it alleges is that the result proved badly wrong and that Defendants harbored political animosity toward the Plaintiffs. Neither suggests the required state of mind. A published estimate that proves to be inaccurate is evidence only of error; ill will directed at the subject of a publication is not evidence of doubt as to its truth.
Would granting the injunction Trump sought against future “false polls” be an unconstitutional prior restraint? Certainly:
Plaintiffs seek an injunction against Defendants’ further publication of any false polls. The threat of prior restraint on publication is the gravest and least attractive encroachment on the First Amendment and is subject to a strong presumption of unconstitutionality. The scope of the relief sought would require this Court to determine the accuracy of unmeasured polls and to prevent the publication of speech yet to be made. Other courts asked to provide such relief have refused, and this Court would refuse.
Would applying the Iowa Consumer Fraud Act to the publishing of this poll violate the First Amendment under “strict scrutiny” (the standard required for the suppression of speech in a context like this)? Abso-fucking-lutely:
The Press Defendants argue, as to Count I alone, that Plaintiffs’ construction of the Iowa Consumer Fraud Act could not survive strict scrutiny. The Court agrees. The Plaintiffs’ construction of the Act would have subjected a pollster to liability for publishing an estimate that turned out to be inaccurate. Such a construction would constitute content-based regulation of core political speech, and the State would have the nearly impossible burden of justifying it. Although protection of the integrity of elections is a compelling interest properly considered in the abstract, the State must demonstrate that the particular restriction it seeks to impose is narrowly tailored to advance that interest. The Eighth Circuit has held that punishing false political speech is not permissible because the remedy for false speech is true speech. Plaintiffs’ construction would not meet that narrowly tailored test.
Basically, no matter how you look at it, no matter which standard you use, this whole mess of a censorial lawsuit was clearly designed to chill speech. As the judge points out, there’s effectively zero limit to Trump’s argument here:
The Court put the consequence of the Plaintiffs’ theory to their counsel directly. Asked whether the theory would expose meteorologists and sports commentators to liability to anyone who acted on a forecast or a prediction, counsel answered that it would not, “as proven by the fact that you don’t see those cases being brought.” The absence of such suits is not a limiting principle. It is the reason a limiting principle has not yet been needed.
Basically, the reason we don’t see such cases is because they’re obviously bullshit. And yet Trump, then the president-elect, brought his anyway, and kept pushing it as the sitting president. Solely because he wanted vengeance and pain brought on someone who issued a poll (speech) he didn’t like.
Unfortunately, though, the court refused to issue sanctions on Trump and his lawyers for bringing such a bullshit lawsuit in the first place, saying that even though Trump asked the court to extend existing law into new realms, it will give him the benefit of the doubt that the request was done in good faith. The court did leave the door open, though: a separate motion arguing the case was brought “for an improper purpose” might fare better. That question just isn’t ripe yet.
We’ve covered dozens upon dozens upon dozens of examples of Donald Trump’s anti-free speech actions over the years. It’s nice to see a court clearly call bullshit on this one.
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«La police est venue dans mon parking et ils ont cassé ma voiture»: un policier parisien condamné pour dégradations
Un policier parisien a été condamné à une amende, six ans après avoir pénétré dans le parking privé d’un habitant du XXe arrondissement et dégradé son véhicule en pleine nuit, sous les yeux de cinq autres gardiens de la paix. La victime avait filmé la scène. -
Republicans' Closing Arguments Are Becoming Increasingly Desperate
LEFT: Sen. Jon Husted, R-Ohio. Photo by Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images. CENTER: Vice President J.D. Vance. Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images. RIGHT: Iowa Republican U.S. Senate candidate, Rep. Ashley Hinson. Photo by Charlie Neibergall/Getty Images.With 40 days until the midterm elections, candidates and parties are making their closing arguments to voters, offering final cases for why the American people should support them in November.
For instance, take Speaker Johnson, who spoke to the media last week after adjourning the House early until after Election Day, allegedly so his members could go back to their districts and campaign. He made the following pitch to the American people for continued Republican rule. And somehow said it with a straight face:
“When we keep the majority in Congress, in the next two years, you’re gonna see a continued trend of working to bring down the cost of living, make affordability better for every American.”
Donald Trump echoed this message during his speech to the U.N. General Assembly this week:
“We inherited a dark age of America from the previous administration, and we turned it into the golden age of America. The entire world is being lifted by the wealth, strength, spirit, and momentum of a newly energized and a very powerful United States of America.”
These claims are quite the flex considering that, as a result of policies enacted by Trump and his pliant Congress in the current Republican Washington trifecta, the prices of gas and groceries are surging, housing and healthcare is increasingly out of reach for so many Americans, and every poll shows voters blame the Republicans for it.
But hey, at least it’s a message, right? They tried. That’s what a closing message is: a narrative on which voters can base their support.
The problem is, no one is buying it, not even Republicans. Increasingly, as Trump’s approval rating craters into the 20s and as Democrats are increasingly favored to win not just the House but possibly the Senate in November, Republicans are starting to say some quiet parts out loud in a desperate plea to save their jobs.
And it’s getting awkward.
The GOPleas
MAGA aligned officials have always taken their cues from Donald Trump himself, whose shamelessly blatant lies remain unmatched in modern politics.
And why shouldn’t they? Throughout Trump’s time in politics, no matter what he said, his MAGA supporters and media allies would simply repeat it. And it worked beautifully in 2024.
But two years later, it’s clear that not even the White House can spin the reality of the electoral wave building against the Republican party this November. And so some have resorted to transparently desperate measures.
Take JD Vance, who debuted a new closing argument during a podcast interview last week, urging voters to
“Give us another chance — or, give us another couple of years to continue to work on the amazing things that we’ve been doing for the past two years.”
Quite the slip there, acknowledging that their first two years in office have been a failure, only to pivot quickly so that he sounds at least in some way positive.
And remember when Trump addressed his midterm convention in Texas earlier this month? He pledged to the American people:
“I will issue a dividend to every adult citizen in the United States of America for $5,000. If the Republicans win. You win with us and you get $5,000. It will be called the ‘Trump dividend.’”
Putting aside the bribey (and likely illegal) nature of the promise, it was quite the tell that he felt he had to dangle a monetary reward to the American people in exchange for votes. Also, it just simply made no sense. Republicans control every lever of power, so they can release the money now if Trump wanted to. Why wait until the election? It was a question even Laura Ingraham challenged Trump on during an awkward interview.
And as if that weren’t awkward enough, Trump went on to make yet another plea to the gathered convention:
“What I want you to do is pretend, please, that I’m on the ballot.”
He doubled down on this message later to Trey Gowdy on Fox, saying
“When [Trump’s] off the ballot, the people don’t go to vote, and I’m asking the people … to get out and vote. Pretend I’m on the ballot.”
