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Red Alert: The U.S. scrambled to withdraw all 12 B-1 Air Force bombers from a U.K. base “after commanders received new threats about an Iran-backed plot against the installation,” two U.S. officials told The New York Times Sunday evening. “The need to move the bombers out of the base, R.A.F. Fairford was deemed so urgent that some of the planes and their flight crews left while aerial refueling aircraft were still being scrambled to support their flights to the United States,” the Times added. “The withdrawal was highly unusual: Such moves are rarely made so quickly from an allied air base in a peacetime country thousands of miles from a combat zone.” Over the weekend a sixth dual Iranian-British suspect who had been arrested in connection with an alleged plot to bomb the base, which has been used by American bombers in the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran, was released on bail. Five other men were released on bail on Monday, a day after the authorities found no explosives in vans intercepted near the base. Prime Minister Andy Burnham said this week that the British government believes Iran played a part in planning the events that unfolded on Sunday. Iran has denied the accusations.

Pilot Error: Israeli intelligence is taking another beating, this time over its failure to catch would-be FlyDubai hijacker Hamam al-Hammami’s Islamist radicalization, which became clear from photos found on his LinkedIn page, including one showing an El Al aircraft and a photograph of Ayman al-Zawahiri, the former ideological leader of al-Qaeda. Not only was Al-Hammami’s prior grounding as an Oman Air pilot missed, his “social media activity, and the radicalization he underwent, also escaped the notice of those who should have detected it,” said Israel Hyom, the country’s large circulation rightwing tabloid. “The Emiratis will undoubtedly draw their own lessons, but Israelis should be concerned that here, officials are busy celebrating rather than worrying, and that those responsible for the failure are, as usual, avoiding the answers demanded by the disturbing gaps that have now been exposed.” Al-Hammami is undergoing interrogation in the UAE, where Saudi Arabia sent him after the near catastrophic incident.

Walk in the Woods: CIA Director John Ratcliffe was among top Trump national security officials who met secretly Friday at Camp David to discuss options on Iran and Yemen.

Vice President J.D. Vance chaired the unannounced meeting, which included Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, White House envoy Steve Witkoff, Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, reported Axios’s Trump channeler Barak Ravid. ”The last time a similar meeting took place was in June 2025, just days before Israel went to war against Iran,” he noted. Absent: FBI Director Kash Patel.

Super AI Czar: President Trump announced Sunday that he has picked Jay Clayton, his director of National Intelligence, to lead the White House’s new “Super Intelligence Force,” a group that will “ensure that America continues to lead the World in Super Intelligence” (what he insists on calling AI). Clayton, who has no observable experience in the field, underwent a gauntlet of tough questions in his July confirmation hearing over his scant background in intelligence, among other issues. Before surviving that clash, he was the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and chairman of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

FBI Hacks: “Incompetence” allowed the ShinyHunters criminal hacker gang to steal the personnel files of every FBI employee (and applicant), including those noting the assignments of many agents to ultra-sensitive counterespionage, counterintelligence and drug cartel investigations, an agent alleged to MS NOW’s Ken Dilanian and Carol Leonnig. “This was a vulnerability that supposedly they thought they patched, but managed to miss one of the ways to patch it,” the agent said in a text message to the reporters, adding that the cause was “definitely incompetence.” The stolen information “should never have been tied to the Internet, either,” the agent added. “It belonged on our internal system and some dumbass moved it all” to an internet-facing system. The incident comes more than 10 years after China’s cybertheft of more than 20 million records from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), an event “considered so catastrophic.” noted The New York Times, “that officials and lawmakers vowed to never let something like it happen again.”

FBI Helps Bust GRU Cyber: The FBI partnered with Ukraine’s SBU internal security agency and European counterparts to bust “a large-scale cyber espionage operation” conducted by Russia’s GRU military intelligence agency, authorities in Kyiv announced. “According to the SBU,Russian operatives compromised office and home Wi-Fi routers in Ukraine, the European Union, and the United States to collect sensitive data,” reported The Kyiv Post. “The attackers targeted routers with outdated security protocols and redirected internet traffic through a network of controlled DNS servers.” Estonia, meanwhile, accused Russian agents of setting a fire in August at a plant in Tallinn that manufactures and supplies unmanned vehicles for Ukraine. “The fire at Milrem was consistent with other attacks carried out in Europe on behalf of Russia, Margo Palloson, the director general of Estonia’s national security agency, said in the statement on Tuesday, though he did not provide specific evidence,” The New York Times reported. “Defense companies, especially those that produce and supply drone technology to Ukraine, are a common target, he noted.”

