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Génération 67 refera-t-elle mai 68 ?
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La France est le pays d’Europe qui chasse le plus d’espèces d’oiseaux
« Ça ne fait qu’aggraver le problème » : pourquoi continuer à chasser les oiseaux ?
Cet article La France est le pays d’Europe qui chasse le plus d’espèces d’oiseaux est apparu en premier sur La Relève et La Peste.
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VATES : pourquoi un éditeur rentable depuis dix ans lève 30 millions d’euros
Rentable et autofinancé depuis 2016, l’éditeur grenoblois ouvre son capital pour accélérer ses investissements technologiques et commerciaux. La remise en concurrence de VMware lui offre une occasion de conquérir davantage de clients, à condition de disposer des équipes et des partenaires capables d’accompagner de grands déploiements. Pendant dix ans, Vates a financé son développement avec …
L’article VATES : pourquoi un éditeur rentable depuis dix ans lève 30 millions d’euros est apparu en premier sur FRENCHWEB.FR : innovation, tech, network.
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Développer une entreprise rentable : autofinancement, levée de fonds ou acquisitions ?
Une entreprise rentable peut financer son activité sans disposer des moyens nécessaires pour ouvrir plusieurs marchés, développer une nouvelle gamme ou racheter un concurrent. La décision dépend du montant à engager, du délai avant les premières recettes et du risque que les dirigeants acceptent de partager. Les trajectoires de Dougs et d’Odoo, comme les stratégies …
L’article Développer une entreprise rentable : autofinancement, levée de fonds ou acquisitions ? est apparu en premier sur FRENCHWEB.FR : innovation, tech, network.
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Le kill switch, grand angle mort de l’adoption des agents IA
Neuf secondes. C’est le temps qu’il a fallu, le 25 avril 2026, à un agent IA de développement logiciel et reposant sur Claude Opus 4.6 pour supprimer la base de production de l’éditeur de logiciel métier PocketOS. L’agent travaillait pourtant sur un environnement de test. Faisant face à un problème d’identifiants, il est allé chercher seul un jeton d’accès dans un autre fichier, puis a utilisé les droits associés pour intervenir sur la production. L’agent cherchait simplement à accomplir la tâche qui lui avait été confiée. Après l’incident, il finira par « présenter une déclaration écrite énumérant les règles de sécurité spécifiques qu’il avait enfreintes », se rappelle Jer Crane, le fondateur de PocketOS.
L’incident est presque un cas d’école. Les consignes interdisaient explicitement les actions destructrices ou irréversibles. Elles n’ont visiblement pas suffi et rien, dans l’architecture, n’empêchait techniquement l’agent d’exécuter son action. Autrement dit, le garde-fou existait dans les instructions, mais pas dans le système.
C’est l’un des changements majeurs introduits par l’IA agentique. Pourtant, les fondamentaux de la cybersécurité n’ont pas disparu du jour au lendemain dans les entreprises, qui ont massivement investi ces dernières années. Les outils restent efficaces et les principes tels que la gestion des identités, des privilèges, les mécanismes de segmentation ou de supervision restent éminemment pertinents. Mais avec l’IA, la vitesse n’est plus la même et un agent peut désormais enchaîner des actions et utiliser des accès légitimes. Il peut aussi passer d’un système à l’autre sans attendre qu’un humain intervienne… et ne s’en aperçoive.
D’où la (nouvelle) question du kill switch. Avant même de pouvoir arrêter un agent, encore faut-il savoir qu’il existe, où il agit et de quels droits il dispose. Il faut ensuite être capable de lui retirer rapidement ses capacités d’action ou de bloquer ce qu’il tente de faire. Les simples consignes données dans un prompt ne peuvent pas constituer, à elles seules, une politique de sécurité.
Le problème est d’autant plus sensible que l’adoption de l’IA – tant générative qu’agentique – se poursuit à une croissance folle, notamment dans les entreprises. Ne pas prendre ce virage est désormais souvent perçu comme le risque de perdre du terrain face à la concurrence. Mais cette urgence se fait bien souvent au détriment du principe pourtant fondamental de « Security by Design », autrement dit l’intégration de la sécurité dès la conception d’un système.
C’est précisément ce décalage qui donne aujourd’hui toute son importance au kill switch. Les entreprises commencent à donner aux agents des capacités d’action réelles dans leur système d’information sans pour autant être en capacité de prévoir les moyens de reprendre la main.
L’image du « bouton rouge » n’existe pas vraiment
Le terme de « kill switch » est ambigu, si ce n’est trompeur. À l’échelle des grands modèles, il peut désigner la capacité à suspendre ou contenir tout un système. Dans l’entreprise, il s’agit plutôt de reprendre immédiatement le contrôle d’un agent déjà capable d’agir dans le SI. Et c’est là que la notion se brouille : arrêter un agent peut vouloir dire couper son processus, lui retirer ses accès ou bloquer une action précise.
C’est pourquoi les premiers travaux et solutions sur ce sujet sont d’abord traités à travers le prisme de l’identité et des droits. L’idée consiste à éviter qu’un agent conserve trop longtemps des droits permanents sur une ressource sensible. « Le kill switch va être capable de tout couper, instantanément, à partir du moment où on voit qu’il y a un écart ou un problème de comportement », explique Vincent Steenhoute, solution engineer chez Okta. L’objectif est donc de forcer l’agent à repasser régulièrement par un point de contrôle avant d’obtenir les droits nécessaires à son action.
« Il va y avoir plusieurs formes de kill switch », estime pour sa part Babar Rashid, porte-parole de BeyondTrust. Cela peut passer par l’arrêt du processus ou par le contrôle de l’identité utilisée par l’agent. L’éditeur évoque aussi le blocage d’une action avant son exécution, avec la possibilité de faire intervenir un humain lorsqu’un agent sort du cadre prévu.
Cette diversité montre surtout qu’il n’existe pas encore de bouton rouge universel. Un mécanisme peut empêcher un agent d’accéder à une ressource sans pour autant arrêter son exécution. À l’inverse, stopper un processus ne garantit pas que toutes les autorisations associées aient été révoquées ailleurs.
La question devient alors celle de la granularité. Faut-il neutraliser entièrement un agent parce qu’une seule action pose problème ? Ou faut-il uniquement lui retirer une capacité précise ? Le kill switch ressemble moins à un interrupteur qu’à une série de leviers qu’il faut pouvoir actionner très vite. Et plus l’agent est transverse dans le SI, plus cette logique se complique. Dans un environnement multi-éditeur, reprendre la main suppose alors que ces différents leviers puissent se coordonner d’une manière ou d’une autre.
Le casse-tête des environnements multi-éditeurs
Rares sont les entreprises dont l’environnement n’est pas multi-éditeur. Aussi, un agent peut donc passer d’un logiciel à l’autre au cours d’une même tâche et couper son accès dans une solution ne garantit donc pas que ce qu’il a déjà déclenché ailleurs s’arrête. Pour qu’un kill switch fonctionne réellement, il faut que l’information puisse circuler à travers toute la chaîne logicielle de l’entreprise.
D’où l’importance de l’émergence de standards, dont certains existent déjà. Proposé par Oauth, Cross-App Access (XAA) vise à encadrer les échanges entre un agent et les applications auxquelles il accède, et permet de conserver un contrôle centralisé sur les autorisations lorsqu’un agent passe d’un service à un autre.
Mais il faut aussi pouvoir propager l’alerte lorsqu’un comportement anormal est détecté. C’est le rôle du Shared Signals Framework (SSF), un standard OpenID conçu pour faire circuler des signaux de risque entre différentes briques de sécurité. Une passerelle (Gateway) placée entre l’agent et les ressources qu’il sollicite peut alors bloquer son action. Et un outil de protection du poste de travail peut prendre une autre décision à partir du même signal.
« À terme, chaque éditeur aura son propre kill switch, mais la propagation du message quant à elle doit rester agnostique », estime Vincent Steenhoute d’Okta. Derrière le kill switch se dessine donc moins un outil unique qu’une capacité collective à détecter un problème puis à propager l’information assez vite pour déclencher les bonnes réactions.
C’est justement là que le chantier reste ouvert. « Il n’existe pas forcément un vrai standard où ces différentes couches de sécurité puissent interagir entre elles », constate Babar Rashid chez BeyondTrust. Les entreprises disposent déjà de plusieurs points de contrôle, mais ils ne fonctionnent pas encore comme un ensemble parfaitement coordonné. C’est justement la raison d’être de la nouvellement créée Blueprint Alliance, qui tente de répondre à cette fragmentation. Cette coalition multi-éditeurs travaille sur une architecture de référence ouverte pour sécuriser et gouverner les agents IA. Elle prévoit notamment de tester l’interopérabilité entre plusieurs standards ouverts afin que les signaux de risque puissent déclencher des actions coordonnées dans les différentes briques de contrôle.
Le kill switch ne prendra donc probablement pas la forme d’un bouton rouge unique : sa crédibilité dépendra surtout de la capacité du SI à faire circuler un même ordre d’arrêt partout où l’agent est encore en train d’agir.
FAQ – KillswitchQu’est-ce qu’un kill switch pour un agent IA ?
Un kill switch désigne un mécanisme permettant de reprendre rapidement le contrôle d’un agent IA lorsqu’il adopte un comportement anormal ou dangereux. Il ne s’agit pas nécessairement d’un bouton permettant de l’éteindre : le dispositif peut interrompre son exécution, révoquer ses droits d’accès, bloquer certaines actions ou imposer une validation humaine.
Pourquoi les consignes données à un agent IA ne suffisent-elles pas à garantir sa sécurité ?
Les instructions intégrées au prompt définissent le comportement attendu de l’agent, mais ne constituent pas une barrière technique. Si celui-ci dispose de droits suffisants, il peut réaliser une action non souhaitée malgré les consignes reçues. Les mécanismes de sécurité doivent donc également être appliqués au niveau des identités, des privilèges, des applications et de l’infrastructure.
Pourquoi est-il difficile de créer un kill switch universel pour les agents IA ?
Un agent IA peut intervenir successivement dans plusieurs applications et utiliser différentes identités ou autorisations. Bloquer son accès à une application ne suffit donc pas nécessairement à interrompre les actions déjà engagées ailleurs. Dans un environnement multi-éditeur, l’enjeu consiste à coordonner les différents mécanismes de contrôle et à propager rapidement un signal d’arrêt ou de risque.Quels standards peuvent contribuer à sécuriser les agents IA ?
Plusieurs initiatives cherchent à améliorer l’interopérabilité entre les systèmes. Cross-App Access (XAA) vise notamment à mieux contrôler les autorisations lorsqu’un agent passe d’une application à une autre. Le Shared Signals Framework (SSF) permet, lui, de transmettre des signaux de sécurité entre différents services. Des initiatives comme la Blueprint Alliance travaillent également sur des architectures ouvertes destinées à améliorer la gouvernance et la sécurité des agents IA.
Sources :
- Affaire PocketOS
- Cross-App Access : https://oauth.net/cross-app-access/
- Shared Signal Framework : https://openid.net/specs/openid-sharedsignals-framework-1_0-final.html
- Blueprint Alliance : https://blueprintalliance.ai/
The post Le <strong>kill switch</strong>, grand angle mort de l’adoption des agents IA appeared first on INCYBER NEWS.
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Quels sont les packs de fournitures de bureau les plus adaptés pour une PME ?
Pour une PME, les packs de fournitures les plus pertinents sont standards et correspondent aux volumes réellement consommés. Ils seront commandés selon le rythme de réapprovisionnement voulu par l’entreprise. Ces packs sont constitués de plusieurs produits identiques : stylo, roller de correction ou note repositionnable. Cependant, vous pouvez aussi créer votre propre liste d’achats composée …
L’article Quels sont les packs de fournitures de bureau les plus adaptés pour une PME ? est apparu en premier sur FRENCHWEB.FR : innovation, tech, network.
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Avec environ 8,9 millions d’euros, NETSEC veut changer l’économie de l’infogérance
Le prestataire franco-italien veut réunir gestion informatique et cybersécurité dans un abonnement par salarié. L’automatisation doit lui permettre d’absorber les opérations répétitives, tandis que ses équipes traitent les situations complexes. Le modèle devra démontrer que la croissance du portefeuille peut dépasser celle du travail humain nécessaire pour le servir. Le départ d’un salarié donne une …
L’article Avec environ 8,9 millions d’euros, NETSEC veut changer l’économie de l’infogérance est apparu en premier sur FRENCHWEB.FR : innovation, tech, network.
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« C’est énorme ce qu’il se passe » : à Montpellier, un acte 4 plein d’enthousiasme pour la jeunesse
Pleins de lycées et campus bloqués ou perturbés ce jeudi 8 octobre à Montpellier. Revivez la matinée de cet acte 4 de la mobilisation de la jeunesse avec Le Poing
Fin de matinée Pour l’acte 4 de la mobilisation lycéenne, de nombreux établissements ont été bloqués ou perturbés ce jeudi octobre à Montpellier. Parmi eux : les lycées Jean Monnet, Mermoz, Joffre, Clémenceau, Jules Guesde, Mendès France. Niveau campus universitaires : Paul Valéry, la fac de lettres, de pharmacie, de sciences, d’économie, de droit, l’Institut Régional du Travail Social (IRTS). On compte au moins 5 interpellations
Une manifestation va bientôt démarrer, à 13h au Peyrou12h Devant le lycée Jules Guesde, la police s’est mise en retrait, après au moins une interpellation près de l’arrêt de bus avoisinant. Un groupe de jeunes sur le trottoir en face est parti en même temps. Le calme revient, les discussions reprennent. Les lycéen-nes désignent des représentant-es.
On croise un étudiant en BTS à Jean Monnet, mobilisé et militant à l’Appel Communiste : “On a des problèmes pour bloquer parce que l’administration ferme le lycée et du coup on est peu nombreux-ses. Après chez nous les profs sont avec nous et le proviseur fait son travail de proviseur gentiment. C’est pas le cas partout. Les profs et le proviseur ont refusé ce que voulait le gouvernement et on proposé à la place deux journées de discussions politiques. Mais comme on a appris ça trop tard, à 22h, on a pas pu en discuter et ça a sauté à cause du blocus du lendemain. À Jean Monnet ils ferment le lycée après deux heures max, donc on va ailleurs. Ce mouvement a un gros potentiel, mais le pouvoir économique est dans les mains des travailleurs-euses. Nous on bloque les lycées, on bloque rien dans l’économie. Il faut qu’on s’organise mieux dans les lycées, qu’on fasse de grosses AG. Pour le moment il y en a mais elles sont petites. Et qu’on fasse la jonction avec les salarié-es”
Quelques secondes après, dans la discussion collective redémarrée, une lycéenne s’exclame : “C’est énorme ce qu’il se passe. C’est plus juste les lycées, c’est tous les lieux de formation et d’éducation !” Les jeunes vont bientôt prendre le chemin de la grande manifestation de l’après-midi, à 13h au Peyrou.