On one level, the very fact that Trump made this argument betrayed a certain acceptance of the current dire political situation Republicans are in. It’s true that Trump has succeeded at turning out new voters whenever he has been on the ballot, even over-performing the polls. But when he’s not on the ballot, his connection with MAGA voters has not translated to strong Republican performance in midterms of the past.
Hence, the plea.
As PBS’s Matt Loffman put it, “The premise behind Trump’s plea to pretend he’s on the ballot points to a potential turnout problem among his base.” Because,
the passion tilts toward Democrats. Seventy-six percent of Democrats say they care a great deal who wins Congress, while 67% of Republicans say the same. Additionally, 42% of Democrats are following the election very closely compared to 34% of Republicans.
But Trump’s ask was also hilariously tone deaf, oblivious to the fact that suggesting he is on the ballot this year is the very message Democrats want their own voters to hear. Tying a toxic Trump around the necks of Republican candidates is literally the Democrats’ closing argument.
Kicking Americans Off Healthcare
The White House’s closing argument messaging ahead of the midterms isn’t all desperate begging and pleading. It’s also ill-advised press conferences.
In August, Kayleigh McEnany made an incredible argument on The Five, pushing back on the notion that Republicans “don’t have a healthcare plan.”
“I’m tired of hearing the GOP doesn’t have a health care plan. Their plan is cutting the waste, fraud, and abuse.”
Turns out, she actually wasn’t joking. This week, the Trump administration adopted that message full-throatedly.
During a press conference touting $2.2 billion in savings to taxpayers supposedly “recovered” from “Obamacare fraud”, JD Vance and other officials announced that the Trump administration would be kicking 760,000 Americans off of their Affordable Care Act plans in the name of fighting “waste, fraud and abuse.”
Per The AP:
Vance said the cancellation of approximately 315,000 enrollments covering 760,000 people was done in part because the government was not checking whether people enrolled were eligible. Vance said another 419,000 enrollments will get additional verification to make sure they are eligible for the benefit.
Fox News framed it as a “major crackdown” and Dr. Oz complained that these “phantom” enrollees were clearly fraudulent since they had never filed a claim. To him, this signaled fraud. To most healthy people, that’s simply how insurance works.
So, what were they thinking? Perhaps Republicans felt they needed to have an answer to what has traditionally been Democrats’ top issue. Except they did it exactly backward.
Usually, you want to turn your opponent’s strength into a weakness. In this instance, however, by highlighting the removal of 760,000 enrollees from their ACA plans, Republicans have instead reinforced another central Democratic midterm message, namely that Republicans are exacerbating the affordability crisis by kicking millions of Americans off healthcare.
Until Vance’s ill-advised press conference, that Democratic message was focused on the nearly $1 trillion in Medicaid cuts contained in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. But with this announcement, the Republican closing message of saving American taxpayers billions by cracking down on “waste fraud and abuse” in healthcare once again only served to play into Democrats’ own closing message.
The Iran War
Republicans more concerned about maintaining their seats than hewing to an unpopular president’s policies are peeling away from Trump in pretty dramatic ways.
For the third time this year, last week the U.S. House voted to approve a war powers resolution to end the war in Iran. Of course, with Trump still in the White House, the vote is merely symbolic. But it is telling that, with each successive vote, more Republicans are joining Democrats in support of ending the war.
In the most recent vote last week, the number of Republicans seeking to end the war rose to seven, including U.S. Reps. Zach Nunn and Mariannette Miller-Meeks, two endangered Iowa Republicans, who see opposition to the war as a last ditch effort to shore up their campaigns.
In the aftermath of the vote, Speaker Johnson tried to downplay the vote by trying to claim the war in Iran is not even a war at all, saying,
“Well look, the administration doesn’t consider this an ongoing war. It’s not. They’re trying to resolve an operation -- Operation Epic Fury, which was an epic success.”
Even adding a Bush-esque flourish,
“Mission accomplished there”
But Republicans in tough races aren’t on board with this, particularly in heartland districts where, as Nate Silver notes, the surging gas prices caused by Trump’s war are being felt most acutely.
But generally, Democratic polling overperformance has been strongest in the middle part of the country, in rural, agricultural states and in states that are big energy producers.
Could it be gas prices, which have recently spiked to almost $4.50 a gallon amid Iran’s effective shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz? All but the most obstinate Republicans are plainly unhappy about the situation. In Michigan, Mike Rogers called for an end to the Iran War and a suspension of state and federal gas taxes. Turek’s opponent in Iowa, Ashley Hinson, likewise asked for an “immediate end” to the conflict on Monday — although she’s voted against numerous resolutions that would have directed Trump to end the war.
To put a fine point on it, Hinson then tweeted on Tuesday,
Along with Rogers and Hinson, we also saw Senator Jon Husted, who is polling behind Sherrod Brown in Ohio in one of the top swing races in the country, declare in an interview, “The war needs to come to an end as quickly as possible so that we can lower gas prices.”
This comes as Brown hammers Husted for his support for Trump and the war in a brutal takedown:
No wonder for many endangered Republicans, their closing message is clear: end Donald Trump’s war.
Welcome to the resistance.
Ken Paxton
In recent speeches Trump has acknowledged how abhorrent Texas Republican Senate candidate Ken Paxton is. In his calls for his supporters to vote for Paxton, Trump has offered only a tepid endorsement, as in the speech he delivered during the midterm convention:
During his speech, Trump critiqued Paxton’s speaking style, saying people “may not like the way he talks.” He followed up on the comment the next day, saying to Paxton, “I don’t like the way you talk.”
In the same speech, Trump said that Paxton “may not be the best-looking guy I’ve ever seen” and reiterated his dislike of the way Paxton dresses, while still urging Texans to cast their ballots for him.
Somehow, that is not the coldest endorsement Paxton has received lately. Paxton’s estranged wife Angela Paxton, who announced she was divorcing Paxton shortly after he launched his Senate bid last year—reportedly “on biblical grounds”—has now weighed in on the 2026 midterms.
Speaking to a group of Texas Republican women on Friday, Angela Paxton didn’t even have to say her estranged husband’s name to issue perhaps the saddest endorsement of Republicans ever uttered:
“It’s not the people — it’s the seat. Because we have more control over that seat and the future when we control the seat — when it’s still in the family, even if we’re mad at them.”
Cringe.
But that’s still more than George W. Bush or Senator John Cornyn is doing.
The two recently headlined a fundraiser for swing state Republican congressional candidates, where Paxton was conspicuously left off the list of recipients of their fundraising efforts.