Buh-Bye: FBI Co-Deputy Director Andrew Bailey announced Monday on X that he was resigning to spend more time with his family in Missouri, where he’d been the state’s attorney general. “According to two people familiar with his departure, Bailey had also been annoyed by the recent demotions of two senior counterterrorism agents in the FBI Washington field office,” MS NOW reported. The two veteran supervisors “were removed from their jobs because FBI leadership was dissatisfied with their handling of a threat assessment involving harassing phone calls made to the wife of White House official Stephen Miller,” added reporters Ken Dilanian and Carol Leonnig. “The two people told MS NOW that Bailey was also frustrated at not being named FBI director, a proposal once floated to him after Kash Patel had made numerous missteps and generated headlines that were unfavorable to the administration.” According to a team of New York Times natsec reporters, Patel had “a rocky arrangement” with his two deputy directors, Bailey and Christopher Raia, “a longtime FBI agent and manager.” Patel and Bailey “did not get along, and often went long stretches without speaking to each other, according to multiple people familiar with their interactions who spoke on the condition of anonymity.”Over at The Atlantic, Sarah Fitzpatrick asked: “Is There Anything Kash Patel Won’t Do for Trump Before the Midterms?” “In recent months,” she reported, Patel has pinged FBI officials “in Arizona, Florida, New Jersey, Ohio, and beyond” on the progress of their “election integrity” investigations, “many times with the instruction that ‘this is a big deal for the president’ or “this is a push from 47.’”

Another 9/11 Case Flop: A military judge at Guantanamo threw out the confessions of yet another prisoner accused of helping the hijackers who carried out the 9/11 attacks.. “The 51-page ruling was not immediately released. But lawyers who read it said Lt. Col. Michael Schrama, the judge, suppressed the interrogations of Mustafa al-Hawsawi at Guantánamo Bay in 2007,” reported the New York Times’ Carol Rosenberg. Last month, she noted, the judge also threw out the confessions of Khalid Shaikh Mohammed, “the man accused of being the mastermind of the plot that killed nearly 3,000 people.” The confessions of three of the four men charged in the death penalty case now have been thrown out due to torture and other issues. “A detainee who is shackled, transported to a former C.I.A. black site, and intentionally kept ignorant of both his right to remain silent and the inadmissibility of his prior coerced confessions, cannot be said to be making an ‘essentially free and unconstrained choice,’” Judge Schrama wrote of Hawsawi.

SEAL Fall Guy: Newly declassified summaries of the CIA Inspector General’s 2005 report on the death of Manadel al-Jamadi in Iraq’s notorious Abu Ghraib prison in 2003 finally absolve a former Navy SEAL, Dan Cerrillo, “who went to his grave insisting he’d taken the fall for a killing the CIA committed,” writes SpyTalk Contributing Editor Seth Hettena in his After-Action Report substack. The documents “line up with what Dan always suspected: the CIA killed Jamadi, covered it up, and then allowed Dan and his teammates in SEAL Team Seven’s Foxtrot Platoon to take the blame … but they arrived too late for him to read them. Dan died of a heart attack at age 50 in 2023.”

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Get Smart: The Pentagon is partnering with the CIA’s In-Q-Tel to “scout” for advanced technology breakthroughs. “IQT’s primary mission has been fostering companies to serve the tech needs of the Intelligence Community, with the military as a secondary emphasis,” reports Breaking Defense. “But the new partnership has IQT performing ‘technology scouting and technical due diligence’ for the Defense Department and serving as a feeder into Pentagon development and production pipelines.” In-Q-Tel has helped finance startups like Anduril and Palantir.

UFO Preppers: Washington “has a preparedness plan in place should the existence of nonhuman intelligence” in those pesky unidentified flying objects “be confirmed,” Jennice Vilhauer, a clinical psychologist and member of an official advisory board recently revealed in her Substack column. Panic can be expected. But government agencies, especially the CIA, are withholding vital files that would help further understanding the physics of “Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena,” or UAP, which has replaced the much denigrated UFO moniker—scientists told Ilan Greenberg for a fascinating piece in the latest edition of told Politico Magazine, “Trump Promised the Truth About UFOs. These Scientists Are Waiting.”

Come to Jesus: British spy chiefs are not scrutinised enough, a former top lawyer for the counterintelligence agency MI5 says. David Bickford called for parliament to launch televised hearings along the lines of the U.S. Senate’s Church Committee, which conducted investigations into U.S. intelligence abuses in the 1970s. (Telegraph)

NatSec news these days seems more frightening than ever. Take AI alone: Some insiders say it could destroy all of humanity by the end of the decade. (Sharon Weinberger throws cold water on that.) In any event, we’re determined to get to the bottom of its use and misuse by US intelligence. You can help by taking out a no-obligation, 7-day free trial. Reporting is really a team sport. Thanks!

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Here’s how Christopher Rufo responded to being included in the Klan Act lawsuit filed by Renee Good’s family last week.

It’s hilarious that Rufo claims the lawsuit presents no evidence. What it does is present how his arguments — for which his evidence has been debunked — served as one of two baseless pretexts for the invasion of Minnesota targeting Somali-Americans, most of whom are US citizens. (Nick Shirley provided the other.)

C. The President’s immediate response to false, animus-driven accusations targeting Minnesota’s Somali community

61. On November 19, 2025, Rufo and Thorpe published in City Journal a report titled The Largest Funder of Al-Shabaab Is the Minnesota Taxpayer, asserting that fraud in Minnesota’s public programs was perpetrated in many cases by members of the Somali community and that millions of dollars in stolen funds had reached the terrorist organization al-Shabaab.