11h15 Au lycée Jules-Guesde, moins de monde, mais le blocus réuni toujours une centaine de personnes. “On est passés de 80h par mois à moins de 20h en terme de soutien scolaire”, constate une élève au mégaphone. Une petite assemblée se forme, pour évoquer les différentes actions et moyens de tenir dans la durée. “Il faut qu’on prévoit de quoi bouffer, de quoi se poser, de quoi passer une bonne journée. Et qu’on s’organise pour se relayer aussi, parce qu’on commence à fatiguer.” Mais la détermination est là. À côté de la petite assemblée, un tableau d’école sur trépied, grimé d’un “ils ne passeront pas”. Sur l’avenue devant le lycée, de nombreuses voitures klaxonnent en signe de soutien. Selon un sondage Elabe pour BFMTV publié mercredi 7 octobre en fin de journée, 55% des Français-es approuvent la mobilisation des lycéen-nes et 72% estiment leurs revendications légitimes.
Tout à coup, plusieurs voitures de police arrivent. Une grosse dizaine d’agents déboulent en toute précipitation, boucliers et matraques au poing, provoquant un mouvement de panique chez les lycéen-nes assis-es, qui se massent contre le portail. C’est un départ de feu dans une rue adjacente au lycée qui a provoqué l’intervention.
10h40 Feu de poubelle devant le lycée Mermoz. La police a fait usage de gaz lacrymogène.
10h15 À l’Institut Régional du Travail Social (IRTS), on bloque en musique. Et en chansons. Quelques dizaines d’étudiant-es barrent toutes les entrées, les plus proches des grilles s’ambiancent sur du Jul. Sur les pancartes, on peut lire : “Plus d’argent pour le social, moins dans l’évasion fiscale” ou encore “moins de flics, plus d’éducs”
“On est là en soutien à la lutte des lycéen-nes. Mais aussi parce que pour nous dans le social l’avenir est incertain.“, nous explique un-e premier-ères étudiant-es rencontré. “Il y a eu des millions de coupes budgétaires dans le soutien de l’État à l’Économie Sociale et Solidaire dans le budget pour 2026. Et les IRTS en dépendent partiellement. Aujourd’hui on débat pas mal pour savoir si on porte nos revendications au sein de l’école, parce que l’équipe de direction fait en sorte que ça se passe au mieux ici. Mais on ressent beaucoup les effets de ces coupes. Ça nous enchante pas de commencer à taffer dans un secteur qui a subit à la hache des coupes budgétaires. Ça se ressent dans les structures avec des stagiaires très exploité-es, et ça ça nous concerne directement et immédiatement. Et je tiens à dire que c’est le tout premier blocage de l’histoire de l’IRTS de Montpellier, c’est historique !”
Un second étudiant prend le relais : “On s’est beaucoup mobilisé-es sur la manière dont la police traite les lycéen-nes. Ça nous touche beaucoup parce que c’est un public qu’on peut se retrouver à accompagner en travail social, pour une partie.”
Une troisième : “On va avoir des échanges plus réguliers par la suite avec la direction de l’IRTS. Demain on débloque. Le matin ce sera la reprise administrative, et l’après-midi les étudiant-es qui le souhaite pourront reprendre les cours. Mais l’administration s’est engagée à ne pas compter absent-es celles et ceux qui voudraient rejoindre des blocages ou des manifestations dans les jours à venir.”
Les deux derniers intervenant-es sont membres d’un syndicat qui se relance tout juste depuis une semaine sur le campus. Deux assemblées générales sont prévues la semaine prochaine, une le mardi et l’autre en fin de semaine. “On veut bien s’assurer d’avoir l’avis de tous-tes les étudiant-es”, commentent-ils de concert.
9h30 Ambiance calme au lycée Clemenceau, lui aussi bloqué. “Les profs font cours devant 4 ou 5 élèves”, raconte Milo, en terminale. Mais la fatigue s’accumule après une semaine de blocages. “On est de moins en moins nombreux, les parents forcent pour que leurs enfants retournent en cours, c’est dur mais on ne lâchera pas”, confie le lycéen.
8h30 Des tentatives de déblocage de la fac de pharmacie seraient en cours. À Sète, c’est le lycée Paul Valéry qui est bloqué ce matin.
8h Alors qu’un escadron de gendarmes mobiles stationne à quelques mètres du lycée Mermoz, de nombreux élèves rassemblées devant l’établissement écoutent Zélie, en terminale, qui harangue la foule au mégaphone, debout sur une poubelle : “Le gouvernement prévoit la suppression de 1590 postes de profs dans son prochain budget. On est 35 en cours de langues, 35 en cours de spécialité, et on s’étonne que la phobie scolaire augmente… Le gouvernement veut qu’on fasse des réunions de “démocratie interne” pour parler de nos revendications, c’est juste un moyen de gagner du temps, car nos revendications, ils les connaissent. Une de ces heures a lieu à 9 heures, il faut la boycotter.”
Sabine, enseignante syndiquée au SNUDI-FO, est venue en soutien des lycéens de Mermoz. “Les instits et les AESH étaient en grève mardi. Nous sommes normalement soumis à des déclarations d’intention de grève à soumettre 48h avant sous peine de sanctions, mais des collègues les ont envoyé hors délai pour pouvoir se mettre en grève aujourd’hui. Nous soutenons les revendications lycéennes cat nous avons les mêmes dans le premier degré : plus de profs et plus d’AESH.” Elle dénonce également la “répression brutale” qui touche le mouvement. Le ministère de l’intérieur annonçait le 7 octobre 6 629 interpellations, 761 policiers et gendarmes blessés, ainsi que 215 élèves et 89 personnels enseignants. Main arrachée à Lens, jeune homme éborgné à Tours : la répression de ce mouvement de jeunesse est d’une triste intensité.
Devant le lycée Mermoz ce jeudi 8 octobre
7h45. Le lycée Jules Guesde, après plusieurs jours de fermeture administrative, réouvre… pour être immédiatement bloqué. Poubelles, grilles et chaînes humaines empêchent quelques centaines de lycéen-nes, mobilisé-es ou non, de rentrer. Le barrage est filtrant pour laisser entrer les collégien-nes. L’ambiance est détendue. Un jeune avec un costume de dinosaure se balade dans la foule.
Devant le lycée Jules Guesde pour la mobilisation de la jeunesse du 8 octobre 2026
7h30. Sébastien Lecornu a donné une allocution depuis Matignon ce mercredi 7 octobre, consacrée aux prix des carburants, à la crise agricole et aux finances publiques, mais aussi à la crise lycéenne. Il y annonçait que la plateforme de consultation ouverte aux lycéen-nes aurait recueillie 40 000 contributions, et que les premières décisions du gouvernement sur les lycées seront annoncées fin octobre. De son côté, le ministre de l’Éducation Édouard Geffray, auditionné face aux député-es, a rejeté l’idée d’une abolition de la plateforme Parcoursup, revendication importante du mouvement en cours. Ces annonces calmeront-elles la colère de la jeunesse ?
À Montpellier, Guylain Camour, doyen de la faculté de Droit et de Science politique de Montpellier a adressé, ce mercredi, un communiqué à ses étudiant-es annonçant que tous les cours passeraient en distanciel jusqu’à la fin de la semaine. Le 6 octobre, cette fac avait été bloquée tôt la matin avant d’être fermée par l’administration.
Ce jeudi 8 octobre, dès 7h, le Syndicat de Combat Universitaire de Montpellier (SCUM) annonçait déjà le blocage effectif de la fac de lettre Paul Valéry, de la fac de pharmacie, de la fac de sciences et de la fac d’économie.
Des lycéen-nes organisent un barrage filtrant devant le lycée Joffre pour laisser passer les élèves en classe préparatoire. “La police est passée enlever les poubelles, on les a replacées”, explique Enki, un élève du lycée. L’allocution du premier ministre Sébastien Lecornu de hier soir, censée apporter des réponses à la colère lycéenne, n’a visiblement pas eu l’effet escompté : “Il n’a pas été à la hauteur, c’est une pirouette de plus” selon Élie, un autre élève. “On nous a promis une plate-forme en ligne pour nos revendications, mais on l’a vu avec les cahiers de doléances des gilets jaunes, ça ne sert à rien. On nous a aussi promis des demi-journées de démocratie interne dans les établissements, mais là encore, on n’en a pas besoin, nos revendications sont nationales.”
Ce jeudi matin, des élèves du lycée Clemenceau doivent être reçus par Michaël Delafosse, maire de Montpellier. Une démarche qui rend Enki du lycée Joffre sceptique : “Il faut que nos camarades fassent attention à ne pas se faire récupérer politiquement. On l’a vu la semaine dernière quand on est allé discuter avec la rectrice, la première chose qu’elle a fait c’est de nous donner des autorisations de droit à l’image à remplir pour pouvoir dire qu’elle discute avec la jeunesse… De toute façon, nous n’avons à faire qu’à des instances différentes qui se renvoient la balle en disant que ce n’est pas de leur responsabilité….”
Joffre à nouveau bloqué le 8 octobre 2026
L’article « C’est énorme ce qu’il se passe » : à Montpellier, un acte 4 plein d’enthousiasme pour la jeunesse est apparu en premier sur Le Poing.
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Comment choisir, acheter et déployer ses services informatiques et de cybersécurité ?
Confier son informatique et sa cybersécurité à un prestataire engage le fonctionnement quotidien de l’entreprise, son budget et sa capacité à réagir à un incident. Le choix dépend de sa taille, de ses outils et des compétences qu’elle conserve en interne, tandis que la réussite du projet repose sur un périmètre précis et des responsabilités …
L’article Comment choisir, acheter et déployer ses services informatiques et de cybersécurité ? est apparu en premier sur FRENCHWEB.FR : innovation, tech, network.
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Derrière la défense trumpiste de Jordan Bardella, le poison lent de la «réinformation»
Depuis les révélations de «Mediapart», le président du RN persiste dans le mensonge, multipliant les attaques contre les journalistes. Cette stratégie récolte les fruits de la «réinformation» pour laquelle l’extrême droite milite depuis longtemps, et d’une inquiétante complaisance de l’écosystème médiatique dominant. -
Dans l’Indre, le projet de data center géant de Google provoque une levée de boucliers
À Étrechet, près de Châteauroux, l’intercommunalité a promis de céder 215 hectares de terres agricoles à la multinationale états-unienne. Le projet a déjà entraîné la démission de quatre élus, puis de la maire, et une mobilisation s’organise dans tout le département. -
Lettre d’une Gazaouie à un ami: «Nous ne souhaitons pas d’avenir. Nous souhaitons que le présent s’arrête»
«Que souhaitent les Palestiniens pour l’avenir de Gaza, en ce jour anniversaire du génocide?» L’autrice Nour Elassy répond à l’interrogation qui lui est lancée: il n’est plus question d’avenir tant que le présent, celui de la mort et de l’effacement, ne s’est pas arrêté. -
Violences policières contre les journalistes : « J'ai gagné mon procès contre l'État »
Marie Astier, journaliste de Reporterre blessée par une grenade des gendarmes à Notre-Dame-des-Landes, en 2018, a gagné son procès contre l'État. Une petite victoire, alors que « le combat pour les droits d'informer et de manifester est chaque jour un peu plus rude », écrit-elle.
Lire la suite - Tribune / Vie de Reporterre , Justice , Médias
C'était il y a plus de huit ans. Emmanuel Macron était président depuis même pas un an et, le 17 janvier 2018, jour historique pour les luttes écologistes, son Premier ministre Édouard Philippe annonçait (…) -
Déjeuners, cocktails... Le lobby de l'emballage tente de séduire les élus de gauche
Petit-déjeuner près de l'Assemblée, déjeuner au Sénat, cocktail à Roland-Garros… Les industriels du secteur de l'emballage mettent les moyens pour se rapprocher de députés et sénateurs, notamment à la fibre écolo, et ainsi redorer leur blason.
Lire la suite - Enquête / Politique , Pollutions
Sous les dorures de la Maison de la chimie, dans les beaux quartiers de Paris, le gratin des acteurs de l'emballage était réuni le matin du 8 juillet autour d'un café mignardises. Le lieu est stratégique, voisin de l'Assemblée nationale, idéalement (…) -
Trump Tyranny Tracker | Day 617-619: Oct. 2-4, 2026
The USS Theodore Roosevelt aircraft carrier in September. Source: US NavyWelcome to this weekend’s Trump Tyranny Tracker…
Trump’s expanding election conspiracy investigations, growing threats of midterm interference, and the FBI’s targeting of political opponents are among this weekend’s top stories.
This Weekend at a Glance
Trump mobilizes federal agencies to investigate debunked 2020 election conspiracy theories ahead of the midterms.
Kash Patel is directing FBI agents to investigate cases Trump wants pursued, while Trump presses for arrests and indictments before Election Day.
Pentagon deploys a third aircraft carrier and up to 10,000 additional troops to the Middle East.
What We Need to Pay Attention To
‘God made Trump’ ad and at least 12 others are part of controversial taxpayer-funded ad campaign
What Happened: The White House has produced at least 13 propaganda ads promoting Trump and his policies, including a “God Made Trump” ad. The $20 million campaign is funded via Customs and Border Protection, and every ad is labeled “Paid for by the U.S. Government.”
Why It Matters: Trump is spending taxpayer money on government propaganda glorifying himself and portraying his presidency as divinely ordained. This is straight out of Russia’s playbook, where state propaganda elevates the leader as a godlike figure and demands loyalty to him.
Source: CNN
Corruption
How Jared Kushner’s firm’s investment in an Israeli company could be a major conflict of interest
What Happened: Jared Kushner is negotiating U.S. Middle East policy while his private equity firm, Affinity Partners, owns a major stake in Israel’s Phoenix Financial, which has invested hundreds of millions of dollars in Israeli military suppliers. Affinity sold part of its stake in July for more than $340 million, over five times what it originally paid, and still holds shares worth more than $1 billion.
Why It Matters: Trump’s son-in-law is negotiating U.S. policy in a war while his firm has financial ties to Israeli military suppliers. Because he serves as an unpaid envoy, he does not have to disclose his financial interests, leaving Americans with no way to know whose interests he is serving.
Source: CNN
Power Consolidation
How Trump’s obsession with ‘rigged’ voting machines spread across US government
What Happened: Trump officials enlisted the intelligence community, DOJ, DHS and FBI in an investigation led by election denier Kurt Olsen into claims that foreign actors “manipulated” voting machines in 2020. The investigation expanded from Puerto Rico to Georgia and Arizona but found no evidence that foreign actors infiltrated voting systems or altered the election results.
Why It Matters: Trump is using election conspiracies to sow chaos and undermine trust in American elections while laying the groundwork for federal interference in the midterms.
Source: Reuters
Trump sends out $500 ACA refunds and a letter promoting his record
What Happened: Trump officials began sending $500 Affordable Care Act refund checks to nearly 1 million Americans across 30 states. The taxpayer-funded checks are accompanied by a letter from Trump promoting his health care policies and telling recipients, “I am proud to return your money to you.”
Why It Matters: Trump is using taxpayer money to send checks disproportionately to voters in political battlegrounds weeks before the midterms, then personally taking credit for giving them taxpayer money. It’s another gross attempt to use public money to influence voters.