Cornyn, whom Paxton famously defeated handily in the Senate primary earlier this year, has his reasons. As he put it last month
“Paxton’s a poor campaigner,” Cornyn told The Texas Tribune in August. “He’s lazy and doesn’t raise money. And he basically is not offering a very compelling case for his election.”
Cornyn is proving prescient. A new top-rated independent poll finds Paxton’s opponent Democrat James Talarico with a 6-point lead in the race.
Talarico now has a 73% chance of winning the seat in November, according to Nate Silver’s forecast.
Republicans’ closing message in the Texas Senate race seems to be one of quiet resignation that Paxton is going to lose.
Throwing the Trumps Under the Bus
For ten years, we have watched in frustrated wonder as Donald Trump has kept his hold on the Republican Party through impeachments, insurrection, felonies, rape adjudications, a disastrous pandemic response and now a war in the Middle East and surging gas and grocery prices. Would the fever ever break?
As long as Trump’s MAGA base stuck by him, there was no incentive for elected Republicans to break with him publicly. There was far more downside than upside. But as Trump’s popularity plummets to new lows, and as core blocs within 2024 MAGA coalition—such as farmers, rural voters and hispanics who swung to him that year—show increasing skepticism of the president, and as Trump’s final midterm election fast approaches, there is less downside now to throwing Trump under the bus.
As Rolling Stone notes in its new piece on why Republicans are beginning to at long last turn on Trump,
A poll from CNN released this week, for instance, shows that Trump’s approval among independents is an anemic 25 percent. The network highlighted that his net approval among independents has shifted 86 points in the wrong direction since before the 2024 election. Trump’s popularity is also cratering within his own party. A recent UMass/Amherst poll found that his approval among Republicans has dropped 14 points since March, and that one in six people who voted for him would not vote for him again.
And that’s just what some Republicans are doing.
As The Independent reported earlier this month, many Republican candidates who are in tight races in November “have dropped mentions of President Donald Trump from their campaign websites.”
The Washington Examiner reports that Florida state Rep. Mike Beltran, who is battling for Florida’s 14th Congressional District, has reworded his website so that it no longer claims he has motivated to enter politics because of Trump’s example and now states instead that he “felt called to public service” and that he is running to be a “champion for lower costs, lower taxes, and increased healthcare access.”
Ouch. And there are more where that came from.
Similarly, according to NBC News, Kentucky House contender Ralph Alvarado is now promising “independent leadership,” having previously pitched himself as an “American First fighter.”
The Washington Post has found another five GOP House candidates in battleground races who had modified their sales patter to downplay allegiance to Trump.
And just this week, Byron Donalds, Trump-endorsed Republican candidate for Florida Governor, became the latest.
But it’s not just Trump whom Republicans are turning on. It’s also his son, Don Jr.
After it was reported that a Russian oligarch paid for Don Jr.’s wedding afterparty, Senator John Curtis (R-UT) called for an investigation into the apparent corruption, even demanding Don Jr. be subpoenaed.
And Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) concurs.
Republicans are also increasingly bucking Trump on policy, from ICE…
…To his surge of hundreds of thousands of tons of imported beef…
…And as Trump continues to be AI data center developers’ biggest fan, Republicans in tight races are making sure voters know they’re not with him.
From Ohio…
“The data center companies haven’t done a very good job of explaining why they should be allowed to develop in communities,” Sen. Jon Husted, R-Ohio, told Fox News Digital at the GOP’s midterm convention in Dallas.
“But the bottom line is, that should be a local decision, not a federal decision,” he continued. “I don’t want the federal government telling you that you must have a data center or that you can’t have a data center.
To Michigan.
Former Rep. Mike Rogers, who is running in one of the most competitive races this cycle in Michigan, told Fox News Digital that he hears “lots and lots of concern about data centers, not just the physical beings, but what happens on the other side of AI.”
“What we’ve said is there should be a moratorium until we get all of voters’ decisions and questions answered,” Rogers said
Closing message: Donald? Donald Who?
Urging Votes for Democrats
The biggest sign Republicans see the wave that is coming to wipe them out this November is a surprising one: many are urging voters to support Democrats this year.
There‘s Karl Rove and Sen. John Cornyn, who announced they are voting for the Democrat in the Texas Railroad Commissioner race after Republican Bo French went full racist on X.
There’s the former Governor of Kansas endorsing Democrat Adam Hamilton for Senate.
And George Will urging a vote for Annie Andrews for Senate in South Carolina over Republican Darline Graham.
We are truly in the upside down when Tucker Carlson supports Abdul El-Sayed for Senate in Michigan.
The closing message here is that not even Republicans trust Republicans.
As Senator Cornyn posted on X last week:
We are even at a point when a former Republican like Bill Kristol, now an anti-Trumper, is laying out what Democrats’ closing message ought to be.
And he’s not wrong.
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À Carcassonne, face à de nouveaux éléments accablants, le maire RN musèle ses oppositions
Empêtré dans une succession de révélations sur sa police municipale, le maire de Carcassonne, Christophe Barthès, a empêché son opposition de s’exprimer sur l’affaire en conseil municipal. Des mails internes prouvent que l’élu Rassemblement national a menti: il était bien au courant des agissements de son agent. -
Democratic lawmakers accuse Trump administration of interference in Brazilian elections
Legislators sent letter to Marco Rubio saying US interference is weakening Brazil’s democratic institutions
A group of 31 Democratic members of the US Congress has sent a letter to the secretary of state, Marco Rubio, criticising the Trump administration over “an apparent effort to interfere with, and potentially undermine” Brazil’s elections.
Latin America’s largest country will hold the first round of its presidential election on 4 October, with polls showing a technical tie between the incumbent leftist president, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, and the far-right senator Flávio Bolsonaro.
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White House launches Trump TV following press bans
The White House on Monday launched Trump TV, a 24/7 stream on YouTube, days after President Trump banned reporters from CNN, Politico and MS NOW over their coverage of him and his administration. -
CNN reporter arrives at White House after judge rules against Trump's media ban – video
CNN senior reporter Betsy Klein gained access to the White House on 24 September, hours after a federal judge ruled against Donald Trump's media ban. The ban had barred reporters from CNN, MS Now and Politico from accessing the White House
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'Literally state-run TV': Trump launches YouTube channel amid boycott by US networks
Donald Trump's previous television career centred on his role on The Apprentice, but the US president's latest media venture is a rather lower-budget affair: the launch of Trump TV in the wake of his ban on several outlets from covering the White House. -
White House App Hits No. 1 in News and Cracks App Store Top 20 as Americans Tune Out Fake News
As of September 22, 2026, the official White House mobile app reached No. 1 in the News category on the App Store and climbed into the Top 20 among all apps. The app previously hit No. 1 in News and, at launch, soared as high as No. 4 across the entire App Store. More and more Americans are gravitating to the app because they want the news straight from the source, not filtered through networks that have spent years distorting the record of President Donald J. Trump. -
À Marseille, le crépuscule du Marché du Soleil
Fermé définitivement par la justice après plusieurs mois de procédure, puis ravagé par un incendie quelques jours plus tard, le Marché du Soleil laisse derrière lui commerçants et habitués. À Marseille, le sort de ce lieu emblématique du commerce populaire suscite émotion et incertitude.