62. The terror-financing claim rested on a single named source, retired Seattle detective Glenn Kerns; otherwise it purported to rely on other law enforcement sources that were unnamed. Kerns later told the Star Tribune that the story was “bullshit,” that he was misquoted, that he never traveled to Minnesota to investigate the connection as the piece claimed, and that “[t]hey went way too far on their poetic license to make it into a big story.” Kerns also said: “I was pointing him in the right direction to start digging. That was all.” Thorpe acknowledged that Kerns’s original statement was that he went down to the state, and that his editor changed it to say that he went down to Minnesota. Kerns complained to City Journal soon after publication and received no response.

63. This is not the first time Rufo has targeted a specific immigrant community— in September 2024 he offered a $5,000 reward for proof that Haitian migrants in Ohio were eating household pets, after local police said there was no evidence of it.

64. Within hours of publication, Rufo launched a series of posts on X directed at the President, writing that “Somalis are stealing billions of dollars from American taxpayers and sending cash to terrorists back home,” and publicly calling on the President to revoke Temporary Protected Status for all Somali nationals in the United States, a demand for adverse federal action against an entire national-origin group. He concluded: “It’s time for them to go home.”

65. Rufo was motivated by discriminatory animus against people of Somali descent and origin. He ascribed the fraud to Somali culture, describing what happens “when a tribal mindset meets a bleeding-heart bureaucracy” and “when imported clan loyalties collide with a political class to timid to offend.” Rufo wrote openly that “the fact that Somalis are black is incidental” because “Somalis in Minnesota behave similarly to Somalis in Somalia,” and that “different groups have different cultural characteristics. The national culture of Somalia is different from the national culture of Norway,” concluding that “[a] rational government would amend its policies accordingly.” He also wrote that “the Somali criminal enterprise is incompatible with a generous welfare state.” He was also quoted as writing that “Jews excel in science, business, academia, arts, and entertainment . . . while Somalis excel in welfare fraud.”

66. After his X post, Rufo then made the same demand to end TPS for Somalis to the President on national television, and published his account of the result: “It filtered upward to primetime Fox News, where, on Laura Ingraham’s program, I summarized the piece and called on President Trump to revoke Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for all Somalis in Minnesota. Within hours, the president, who had been following the story, announced that he would revoke TPS for all Somali recipients.” In a separate essay he wrote: “The story quickly reached the White House. Within days, President Trump announced that he was revoking the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for all Somali migrants in Minnesota.”

As I noted in this post, Good’s family filed two lawsuits, A garden variety FTCA lawsuit, which is how one normally sues the government for killing someone they shouldn’t have, and this Klan Act one, which names as defendants Jonathan Ross, Stephen Miller, Kristi Noem, Corey Lewandowski, Tom Homan, Todd Lyons, Greg Bovino, and the masked goons who were there when Ross killed Good. Both lawsuits pair up one of the firms that got a big judgment in the George Floyd murder (which is one of the firms that is suing Benny Johnson in Chicago) with Kevin Riach, who has been a defense attorney on certain kinds of cases arising out of the Minnesota invasion, including the Cities Church case and the MN-15 one. Riach is the guy who has revealed that the MN-15 case is part of a much larger investigation of leftist organizations, notably the SEIU, predicated on fabricated legal prosecutions.

As such, I think this lawsuit may be best understood as a counter to DOJ’s effort to claim people like Don Lemon and Riach’s client, Isaac Sant, and (in Chicago) Kat Abughazaleh engaged in a conspiracy against DHS goons by noting that, especially in Minnesota, where the DHS goons were targeting a population of Somali-Americans who are predominantly US citizens, the DHS invasions were actually a conspiracy to deprive entire classes of American citizens of their equal protection.

And Renee Good got killed because she supported her neighbors, just like white voting rights activists got murdered by the Klan during the Civil Rights movement.

6. Ross’s shots were the predictable and intended product of the operation that put him on Portland Avenue. His conduct was in furtherance of a carefully planned, coordinated effort between senior federal officials and private actors to make two ethnic communities in Minnesota – Minnesotans of Somali and Hispanic descent and origin – the object of aggression and abduction, and to silence, by intimidation, arrest, and violence, the neighbors and allies of those targeted communities who observed, documented, and warned of that campaign.

The use of the Klan Act in this context is particularly notable given how, in the secrecy of a grand jury, Matthew Skiba claimed that the Broadview 6 protestors that an ICE goon drove into were just like the MAGAts who almost forced a Joe Biden campaign bus off the freeway in Texas in 2020. Wendy Davis had some limited success using the Klan Act to avenge that assault on democracy (albeit success likely to be overturned by the Fifth Circuit). Effectively, Skiba claimed it was fair to charge Kat Abughazaleh for being driven into because Wendy Davis sued right wingers who premeditated an ambush of a campaign bus.