Source: The Washington Post
Inside Democrats’ efforts to secure Election Day and respond to fears of Trump interference
What Happened: Congressional Democrats are preparing for possible DHS or National Guard deployments at polling places, federal seizures of ballots, voter roll purges and election disinformation. House Democrats have identified more than 150 potential threats, while lawmakers, election groups and attorneys are preparing observers and legal challenges.
Source: CNN
Weaponization of Institutions
FBI gives employees a classified ‘Patel Report’ about times when it ‘fell short’
What Happened: The FBI distributed a classified and secret “Patel Report” to employees detailing cases in which its leadership claims the bureau “fell short.” Patel has also pushed investigations of former FBI officials and purged employees connected to investigations of Trump.
Why It Matters: Patel is rewriting the FBI’s history while purging employees involved in investigations Trump opposed. The classified report keeps his allegations and the evidence behind them hidden from public scrutiny.
Source: Associated Press
Is There Anything Kash Patel Won’t Do for Trump Before the Midterms?
What Happened: Patel has directed FBI agents to investigate election conspiracies and other cases Trump wants pursued, including requests from the White House. Trump is demanding arrests and indictments before the midterms, and prosecutors have resigned under pressure to bring cases.
Why It Matters: Trump is pressuring the FBI to investigate his political enemies and produce arrests before an election. Federal law enforcement continues to be used as a weapon against his opponents.
Source: The Atlantic
Trump visa policies weigh on Columbia journalism program as admissions pause
What Happened: Columbia University paused admissions to its journalism school’s M.A. program for one year after Trump’s changing visa policies contributed to a sharp decline in international applications. International students account for roughly half the program’s enrollment.
Source: Reuters
Harvard sued by US agency seeking records in anti-white hiring probe
What Happened: The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission sued Harvard to obtain faculty hiring records dating back to 2018 as part of an investigation into alleged discrimination against white, Asian, male and straight applicants. Harvard denies discriminatory hiring and says the investigation is part of a broader campaign of government retaliation.
Source: Reuters
Media Suppression & Authoritarian Tactics
ICE Has Been Dumping Protester Photos Into a Palantir Supported Database
What Happened: Newly unsealed court filings allege that DHS agents photographed people observing ICE operations in Maine, collected license plates and personal information, and entered records on at least eight people into a Palantir-backed database. Some were labeled “Threat to Law Enforcement, Professional Protestor,” and agents reportedly conducted facial recognition searches.
Source: WIRED
Human & Civil Rights Abuses
New ICE facility to hold families, unaccompanied minors could open in Louisiana next week
What Happened: ICE is preparing to open a 528-bed detention facility in Louisiana for families with children, unaccompanied minors and women awaiting deportation or transfer. It would be the first facility under Trump to hold unaccompanied children directly in ICE custody instead of using the HHS shelter system.
Why It Matters: Trump is putting unaccompanied children directly into ICE detention instead of shelters designed to care for them, exposing already vulnerable children to further trauma and psychological harm.
Source: ABC News
Government Disruption
Vance’s fraud crackdown may raise costs for US health insurers, enrollees
What Happened: Trump officials removed 760,000 people from Affordable Care Act plans over suspected fraudulent enrollments and are reviewing another 400,000. Health experts warn that legitimate, healthy enrollees are also at risk of losing coverage.
Source: Reuters
Imperial & Geopolitical Watch
U.S. Sending Third Aircraft Carrier, Up to 10,000 More Troops, to Middle East
What Happened: The Pentagon is sending a third aircraft-carrier strike group and another Marine expeditionary unit toward the Middle East, adding up to 10,000 troops to the more than 50,000 already deployed in the region. The buildup comes as Trump considers renewed strikes on Iran after the midterms.
Why It Matters: Trump told Americans the war was won and would last only weeks. Instead, he is preparing for more fighting and sending thousands of additional troops into a war with no clear end in sight.
Source: Wall Street Journal
Iranian drone attack threat prompted U.S. to remove bombers from British air base, officials say
What Happened: The U.S. rushed at least 12 bombers out of RAF Fairford in Britain after intelligence warned of a possible Iranian drone attack targeting the base and American aircraft. British officials have arrested several individuals and are investigating a suspected Iranian-linked terrorist plot against the base.
Source: NBC News
‘Blackmail’: Europe fumes against White House demand for more diesel
What Happened: Trump officials pressured European governments to release emergency diesel reserves and threatened to restrict U.S. diesel exports if they refused. The pressure preceded a G7 agreement to release 100 million barrels of diesel and crude oil over four months.
Why It Matters: Trump is threatening energy exports to pressure European allies into using emergency reserves as soaring diesel prices hit Americans ahead of the midterms. A European diplomat described the pressure as “blackmail.”
Source: Politico
Far-Right & Russian Influence Watch
Unmasking RussiaSomeone Is Entering the Homes of Finnish MPs and Leaving Signs BehindToday, for a change, I am not writing about explosions, arson attacks, drone incursions, information operations, or critical infrastructure going up in flames somewhere in Europe. Instead, I decided to write about something very strange happening in Finland that bears the hallmarks of an old KGB tactic…Read more6 days ago · 346 likes · 36 comments · Olga LautmanEconomic News
Hiring in September grew much less than expected, jobs report shows
What Happened: The U.S. added just 29,000 jobs in September, far below the 84,000 expected, while unemployment rose to 4.2%. Job growth for July and August was also revised downward by a combined 60,000 jobs.
Source: ABC News
Households will pay more for energy because of federal policy changes, think tank says
What Happened: Trump’s energy policies are projected to cost the average American household an additional $6,500 through 2040, according to an analysis by Energy Innovation. The study points to canceled clean energy projects and rollbacks of vehicle efficiency standards that increase demand for natural gas and gasoline.
Why It Matters: Trump promised to lower energy costs, but his policies are projected to do the opposite, leaving Americans paying thousands more for electricity and fuel.
Source: Associated Press
Resistance
Check out 50501 for local and nationwide events…
Source: 50501
Hundreds gather in Mississippi to protest Republican redistricting: ‘This fight is familiar territory’
What Happened: Hundreds gathered at the Mississippi Capitol to oppose Republican efforts to redraw electoral maps after the Supreme Court weakened protections under Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. Sixty-seven residents testified at the final public redistricting hearing, while protesters marched through the Capitol demanding lawmakers leave the maps unchanged.
Source: The Guardian
By the Numbers
13 — Taxpayer-funded ads promoting Trump, part of a $20 million government advertising campaign.
$340 million+ — Proceeds from Kushner’s Affinity Partners’ partial sale of its stake in Israel’s Phoenix Financial.
$1 billion+ — Value of Affinity Partners’ remaining holdings in Phoenix Financial.
$500 — ACA refund checks sent to nearly 1 million Americans with a letter promoting Trump.
8+ — People entered into a Palantir-backed database after observing ICE operations.
760,000 — ACA enrollments removed by Trump officials
400,000 — Additional ACA enrollments under review.
3 — U.S. aircraft carrier strike groups being sent to the Middle East.
10,000 — Additional U.S. troops heading toward the Middle East, joining more than 50,000 already deployed.
29,000 — Jobs added in September, far below expectations.
4.2% — U.S. unemployment rate in September.
What to Watch Next
Trump is using federal agencies to investigate election conspiracies — Will these investigations become the pretext for federal interference in the midterms, including attempts to seize voting machines, ballots or election records?
Kash Patel is directing the FBI toward investigations Trump wants — Will the pressure for arrests and indictments lead to criminal cases against Trump’s political opponents before Election Day?
ICE is expanding detention and surveillance — Will unaccompanied children be placed directly in ICE custody, and will courts intervene over the surveillance of people observing immigration enforcement?
Trump is pressuring European allies over diesel supplies — Will further export threats deepen tensions with European governments as Americans face higher energy costs?
Key Takeaways
Economic Strain — September added just 29,000 jobs, while Trump’s energy policies are projected to raise household costs. His pressure on European allies over diesel reserves comes amid rising fuel prices.
Election Interference — Trump is using election conspiracies to undermine trust in voting as Democrats prepare for possible federal interference in the midterms.
Weaponization of Law Enforcement — Patel is directing FBI resources toward Trump’s preferred investigations, purging employees tied to past Trump investigations as pressure mounts for arrests before Election Day.
Corruption & Government Propaganda — Taxpayers are funding a $20 million campaign promoting Trump, while Jared Kushner negotiates Middle East policy despite his firm’s financial interests tied to Israeli military suppliers.
Iran War Escalation — Trump is sending thousands more troops and a third aircraft carrier to the Middle East while considering renewed strikes on Iran. Threats against U.S. military assets are also reaching Europe.
Call to Action
Document Everything: Document purges, corruption, and power grabs. Share credible information with journalists, watchdogs, and legal experts. Silence enables authoritarianism—see something, say something.
Defend Press Freedom: Support independent journalism by subscribing to and sharing reporting that challenges Trump’s power grab.
Contact Lawmakers: Demand accountability for Trump’s unchecked power and war on oversight.
Mobilize for Action: Organize or join legal efforts and resistance movements to protect democracy and human and civil rights.
Support Whistleblowers: Encourage legal defense funds for government workers facing retaliation for exposing corruption.
Follow my work on YouTube → Subscribe to Unmasking Russia
https://youtube.com/@unmaskingrussia
Preorder My New Book…
Putin’s Pawns takes you on a journey from the earliest days of the Cold War and Soviet KGB active measures through Russia’s attacks on Western elections, the rise of the far right, Trump and Russia, the genocidal war against Ukraine, influence operations across Europe, and the shadow war unfolding today.
It is the story of how Moscow spent decades learning to exploit the weaknesses of democracies and how those tactics brought us to this moment.
Preorder now
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Thanks for reading the Trump Tyranny Tracker. Stay tuned for more updates.
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«Une forêt sous-marine» : en Loire-Atlantique, il fait pousser des algues pour retrouver de la biodiversité… et ça marche !
Jean-Claude Ménard, cofondateur de l’association Estuaires Loire Vilaine, a créé un outil pour mesurer la croissance des laminaires. © Marie Roy/Vert
En cette fin septembre, un Zodiac file sur la mer et s’arrête près de l’îlot des Evens, à environ trois kilomètres de la commune du Pouliguen, en Loire-Atlantique. Dans l’embarcation, Jean-Claude Ménard coupe le moteur et pointe du doigt : «Les laminaires sont juste là, à quelques mètres.» Ces grandes algues en forme de longs rubans bruns se trouvent souvent en bord de mer. Et si le conducteur du Zodiac connaît précisément leur localisation, c’est qu’il les a lui-même réintroduites à cet endroit.
Jean-Claude Ménard est le cofondateur de l’association Estuaires Loire Vilaine (ELV). Celle-ci mène un projet de restauration écologique qui vise à réintroduire des laminaires afin, à terme, de former une forêt sous-marine. Un programme en partenariat avec la station biologique de Roscoff (Finistère), un centre de recherche et de formation en biologie marine affilié au Centre national de la recherche scientifique (CNRS) et à l’université de la Sorbonne, à Paris.
Les forêts de laminaires couvrent environ 25% de la côte mondiale. Leur importance au matière de biodiversité est cruciale : «Elles vont constituer une forêt sous-marine qui a un rôle essentiel dans les zones côtières, puisqu’elle sert d’habitat pour plus de mille espèces animales : poissons, mollusques ou crustacés», décrit Philippe Potin, directeur de recherche au CNRS, spécialiste de la biologie marine et des algues, qui a suivi le projet à la station biologique de Roscoff. Il poursuit : «Elles font partie des écosystèmes les plus diversifiés de la planète.»
Elles ont aussi le pouvoir de capturer le carbone : «C’est assez considérable. Des collègues allemands ont évalué que la quantité de carbone stockée durablement par les algues au niveau mondial équivaut aux émissions de gaz à effet de serre de l’Allemagne», ajoute le chercheur.
90% de laminaires ont disparu entre 1995 et 2014
L’expérimentation menée au Pouliguen est l’aboutissement d’un constat établi des années plus tôt par Jean-Claude Ménard. À l’époque, l’homme est professeur en sciences et techniques des activités physiques et sportives (Staps) à l’université de Nantes (Loire-Atlantique). En parallèle, il pratique aussi la plongée et la chasse sous-marine, pour son loisir. «Avec des copains, on avait constaté que, quand il y avait des laminaires, il y avait beaucoup de vie, que ce soient des poissons ou des crustacés. Et que, là où il n’y en avait pas ou plus, il y en avait beaucoup moins.» Il commence alors à cartographier les fonds sous-marins du secteur, et se rend compte que le nombre de laminaires diminue dans la baie de La Baule.
Les laminaires, ces grandes algues en forme de longs rubans bruns, créent des forêts sous-marine. © Estuaires Loire Vilaine
En 2008, Jean-Claude Ménard et Éric Lauvray fondent l’association ELV pour mener un projet scientifique afin d’en déterminer les causes. «On a inventorié dix sites tous les ans à la même période entre la baie de Vilaine et l’estuaire de la Loire pour voir ce qu’il se passait, pour comprendre», précise l’ancien professeur.
Après quelques années d’étude, ils arrivent à ce chiffre : 90% des laminaires de la zone ont disparu entre 1995 et 2014. Selon leurs conclusions, les principales causes sont liées aux activités humaines. Notamment au rejet de polluants chimiques en mer ou au dragage des ports et du chenal de l’estuaire. Cette pratique permet de retirer les sédiments (vase, sable, gravier) accumulés naturellement afin de maintenir une profondeur suffisante pour garantir l’activité économique.
«Il fallait passer à la régénération»
L’association ELV ne s’est pas arrêtée là. «On dit qu’il faut préserver l’environnement, d’accord ! Mais comment le préserver quand 90% a disparu ? Je préserve ce qui reste ?», interroge Jean-Claude Ménard. Il poursuit, convaincu : «Ce n’était pas suffisant ; il fallait passer à la régénération.»
Alors, en 2023, ce nouveau projet démarre. En novembre, le désormais jeune retraité plonge dans la baie pour prélever une vingtaine de géniteurs laminaires. Il les emmène ensuite à la station biologique de Roscoff où les algues sont placées dans une écloserie pour que la reproduction ait lieu. Les Laminaria hyperborea, de leur nom scientifique, sont cultivées fixées à des galets et à des cordes. Puis, en août 2024, elles sont réintroduites en mer, près de l’îlot des Evens.
Depuis le Zodiac où Jean-Claude Ménard revêt une combinaison de plongée, il raconte : «Sous l’endroit où nous sommes, certains laminaires faisaient à peine trois ou quatre centimètres quand on les a installés. Puis, l’année d’après, on en était à une trentaine de centimètres et, aujourd’hui, elles en font environ 80.» Les algues se sont donc bien développées. Et, mieux que ça, elles se sont reproduites directement dans le milieu.
Jean-Claude Ménard, de l’association Estuaires Loire Vilaine, plonge en apnée pour vérifier que les laminaires vont bien. © Marie Roy/Vert
Le cofondateur d’ELV plonge pour aller contrôler le bon développement de la forêt sous-marine. Il y va «dès que les conditions météo le permettent». En ce mois de septembre, l’eau est particulièrement trouble, à cause de la forte présence de phytoplancton, ces organismes végétaux microscopiques qui vivent en suspension dans les milieux aquatiques. Mais ça ne l’empêche pas d’aller faire son tour d’horizon. Puis de remonter avec le sourire : tout va bien.