The post À Marseille, le crépuscule du Marché du Soleil appeared first on Bondy Blog.
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Mort de Quentin Deranque à Lyon: cinq nouvelles mises en examen
Cinq personnes ont été mises en examen jeudi dans le cadre de l’enquête sur la mort du militant d’extrême droite radicale Quentin Deranque à Lyon en février, ce qui porte à quatorze le nombre de suspects poursuivis dans ce dossier. -
«On nous laisse à l’aveugle»: les salariés de SFR inquiets face au rachat
L’opérateur a été racheté par ses concurrents Bouygues, Orange et Free. Bien que les repreneurs présentent l’opération comme «socialement responsable», plus d’une centaine de salariés se sont mis en grève jeudi 24 septembre. Ils et elles dénoncent l’absence de garanties sur le maintien de leur emploi. -
Bruit de bottes dans la Silicon Valley: la tech se met au service de la «sécurité nationale»
Le secteur de la tech états-unienne assume désormais de travailler pour des projets à connotation militaire. Une étude de deux chercheurs de l’Institut français des relations internationales revient sur ce phénomène et ses risques. -
«L’extrême droite prépare un coup d’État institutionnel»
Qui sont celles et ceux qui facilitent la montée de l’extrême droite? Qui s’en accommodent? Qui en tirent profit? Discussion entre Emmanuel Marre, réalisateur du film «Notre salut» qui sort en salles le 30 septembre, Sophie Binet, secrétaire générale de la CGT, et Johann Chapoutot, historien et auteur de «La Bascule». -
Dans l’industrie, les actions antimilitaristes se poursuivent
Chaque 21 septembre, c'est la «journée internationale pour la paix». Et c'est peu dire que cette date est oubliée en France.
L’article Dans l’industrie, les actions antimilitaristes se poursuivent est apparu en premier sur Contre Attaque.
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Les « débats » médiatiques, ou la machine à abrutir
De CNews à France Inter, en passant par BFMTV et LCI : les médias audiovisuels multiplient d’année en année les cases « débats ». Et ce en expliquant, sûrs d’eux, que ce serait là une des meilleures manières d’informer la population, d’autant plus à… -
Judges’ Casual Writing Embraces Slang—And Not Everyone’s A Fan
(image generated using ChatGPT)This article is an expanded version of a piece that originally appeared on Bloomberg Law, part of Bloomberg Industry Group, Inc. (800-372-1033), and appears here with permission.
In 2008, Justice Antonin Scalia and Bryan Garner, the legendary legal lexicographer, had a well-publicized disagreement over using contractions in legal writing. They hashed it out in the pages of Making Your Case: The Art of Persuading Judges, one of my favorite books about written and oral advocacy.
Garner argued that contractions “ought to become more widespread in legal writing,” including judicial opinions. Justice Scalia took the opposite view: “Formality bespeaks dignity,” and “black-robed judges engaged in the exercise of their august governmental powers” should be dignified.
Almost two decades later, Garner’s view has carried the day. Contractions appear frequently in judicial writing, and they’re employed by some of the best writers on the bench—including Justice Elena Kagan and Judge Kevin Newsom (11th Cir.). Justice Scalia’s former seat on the Supreme Court is now occupied by Justice Neil Gorsuch, who uses contractions liberally.1
But contractions are just the tip of the iceberg. If he were alive today, Justice Scalia would probably be appalled by the increased informality of judicial writing.
Memes, slang, and vulgarity, oh my
Consider some of what we’ve seen in just the past four months, in published decisions at all three levels of the federal judiciary.
In August, Judge Brantley Starr (N.D. Tex.) included the internet meme “money printer go brrrrrrrr”—with an accompanying image—in a footnote to his opinion in CFTC v. TMTE, Inc.
Just this month, in her opinion in Center for Taxpayer Rights v. IRS, Judge Cornelia “Nina” Pillard (D.C. Cir.) dismissed an argument raised by the IRS by calling it “weak sauce”—a term that appears in Urban Dictionary, but not Black’s Law Dictionary.
Back in June, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson used the slang phrase “understood the assignment”—a staple of TikTok, not Supreme Court decisions—in her concurrence in Trump v. Barbara, the landmark case about birthright citizenship.
Perhaps most infamously, earlier this year Judge Lawrence VanDyke (9th Cir.) opened his dissent from the denial of rehearing en banc in Olympus Spa v. Armstrong by declaring, “This is a case about swinging dicks.” (Duck!)
Filling in the ‘deets’
This trend toward informality might have reached its apotheosis this month in the opinion of Judge O. Rogeriee Thompson (1st Cir.) in Instituto Médico del Norte v. Greengift Capital. The second paragraph, offering an overview of the case, begins as follows: “We’ll fill in the deets shortly, but the SparkNotes is this.”
This breezy language led the Legal Style Blog to call for Judge Thompson’s impeachment in a tweet—in jest, I’m guessing, but likely reflecting genuine displeasure. And other readers shared the negative reaction to her writing.
Legal-writing guru Ross Guberman, author of three acclaimed books about legal writing, posted a poll on X about the “deets” sentence. A whopping 88% of respondents said they found the sentence “excruciating,” while only 5% described it as “refreshing.” (The other poll options were “What are deets?” and “What are SparkNotes?”)
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Not all reviews of the Instituto Médico del Norte opinion were critical. Joe Patrice of Above the Law opined that while its style might be “jarring to anyone familiar with federal judicial opinions,” the decision as a whole “untangles a complicated, multiyear bankruptcy saga in a readable—dare I say, pleasant—40-page account.”
“Honestly, I expected to find myself more critical of this opinion,” Patrice wrote. And after reading the full ruling, not just excerpts highlighted on X, I concur (although I would have cut the “deets” sentence, along with several other colloquialisms).
Despite some surprisingly casual turns of phrase, “the rest of her opinion is refreshingly clear,” Guberman told me. He ran Instituto Médico del Norte through BriefCatch, the AI-powered writing and editing tool that he created, and the opinion averaged an impressive 91.4 out of 100 across the five tracked categories: reader engagement, concision and readability, flow, crispness, and clarity. (Disclosure: I serve on the board of LawCatch Inc., the parent company of BriefCatch.)
“That’s not quite Kagan or Roberts territory,” said Guberman, “but it’s close.”