Plus, here the application here is not metaphorical. Count II of the lawsuit uses a part of the Klan Act that was written to address Klan hoods.

335. The second clause of § 1985(3) reaches circumstances in which “two or more persons . . . go in disguise on the highway or on the premises of another, for the purpose of depriving, either directly or indirectly, any person or class of persons of the equal protection of the laws, or of equal privileges and immunities under the laws.” Congress wrote that clause in 1871 to reach exactly what it describes: bands of men who concealed their identities and rode the public roads to strip a hated class of the law’s protection.

[snip]

337. They went in disguise on the highway. Renee Good was killed in her car on a public street, Portland Avenue between 33rd and 34th Streets in Minneapolis. Defendant Ross and the John Doe Agents were traveling that public roadway in vehicles, in disguise, when they encountered her; they stopped their vehicles in the roadway; they surrounded her car in the roadway; and they shot her in the roadway. More broadly, the disguised movement of these Defendants and their fellow agents along the public streets and highways of the Twin Cities was the operation’s principal method: agents in unmarked vehicles roved the public ways, boxed in and stopped civilian vehicles, blocked roads, and demanded that people prove their citizenship on the roadside.

338. They went in disguise on the highway for the purpose of depriving persons of Somali descent and origin and Hispanic persons of the equal protection of the laws. The purpose of the roving, disguised patrols was to stop, interrogate, seize, and remove people who appeared Somali or Hispanic, irrespective of citizenship or immigration status, and to intimidate those communities into silence.

It’ll be some time before we see whether this lawsuit will meet with success; it took Davis’ lawsuit five years to meet limited success. But even if it gets the more expansive discovery granted in a civil case than Riach has gotten in the criminal cases he has defended, it will be an important part of holding these goons accountable, of showing how Stephen Miller fabricated conspiracies, in part with the help of far right propagandists like Rufo and Shirley and Johnson.

But this has one advantage over the Davis lawsuit: the Somali-Americans are more obviously covered under the Klan Act than Joe Biden campaign staffers are — though I expect defendants to say that Good had no tie to that class. (I would be unsurprised to see one of the Somali-Americans kidnapped by DHS joined  this suit or suing in parallel.)

And that’s where Rufo comes in, as a propagandist who laid one of two pretexts for this assault on the civil rights of Somali-Americans.

316. The conspiracy was motivated by invidious, class-based animus against people of Somali descent and origin and against people of Hispanic descent and origin. That animus was expressed, repeatedly and publicly, by the President, Defendants Miller, Rufo, Shirley, and Bergquam, in the statements set out above, including that Somalis are “garbage” who “come from hell,” whose “country stinks,” and who should be sent “back to where they came from”; that “the Somali refugee experiment in our country has failed”; that Somali Americans exhibit “persistent issues in every subsequent generation”; that Mexican immigrants are “bringing drugs,” “bringing crime,” and are “rapists”; and that immigrants are “poisoning the blood of our country.” The conspirators acted as they did because of the conduct’s adverse effects upon people of Somali origin and upon Hispanics, and not merely in spite of them: the classes were the operation’s announced predicate, its target-selection criterion, its measure of success, and the intended audience of its intimidation.

As noted above, Rufo bragged on TV about his influence on Trump on stripping Somalis of TPA protection. Who knows what further discovery might show? Who knows whether any of the anonymous law enforcement officials on which he relied are, in fact, named defendants in this suit?

He bragged just a year ago that he got Trump to target Somalis. But now, Rufo is whining that his bullshit attack has been identified of part of an unlawful invasion of Minnesota, one just like the Klan violence of Reconstruction.

The post Christopher Rufo Whines about Being Named as the Propagandist Who Rationalized Alleged Klan Act Violence appeared first on emptywheel.

Donald Trump went on the road this week to stump for Republican candidates a month out from Election Day.

And you’ll never guess where he’s campaigning: in deep red Texas, where he’s delivering the very message Democrats want him to:

And deep red Oklahoma!

JD Vance is out campaigning this week in red Trump country as well.

He got heckled in Florida…

And campaigned in Texas for one of the candidates Republicans thought would be a pick-up after they redrew the seats.

Ken Paxton, meanwhile, doesn’t seem to think Trump is doing him much good.

He was caught saying the quiet part out loud: Trump’s midterm convention in Texas hurt him and other Republicans.

And he’s totally right!

Trump seems to have no floor, as his approval hits new lows.

His loss of support among white non-college voters is unprecedented.

And among Latino voters…hoo boy!