Certaines laminaires touchées par le réchauffement climatique
Néanmoins, les laminaires sont frappées par le réchauffement climatique. Cet été, ce sont notamment les spécimens de la mer d’Iroise, bordant les côtes du Finistère, qui ont souffert : «Des laminaires se sont découvertes à marée basse, exposées à des températures de 35°C. Résultat : il y a eu des nécroses», relate Jean-Claude Ménard.
Les goémoniers, ces pêcheur·ses spécialisé·es dans la récolte d’algues marines, ont tiré la sonnette d’alarme en juillet. «Il y en a beaucoup moins qu’avant ; des algues opportunistes envahissent les champs de laminaires. Les géomoniers ramènent maintenant un tiers d’autres algues et deux tiers de laminaires, alors que ce n’était pas le cas avant, explique Philippe Potin, qui met en cause les fréquentes tempêtes de l’hiver. Le réchauffement climatique multiplie ces épisodes de tempêtes, lesquelles arrachent des laminaires.»
Au Pouliguen, les algues n’ont pas été impactées par les températures marines élevées de l’été. «En 2025, elles ont aussi survécu à l’une des crues les plus importantes de ces dernières années», note Jean-Claude Ménard. Unique en France, l’expérience est donc plutôt encourageante et pourrait être répliquée ailleurs : «Si ça marche au Pouliguen, ça peut fonctionner dans pas mal d’autres endroits. On est déjà dans des conditions un peu perturbées, avec de la turbidité [des eaux troubles, NDLR], des eaux plus chaudes, de la contamination chimique et une problématique de surfréquentation touristique», appuie Thibaut de Bettignies. Ce dernier est référent en écologie benthique (relative aux fonds des milieux aquatiques) à PatriNat, une unité d’appui et de recherche rattachée au Muséum national d’histoire naturelle et à l’Office français de la biodiversité.
Et, depuis quelques jours, le cofondateur d’ELV a le sourire accroché aux lèvres. Le fonds de dotation d’Océanopolis va apporter un soutien financier à l’association pour trois ans. Cela permettra au projet de continuer et de lancer trois nouveaux sites de régénération. Tous seront situés entre Le Croisic et Le Pouliguen.
En attrapant le volant du Zodiac pour rentrer au port, Jean-Claude Ménard réaffirme son mantra : «La solution aux problèmes climatiques viendra de la mer.»
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Jusqu'à 1700 euros d'économie : ce que l'encadrement des loyers fait gagner aux locataires
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Benjamin Quennesson : « Les élèves de SES sont intéressés par des réponses nuancées qui mobilisent une diversité d’approches »
Benjamin Quennesson, coprésident de l’Association des professeurs de sciences économiques et sociales (Apses), revient sur l’histoire des SES et sur leur évolution – critiquée par l’association. -
Donald Trump’s Texas rally rocked by repeated protests
Trump briefly stepped away from the microphone after one protester appeared to approach the stage
Donald Trump’s latest campaign rally was rocked by repeated protests on Wednesday as the US president urged Texas voters to back the embattled Senate candidate Ken Paxton.
At least half a dozen demonstrators interrupted the US president during his remarks in San Antonio, with some led away by police. One was physically assaulted by an older Trump supporter as he tried to leave the arena.
Continue reading... -
Washington Policy Review: October 7, 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 nearly 70 million Trump Accounts have been created for minors, described by the administration as a “game-changing tool.” President Donald J. Trump proclaimed October 2026 as National Energy Dominance Month and signed H.R. 5345 and S. 766 into law. The White House also proclaimed October 12, 2026, as Columbus Day and issued statements asserting a record of results regarding tax relief and border security in Texas.
President Donald J. Trump commemorated the third anniversary of October 7, stating he “fought relentlessly” for hostage releases. He announced an endorsement for Tom Tiffany for Wisconsin Governor, approved $17.9 million in storm aid for the state, and stated he would terminate outside consultants Chris LaCivita and James Blair if conflicts of interest arise. Additionally, Trump criticized Henry Cuellar and shared a video regarding Annie Andrews.
The State Department designated Zhao Fugang for significant corruption, rendering him ineligible for U.S. entry. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis met to discuss a strategic dialogue, announcing $4 billion in Foreign Military Sales. The Department of War’s Office of Strategic Capital announced a $1.5 billion conditional loan commitment to Wolfspeed, Inc., and the Treasury Department noted a $200,000 penalty issued to Amidi, LLC in July 2026 for violations of the Outbound Investment Security Program.
Governor Gavin Newsom swore in 10,000 California Service Corps members and announced 35 new film awards. Governor Gretchen Whitmer reported that over 8,000 Michigan educators completed Science of Reading training. Governor Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency to allow the use of untaxed diesel fuel starting October 8 and expressed opposition to federal Head Start changes. Governor JB Pritzker announced a $55 million manufacturing expansion in La Salle. Senator Jon Ossoff issued a statement regarding the third anniversary of the October 7 attacks.
OpenAI announced the global launch of its GPT-6 Sol and GPT-6 Luna models, which the company states feature updated safety training and increased resistance to jailbreaks compared to previous versions.
The Congressional Watch for October 6, 2026, reports that the Senate held a pro forma session with no legislative business. The House of Representatives held a pro forma session, during which members introduced 17 public bills and 5 resolutions, and filed two reports concerning veterans’ affairs legislation.
2. White House News
Trump Accounts Put 70 Million Kids on the Path to Financial Freedom
The White House announced that nearly 70 million Trump Accounts, which it describes as a “game-changing tool,” have been created for American children under 18. President Donald J. Trump stated that every eligible minor is now automatically enrolled in these tax-advantaged investment accounts established by the “Working Families Tax Cuts legislation.” According to the White House, parents must claim accounts via the Trump Accounts App. The White House claims these accounts, which it notes “every single Democrat voted against,” provide children a “financial stake in their future.”
Reference: Original White House release
National Energy Dominance Month, 2026
The White House proclaimed October 2026 as National Energy Dominance Month. President Donald J. Trump states his administration has transformed the United States into the “most dominant energy superpower in the history of the world” by rescinding regulations, expanding federal land for fossil fuel production, and withdrawing from international climate agreements. The White House reports securing a deal for majority control of 65 billion barrels of Venezuelan oil reserves. President Trump pledges to continue driving down costs to ensure “American energy is roaring back to life.”
Reference: Original White House release
Congressional Bills H.R. 5345 and S. 766 Signed into Law
On Wednesday, October 7, 2026, the President signed H.R. 5345, the “Improving Social Security’s Service to Victims of Identity Theft Act,” creating a single point of contact at the Social Security Administration for individuals with misused numbers or lost cards. Additionally, the President signed S. 766, the “Billion Dollar Boondoggle Act of 2025,” which the White House states requires an annual report on federally-funded projects that are “more than 5 years behind schedule or more than $1 billion over the original cost estimate.”
Reference: Original White House release
Columbus Day, 2026
In a proclamation, the White House honors Christopher Columbus, describing him as a “legend” whose “vision, fortitude, and perseverance” shaped the United States. President Donald J. Trump states he will “never allow his legacy to be erased by radical extremists,” citing the installation of a Columbus statue on White House grounds after a previous monument was removed in 2020. Recognizing the holiday’s significance to Italian-Americans, the President proclaimed October 12, 2026, as Columbus Day, calling on Americans to observe the occasion with ceremonies and public flag displays.
Reference: Original White House release
Lower Taxes, Safer Streets, Stronger Border: President Trump’s Texas Record
The White House states that President Donald J. Trump returns to Texas with “a record of results,” citing “historic tax relief,” a “secure border,” and reduced violent crime linked to his “law-and-order agenda.” The White House asserts that President Trump’s policies have driven “new private investment” and support for farmers and families. Furthermore, the White House claims that “America First means Texas First,” contrasting this progress with a choice for voters to either continue these policies or “let Democrats tear it all down.”
Reference: Original White House release
3. Truth Social Posts
Trump commemorated the third anniversary of October 7th, describing it as “one of the darkest and most evil days in the history of Israel.” He stated that he “fought relentlessly” to secure the release of hostages and affirmed that the nation will “always stand against the forces of Terror and Evil.” Regarding ongoing international concerns, Trump shared an opinion column highlighting Steve Witkoff’s efforts in a prisoner exchange involving Russia.
In domestic affairs, Trump announced his “Complete and Total Endorsement” of Tom Tiffany for Governor of Wisconsin and stated he would be approving 17.9 million dollars in aid for the state following recent severe storms and tornadoes. Ahead of his travel to Texas, Trump criticized Henry Cuellar as a “LOSER” and an “extremely ungrateful person” for remaining a Democrat despite a presidential pardon, while expressing his support for Tano Tijerina, whom he called a “STAR.” Additionally, Trump declared that Chris LaCivita and James Blair serve only as outside consultants. He stated he would “ask them” about their other clients and “if there’s a conflict, I will terminate them, immediately!”
Trump also posted a video link criticizing Annie Andrews.
Reference: https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump
4. Government Department News
State Department (state.gov)
The Department of State designated Zhao Fugang, Director of the Overseas Chinese Service Center in Fiji, for involvement in significant corruption on behalf of China-based actors. Under Section 7031(c), this action renders Zhao and his immediate family ineligible for U.S. entry. The Department stated Zhao abused his position by bribing Fijian citizens to advance China-based interests, actions it said “adversely affected U.S. interests.” The U.S. stated it will hold accountable those who use power to fuel transnational crime and threaten U.S. interests.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Secretary of State Marco Rubio met to discuss the U.S.-Greece strategic dialogue. Prime Minister Mitsotakis described the discussion as “very, very good, productive” and noted the relationship is “going from strength to strength.” Secretary Rubio characterized the bilateral alliance as “unique” and “historic,” stating it has expanded beyond defense to include economics, energy, rare and critical minerals, and supply chains. Both officials reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the partnership through follow-up actions on identified priorities.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis Before Their Meeting
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed the evolution of U.S.-Greece relations. Prime Minister Mitsotakis identified Greece as an “indispensable partner” and a “pillar of stability,” highlighting Greek contributions to U.S. energy security and global shipping. Secretary Rubio emphasized that the alliance is founded on “shared culture, shared values.” Both officials stated they share an agreement on global problems and appropriate solutions, affirming that the relationship has progressed into areas of trade, maritime security, and energy.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio Remarks
In remarks delivered in Athens, Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the historical influence of ancient Greece on the United States and Western civilization. Secretary Rubio stated that the U.S. founding documents and architecture reflect a “debt” to Greek antiquity, noting that Greek institutions provided the foundation for Western ideas of democracy, law, and virtue. He characterized the ancient Greeks as possessing “fierce individuality,” “relentless ambition,” and an “insatiable curiosity,” qualities he asserted continue to define the West.
Joint Statement on the U.S.-Greece Strategic Dialogue
Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis held the 6th U.S.-Greece Strategic Dialogue. The sides announced $4 billion in Foreign Military Sales and finalized Greece’s participation in the Florida National Guard State Partnership Program. They committed to deepening cooperation on defense, energy, and technology, including super intelligence and cybersecurity. The governments signed an agreement on U.S. seafarer certification and an extension of the Cultural Property Agreement, while announcing a new project under the Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation.
Department of War (war.gov)
The Department of War’s Office of Strategic Capital (OSC) announced a $1.5 billion conditional loan commitment to Wolfspeed, Inc. to support domestic production of wide bandgap semiconductor materials. OSC officials stated the project aligns with President Trump’s mandate to bolster semiconductor supply chains. OSC Senior Managing Director Peter B. Zuckerman remarked that the investment aims to “achieve important national security objectives while advancing U.S. supremacy in the SI era.” The loan remains subject to Wolfspeed completing various financial, legal, and technical requirements before finalization.
The Department of War announced two contract awards. Epsilon Systems Solutions Inc. received a $31,153,036 cost-plus-fixed-fee modification for technical and repair support services in San Diego, California, with work expected to conclude by September 29, 2027. Additionally, FCN Inc. was awarded a $29,690,466 firm-fixed-price contract for Palo Alto Cortex XSOAR Platform sustainment, including licenses and subscriptions. This work is expected to be completed by September 29, 2028, at locations within and outside the continental United States.
Treasury Department (home.treasury.gov)
Treasury Announces Enforcement Penalty for Violation of Outbound Program
In July 2026, the Treasury Department issued a $200,000 civil penalty to Amidi, LLC for failing to report a controlled foreign entity’s investment in a Chinese artificial intelligence company. The Outbound Investment Security Program (OISP) mandates that U.S. persons notify Treasury of specific investments in designated Chinese sectors. Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent stated the action advances “President Trump’s America First Investment Policy.” Assistant Secretary Christopher Pilkerton noted the OISP addresses “risks to U.S. national security” posed by foreign advancement of key technologies.
United States Trade Representative (ustr.gov)
On October 7, 2026, the Office of the United States Trade Representative met with 14 economies to address structural excess capacity in manufacturing. Signatories, including the U.S., Argentina, Australia, Canada, the EU, India, Japan, and others, agreed to establish platforms for examining market-distorting policies. Ambassador Greer stated that these non-market practices “cripple domestic industries” and “hinder our ability to raise the standard of living.” The Trump Administration committed to engaging partners to defend the U.S. economy from such distortions.
5. Selected Democratic Officials
Gavin Newsom (gov.ca.gov)
Governor Newsom builds nation’s largest state service corps — 50,000 members sworn in since 2019
Governor Gavin Newsom, First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom, and GO-Serve Director Josh Fryday swore in 10,000 new California Service Corps members. Since 2019, 50,000 participants have served 26 million hours. Members assist with disaster preparedness, hunger, and climate action. Governor Newsom stated, “The solution to so many of our challenges comes from service.” The administration notes the program remains a priority as federal funding for national service programs is reduced. The Corps encompasses three programs: College Corps, California Climate Action Corps, and Youth Service Corps.
Governor Gavin Newsom announced that 35 films received awards through the California Film Commission’s Film & Television Tax Credit Program, including 28 independent projects. The slate includes *Last Friday*, *Michael 2*, and *American Wolf*. The productions are projected to generate $1.08 billion in total spending and employ nearly 30,000 workers. California Film Commission Director Colleen Bell stated the program helps keep “jobs, investment, and production” within the state. Governor Newsom cited the awards as part of his strategy to “invest” in the future of the entertainment industry.
Gretchen Whitmer (michigan.gov)
Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced that 8,019 Michigan educators have completed Language Essentials for Teaching Reading and Spelling training. Public Act 26 of 2026 requires certified K–5 educators to complete Science of Reading training by the 2031–32 school year. The Fiscal Year 2027 budget allocates over $500 million for literacy initiatives. State Superintendent Dr. Glenn Maleyko stated that educators are “putting Students First,” while State Board of Education President Dr. Pamela Pugh noted the achievement moves the state toward improving early literacy under its Strategic Education Plan.