A move toward more conversational opinions
Judge Thompson’s opinion reflects how legal writing has evolved over the 30 years that I’ve been reading judicial opinions.
Decades ago, opinions weren’t widely read by the public, and judges wrote them with that in mind. Expecting their opinions to be read mainly by the lawyers handling the case, who would in turn explain them to their clients, judges wrote opinions that were dense, technical, and laden with legalese.
Since I started reading opinions as a first-year law student in 1996, three related trends have changed judicial writing—mostly for the better.
First, in 2008, Adobe released its previously proprietary Portable Document Format as an open standard, greatly facilitating the sharing of opinions in electronic form.
Second, relying heavily on PDFs and in response to 2002’s E-Government Act, courts started making their opinions freely and immediately available on their websites.
Finally, social media exploded in popularity, both within and beyond the legal profession. Today, both lawyers and interested members of the public can read, discuss, and debate judicial opinions, in online forums such as X, Bluesky, or LinkedIn.
Realizing that their opinions often will be read by much larger audiences than just the lawyers involved in the case, judges have seemingly responded by making their opinions more clear, comprehensible, and conversational. Although I haven’t conducted an empirical study, I can confidently say, based on reading hundreds of opinions each year, that contemporary judges go lighter on legalese than their predecessors did.
Judges today work harder to explain their rulings in ways that can be understood by people who don’t have legal training. In high-profile cases, judges often provide introductions and conclusions that seem designed to be read by laypeople as well as lawyers. In cases with complicated, confusing, or voluminous separate opinions, judges sometimes include a summary or road map to guide readers through the holdings.
The judicial system exists to serve the American people—who are, of course, the folks ultimately paying the salaries of judges, clerks, and court staffers. So if judicial opinions are now more accessible to citizens and taxpayers, that’s a positive development.
Too much of a good thing?
For another expert’s perspective, I reached out to Judge David D. Weinzweig, a member of the Arizona Court of Appeals and author of Zen and the Art of Persuasive Writing, an excellent resource for legal writers. Without commenting on any particular opinion, he acknowledged that informality can be overused—just as a matter of effective communication, setting aside concerns about dignity or propriety.
“Judges are professional authors, but we are paid to convey our reasoning,” Judge Weinzweig said. “Informal legal writing is never appropriate when it competes for the spotlight, siphoning the reader’s finite attention from that reasoning.”
“You never want a reader focused on tone, grammar, and word choice when that focus could be devoted to understanding your point,” he continued. “I still deploy informal legal writing but only when it helps make the point.”
Of course, reasonable minds can disagree over how much informality is too much informality. And despite valuable tools like BriefCatch, which bring greater rigor and objectivity to evaluating legal writing, there’s still a certain amount of personal opinion and subjectivity at play here.
Or as Judge Weinzweig wrote in his book—paraphrasing Justice Potter Stewart’s famous quotation from Jacobellis v. Ohio about obscenity, but referring to persuasive writing—“I know it when I read it.”
UPDATES:
4:46 p.m. For additional insights on this topic, please see Peter Kalis’s essay, Reflections on the Business of Law (which I have posted online with his permission). As Kalis wrote in a note to me, “I don’t think the issue is contractions or informality. Rather, the issue is clarity, as I described thirty years ago in this short essay (beginning on page 803).”
4:55 p.m. I meant to mention this poll earlier: On X, Ethan Savka conducted a poll in which he asked his readers to pick the worst casual writing in a judicial opinion. The “winner,” with 45.9% percent of the vote, was “money printer go brrrrrrrr,” followed by “Jk - J. Thompson here” (28.1%), “We’ll fill in the deets” (20.4%), and “Weak sauce” (5.6%).
Some great judicial writers continue to eschew contractions—e.g., Judge Stephanos Bibas (3d Cir.).
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Trump’s FDA nominee says MMR shot is ‘safe and effective’ at Senate hearing
Dr Heidi Overton faces confirmation hearing weeks after standing behind Trump as he suggested shot could be ‘quite lethal’
Dr Heidi Overton, Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), has told senators the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is “safe and effective”, weeks after standing behind the president as he suggested the shot could be “quite lethal”.
At a confirmation hearing on Thursday, Overton described the MMR vaccine as “safe and effective”, adding: “It is our best tool right now in the public health response to the measles outbreak.”
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« Les marches pour le climat et la justice sociale doivent être aussi antiracistes et anticoloniales »
Les auteurs de cette tribune appellent à manifester « ensemble, sans effacer les voix » lors de la marche climat du 26 septembre. Pour une « libération collective et totale », ils demandent à tous de se « mobiliser concrètement contre le colonialisme et l'antiracisme ».
Lire la suite - Tribune / Luttes , Idées
La liste des signataires se trouve en bas de texte.
Le 26 septembre, nous marcherons pour le climat, pour le vivant, pour la paix et pour la justice sociale. Nous marcherons parce que les crises qui bouleversent nos vies (…) -
BNP Paribas adopte Gemini Enterprise et les modèles Gemini de Google dans le cadre de sa stratégie « IA agentique »
Ils travaillaient déjà ensemble depuis plusieurs années, notamment autour de la gestion des API avec Apigee, ils vont désormais plancher sur l’agentique. BNP Paribas et Google Cloud annoncent ce 24 septembre la signature d’un nouveau contrat d’une durée de cinq ans portant sur un plus grand accès de l’acteur bancaire aux services du géant américain du cloud.
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Comment les milliardaires ont pris le pouvoir en France... avec notre argent
Depuis 2017, Emmanuel Macron et ses gouvernements répètent qu'il n'y a « pas d'argent magique » pour les Français. Pourtant, les chiffres disent l'inverse : 211 milliards d'euros d'aides publiques versées chaque année aux entreprises sans contrôle ni… -
At Trump meeting, Xi Jinping lays out terms to avoid US-China military conflict
Chinese president’s proposals for lessening tensions come amid period of intense competition between the two countries over AI and trade
Xi Jinping has called for extensive cooperation with Washington to avoid the “Thucydides trap” that could put the US and China on a military collision course amid rising tensions over artificial intelligence, trade and Taiwan.
At the start of his summit meeting with Donald Trump in the White House, the Chinese president laid out terms for a mutual understanding that he said could steer the two competing superpowers away from future military conflict and on to a road of mutual gain.
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« Complément d'enquête » sur Rima Hassan : misère du journalisme télé d'investigation
Source : Acrimed -
Au RN, des assistants parlementaires réseautent chez les trumpistes
Source : Les Jours
Payant -
Faute de médecin, le prix fort de l'automédication
Source : Le Nouveau Paradigme -
Serge Zaka : « Il faut travailler en profondeur sur les modèles agricoles »
Source : STUP.MEDIA -
Anthropic a trouvé un système inconnu dans l’ADN de bactériophages, mais ne sait pas trop ce qu’il fait vraiment
Anthropic a annoncé le 23 septembre 2026 que Claude a découvert un « système enzymatique inconnu ». Une structure que l'entreprise compare à CRISPR, le ciseau génétique. Les scientifiques se divisent déjà sur la portée de cette annonce.