Americans are clear about which president had the better economy, Biden or Trump:

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UN headquarters | A third Stephen Moss? | Overstaying guests | Cutting cafe sign | Haircut patience | Pre-loved ridiculousness

Nesrine Malik rightly questions the effectiveness of the current United Nations (War, power games and impunity. I watched the farce that is the UN general assembly: what a tragedy, what a mess, 1 October). Why has there been so little outcry about Donald Trump’s blocking of visas for Palestinians and Sudanese (or any other accredited members) to attend the UN in New York? Despite the cost and upheaval, it is time to call Trump’s bluff and relocate the UN, preferably to Switzerland.
Joe Cocker
Leominster, Herefordshire

• Imagine my excitement to discover in your interview with Erasure (2 October) that Andy Bell’s partner is Stephen Moss! But which of the fabled Guardian doppelganger journalists could it be? Or, heaven forfend, might there be a third Stephen Moss?
Pete Rosser
Wakefield, West Yorkshire

One of the infuriating things about Regime Change, Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan’s book, is that it introduces key players who played important roles in the influence operations targeting Trump in 2016 with no reminder they were part of them.

Regime Change describes the central role of Kirill Dmitriev in current efforts to negotiate a “peace plan,” without describing that Dmitriev had cultivated people close to Jared Kushner in the transition to the first Administration, dangling business deals similar to the ones currently on offer, before the Russian investigation made such negotiations toxic.

A National Security Council staffer at the table weighed in with a proposal to assess whether Dmitriev was the real thing. “Well, sir, we could test him,” the staffer said to Rubio. “We could ask him to release a hostage, for example.”

Rubio liked the idea. And he said he knew just the guy they could ask for: Marc Fogel, an American high school teacher who had been sentenced to fourteen years in a Russian prison for carrying a small amount of medical marijuana in his luggage.

Witkoff would later tell colleagues that Dmitriev came with the strong endorsement of not only Mohammed bin Salman, the crown prince of Saudi Arabia, but also “TBZ”—Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the high-powered national security advisor of the United Arab Emirates. An endorsement from TBZ seemed to mean a lot to Witkoff. “TBZ is the guy,” he told a colleague. “When somebody like that says he’s the real thing, then you take that to the bank.”

Regime Change describes how Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan dumped $500 million into the Trump-Witkoff corruption via crypto deals.

There was also a huge investing partner in WLF—a fact that would remain a secret for over a year. In January 2026, The Wall Street Journal revealed that four days before Trump was sworn in, a 49 percent stake in World Liberty had been acquired by Aryam Investment 1. The company was run by associates of Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who controlled $1.5 trillion of Emirati sovereign wealth funds. Sheikh Tahnoon was a major power player in the Middle East, and a close associate of both Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff. A UAE fund backed by sovereign wealth had already invested more than $200 million in Kushner’s investment fund.

But it doesn’t remind readers that someone either reporting to Tahnoon, or Tahnoon himself, had cultivated Tom Barrack during the 2016 election to shift US policy towards the Emiratis and Mohammed bin Salman.

I believe that Tahnoon, the guy who made the payoff to Trump last year, is Emirati Official 2 in the Barrack indictment. If that’s right, then Barrack crafted his public comments to meet Tahnoon’s needs, approved of a 100-day plan to cater to Emirate needs that Barrack drafted, and visited the White House in May 2017.

And while we have always focused closely on Manafort’s role in crafting pro-Russian policies in advance of the first Trump term, Manafort was working with Barrack on policies — including a foreign policy speech — to please the Emiratis, too.

Of course, the Emiratis were always intimately involved in the Russian cultivation (and I still suspect the $10 million suspected bribe that went through Egypt was actually a pass-through from others). Child sex predator George Nader is the one who first set up the meetings with Kiril Dmitriev who would have been, and remains now, the key handler for the effort to co-opt the United States. Dmitriev is not in the NYT graphic either.

That cultivation was revealed in the failed prosecution of Barrack, which resulted in acquittal after Barrack argued he would have pursued such policies whether or not the Emirates dangled big payoffs to do so.

Relatedly, the book does a great job of describing Boris Epshteyn’s growing power base in the White House and his central role in some of Trump’s most direct assaults on rule of law.

Epshteyn had a long and sometimes fraught history with the Trumps—highly valued by the President as an enforcer, but viewed by many in his circle as a liability. He had known the family since meeting Eric Trump at Georgetown. But even Eric had privately complained to confidants over the years about Epshteyn’s approach. His determination to stay as close as possible to Donald Trump and aggressively deliver perceived wins had led to his own indictment in Arizona the previous April, for his alleged role in a conspiracy to certify a slate of fake electors, though the case would suffer a blow in 2025 and it was unclear whether it would continue. In congressional testimony that year, the special counsel, Jack Smith, named Epshteyn as one of the unindicted co-conspirators in the 2020 election case against Trump.

Trump would joke about how Epshteyn could spin any development—good or bad—as a positive. But he liked Epshteyn and credited him with assembling a legal defense team that helped Trump stay out of prison. Where Epshteyn’s money came from once the new administration began was less clear.

[snip]

Another close advisor explained that Trump liked to keep people like Epshteyn close at hand. He valued lawyers he thought would do anything for him. Trump had also learned through bitter experience that it was unwise to make enemies of former aides—especially those privy to his secrets. n his first term, he had followed the advice of his lawyers and kept a safe distance from those caught up in scandals, among them Roger Stone, Paul Manafort, and Michael Cohen. Now, with a Congress that would not check him and presidential immunity afforded by the landmark 2024 Trump v. United States ruling, Trump had little reason to heed Warrington’s warning.