Andy Beshear (governor.ky.gov)
Gov. Beshear Takes Step To Lower Diesel Prices for Farmers and Truckers
Gov. Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency allowing Kentucky farmers and truckers to use untaxed, dyed diesel fuel on public roads. The order, pending Attorney General approval, takes effect October 8, 2026, and lasts until the end of the war in Iran or the expiration of President Donald Trump’s related executive order on December 31, 2026. Beshear stated the measure addresses rising costs he attributes to “the President’s war of choice and unlawful tariffs.”
Gov. Beshear Provides Team Kentucky Update
Gov. Beshear announced developments in state manufacturing, including a $1.47 million investment by Speed Kentucky LLC in Owsley County, and a new Arvato fulfillment center in Louisville. The update covered $78.8 million in Appalachian Regional Commission funding, solar streetlights for Eastern Kentucky flood survivors, and new Medicaid work requirements effective January 2027. Additionally, the Governor announced the retirement of Office of Drug Control Policy Executive Director Van Ingram, effective at the end of the year.
Kentucky received a record $78.8 million from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) for fiscal year 2026, surpassing the previous $59.2 million record set in 2023. The funding supports 67 projects, including high-speed internet expansion, water and sewer infrastructure, and a healthcare training center. Gov. Beshear stated that these projects, which represent over $172.5 million in total investment when combined with local matching funds, prioritize the needs of Eastern Kentucky residents.
Arvato has opened a new 400,000-square-foot distribution and fulfillment center in Louisville, creating 150 jobs. This facility is the company’s seventh in the Louisville and Shepherdsville area, bringing their total regional footprint to over 4 million square feet. Gov. Beshear described the expansion as a component of Kentucky’s ongoing economic growth, noting the company’s role in the state’s logistics sector. Andreas Podwojewski, managing director at Arvato, cited the need for operational “scalability, flexibility and operational excellence” as drivers for the expansion.
The Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority approved over $560,000 in state funding for a project in Lyon County through the Kentucky Product Development Initiative. The funding will support the Eddyville Riverport and Industrial Development Authority in acquiring 58 acres near the Eddyville Industrial Park to develop rail-served sites. Gov. Beshear stated the program helps communities prepare for future economic opportunities by funding critical site infrastructure, while KAED President Terri Bradshaw noted that such investments improve Kentucky’s overall economic competitiveness.
Gov. Beshear expressed opposition to proposed federal changes to the Head Start program, writing a personal letter to President Donald Trump and joining 24 attorneys general in a multistate letter urging the President to reconsider. Beshear stated that the adjustments, which the administration claims will provide “flexibility,” would “cut funding, increase class sizes, weaken curricula, increase hunger and make children less safe.” The Governor argued these changes would negatively impact the 15,000 Kentucky children currently served by the program.
JB Pritzker (gov.illinois.gov)
Gov. Pritzker Announces $55 Million Viakable Manufacturing Expansion in La Salle
Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity announced a $55 million expansion of Viakable’s manufacturing facility in La Salle. Following the Governor’s 2025 trade mission to Mexico, the investment will create 50 new full-time jobs and retain 65 existing positions. Supported by the state’s Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) program, the project includes a 22,000-square-foot facility addition and 17 new machines to increase manufacturing capacity for the U.S. electrical infrastructure market.
Daily Public Schedule: Wednesday, October 7, 2026
On October 7, 2026, Governor Pritzker scheduled an announcement regarding an Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) agreement with Xignux in La Salle at 10:30 AM. Subsequently, at 1:00 PM in Gardner, Illinois, the Governor planned to tour a farm and announce a pilot low-interest loan program for farmers. Both events were scheduled to be available for viewing via livestream.
Jon Ossoff (ossoff.senate.gov)
Sen. Ossoff Statement on 3rd Anniversary of October 7th
On October 7, 2026, Sen. Jon Ossoff commemorated the third anniversary of the October 7, 2023, attacks. He stated that “Hamas terrorists massacred over 1,000 civilians” and “committed brutal atrocities.” Ossoff honored the lives lost and acknowledged the freedom of surviving hostages. He expressed his commitment to supporting efforts to “secure peace, security, and freedom for Israelis, Palestinians, and all people in the Middle East,” adding, “May the memories of those lost on October 7, 2023 forever be a blessing.”
6. AI & Tech Company News
OpenAI (openai.com)
GPT‑6 Sol and GPT‑6 Luna: October 2026 update Safety
OpenAI is launching GPT-6 Sol and GPT-6 Luna to all ChatGPT users globally, replacing GPT-5.6 versions. These models incorporate Astra’s safety advances and feature updated safety training against cyber, biology, and violence-related misuse. OpenAI reports these models demonstrate increased resistance to jailbreaks and reduced dishonesty compared to previous versions. Under the Preparedness Framework, these models are classified as “High capability” in Cybersecurity and Biological and Chemical domains, with safeguards implemented consistent with the GPT-5.6 system card.
7. Congressional Watch
Covers the 2026-10-06 session — the Congressional Record is published with a one-day delay.
Senate
The Senate met briefly in a pro forma session. No legislative business or committee meetings were conducted during this time.
None — No legislative actions occurred [None]
House of Representatives
The House held a brief pro forma session where members introduced 17 public bills and 5 resolutions. Additionally, two reports were filed regarding veterans’ affairs legislation.
H.R. 10751–10767 — Introduction of 17 public bills [None]
H. Con. Res. 123 and H. Res. 1617–1620 — Introduction of 5 resolutions [None]
H.R. 6698 — Report filed regarding Board of Veterans’ Appeals annual report requirements [H. Rept. 119–840]
H.R. 7260 — Report filed regarding National Cemetery Administration annual report requirements [H. Rept. 119–841]
Committee Highlights
None - None — No committee meetings were held
Coming Up
The Senate is scheduled to meet for a pro forma session at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, October 9, 2026. The House of Representatives is scheduled to meet for a pro forma session at 12:30 p.m. on Friday, October 9, 2026.
Reference: Congressional Daily Digest — 2026-10-06
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Washington Policy Review: October 6, 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 commemorated German American Day, citing the 1683 founding of Germantown, and credited the community with sustaining the economy. The White House also asserted that President Biden led a renewal of the NATO alliance, which it claims benefits the transatlantic industrial base. Additionally, President Trump signed an Executive Order to authorize tax-free “red dye” diesel and defer excise taxes through the end of the year, an action Vice President JD Vance described as “tackling an urgent issue.”
President Trump used Truth Social to allege Jack Smith spied on lawyers and to claim the Biden administration risked national security via visa overstays. He stated Chicago is facing a violent crime wave that could be extinguished with federal assistance. Additionally, he accused Fox News of promoting Democrats and “Jihadist” candidates, asserted his rallies are “SAVING THE REPUBLICAN PARTY,” and characterized migration in France as an attempt at an “Islam” takeover.
The State Department reported that Secretary Marco Rubio met with Icelandic Prime Minister Kristrun Frostadóttir on October 6, 2026, to discuss energy and defense. Secretary Rubio also held a call with Mongolian Foreign Minister Battsetseg Batmunkh on October 5, 2026. The Department of War awarded contracts to Weldin Construction LLC and Aegis Aerospace Inc., while Secretary Pete Hegseth prepared to visit San Diego to welcome the USS Lincoln. The Department of Health and Human Services announced new price transparency regulations, and the Treasury Department reported that it identified $175 million in payments to deceased individuals during the 2026 fiscal year.
Governor Gavin Newsom directed the State Threat Assessment Center to monitor potential security threats following comments from Donald Trump, while also announcing the adoption of ICEYE satellite technology. Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced a $3.7 million investment by Methode Electronics to create 90 jobs in Michigan. Governor Wes Moore and Baltimore County announced a $3.7 billion investment by Anduril Industries to construct a shipyard, an initiative praised by various Maryland officials including Senator Angela Alsobrooks and Congressman Steny H. Hoyer. Governor Andy Beshear designated October as Manufacturing Month in Kentucky.
Anthropic launched an expanded Cyber Verification Program, providing security professionals with access to models including Claude Opus 5.5 and Claude Mythos 5.1. The company stated the program is designed to balance the prevention of malicious exploitation with the provision of tools for defenders, noting that “cybersecurity is inherently dual use.”
Congressional Watch records for October 5, 2026, indicate the Senate held a pro forma session with no legislative business. The House also held a pro forma session, where it introduced bills H.R. 10721–10750 and resolutions H. Res. 1606–1616. The House processed the appointment of Representative Case to the Congressional Office for International Leadership and filed a report (H. Rept. 119–839) concerning a veteran mental health grant program.
2. White House News
Presidential Message on German American Day
The White House states that the German American story began on October 6, 1683, with the founding of Germantown, Pennsylvania. The White House credits German Americans with sustaining the nation’s economy, defending freedom, and keeping the “American Dream alive.” Furthermore, the White House asserts that President Biden “led a historic renewal of the NATO alliance,” noting that Germany has taken “bold steps toward the realization of a stronger, more balanced NATO.” The White House claims these defense investments will benefit both the transatlantic industrial base and American workers.
Reference: Original White House release
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING: President Trump Delivers Immediate Diesel Relief, Saving Americans Up to $100 Per Fill
President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order authorizing the highway use of tax-free “red dye” diesel and deferring the federal diesel excise tax through the end of the year. The White House stated this “decisive action” aims to lower costs for farmers, truckers, and working families during harvest. While Vice President JD Vance described the order as “tackling an urgent issue,” various governors and lawmakers praised the move as “real relief.” The administration characterized the measure as an effort to “bring down costs.”
Reference: Original White House release
3. Truth Social Posts
Trump shared a report alleging that Jack Smith spied on the communications of Susie Wiles and over 20 lawyers. Regarding domestic security, he noted a watchdog conclusion that the Biden administration risked security by allowing millions of individuals to overstay visas, including potential threats. He also stated that Chicago is experiencing a violent crime wave and asserted that the federal government could extinguish it if the mayor or governor requested assistance, emphasizing that “TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE!”
Trump criticized Fox News for interviewing Dan Osborn, describing him as a “sleazebag” running against Senator Pete Ricketts, and questioned why the network provides exposure to the “other side.” He further accused Fox News of spending more time covering “Jihadist and Dumocrat candidates” than Republicans, claiming the network has “totally lost their way” by promoting Democrats instead of the MAGA movement. Trump asserted that “MY RALLIES ARE SAVING THE REPUBLICAN PARTY, AGAIN!!!” and maintained that his rally enthusiasm is “unbelievable,” predicting a “Midterm Surprise.”
Regarding international affairs, Trump characterized the situation in France as “out of control mass migration,” adding that “this is about Islam wanting to take over a once great Country!”
Reference: https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump
4. Government Department News
State Department (state.gov)
Secretary Rubio’s Meeting with Icelandic Prime Minister Frostadóttir
Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Icelandic Prime Minister Kristrun Frostadóttir in Reykjavik on October 6, 2026. The officials discussed increasing economic collaboration, specifically regarding Iceland’s electricity output, technology cooperation, and pharmaceutical partnerships. Additionally, they reviewed Iceland’s inaugural defense and security policy and affirmed the bilateral defense relationship between the two nations.
Secretary Rubio’s Call with Mongolian Foreign Minister Battsetseg
Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Mongolian Foreign Minister Battsetseg Batmunkh held a call on October 5, 2026. They emphasized the U.S.-Mongolia Strategic Third Neighbor Partnership and discussed expanding future cooperation in energy security. Secretary Rubio expressed appreciation for Mongolia’s leadership in the Haiti Gang Suppression Force and urged the country to continue upholding religious freedom.
Department of War (war.gov)
Weldin Construction LLC received a $185,000,000 ceiling indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for Simplified Acquisition of Base Engineering Requirements at Nellis AFB, Creech AFB, and the Nevada Test and Training Range, with completion expected by Sept. 29, 2031. Additionally, Aegis Aerospace Inc. was awarded a $9,359,118 contract modification for transitioning missions from a human-rated payload support task order. This modification increases the total contract value to $34,323,859, with performance in Houston, Texas, expected to conclude by Sept. 30, 2034.
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth to Visit San Diego and Welcome Home the USS Lincoln
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth is traveling to San Diego, California, to welcome the USS Lincoln home following its deployment. During the visit, Secretary Hegseth plans to address the crew, participate in physical training, and eat lunch with local warfighters.
Department of Health and Human Services (hhs.gov)
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, announced new regulations intended to provide Americans with accessible information regarding healthcare coverage and anticipated costs. The rules require insurers to attest to the accuracy of pricing data and aim to simplify cost estimates. Officials and stakeholders stated the policy seeks to increase market competition, reduce healthcare costs, and prevent the obfuscation of pricing, with proponents describing the measures as a “transformative step” for patient empowerment.
Treasury Department (home.treasury.gov)
Treasury Reports Major Progress in Preventing Fraud and Improper Payments
The U.S. Department of the Treasury announced Fiscal Year 2026 results for fraud and improper payment prevention, citing compliance with President Trump’s Executive Order 14249. Secretary Scott Bessent stated Treasury is moving “beyond ‘pay and chase’ and making prevention the federal government’s first line of defense.” The Do Not Pay program now reaches 99% of federal programs. Treasury screened $3.7 trillion in payments, identifying $175 million in payments to deceased individuals. New verification capabilities for bank account ownership and TINs became operational on September 30, 2026.
5. Selected Democratic Officials
Gavin Newsom (gov.ca.gov)
California reminds voters to check their mailboxes and return their ballot ASAP!
Governor Gavin Newsom, Secretary of State Dr. Shirley Weber, and Attorney General Rob Bonta encouraged voters to prepare for the upcoming election. Officials noted that ballots should be mailed at least a week before Election Day to avoid potential delays related to U.S. Postal Service processes. Attorney General Bonta stated that the state secured a U.S. Supreme Court order protecting mail-in voting. Voters may track their ballots at WheresMyBallot.com, and those needing to register have until October 19th, with options for same-day registration available.
Governor Gavin Newsom statement on Donald Trump’s disgusting and disqualifying comments
Governor Gavin Newsom issued a statement characterizing Donald Trump’s remarks as “dangerous — if not treasonous” and claiming they put a “target on two of our biggest cities and one of America’s largest naval hubs.” Consequently, Governor Newsom stated he is “directing the State Threat Assessment Center to actively monitor the situation in the event that foreign actors interpret the President’s remarks as an invitation to target California.”
Governor Newsom announced the adoption of satellite technology from ICEYE and the opening of a modernized State Operations Center in Mather to improve disaster response. Governor Newsom stated that the state is taking action “as Trump walks away from disaster preparedness.” Cal OES Director Caroline Thomas Jacobs stated the center improves coordination and situational awareness. The initiative includes 73 new permanent positions for incident management teams. These resources are intended to support the state’s preparations for severe weather and potential El Niño impacts.