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Projection de 'Mayak-Kychtym'. Cycle nucléaire & cinéma par la Coordination antinucléaire d'Ile-de-France
Quand ?
Le 9 octobre à 19hOù ?
Fondation Charles-Léopold Mayer pour le Progrès de l'Homme 38, rue Saint-Sabin 75011 ParisComme chaque deuxième vendredi du mois, la Coordination anti-nucléaire d'Ile de France, vous invite à une projection précédée d'un buffet et suivie d'un débat.
Nous aborderons lors de cette soirée la question la catastrophe nucléaire survenue le 29 septembre 1957 à Kychtym (U.R.S.S.). Il y a bientôt 70 ans le nucléaire civil engendrait sa première catastrophe majeure.
Venez discuter et débattre avec les militant·es de la Coordination anti-nucléaire IDF et participer avec nous à faire arrêter le nucléaire.
"Mayak / Kychtym - La catastrophe nucléaire cachée avant Tchernobyl"
L'Esprit de Meti | 2026| 46 min.Le 29 septembre 1957, une cuve de déchets radioactifs explose au coeur du complexe nucléaire secret de Mayak, dans le sud de l'Oural soviétique.
En quelques secondes, l'équivalent de 70 à 100 tonnes de TNT projette une dalle de béton de 160 tonnes dans les airs et libère 740 pétabecquerels de radioactivité dans l'atmosphère. Il s'agit de l'une des plus grandes catastrophes nucléaires de l'histoire, longtemps restée totalement inconnue du monde extérieur.
Près de 70 ans plus tard, ce documentaire retrace les événements qui ont conduit à cette tragédie, les années de rejets radioactifs dans la rivière Techa et dans le lac Karatchaï, devenu l'endroit le plus radioactif de la planète, ainsi que trois décennies de mensonge d'État qui ont exposé plus d'un million de personnes à des doses anormales de radiations.
Une histoire qui continue de s'écrire encore aujourd'hui, dans les eaux de la Techa, dans les corps des habitants de Muslyumovo et dans le silence d'une usine qui fonctionne toujours.
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Festival du Livre et de la Presse d'Écologie
Quand ?
Du 3 octobre à 11h au 4 octobre à 18h30Où ?
Académie du Climat 2 Place Baudoyer 75004 ParisPendant deux jours, l'écologie se discute, se dispute et se raconte. Auteur·ices, journalistes, universitaires, éditeur·ices, associations et citoyen·nes se retrouvent pour nourrir le débat public et donner des clés pour penser les transformations écologiques de notre temps.
Un rendez-vous placé sous le signe de la réflexion critique, de la convivialité et de l'engagement, avec Jeanne Mermet, Hadrien Klent, Kévin Jean, Joëlle Zask, Alessandro Pignocchi, Terrestres, EcoRev', Politis, Éditions rue de l'Échiquier, Le passager clandestin, et Les soulèvements de la terre, parmi bien d'autres...
AU PROGRAMME :
– Samedi 11h - 22h30 // Dimanche 13h - 18h30
- Le salon avec de nombreux exposants qui reflètent la diversité du mouvement écologiste : maisons d'édition, médias et associations.
- Une librairie éphémère avec L'Attrape-Coeurs
- De nombreuses rencontres et tables rondes
– Samedi 3 octobre
- 11h30-13h - Ceci n'est pas une conférence verte : quelles propositions écologiques pour le secteur de l'édition ?, avec Fanny Valembois et Thomas Bout animé par Mathieu Bouttin, et partenariat avec l'Association pour l'écologie du livre
- 12h-12h45 - Rencontre avec Jeanne Mermet, Désertons (éd. Wildproject, 2025)
- 13h45-15h45 - Backlash : bonne nouvelle pour l'écologie ?, avec Steve Hagimont, Stéphane Foucart, Philippe Corcuff et Pauline Graulle, animé par Emmanuel Dessendier, et en partenariat avec EcoRev'
- 14h-15h - Rencontre avec Mathias Bonneau et Thi Colas, Bûcheron (éd. du Seuil, 2025), et Arbre pleure (éd. Wildproject, 2026)
- 15h15-16h - Rencontre avec Guillaume Blanc, Les Sacrifiés du paradis (éd. Delcourt, 2026)
- 15h30-16h30 - Déjouer le pire de 2027 : vers une écologie protectrice ? avec Julie Le Mazier de Solidaires et François Chartier pour Greenpeace
- 16h15-17h - Rencontre avec Hadrien Klent, Le jour Zéro (éd. Le Tripode, 2026)
- 16h-17h30 - D'autres façons de fertiliser les sols : compostons nos déjections !, avec Gilles Domenech, Christophe Gatineau, et Daniel Chateigner, animée par Matthieu Pichon, et en partenariat avec le Réseau Compost Citoyen
- 17h-18h - Rencontre avec Kévin Jean, À notre santé (éd. Payot, 2026) à la Bibliothèque Arthur Rimbaud
- 17h15-18h - Rencontre croisée avec Manon Guyonnet des Climatosportifs et Laurent Castaignède, Le revers de la médaille - L'empreinte environnementale du sport (éd. Écosociété, 2026)
- 18h-19h - Remise du prix du livre d'écologie politique 2026 à l'ouvrage Les natures du productivisme, Renaud Bécot, Christophe Bonneuil, Gabrielle Bouleau (éd. La Découverte, 2026) avec la Fondation de l'Écologie Politique (FEP)
– Dimanche 4 octobre :
- 13h-14h30 - Faire média autrement : rencontre avec Jérôme Gleizes de EcoRev', Quentin Hardy de Terrestres, Martin Paquot de Topophile et Léa Guedj de Reporterre
- 13h-13h45 - Rencontre avec Joëlle Zask, Donner à manger, politique d'un geste ordinaire (éd. Premier parallèle, 2026)
- 14h-14h45 - Rencontre avec Myriam Bahaffou, Éropolitique : Écoféminismes, désirs, révolutions (éd. Le Passager clandestin, 2025)
- 14h45-16h15 - Que faire quand l'extrême-droite s'empare du vivant ?, avec Hugues Jallon et Erwan Lecoeur, animé par Valentin Breton, et en partenariat avec le mouvement Colibris
- 15h-15h45 - Rencontre Philippe Grandcolas, Loi Duplomb, le débat confisqué. Alerte aux fausses informations sur la santé et l'environnement (éd. du Faubourg, 2026)
- 16h-16h45 - Rencontre Damien Deville, La France des mille lieux (éd. Ulmer, 2025)
- 16h30-18h - S'ancrer dans les territoires pour enraciner les luttes, avec Flaminia Paddeu, Alessandro Pignocchi, Samuel Grzybowski, animé par Pauline Fricot du Felipé
- 17h-17h45 - Rencontre avec Nora Guelton et Aurélie Sécheret, La Force du collectif : comment les écolieux peuvent transformer la société, co-écrit par Nora Guelton, Mathieu Labonne et Aurélie Sécheret (Terre Vivante, 2026)