But its biography of Epshteyn doesn’t mention Boris’ Russian ties or his expulsion from the White House in the first term for security reasons — even though they themselves have covered those issues in NYT stories.

President-elect Donald J. Trump was flying to Washington for his first face-to-face meeting with President Biden since winning the election when a top aide offered a startling idea to broker peace between Russia and Ukraine.

The adviser, Boris Epshteyn, who coordinated the legal defenses in Mr. Trump’s criminal cases, suggested to the president-elect that he should be Mr. Trump’s special envoy for the Russia-Ukraine conflict, according to four people briefed on what took place.

Mr. Epshteyn, who was born in Russia and lived there as a child, has no experience in foreign policy. He told the group that he had family on both sides of the conflict.

[snip]

Mr. Epshteyn, who left his role in the White House communications office in 2017 over what was described as an issue with his security clearance that has since been resolved, had told friends before the special envoy discussion that he intended to stay outside government as a counselor to Mr. Trump. And in Mr. Trump’s world, the lack of an official title has meant little in terms of measuring influence.

When you hide all these ties, you hide the way that Trump’s second term looks like the culmination of that joint Russian-Emirati influence operation Dmitriev pitched in the Seychelles nine years ago. Maggie has helped cover up some of this in the past. But Swan just seems not to understand how the world works, as when he told Tim Miller (starting at 43:37) that he and Maggie simply never bothered to check Natalie Harp’s problematic conversion story, and so just assumed she goes to great lengths to serve as his gatekeeper for entirely naive reasons.

Such a background is similarly absent from this blockbuster NYT story, describing how Trump is about to sell out Ukraine so his buddy and campaign donor can get a big Lukoil deal. It describes how Dmitriev remains at the core of the corrupt effort to bribe Trump to sacrifice Ukraine, as he was in 2017.

Kirill Dmitriev, Mr. Putin’s economic envoy, has been closely involved, people familiar with the sale process said. He traveled to New York and Washington for meetings last month, and told reporters that “dialogue” with the United States was “continuing across many areas, including energy.”

It describes how Tahnoon would be a partner with what would be nostalgically called the US government

Another major stakeholder would be an Abu Dhabi-based investment fund controlled by Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the United Arab Emirates’ top national security adviser, who controls another fund that purchased a large stake in the Trump family’s cryptocurrency company, World Liberty, run in part by Mr. Witkoff’s son.

Steve Witkoff was a co-founder of World Liberty, and Mr. Trump’s sons are also involved in the company, which generated $799 million for Mr. Trump last year, in part because of an additional cryptocurrency purchase worth $2 billion that Sheikh Tahnoon’s affiliate made in 2025. Mr. Witkoff himself has sold off his stake in World Liberty, a person close to him said.

Sheikh Tahnoon also helps oversee an Abu Dhabi investment fund called Lunate, which is among the largest stakeholders in the private equity firm Mr. Kushner set up after he left the White House at the end of Mr. Trump’s first term. This means Sheikh Tahnoon is effectively a business partner of Mr. Kushner’s as well.

It even includes a role for Bryan Lanza — who back in 2016 encouraged George Papadopoulos to pursue his ties with Russia — and Mercury Public Affairs — which has been the influence peddling wing of this operation for over a decade.

Lukoil’s international division, which is based in Austria, hired its own Washington-based consultant who is close to Mr. Trump, Bryan Lanza, who served as a senior adviser to Mr. Trump’s 2024 election campaign and now works at Mercury Public Affairs. He is no longer working for Lukoil, a person familiar with the matter said.

All of these pieces were put into place in 2016, as part of the process by which Russia helped Trump get elected. Russia had a big role, too, in the developments that led Trump not to care that we all see him selling out the US to curry favor from a dictator of a failing country around the world.

The 2016 Russian operation is not the past. Russia has, relentlessly, never stopped pursuing the plan they put in place when Tom Barrack put Paul Manafort in charge of Trump’s campaign.

The post Russia Russia Russia Never Stopped Russia Russia Russiaing appeared first on emptywheel.

Clayton had said AI was a ‘gamechanger’ but also posed ‘a threat’ during his confirmation hearing

Donald Trump on Sunday named Jay Clayton, the director of national intelligence, to also serve as the new White House AI czar.

Clayton, who leads the US’s 18 intelligence agencies, previously served as the top federal prosecutor in Manhattan and led the Securities and Exchange Commission during Trump’s first term.

Rallies have been mainstay of president’s brand but even some in his own party fear voters are sick of the sight of him

“Get your asses in that car.” That was Donald Trump’s order, he later recalled, to his motorcade after foul weather grounded Air Force One in Texas on Thursday. The 85-mile dash to Oklahoma at nearly 100mph was proof that nothing can keep Trump from a Trump rally.

Which might not be the good news for Republicans it once was. As the US president embarked on a 32-day campaign blitz aimed at helping them defend narrow congressional majorities in next month’s midterms, some fear that he is driving them towards an electoral wipeout.