Gretchen Whitmer (michigan.gov)
Gov. Whitmer Announces 90 New Jobs, more than $3 Million Expansion Project in Oakland County
Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced that Methode Electronics Inc. is relocating its headquarters from Chicago to Southfield, Michigan. The $3.7 million investment is expected to create 90 jobs by 2030, with starting wages of $29.41 per hour plus benefits. The project received a $900,000 performance-based grant from the Michigan Strategic Fund. Governor Whitmer stated, “Today, we are investing in our auto industry by landing big projects and creating jobs for Michiganders,” adding that the move helps demonstrate that “Michigan is the best place to build the future.”
Wes Moore (governor.maryland.gov)
The State of Maryland and Baltimore County announced a $3.7 billion private investment by Anduril Industries to build “Arsenal-2,” a two million square-foot software-defined shipyard at Tradepoint Atlantic. The project is expected to create over 3,100 permanent jobs and support 14,000 total positions. The state and county committed to matching up to 13% of the investment via incentives requiring future legislative approval. Governor Moore stated the project will drive “billions of dollars in economic activity” and provide “new pathways to work, wages, and wealth.”
Following the announcement of Anduril Industries’ $3.7 billion investment, various Maryland political leaders expressed support for the project. Senator Angela Alsobrooks, Congressman Johnny Olszewski, Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer, Lt. Governor Aruna Miller, Comptroller Brooke E. Lierman, Secretary Harry Coker, Jr., and Speaker Joseline Peña-Melnyk praised the initiative. Officials characterized the investment as a boost to national security, maritime manufacturing, and regional economic revitalization, with Speaker Peña-Melnyk noting it creates “thousands of good-paying manufacturing jobs” for the state.
Andy Beshear (governor.ky.gov)
Gov. Beshear Designates October as Manufacturing Month in Kentucky
Gov. Beshear designated October as Manufacturing Month, citing the industry’s role in Kentucky’s record economic growth. The sector employs over 260,000 people and contributes $47.5 billion to the state’s GDP annually. Since 2020, the administration reports over 970 manufacturing projects, totaling $46.2 billion in investment and 48,000 new jobs. Gov. Beshear stated, “Kentucky’s historic economic success is fueled in part by our essential manufacturing industry.” Frank Jemley, president and CEO of the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers, expressed appreciation for the industry’s contributions to communities and families.
JB Pritzker (gov.illinois.gov)
Daily Public Schedule: Tuesday, October 6, 2026
Governor Pritzker has no public events scheduled for Tuesday, October 6, 2026. Updates regarding press conferences are available via the Governor’s Twitter and Facebook pages, and downloadable footage is accessible through the Illinois Department of Central Management Services.
6. AI & Tech Company News
Anthropic (anthropic.com)
Expanding the Cyber Verification Program
Anthropic is launching an expanded Cyber Verification Program (CVP) featuring three access tiers for security professionals. The program provides access to models including Claude Opus 5.5 and Claude Mythos 5.1 with reduced blocking classifiers. The tiers comprise Defense Access, Red Team Access, and Specialized Access, with varying verification requirements and security controls. Anthropic states that “cybersecurity is inherently dual use,” noting that the program aims to balance preventing malicious exploitation with providing defenders the necessary tools to secure systems.
7. Congressional Watch
Covers the 2026-10-05 session — the Congressional Record is published with a one-day delay.
Senate
The Senate met in a brief pro forma session on October 5, 2026. No legislative business or committee activity occurred during this session.
None — None [None]
House of Representatives
The House held a brief pro forma session, introduced several bills and resolutions, and processed official appointments. A report was also filed regarding a pilot program for veteran mental health care.
H.R. 10721–10750 — Introduced public bills [None]
H. Res. 1606–1616 — Introduced resolutions [None]
H.R. 2283 — Directed the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide grants to outpatient mental health facilities for veterans [Report filed (H. Rept. 119–839)]
Board of Trustees of the Congressional Office for International Leadership — Appointment of Representative Case [Appointed]
National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity — Appointment of Mr. Robert Shireman and Ms. Dominique Baker [Appointed]
Committee Highlights
None - None — No hearings or markups were held.
Coming Up
The Senate is scheduled to meet in a pro forma session at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 6, 2026. The House is scheduled to meet in a pro forma session at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 6, 2026.
Reference: Congressional Daily Digest — 2026-10-05
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L'impunité policière ne doit pas être inscrite dans la loi
Le 7 juillet 2026, Laurent Nu ñez, ministre de l’Intérieur, a fait adopter par l’Assemblée nationale une proposition de loi déposée lors d’une « niche » par Les Républicains, initialement pour créer une « présomption de légitime défense pour les forces de l’ordre ». A la suite d’un amendement que… -
Democrats sue to stop Trump from using taxpayer funds for self-promoting ads
Ads promoting the president have cost more than $12m and his Super Pac has refused to reimburse taxpayers
The Democratic National Committee sued the Trump administration in federal court on Wednesday, asking a judge in Washington DC to stop the president from using taxpayer funds to air a series of ads promoting himself, arguing that the ads are illegal government-sponsored propaganda.
The ads promoting Donald Trump, including one recycled from his 2024 presidential campaign, have cost taxpayers more than $12m so far, according to the media tracking firm AdImpact.
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Rubio in Greece digs into past to tout Trump’s ‘America first’ approach
In the shadow of the Parthenon, the secretary of state gave a selective reading of history as he urged Europe to ‘awaken from its slumber’
The US secretary of state, Marco Rubio, delivered a classically inspired apologia for Donald Trump’s “America first” foreign policy on Wednesday, giving a sweeping speech to the backdrop of the Parthenon in Athens that appeared tailor-made for campaign ads if he runs for president in 2028.
In the speech, the top US diplomat drew historical parallels from the founders, philosophers and conquerers of antiquity to the modern American spirit – as well as his family’s own journey to the United States – as he called on Europe to “awaken from its long slumber” and reject a “future of atrophy and servitude and decline”.
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Trump Tyranny Tracker | Day 616: Oct. 1, 2026
Members of the National Guard walk near the White House on the National Mall after U.S. President Donald Trump deployed the National Guard and ordered an increased presence of federal law enforcement to assist in crime prevention, in Washington, D.C., U.S., August 21, 2025. REUTERS/Al DragoWelcome to today’s Trump Tyranny Tracker…
Trump discussing emergency powers around the midterms, taxpayer-funded propaganda promoting his presidency, and thousands of additional U.S. troops heading to the Middle East are among today’s top stories.
Today at a Glance
Trump refuses to rule out invoking the Insurrection Act around the midterms.
Trump directs millions in taxpayer money toward ads promoting himself and his presidency.
Pentagon sends more than 4,000 additional Marines and sailors toward the Middle East as the Iran war continues.
What We Need to Pay Attention To
Trump not ruling out invoking Insurrection Act around midterms
What Happened: Trump refused to rule out declaring a national emergency or invoking the Insurrection Act around the November midterms. Asked whether he could use the law, which allows a president under certain circumstances to deploy the military domestically, Trump said, “I’ve never used it. I could use it.”
Why It Matters: Using the military around an election threatens the basic separation between presidential power and the democratic process and is a classic authoritarian tactic. The military should have no role in how Americans vote or who controls Congress.
Source: The Hill
Corruption
Another Trump meme coin contest promises an ‘exclusive’ dinner with the president
What Happened: The company behind Trump’s $TRUMP meme coin launched another contest offering the top 185 coin holders an “exclusive” dinner with Trump at his private Washington club. The top 29 purchasers get a VIP reception, while the top four receive Trump-branded gold watches.
Why It Matters: This is more naked corruption. Trump is using the presidency to enrich himself by offering access to people who spend the most money on his meme coin.
Source: CNN
Democrats Call for Probe Into Kimberly Guilfoyle’s Conduct
What Happened: Congressional Democrats called for a State Department investigation into U.S. Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle over her promotion of Greek company Aktor Group, bringing its lobbyist into meetings with foreign officials, and using private jets, including one paid for by Aktor’s CEO.
Why It Matters: A U.S. ambassador promoted a private company, gave its lobbyist access to diplomatic meetings and accepted travel paid for by its CEO. This is more corruption from this regime.
Source: Wall Street Journal
Power Consolidation
‘Page one of repressive playbook’: critics warn of Trump’s conspiratorial attacks
What Happened: Trump has repeatedly promoted lies and conspiracies about elections, the media, science and political opponents while pushing investigations, prosecutions and other government action against people and institutions he portrays as threats. Experts told The Guardian that the pattern mirrors how conspiracy narratives have historically been used to justify repression.
Why It Matters: Trump is using conspiracy theories to justify targeting his opponents with federal power. Inventing enemies and then using the government against them is a classic authoritarian tactic.
Source: The Guardian
Trump’s $500 Obamacare ‘rebate’ checks land in prime political battlegrounds
What Happened: Trump is sending $500 government checks to 950,000 Obamacare enrollees weeks before the midterms, with 71% of the payments going to people in battleground states. The checks include a letter from Trump personally telling recipients, “I am returning it to you.”
Why It Matters: Trump is using taxpayer money to send checks disproportionately to voters in political battlegrounds weeks before the midterms, then personally taking credit for giving them the money. It's another gross attempt to use public money to influence voters.
Source: Reuters
Weaponization of Institutions
A new Trump proposal would require tax filers to disclose citizenship status to the IRS
What Happened: Trump officials proposed requiring taxpayers to disclose their citizenship and work authorization status on federal tax returns. Officials say the change would prevent people without permanent legal status from receiving benefits they are ineligible for, while privacy and immigration experts warn the information could be used for immigration enforcement.
Source: Associated Press
Justice Department finds UCLA law school illegally used race in admissions
What Happened: The Justice Department accused UCLA Law School of illegally considering race in admissions, following a similar “finding” against UCLA’s medical school and allegations against UC Berkeley and UC San Diego. UCLA Law denies discriminating and says its admissions process complies with federal law.
Source: Associated Press
Decades After Watergate, Justice Department Reviews Whether Nixon Got a Raw Deal
What Happened: The Justice Department is reviewing allegations that prosecutors committed misconduct during the Watergate investigation more than 50 years after Richard Nixon resigned. Former Nixon aide Geoff Shepard was invited to DOJ headquarters to present his theory that a “deep state” used “lawfare” to bring Nixon down.
Why It Matters: Rewriting history to whitewash past abuses of power is a common authoritarian tactic. Trump officials are recasting Watergate as a conspiracy against Nixon while dismantling safeguards created to prevent another president from abusing his power.
Source: Wall Street Journal
Media Suppression & Authoritarian Tactics
Trump defends spending millions on taxpayer-funded promotional ads: 'For the country'
What Happened: Trump personally directed budget chief Russell Vought to find taxpayer money for television ads praising Trump and his presidency, resulting in a $20 million DHS-funded campaign. The ads feature Trump, promote his policies and repeat political messaging, including his “final battle” against the “deep state” and “globalists.”
Why It Matters: Trump is using taxpayer money to produce government propaganda promoting himself and his political agenda weeks before the midterms. Using state resources to glorify the leader and push his propaganda is straight out of the Russian playbook and used by all authoritarian regimes.
Source: ABC News
White House airs new taxpayer-funded ad praising Trump’s war on Iran
What Happened: The White House aired another taxpayer-funded television ad praising Trump, this time promoting his decision to go to war with Iran. The ad uses footage of combat and Trump alongside Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth declaring, “if you kill Americans … we will kill you.”
Source: The Guardian
Human & Civil Rights Abuses
ICE got ‘quieter’ – then killed a father in Maine. Now watch groups are shifting their tactics too
What Happened: Immigrant rights groups in Maine are expanding networks to track ICE vehicles, arrests and detention activity as the agency shifts toward less visible enforcement. Volunteers are using hotlines, encrypted communications and an online tracking system to document operations and alert communities.
Why It Matters: ICE operations are becoming harder for the public, journalists and advocates to see and document. Less visibility means less accountability for what federal agents are doing in communities.
Source: The Guardian
Government Disruption
Housing Official, Who Targeted Trump Foes, Cuts Watchdog Office
What Happened: FHFA Director Bill Pulte moved to cut the agency’s inspector general staff by roughly 70–80%, which employees told Congress would effectively end its criminal investigations. The move follows the removal of the acting inspector general after lawmakers asked him to investigate Pulte’s use of the agency to target Trump’s perceived political enemies.
Why It Matters: Pulte used his federal agency to investigate Trump’s opponents and is now gutting the independent office responsible for investigating misconduct inside his agency. It removes one of the few checks on monitoring abuses of his power.
Source: New York Times
Imperial & Geopolitical Watch
Pentagon sending more than 4,000 Marines, sailors to Middle East as buildup ramps up
What Happened: The Pentagon is sending more than 4,000 Marines and sailors aboard three warships toward the Middle East. Combined with the USS Theodore Roosevelt carrier deployment, roughly 9,000 additional personnel are being sent toward a region where more than 50,000 U.S. troops are already operating.
Why It Matters: Trump told Americans the war was won and would last only weeks. Instead, he is sending thousands more U.S. troops to the Middle East as his quagmire expands, with no end in sight.
Source: The Hill
Trade tensions mean fewer Canadians flocking to South Florida
What Happened: Canadian travel to South Florida has fallen amid U.S.-Canada trade tensions, a weak Canadian dollar and new border requirements. Nonstop flights between Canada and Fort Lauderdale fell about 7% in 2025 and nearly 9% during the first half of 2026, while some Florida businesses report substantially fewer Canadian customers.
Source: NPR
Trump defies Democrats, diverts aid for Europe to Latin America instead
What Happened: Trump officials are diverting $52 million in military aid from Slovakia, North Macedonia, Tunisia and Iraq to Panama, Peru, Ecuador and Colombia despite a congressional hold. Some of the funding for Slovakia and North Macedonia was approved by Congress specifically to help countries affected by Russia’s war against Ukraine.
Why It Matters: Trump is taking military assistance Congress approved for European countries affected by Russia’s war and sending it elsewhere despite lawmakers trying to stop the transfer. It further weakens U.S. support for European security as Russia escalates across Europe and continues its genocidal war against Ukraine.
Source: The Washington Post
Far-Right & Russian Influence Watch
Polish Foreign Minister Criticizes Trump Over Putin G20 Invite
What Happened: Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski criticized Trump for inviting Vladimir Putin to this year’s G20 summit, saying Putin should not be treated as a welcome guest while Russia continues its war against Ukraine. Sikorski said Trump’s approach is helping bring Putin “out of isolation.”
Why It Matters: Trump is helping rehabilitate Putin on the world stage while Russia continues its war against Ukraine. One of America’s closest NATO allies is now publicly warning that Trump is undoing efforts to keep Putin internationally isolated.
Source: Bloomberg
Economic News
Along U.S. Route 1, Maine voters worry about heating oil, gas and Canadian tariffs
What Happened: Heating oil prices in Maine have risen 74% over the past year, while residents and businesses are also dealing with high gasoline prices. Along the Canadian border, businesses and farmers report additional pressure from declining Canadian spending and higher costs tied to trade tensions.
Source: NPR
Mortgage Rates Surge, Wrecking the Home-Buyer Playbook
What Happened: The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate jumped from 7.03% to 7.28% this week, the largest weekly increase in four years. Rising inflation, government debt and heavy corporate borrowing are pushing bond yields higher and increasing borrowing costs.