- 18h-18h30 - Discours de clôture avec notre marraine Myriam Bahaffou
Ateliers et événements festifs
– Samedi 3 octobre
- 14h30-17h - Arpentage autour de La Bataille du glyphosate - Au coeur de la machine à influencer, de Aurore Gorius, David Lopez (éd. Steinkis, 2026) avec Les Arpenteuses Anonymes et en présence d'Aurore Gorius - Sur inscription
- 18h-20h20 - Conférence gesticulée De la fourche à la fourchette... Non ! L'inverse !! Pour une Sécurité sociale de l'alimentation, avec Mathieu Dalmais - en accès libre et sur inscription
– 20h30-22h30 - Laisse-Moi Kéfir La Vibe avec COMEDY CLUB !, avec le Bulbe média et Les Jeux Sont Tout Verts
– Dimanche 4 octobre :
- 13h-15h - Balade naturaliste avec Jacky Libaud de Balades aux jardins - Départ et arrivée devant l'Académie du climat - Tout public, sur inscription
- 14h30-16h - Atelier autour du Jeu coopératif pour comprendre sa consommation d'énergie, avec le LOW TECH LAB - à partir de 6 ans, sur inscription
- 15h-17h30 - Fresque de l'écofeminisme Avec CliMates - Tout public, sur inscription
- 15h-17h30 - Arpentage et Atelier d'écriture SF, autour de Frank M. Robinson, Vent d'est, Vent d'ouest (éd. Le Passager Clandestin, 2022), avec Les Arpenteuses Anonymes - Tout public, sur inscription
Et un programme à hauteur d'enfants
En continu :
– Des jeux de société, un quiz autour du livre Quel tableau ! de Julien Couty et grand jeu pour gagner des livres écolos
– Deux expositions autour des livres de Margot Othats, Le Grand Air et Quel tableau ! de Julien Couty.
– Cabinet de lecture dans le salon des exposants avec la bibliothèque Arthur Rimbaud et les médiateur·ices de l'Académie du Climat
– Samedi 3 octobre :
- 14h-16h - Atelier Biodiversité, avec les petits débrouillards, à partir de 5 ans
- 14h-18h - Atelier Landart : collecte d'éléments naturels et réalise une composition artistique dans une boîte en carton, à partir de 7 ans
- 17h-17h45 - Aide Petite Graine à grandir ! : venez découvrir avec vos tout-petits la lecture gestuelle et réalise de petites marionnettes doigts, en partenariat avec les éditions Scudéry - pour les tout-petits, sur inscription
– Dimanche 4 octobre :
- 14h-15h30 - Fresque de l'Arbre du climat, sur le réchauffement climatique, les conséquences et les solutions - de 8 à 12 ans, sur inscription
- 16h30-17h30 - Histoires contées Claire Rassinoux, à partir de 5 ans
- Voir aussi Festival du Livre et de la Presse d'Écologie
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Minimum vieillesse : non, les étrangers ne touchent pas automatiquement 1 043 euros après quelques mois en France
Source :Compte Facebook, le 17 septembre 2026
Etiqe :Manque de contexte
Contenu :
C’est un procédé que les lecteurs des Surligneurs connaissent bien : partir d’une règle exacte, d’un pourcentage ancien ou d’une statistique portant sur les étrangers, puis les assembler pour donner l’image d’une société particulièrement généreuse à l’égard des personnes qui n’ont pas la nationalité française.
Après la mauvaise interprétation des statistiques de la délinquance dans les transports franciliens, les comparaisons trompeuses entre les politiques migratoires de plusieurs pays, ou encore le nombre d’entrées sur le territoire français artificiellement gonflé, c’est désormais le minimum vieillesse qui alimente des récits trompeurs sur les réseaux sociaux.
« Un tiers » des bénéficiaires du minimum vieillesse seraient étrangers et un Algérien pourrait le toucher trois mois après « son arrivée en France ». À ces chiffres s’ajoutent d’autres comparaisons : un étranger n’ayant jamais travaillé en France toucherait autant qu’un salarié au Smic ayant cotisé toute sa vie « même sous OQTF ».
Mais alors que disent réellement les textes et les données publiques ?
1 043 euros ne sont pas versés automatiquement à chaque bénéficiaire
L’allocation de solidarité aux personnes âgées (Aspa), qui a remplacé l’essentiel de l’ancien « minimum vieillesse », est une prestation de solidarité destinée aux personnes âgées disposant de faibles ressources.
Depuis le 1er janvier 2026, son plafond est de 1 043,59 euros par mois pour une personne seule et 1 620,18 euros pour un couple. Mais ces montants ne correspondent pas à un chèque systématiquement versé : l’Aspa complète les ressources du bénéficiaire jusqu’au plafond. Une personne disposant déjà de 700 euros de pension ne reçoit donc qu’environ 344 euros d’Aspa.
Ainsi, selon la Direction de la recherche, des études, de l’évaluation et des statistiques (Drees), en 2024, 754 460 personnes percevaient l’Aspa ou une ancienne allocation du minimum vieillesse. Le montant d’Aspa effectivement versé était en moyenne d’environ 530 euros mensuels, loin du plafond maximal pour l’ensemble des allocataires. En revanche, il n’existe pas de données qui permettent de connaître la part d’étrangers parmi les bénéficiaires.
Une retraite au Smic équivalente à l’Aspa ?
C’est également sur ce plafond de 1 043 euros que repose une autre comparaison diffusée sur les réseaux sociaux : un salarié ayant travaillé au Smic pendant quarante-quatre ans ne toucherait pas davantage, retraite complémentaire comprise, qu’une personne bénéficiant de l’Aspa.
Sur ce point, la question de l’écart entre les deux dispositifs n’est pas nouvelle. Plusieurs organisations syndicales ont elles-mêmes défendu le principe selon lequel la pension versée après une carrière complète devait rester sensiblement supérieure au minimum vieillesse.
En 2022, la CGT distinguait ainsi le minimum contributif de l’Aspa et jugeait insuffisant le niveau de pension annoncé pour une carrière complète au Smic. Un document consacré aux petites retraites et diffusé par l’UNSA mentionnait explicitement l’objectif de « maintenir la pension minimale pour une carrière complète au-dessus de l’ASPA », en raison du risque que les deux montants deviennent trop proches.