Trump supporters may be surprised to learn the state takeover of means of production is not driven by the left

Americans will never accept the Democratic party’s slide to the left, or so desperate Republicans are hoping.

With the midterm elections fast upon us, Zohran Mamdani’s promise of a few city-run bodegas in New York City will scare the bejeezus out of middle America. Disgust over the democratic socialists’ unicorn-and-puppy promises of a world without capitalism will keep the Republicans in power.

The US president has taken credit for far-right victories across Latin America, but those wins have had more to do with fears of gang crime than his meddling

Donald Trump has enjoyed very few foreign policy victories since returning to power. From failed wars to failed peace processes, his second term in office has been marked by one costly blunder on the world stage after another. In Latin America, though, the US president has a different story to tell.

His administration’s national security strategy outlined how the US wanted to “restore American preeminence in the Western Hemisphere”. It was a brazen document, laying out how his government would interfere in the political life of countries it considered part of its sphere of influence, rewarding governments and movements that are “broadly aligned with our principles and strategy”.

Today’s Report

1. Overview

2. White House News

3. Truth Social Posts

4. Government Department News

5. Selected Democratic Officials

6. AI & Tech Company News

7. Congressional Watch

1. Overview

Trump announced that Bayer is creating a 2.2 billion dollar manufacturing campus near Columbus, Ohio, attributing the investment to his pharmaceutical tariffs and asserting his policies have driven over 600 billion dollars in sector investments. He urged Senator Tom Cotton to stop blocking “The Sunshine Protection Act,” endorsed Dan S. Sullivan, Nick Begich, and Greg Cunningham, and promised a 5,000 dollar payment to every adult citizen if Republicans win the House and Senate. Additionally, he shared a video featuring Roger Stone, who described Trump as “the Greatest Campaigner in the History of the Republican Party.”

The State Department expressed concern regarding cross-border tensions, stating that the Horn of Africa “cannot sustain another military conflict and humanitarian crisis,” and urged both nations to return to the 2018 peace framework. In a separate release, the U.S. congratulated Iraq on its National Day, noting that Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi’s July meeting with President Trump reaffirmed the “close friendship” between the two nations.

Governor JB Pritzker announced that he had no public events scheduled for October 3, 2026.

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2. White House News

No White House news found.

3. Truth Social Posts

Trump announced that Bayer is establishing a new 2.2 billion dollar pharmaceutical manufacturing campus near Columbus, Ohio, an investment he credits to his pharmaceutical tariffs. He stated this project will create thousands of jobs and contribute to lower drug prices, while asserting that his policies have driven over 600 billion dollars in new pharmaceutical investments. Additionally, he shared a video featuring Roger Stone, who characterized him as “the Greatest Campaigner in the History of the Republican Party.”

Regarding the Senate, Trump urged Arkansas Senator Tom Cotton to stop blocking “The Sunshine Protection Act,” legislation that would end the practice of changing clocks twice a year. Trump argued that passing the bill would be a significant bipartisan win for the Republican Party, noting that the House has already approved it. He further remarked that current time changes are “depressing” and potentially dangerous in “Crime Ridden Blue States” where walking home in the dark poses safety risks. In other political matters, Trump endorsed Dan S. Sullivan for re-election to the U.S. Senate from Alaska, endorsed Nick Begich for re-election to the U.S. House from Alaska, and endorsed Greg Cunningham for the U.S. House in New Mexico’s 2nd Congressional District.

Focusing on the 2026 Midterm Elections, Trump promised that if Republicans win control of both the House and the Senate, he will provide 5,000 dollars to every adult citizen in the United States. He encouraged Republican voters to use all available methods—including early, absentee, mail-in, and in-person voting—to “swamp” the “Radical Left Dumocrats” with high turnout. Finally, he reminded voters in Pennsylvania that early voting is underway and urged them to vote for Republican candidates.

Reference: https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump

4. Government Department News

State Department (state.gov)

U.S. Statement on Increased Tensions Between Ethiopia and Eritrea

The State Department expressed concern regarding rising cross-border tensions, noting that the Horn of Africa “cannot sustain another military conflict and humanitarian crisis.” The U.S. stated that conflict threatens collaborative interests with both nations and urged them to “respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of their neighbors.” The statement called for “maximum restraint” and a return to the 2018 peace framework, asserting that “peace through dialogue is the only path toward sustainable security, economic growth, and prosperity.”

Iraq’s National Day

On October 3, the United States congratulated the people of Iraq on their National Day. The Department noted that Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi’s July meeting with President Trump reaffirmed the “close friendship” between the nations and highlighted historic economic partnerships. The U.S. welcomed Iraq’s initiatives to strengthen sovereignty and regional stability, stating it celebrates the “history, resilience, and achievements of the Iraqi people” while looking forward to continued growth and partnership.

Germany National Day

This page is currently unavailable due to technical difficulties at the source.