Source: Wall Street Journal
Resistance
Check out 50501 for local and nationwide events…
Source: 50501
By the Numbers
185 — Top $TRUMP meme coin holders offered an exclusive dinner with Trump
950,000 — Obamacare enrollees receiving $500 government checks weeks before the midterms
71% — Share of those $500 payments going to people in battleground states
70–80% — Staff reduction planned for the FHFA inspector general’s office
$52 million — Military assistance Trump officials are diverting from Europe and elsewhere despite a congressional hold
74% — Increase in Maine heating oil prices over the past year
9% — Drop in nonstop flights between Canada and Fort Lauderdale during the first half of 2026
7.28% — Average 30-year fixed mortgage rate after the largest weekly increase in four years
What to Watch Next
Trump is openly discussing emergency powers around the midterms — Will he invoke the Insurrection Act or declare a national emergency as Election Day approaches?
Trump is using taxpayer money to influence voters weeks before the midterms — Will courts intervene as government checks and taxpayer-funded propaganda promote Trump ahead of the election?
Trump’s Iran war is expanding despite his claims that it was already won — How many more troops will he send to the Middle East, and what is his exit strategy?
Trump is weakening support for Europe while rehabilitating Putin — Will more NATO allies publicly push back as Trump diverts military aid away from Europe and brings Putin back onto the world stage?
Key Takeaways
Affordability Crisis — Heating oil prices have surged, mortgage rates are climbing and deteriorating relations with Canada are hurting American businesses.
State Propaganda — Trump is spending public money on government-produced ads glorifying himself, his presidency and his war with Iran.
Iran Quagmire — Trump said the war was won and would last only weeks, but thousands more U.S. troops are heading to the Middle East as the conflict expands.
Russia & Europe — Trump is diverting military aid away from European countries affected by Russia’s war while helping bring Putin out of international isolation.
Election Interference — Trump is discussing emergency powers while taxpayer-funded checks and government propaganda promote him weeks before the midterms.
Call to Action
Document Everything: Document purges, corruption, and power grabs. Share credible information with journalists, watchdogs, and legal experts. Silence enables authoritarianism—see something, say something.
Defend Press Freedom: Support independent journalism by subscribing to and sharing reporting that challenges Trump’s power grab.
Contact Lawmakers: Demand accountability for Trump’s unchecked power and war on oversight.
Mobilize for Action: Organize or join legal efforts and resistance movements to protect democracy and human and civil rights.
Support Whistleblowers: Encourage legal defense funds for government workers facing retaliation for exposing corruption.
Follow my work on YouTube → Subscribe to Unmasking Russia
https://youtube.com/@unmaskingrussia
Preorder My New Book…
Putin’s Pawns takes you on a journey from the earliest days of the Cold War and Soviet KGB active measures through Russia’s attacks on Western elections, the rise of the far right, Trump and Russia, the genocidal war against Ukraine, influence operations across Europe, and the shadow war unfolding today.
It is the story of how Moscow spent decades learning to exploit the weaknesses of democracies and how those tactics brought us to this moment.
Preorder now
https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250796547/putinspawns/
Thanks for reading the Trump Tyranny Tracker. Stay tuned for more updates.
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Trump backs away from top aides who reportedly advised pro-Russia government
President floats firing Chris LaCivita and James Blair over any ‘conflict’ after reports of work in Republika Srpska
Donald Trump distanced himself from two top advisers on Wednesday, claiming he did not have “any idea who else they work for”, after it was reported they spent the weekend assisting a pro-Russia government in the Balkans.
On Truth Social, Trump wrote that Chris LaCivita, the co-manager of his 2024 presidential campaign, and James Blair, a campaign adviser and White House deputy chief of staff on leave of absence, “are outside consultants” and “do not work for me other than as outside consultants”.
Continue reading... -
Trump Tyranny Tracker | Day 615: Sept. 30, 2026
Welcome to today’s Trump Tyranny Tracker…
The White House expanding a nationwide surveillance system, new efforts to restrict voting ahead of the midterms, and the Justice Department targeting federal judges are among today’s top stories.
Today at a Glance
Trump expands a nationwide surveillance system using license plate data collected by local police.
Trump officials impose new voting restrictions on Americans overseas and move to restrict federal funding that helps disabled Americans vote.
Justice Department targets federal judges who challenged Trump’s immigration crackdown.
What We Need to Pay Attention To
How Cities Are Forced to Funnel License Plate Data to a Massive Federal Surveillance Program
What Happened: Trump officials are using a federal anti-drug program to funnel license plate data collected by local police into massive federal databases accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide. In some places, cities must share their license plate reader data with the federal system to operate cameras on state roads.
Why It Matters: The federal government is building a nationwide surveillance system that can track where Americans go, including people suspected of no crime. There is no oversight of who can access the data or what they will do with this information.
Source: 404 Media
Corruption
Trump administration withdraws US from Greco anti-corruption monitoring body
What Happened: Trump withdrew the United States from GRECO, the Council of Europe’s anti-corruption monitoring body, ending more than 25 years of U.S. participation. GRECO evaluates governments’ safeguards against corruption and publicly tracks whether they implement recommended reforms.
Why It Matters: Trump is removing an independent check on corruption inside the U.S. government. That leaves even less accountability for conflicts of interest involving Trump and other senior officials.
Source: The Guardian
Power Consolidation
Trump officials changed forms for overseas voters amid a GOP push to restrict voting
What Happened: Trump officials made last-minute changes to federal voting forms used by Americans overseas, bypassing the normal months-long review process weeks before states began sending midterm ballots.
Why It Matters: Trump officials changed voting forms weeks before the midterms, making it harder for eligible Americans overseas to vote. Republicans are also challenging the voting rights of these same Americans in multiple states.
Source: NPR
“A Massive Power Grab”: White House Proposal Threatens Funding That Helps Disabled Americans Vote
What Happened: Trump’s Office of Management and Budget proposed banning federal grants from being used for voter registration drives and related activities. The restriction would hit programs Congress funds to help disabled Americans register and vote. This includes $10 million distributed annually to disability rights organizations nationwide.
Why It Matters: Trump is trying to restrict money Congress specifically approved to help disabled Americans vote. People who already face barriers to voting would lose assistance meant to help them participate in elections.
Source: ProPublica
Trump Says Powell Should Be Forced to Resign From Fed Board
What Happened: Trump called for former Fed Chair Jerome Powell to be forced off the Federal Reserve Board and directed Attorney General Todd Blanche to review an inspector general report on the Fed’s $2.4 billion headquarters renovation.
Source: Bloomberg
Weaponization of Institutions
Hegseth bars military academies from hiring civilians as tenured professors
What Happened: Pete Hegseth ordered military service academies to stop appointing civilian professors to tenured positions, making future faculty easier to remove. Hegseth said tenure allows academics to drift from the military’s “warfighting mission.”
Why It Matters: Ending tenure makes civilian professors easier to fire if Pentagon leaders do not like what they teach or say. It gives political appointees more control over the people educating future military officers.
Source: The Washington Post
Justice Department files ethics complaint against Minnesota federal judges
What Happened: The Justice Department filed an ethics complaint against seven Minnesota federal judges who spoke publicly about Trump’s immigration crackdown and its impact on their court. DOJ accused them of bias and is seeking to remove them from cases involving DHS; the judges say their comments were permitted under judicial ethics rules.
Why It Matters: These judges have repeatedly challenged Trump officials over immigration detention cases and violations of court orders. DOJ is now using the judicial disciplinary process against the judges responsible for checking the government’s actions.
Source: Politico
Election denier Kurt Olsen steps down from “grand conspiracy” case, but remains on DOJ payroll, official says
What Happened: Kurt Olsen, who worked to overturn Trump’s 2020 election loss, stepped down from the Justice Department’s “grand conspiracy” investigation targeting former Obama and Biden-era officials. Olsen remains on the DOJ payroll as senior counsel, although officials have not said what work he will now perform.
Source: CBS News
Homeland Security taps $20M in taxpayer funds for pro-Trump ads
What Happened: DHS tapped $20 million intended for Customs and Border Protection to fund propaganda ads promoting Trump and his policies. The ads, labeled “Paid for by the U.S. Government,” have drawn criticism over the use of taxpayer money for political messaging.
Source: Associated Press
Media Suppression & Authoritarian Tactics
In latest religion push, Hegseth unveils Office of Religious Affairs
What Happened: Pete Hegseth created a new Office of Religious Affairs that reports directly to him and ordered the military services to identify funding needs for religious programs, facilities, ministry, and faith-based homeschooling. He said chaplains will now have a direct line to the Pentagon’s highest levels.
Why It Matters: The military is supposed to protect the religious freedom of everyone who serves, including those with no religion. Giving religion a larger role inside Pentagon leadership pushes Hegseth’s Christian nationalist priorities into an institution that is supposed to be religiously neutral.
Source: USA Today
FCC head says government-funded Trump ads are ‘normal’ and ‘don’t raise any red flags’
What Happened: FCC Chair Brendan Carr said taxpayer-funded propaganda TV ads featuring Trump are “normal” public service announcements and do not warrant an FCC review. Public Citizen filed an FCC complaint noting that Trump’s 2024 campaign previously used one of the ads.
Why It Matters: The FCC is supposed to police abuses involving broadcasters. Its chairman is refusing to investigate the use of taxpayer money for ads promoting Trump, leaving the government free to use public funds for political propaganda without FCC scrutiny.
Source: NBC News
Human & Civil Rights Abuses
Human rights groups ask UN panel to help end ICE’s effort to hide locations of detainees
What Happened: More than 30 human rights groups asked a UN panel to intervene after ICE removed thousands of detainees with final removal orders from its public locator system. The change affects more than 16,000 people and has left families and attorneys unable to determine where many detainees are being held.
Why It Matters: ICE is holding thousands of people in locations their families and lawyers cannot find. That cuts detainees off from legal help and allows ICE to disappear them with even less outside scrutiny.
Source: Associated Press
From mass raids to quiet crackdown: a timeline of Trump’s strategic ICE pivot
What Happened: After the murders of U.S. citizens Renee Good and Alex Pretti during the Minneapolis immigration operation, Trump replaced DHS leadership and moved away from highly visible mass raids. ICE shifted toward smaller operations and partnerships with local law enforcement while arrests and deportations reached record levels.
Source: The Guardian
Government Disruption
Hegseth cutting generals and admirals by 20%, including top officers who “clung to the woke department”
What Happened: Pete Hegseth said the Pentagon has already fired roughly 10% of its generals and admirals and is eliminating another 10% of senior officer positions. Hegseth said officers who “clung to the woke department” are no longer serving and described the removals as necessary to change the military’s culture.
Why It Matters: Hegseth is openly tying the removal of senior military leaders to whether they supported policies he opposes. Political ideology is becoming a factor in who remains at the highest levels of the U.S. military.
Source: CBS News
Changes to SNAP benefits begin Oct. 1 for millions of Americans: What to know
What Happened: An estimated 5 million Americans, including more than 1 million children, have lost SNAP food assistance over the past year after Trump’s tax cuts for the wealthy law. Beginning October 1, states will also be required to cover 75% of SNAP administrative costs, with additional costs shifting to states beginning in 2027.
Source: ABC News
Imperial & Geopolitical Watch
UK says there are strong indications Iran played a part in a security incident at a US-run air base
What Happened: British Prime Minister Andy Burnham said there are “strong indications” Iran played a role in a security incident near RAF Fairford, where five British men were arrested on suspicion of terrorism and explosives offenses. Police found gasoline in three vans near the base, which U.S. bombers have used for strikes against Iran. The men remain under investigation after being released on bail.
Source: ABC News
Retired general who led troops in Iraq warns U.S. exit may give Iran, ISIS an opening
What Happened: The last U.S. troops have withdrawn from Iraq, ending the American military presence there as the U.S. and Israel remain at war with neighboring Iran. Retired Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster warned that the withdrawal could strengthen Iran’s position in Iraq and leave an opening for ISIS to rebuild.
Source: NPR
Judge Questions Secrecy Around Trump Administration’s Memo on Boat Strikes
What Happened: A federal judge rejected key arguments Trump officials used to keep secret a Justice Department memo authorizing military strikes on boats and ordered DOJ to provide the document for private review. Since September 2025, the Pentagon has carried out 70 known strikes, killing more than 230 people.
Why It Matters: The U.S. military has killed more than 230 people without trial while Trump officials refuse to disclose the legal basis for the strikes. The government is claiming the power to kill suspected drug smugglers while keeping its justification secret.
Source: New York Times
Far-Right & Russian Influence Watch
Trump administration diverts human rights funds to push far-right agenda abroad
What Happened: Trump officials redirected $176.9 million from the State Department’s Human Rights and Democracy Fund toward programs including support for white Afrikaner causes, anti-communism initiatives and groups promoting “Western civilizational norms” in Europe.
Source: The Guardian
Unmasking RussiaWhy Is Russia Manufacturing a Story About NATO Preparing to Blockade Kaliningrad?Over the past few months, European governments and intelligence agencies have issued multiple warnings that Russia could be preparing to escalate its attacks against NATO. Countries, especially on the Eastern flank, are strengthening their defenses, protecting critical infrastructure, preparing evacuation plans, and Germany is even getting hospitals ready for the possibility of war. Meanwhile, Russia seems to be laying the groundwork for a false flag or maybe just returning to its fear-mongering playbook. Either way, it’s important to document…Read more8 days ago · 329 likes · 25 comments · Olga LautmanEconomic News
Americans growing more pessimistic about the economy as prices for gas, other items remain elevated
What Happened: U.S. consumer confidence fell sharply in September, with the Conference Board’s index dropping 6.7 points to 81.9. Americans reported worsening views of both current economic conditions and the months ahead as prices remain high and wages stagnate during the Iran war.
Source: ABC News
Resistance
Check out 50501 for local and nationwide events…
Source: 50501
By the Numbers
16,000+ — ICE detainees removed from the public locator system, leaving families and attorneys unable to find many of them.
20% — Reduction in generals and admirals under Hegseth, including roughly 10% already fired and another 10% of positions being eliminated.
5 million — Americans who have lost SNAP food assistance over the past year, including more than 1 million children.
$176.9 million — Human rights and democracy funding redirected toward right-wing causes and groups promoting “Western civilizational norms.”
230+ — People killed in U.S. military strikes on suspected “drug-smuggling” boats since September 2025.
What to Watch Next
Trump is expanding a nationwide federal surveillance system using license plate data collected by local police — How far will federal agencies expand access to Americans’ movements, and will Congress intervene?
Trump officials are making voting changes weeks before the midterms — What additional restrictions will be imposed on overseas, disabled and other eligible voters before Election Day?
DOJ is escalating its confrontation with federal judges overseeing Trump’s immigration crackdown — Will the Justice Department target more judges who rule against Trump officials or challenge violations of court orders?
Hegseth is removing senior military leaders while openly attacking officers who supported policies he opposes — How much further will political ideology shape who remains in the military’s highest ranks?
Key Takeaways
Voting Restrictions — Trump officials are changing overseas voting forms and trying to restrict federal money Congress approved to help disabled Americans vote.