La comparaison ne peut toutefois pas être réduite aux seuls montants. L’Aspa est une prestation de solidarité qui complète les ressources de son bénéficiaire jusqu’à un plafond. Une pension de retraite résulte, elle, des droits acquis au cours de la carrière. Pour un salarié du secteur privé, son montant dépend notamment des rémunérations et des trimestres validés, auxquels s’ajoutent les droits acquis auprès de la retraite complémentaire Agirc-Arrco.
Le système des retraites prévoit par ailleurs un minimum contributif, distinct de l’Aspa, destiné à relever certaines petites pensions. Depuis la réforme de 2023, la loi fixe pour objectif qu’une personne ayant effectué une carrière complète à temps plein rémunérée au Smic perçoive, retraites de base et complémentaire comprises, un montant brut total de pension au moins égal à 85 % du Smic net.
La proximité entre certaines petites pensions et le niveau de l’Aspa peut donc être réelle. Elle ne permet cependant pas d’en déduire que tous les bénéficiaires de l’Aspa « touchent la même retraite » qu’une personne ayant cotisé toute sa vie.
Oui, un étranger peut toucher l’Aspa sans avoir travaillé en France
Il est possible de percevoir l’Aspa sans avoir travaillé en France. Cela vaut pour un Français comme pour un étranger qui remplit les conditions légales.
Pour les étrangers hors Union européenne, Espace économique européen (EEE) et Suisse, la règle générale n’en est pas pour autant une attribution immédiate. L’article L. 816-1 du code de la sécurité sociale exige d’être titulaire depuis au moins dix ans d’un titre de séjour autorisant à travailler. La loi prévoit des exceptions, notamment pour les personnes « réfugié(s), apatride(s), [ayant] combattu pour la France » ou bénéficiant « de la protection subsidiaire ».
Il est donc inexact de résumer cette règle par « dix ans de présence en France » : le texte vise dix années de détention d’un titre de séjour permettant de travailler. Et un étranger « arrivé en France il y a six mois » ne peut, en règle générale, pas réclamer l’Aspa sur ce seul critère.
Autre condition pour bénéficier de l’Aspa, être lié à une résidence effective en France. Depuis 2023, la loi impose une résidence stable dont la durée ne peut être inférieure à neuf mois par année civile.
Une part minime
Si n’avoir jamais cotisé en France et bénéficier de l’ASPA est possible, dans les faits cela reste marginal. Si vous n’avez jamais travaillé en France, que vous soyez français ou pas, il existe un service – rattaché à la MSA – qui verse l’ASPA. En 2022, celui-ci a versé ce minimum social à 65 080 personnes (sur 691 210 bénéficiaires en tout en 2022). Il n’y a donc que 9 % des recourants au minimum vieillesse qui n’avaient jamais cotisé en France.
Lors d’une question au gouvernement, un député avait obtenu d’autres chiffres, en particulier sur les personnes étrangères. « Un seul chiffre : sur environ 580 000 bénéficiaires de l’ASPA et du minimum vieillesse [en 2018, ndlr], 3 % sont des étrangers qui n’ont pas ou peu travaillé en France. Ce sont, pour l’essentiel, des veuves dont la pension de réversion, modeste, est complétée par l’ASPA », précisait la secrétaire d’État, Geneviève Darrieussecq.
Trois mois pour les Européens, mais pas « pour tous les étrangers »
Les ressortissants de l’Union européenne, de l’EEE et de Suisse ne sont pas soumis à la règle des dix ans. Ils doivent remplir les conditions du droit au séjour et, dans le cas général, avoir résidé en France pendant les trois mois précédant leur demande.
Mais cette dernière condition ne s’applique pas à un ressortissant européen qui exerce en France une activité professionnelle déclarée, ni, dans certains cas, à une personne qui y a travaillé avant de se retrouver temporairement en incapacité de travailler, en formation professionnelle ou inscrite comme demandeuse d’emploi.
Pour autant, ce régime européen ne peut pas être transposé automatiquement aux autres ressortissants d’États – comme les Algériens – ayant conclu une convention de sécurité sociale avec la France, comme le font certains internautes.
Pour les ressortissants algériens, régulièrement cités en ligne, la condition de dix ans de titre de séjour autorisant à travailler n’est pas opposée pour l’ASPA. Dans une décision datée de 2018, le Défenseur des droits indique notamment que la Caisse nationale d’assurance vieillesse (Cnav) n’oppose plus cette condition aux Algériens depuis 2014. La Caisse centrale de la MSA a également diffusé le 15 octobre 2018 une instruction à son réseau rappelant cette règle.
Cela ne signifie pas qu’un Algérien peut toucher automatiquement l’ASPA quelques mois après son arrivée, comme le suggèrent des internautes : il doit toujours remplir les autres conditions, notamment d’âge, de ressources, de résidence effective et de séjour régulier. Autrement dit, une personne ayant une obligation de quitter le territoire français ne peut pas, en règle générale, bénéficier de l’ASPA.
« 36 % d’étrangers » : un chiffre ancien et appliqué au mauvais ensemble
Autre chiffre fréquemment repris en ligne : en 2009, « 36 % » (ou « un tiers ») des bénéficiaires du minimum vieillesse seraient étrangers. Si le chiffre est ancien, le pourcentage existe bien. Mais il ne s’agit pas de l’ensemble des allocataires du minimum vieillesse.
Au 31 décembre 2009, le SASPA, service qui versait l’allocation aux personnes ne relevant d’aucun régime obligatoire de retraite de base, comptait, selon le gouvernement de l’époque, 70 860 allocataires, dont 25 205 non-nationaux, soit 36 %. Mais cette statistique ne concernait que les personnes gérées par ce service, et non tous les bénéficiaires du minimum vieillesse en France.
Tout récemment, le Gouvernement a précisé en février 2026 que le SASPA ne représentait que 9 % des allocataires du minimum vieillesse fin 2023. Extrapoler son taux de 36 % datant de 2009, à tous les bénéficiaires de 2026, revient donc à appliquer à l’ensemble de la population un pourcentage mesuré sur un sous-groupe très particulier avec un écart de dix-sept ans.
Auteurs :
Auteur : Etienne Merle, journaliste
Relecteurs : Pascal Caillaud, chargé de recherche CNRS en droit social, université de Nantes
Liens d’intérêts ou fonctions politiques déclarés des intervenants à l’article : aucun
Secrétariat de rédaction : Etienne Merle, journaliste
L’article Minimum vieillesse : non, les étrangers ne touchent pas automatiquement 1 043 euros après quelques mois en France est apparu en premier sur Les Surligneurs.