Weaponizing Government — DOJ is targeting federal judges who challenged Trump’s immigration crackdown, while the FCC refuses to investigate taxpayer-funded ads promoting Trump.
Military Politicization — Hegseth is eliminating senior officers, ending tenure protections for future civilian professors and expanding religion’s institutional role inside the Pentagon.
Human Rights — ICE has hidden the locations of more than 16,000 detainees while Trump officials redirect U.S. human rights funding toward ideological causes abroad.
Call to Action
Document Everything: Document purges, corruption, and power grabs. Share credible information with journalists, watchdogs, and legal experts. Silence enables authoritarianism—see something, say something.
Defend Press Freedom: Support independent journalism by subscribing to and sharing reporting that challenges Trump’s power grab.
Contact Lawmakers: Demand accountability for Trump’s unchecked power and war on oversight.
Mobilize for Action: Organize or join legal efforts and resistance movements to protect democracy and human and civil rights.
Support Whistleblowers: Encourage legal defense funds for government workers facing retaliation for exposing corruption.
Follow my work on YouTube → Subscribe to Unmasking Russia
https://youtube.com/@unmaskingrussia
Preorder My New Book…
Putin’s Pawns takes you on a journey from the earliest days of the Cold War and Soviet KGB active measures through Russia’s attacks on Western elections, the rise of the far right, Trump and Russia, the genocidal war against Ukraine, influence operations across Europe, and the shadow war unfolding today.
It is the story of how Moscow spent decades learning to exploit the weaknesses of democracies and how those tactics brought us to this moment.
Preorder now
https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250796547/putinspawns/
Thanks for reading the Trump Tyranny Tracker. Stay tuned for more updates.
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[Nantes] Manif lycéen.ne.s/étudiant.e.s contre l’austérité…
L’Assemblée Générale Étudiante appel à une manifestation ce jeudi à 10h au miroir d’eau !
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Révolte lycéenne : à Montpellier, une intersyndicale appelle à une nouvelle manifestation d’ampleur jeudi 8 octobre
Les organisations syndicales lycéennes appellent à un acte 4 ce jeudi 8 octobre, avec des étudiant-es. Une intersyndicale héraultaise de l’éducation appelle à s’y joindre par la grève, et par une nouvelle manifestation prévue à 13h au Peyrou. Le 8 octobre est aussi une journée de grève prévue de longue date dans certains secteurs, comme chez Total ou dans la petite enfance. Une intersyndicale héraultaise de l’éducation appelle à nouveau à la grève en soutien au mouvement lycéen et maintenant étudiant en cours, qui devrait connaître un nouveau temps fort ce jeudi 8 octobre. « Le Premier ministre et le ministre de l’Éducation nationale demandent, dans le plus grand désordre, aux directions des lycées de réunir mercredi, jeudi et/ou vendredi les équipes et les élèves pour préparer la reprise des cours alors même qu’aucune réponse satisfaisante n’a été apportée aux élèves. », peut-on lire dans leur communiqué. « Les personnels n’ont pas à endosser la responsabilité du gouvernement qui refuse de répondre aux revendications de la jeunesse. Nos organisations syndicales appellent à ne pas animer ni participer à ces échanges. » Avant d’appeler les personnels du premier comme du second degré à la grève ce jeudi et « les enseignant-es du premier degré à déclarer leur intention de faire grève pour chaque jour à venir. » Entre 8000 et 12 000 personnes avaient participé à la manifestation du 6 octobre, marquant l’acte 3 du mouvement lycéen. À l’échelle nationale, iels étaient 266 000 selon le Ministère de l’Intérieur, contre 450 000 selon les organisations lycéennes et étudiant-es. Le gouvernement comptait 891 lycées sur environ 3 700, soit près d’un quart, avec des cours suspendus totalement ou partiellement. L’Union syndicale lycéenne évoquait 1 800 lycées bloqués, concernés par des manifestations ou fermés administrativement. Côté universités, 40% des établissements publics perturbés pour le gouvernement, alors que l’Union étudiante avançait 90% des universités, avec un recensement de 57 sites bloqués. Cette nouvelle mobilisation syndicale arrive alors que d’autres secteurs avaient déjà annoncé se mettre en grève le 8 octobre. Les salarié-es de Total et de ses sous-traitants exigent des augmentations de salaires. Et seront mobilisé-es toute la journée dans l’Hérault sur la station-service du Caylar. Les salarié-es des crèches et de la petite enfance seront aussi en grève, à l’appel du collectif « Pas de bébés à la consigne » et d’organisations syndicales. À Montpellier, leur manifestation se déroulera à 10h30 au Peyrou.Montpellier : 8 000 à 12 000 personnes en soutien aux lycéens, la police disperse la Comédie au gaz lacrymogène
L’article Révolte lycéenne : à Montpellier, une intersyndicale appelle à une nouvelle manifestation d’ampleur jeudi 8 octobre est apparu en premier sur Le Poing.
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Trump will not reimburse federal government for taxpayer-funded advertisements
President Donald Trump will not reimburse the federal government for taxpayer-funded advertisements promoting him and his administration ahead of the November midterms — and even dropped a new ad on Tuesday. -
Schumer alleges illegal coordination between Trump, PAC on ads
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) is moving to investigate President Trump for allegedly misusing taxpayer dollars to pay for government-sponsored campaign ads. -
Trump says his super PAC will cover taxpayer-funded 'patriotic' ads after backlash
President Donald Trump said his primary super PAC will start covering the administration's taxpayer-funded political ads in the wake of bipartisan backlash. -
[Mayday] #259 La classe lycéenne !
Émission du 7 octobre après plus d’une semaine de blocus lycéens.Aux origines d’une saine révolte, papier de Luigi.Blocus et zbeul dans le centre de Lyon, un reportage de Luigi.Pas très gaillarde, un talkshow du Frigo.5000 arrestations en 4 jours et plusieurs mutilés, retour sur répression par LuigiDemander des comptes à l’hotel de région, micro son de Namé.Cinq souvenirs de notre jeunesse, récits de Mouche, Le Frigo, MC Galère, Namé et LuigiVivre loin du lycée, un reportage en Ardèche de Bob.La jeunesse est dans la rue, deux micros dans la manif de Namé et Luigi.MusiquesIno casablanca – ClubmatseIAM – L’EnferMaria Violenza – Little Boy
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Voitures béliers contre des lycéens : 7 cas au minimum partout en France
On croirait à une vague d'attentats : des voitures qui foncent à pleine vitesse dans des foules pour semer l'effroi et tuer.
L’article Voitures béliers contre des lycéens : 7 cas au minimum partout en France est apparu en premier sur Contre Attaque.
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«J’ai été sonnée»: «Mediapart» a retrouvé la femme giflée par un policier à Rennes
À Rennes, une travailleuse sociale a été violemment giflée par un policier en marge de la manifestation du 6 octobre. La victime témoigne pour la première fois auprès de «Mediapart». D’autres vidéos, inédites, racontent le contexte d’une séquence déjà vue plus de 2 millions de fois sur les réseaux sociaux. -
Lobby du plastique : 2,5 millions d'euros par an pour continuer de polluer
Les industriels ont consacré 2,5 millions d'euros pour inciter les pouvoirs publics à abandonner des textes visant à réduire la pollution, notamment plastique, selon un rapport inédit de Zero Waste France. Reporterre y a eu accès en amont et a enquêté sur les coulisses de ce lobbying au Parlement.
Lire la suite - Enquête / Politique , Pollutions
Toutes les marques utilisatrices, les producteurs, les géants du recyclage... On savait le lobby de l'emballage puissant, mais pas à quel point. Il a dépensé 2,5 millions d'euros en 2025 pour (…) -
The Guardian view on the US midterms: the cost of living is on the ballot, but this is about democracy too | Editorial
Donald Trump’s unpopularity and the economic struggles of voters have boosted Democrats. But with less than a month to go, there is no complacency
For once, Democrats and Donald Trump might be in agreement: “Pretend I’m on the ticket,” the historically unpopular president has instructed supporters. Midterms are in large part a referendum on the incumbent, and Trump’s war on Iran and its impact on the cost of living have boosted support for Democrats. With less than a month to go, they have reason to be upbeat. The party has a mountain to climb after the devastating defeats of 2024, and the gerrymandering of Republicans, but surveys give it a lead of about nine points on the generic ballot, which measures preference for parties rather than specific candidates.
Attention has turned from the prospects of seizing the House, where Democrats are forecast a clear majority, to what once seemed like the highly optimistic possibility of taking the Senate too. That would require flipping four seats, with 35 in play. Remarkably, Democrats are prospering in red states from Texas to Alaska. In Kansas – which Mr Trump carried by 16 points, and which has not elected a Democratic senator since 1932 – the race is neck and neck.
Continue reading... -
Des économistes confirment que la colère des lycéens est tout à fait justifiée
Classes surchargées, profs absents, manque de moyens… Les revendications des lycéens mobilisés sont étayées par de nombreux travaux économiques, rappelle le Public Finance Lab. Ce laboratoire de recherche appelle à profiter de la baisse du nombre d’élèves pour trouver des solutions. -
À Besançon, la police accusée de s’affranchir de la franchise universitaire et d’être rentrée dans la fac de lettres
C’est un principe ancien, garant de l’université comme lieu d’expression politique: pas de forces de l’ordre sur un campus sans l’accord de la présidence. À Besançon, la police et la gendarmerie sont accusées de l’avoir pourtant enfreint à deux reprises, à la poursuite de lycéens et d’étudiants mobilisés. La sous-préfète du Doubs dément. -
Pour tenter de juguler le mouvement étudiant, les universités ferment leurs portes
Après le succès de la journée du 6 octobre, nombre d’étudiants et d’étudiantes rejoignent le mouvement de la jeunesse parti des lycées. Mais les fermetures administratives d’universités, qui se multiplient, rendent difficile l’organisation du mouvement. -
Mouvement lycéen: les efforts désespérés du pouvoir pour éteindre l’incendie
Après avoir répondu aux revendications lycéennes par le mépris et la répression, l’exécutif tente de changer de braquet. Mais le mouvement continue de s’amplifier, menaçant de rebondir de plus belle le 17 octobre. -
Zack Polanski, le chef des Verts anglais, défie le Parti travailliste à Londres
L’élection législative partielle du jeudi 8 octobre, dans la circonscription de l’ancien premier ministre Keir Starmer, qui ne se représente pas, est un test pour les Verts et le Labour. Les deux formations sont en compétition à gauche. -
«Frogs», dernière invention de la finance pour soumettre la France à la pression des marchés
Un institut patronal a popularisé l’acronyme pour stigmatiser la situation financière de la France et accroître la pression des marchés sur le pays. Une stratégie des élites économiques pour conserver le pouvoir, malgré leur bilan désastreux. -
This Week In The Big Picture
Last week, we learned that the Trump administration had begun sending out $500 checks to Obamacare recipients to reimburse them for so-called “user fee” overcharges. But a dive into the universe of ACA enrollees who are actually getting the checks reveals this to be just another one of Trump’s voter bribery schemes.
In tomorrow’s piece, digs into Trump’s myriad cash payment promises to voters and explores how Trump actually got this one to deliver real money to select Americans mere weeks before the election.
And in case you missed it, yesterday explored the various ways Trump is turning the presidency‚ and indeed the entire federal government, into a corrupt family business. By examining how we got here, as well as some analogues for such corrupt autocratic leaders, Democrats can forge a path forward. It won’t be easy, but it’s doable.
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The most shocking part of Trump’s comments is what our reaction says about us
Listening to the president at a rally these days is a mix of deja vu and word salad, but his decade-long project of division remains abnormal and dangerous
This was originally published in This Week in Trumpland. Sign up to receive it in your inbox every Wednesday
Donald Trump’s campaign rallies can be repetitive. Very repetitive. He calls himself the “greatest” president leading the “greatest” movement inside the “greatest” economy. He rails against “Dumocrats” for the “transgender mutilization” of children. He lambasts the “fake news” and reheats election lies. He describes illegal immigration as an “invasion” and recites the poem The Snake.
If we were all frogs being slowly boiled alive, we’ve now reached the stage of blackened toad. After a decade of this, presidential utterances that would once have caused outrage are met with a shrug. We are no longer shockable. Or so we thought.
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Will Trump’s rallies lift the Republicans?
The US midterms in focus. Plus: porn’s big players
With fewer than 30 days until the US midterm elections, Donald Trump seems determined to still be centre stage despite poll fears that after 3 November he may end up a lame-duck president as a Democratic blue wave sweeps the country. Our Washington bureau chief, David Smith, has been watching how the president is playing to Republican voters at the start of a blitz of cross-country rallies. It’s, at best, a mixed picture.
As David reports, Trump’s self-belief and message to voters to “pretend” his name is on the ballot reveal a man out of touch with ordinary Americans’ worries about the cost of living and whose promises that the war with Iran will soon be over ring ever more hollow. And then there are the candidates, more of whom are shying away from their earlier allegiances to a president whose approval ratings continue to slide.
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Montpellier : deux interpellés ce midi sur le blocus du lycée Clémenceau, du soutien à l’hôtel de police
Environ 35 personnes se sont réuni-es aux alentours de 16h devant le commissariat central de Montpellier, en soutien à deux personnes interpellées ce mercredi 7 octobre sur le blocus du lycée Clémenceau.
Alors qu’un rassemblement avait lieu devant le lycée Clémenceau en soutien à la mobilisation en cours deux personnes ont été interpellées ce mercredi 7 octobre. D’après des témoins sur place, c’est un peu avant midi qu’une équipe véhiculée de la police nationale est arrivée sur les lieux, procédant à une première interpellation, immédiatement suivie d’une seconde.
Autour de 17h, sur place, un jeune lycéen, mineur, qui avait été interpellé la veille était venu accompagné pour déposer une plainte, qui a été refusé, concernant le déroulement de son interpellation.
À 18h30, l’un des deux interpellés était sorti, sans convocation, tandis que l’autre serait toujours en garde à vue.
En plus des blocus quotidiens, l’intersyndicale de l’éducation appelle à une nouvelle manifestation d’ampleur ce jeudi 8 octobre en soutien au mouvement lycéen, à 13h au Peyrou.
L’article Montpellier : deux interpellés ce midi sur le blocus du lycée Clémenceau, du soutien à l’hôtel de police est apparu en premier sur Le Poing.
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Paxton admits Trump’s Iran war and US gas prices are plaguing Republicans in leaked audio
Texas attorney general acknowledged affordability was his party’s ‘biggest problem’ heading into the midterms
Ken Paxton, the Texas attorney general running as the Republican candidate in a competitive Senate race, admitted privately that rising fuel prices as a result of Donald Trump’s Iran war were hurting his party before the midterms in the latest leaked audio recording.
Asked what issues were “dragging” his campaign at a closed-door fundraising event, Paxton replied, “It’s not tariffs … it’s the war, it’s gas prices, it’s diesel,” according to an audio recording shared with Axios.
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Santé mentale des personnes trans : dépsychiatriser, sans renoncer à l'accompagnement
Source : Voxeurop - Europe -
Bruxelles cherche à taxer les grandes entreprises étasuniennes du numérique sans les nommer
Source : Next