5. Selected Democratic Officials

JB Pritzker (gov.illinois.gov)

Daily Public Schedule: Saturday, October 3, 2026

Governor Pritzker has no public events scheduled for Saturday, October 3, 2026. Updates on press conferences are available via the Governor’s social media accounts, and downloadable video footage is available through the Illinois Department of Central Management Services.

6. AI & Tech Company News

No relevant AI & tech company updates found for this date.

7. Congressional Watch

Covers the 2026-10-02 session — the Congressional Record is published with a one-day delay.

No Congressional Record found for 2026-10-02.

Mariann Budde gained national attention for calling on US president to consider immigrants and LGBTQ+ people

Rev Mariann Edgar Budde, the Episcopal bishop of Washington DC who gained national attention when she called on Donald Trump to “have mercy” on the country’s immigrants and LGBTQ+ community after his second inauguration, is resigning.

Budde shared in her resignation letter that she will be leaving her post on 3 June 2028 after the consecration and ordination of the new diocesan bishop.

US president urges Americans to call Tom Cotton to support bill to make daylight saving time permanent

Donald Trump on Saturday put pressure on the US senator Tom Cotton of Arkansas to support a bill to make daylight saving time permanent, urging Americans to call what appeared to be the personal cellphone number of his fellow Republican and the chair of the Senate intelligence committee.

The Sunshine Protection Act passed the House in July, but it faces roadblocks in the Senate, where some Republicans are strongly opposed to it. Proponents, including the president and his administration, argue that the change would provide more daylight during the times that Americans are most active. Detractors say permanent daylight saving time would lead to darker and potentially more hazardous winter mornings when children will be waiting for school buses and parents will be driving to work in darkness.

Here’s a link to that post about Trump voters claiming they didn’t vote for him.

Listen on Spotify (transcripts available)

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The post Fridays with Nicole Sandler appeared first on emptywheel.

Remember how, 10 days ago, I explained that LOLGOP and I were reissuing our podcast on how Trump manufactured grievance over the Russian investigation to lead the country into fascism?

We’re falling behind, under the weight of stories making it clear that Trump’s Russian shenanigans never ended.

The biggest sign of that is the NYT story revealing that part of the Jared Kushner/Steve Witkoff “peace” plan for Ukraine is an oil deal involving the Emirati guy alleged to be Tom Barrack’s handler back in 2016.

Equally alarming is how various people — State Department Undersecretary of State Sarah Rogers and former Don Jr sidepiece Kimberly Guilfoyle — are cozying up to people overthrowing democracy in Europe. I’ll discuss those in our reintroduction to this week’s reissue, maybe Monday. For now, I want to share the short we did to introduce this week’s reissue, which I posted in our video section (which I’m trying to introduce).

Please follow and support LOLGOP Studios Patreon as we consider how to roll out this stuff in coming weeks.

The post Trump Is Still Relying on Dossier-Driven Polarization to Hide Russian Shenanigans appeared first on emptywheel.

TIt’s Emptywheel Friday, and Marcy Wheeler came loaded. We start with the new Klan Act lawsuit from Renee Good’s family and the Chicago protesters who are suing over Benny Johnson’s “arrests” that never happened. Then it’s Judge Perry’s hearing in the Broadview case, DOJ’s judicial complaint against Judge Schiltz (Marcy explains why it wouldn’t pass a freshman writing class), Georgia asking DOJ to step into its elections, and the Jack Smith hearing where Amy Klobuchar knew her Midwestern sports. Plus the polling that says Trump voters aren’t telling the truth about 2024, and a plea to help make “loser” stick.

• 0:00 Intro: the Time interview, bad job numbers
• 1:00 Chicago protesters sue over Benny Johnson’s Broadview video
• 3:53 The Renee Good family lawsuits and the Klan Act
• 10:43 Todd Blanche, the Katie Miller harassment indictment, and demoted FBI officials
• 13:25 Trump’s Time interview and the AI summit seating chart
• 16:57 The “morally binding” AI agreement and the executive order
• 22:11 Selective enforcement, and back to Becca Good
• 25:20 Blanche’s Minnesota voter arrests and the judicial complaint against Judge Schiltz
• 34:36 Georgia’s election board asks DOJ to step in
• 35:08 Broadview: Judge April Perry’s hearing and the homework assignment
• 46:39 Davy Hearn’s case is dismissed
• 49:50 Polling: who Trump voters say they voted for, and South Texas
• 54:10 The map: North Carolina, Georgia, Kansas, Iowa, Mississippi
• 58:07 Andrew Bailey, Georgia, and the Insurrection Act scenario
• 1:02:24 Texas, Greg Abbott, and the oil industry’s money
• 1:05:34 The Jack Smith hearing and the Klobuchar clip
• 1:11:30 The 8,000 small-donor checks
• 1:15:31 Speed round: DHS-funded ads, Watergate review, SCOTUS shadow docket, Tennessee execution, South Park
• 1:23:19 Closing: cementing Trump as a loser

Find Marcy Wheeler at emptywheel.net; Find Nicole Sandler at nicolesandler.com

———————————————

The Nicole Sandler Show is live weekdays from 3-4pm Eastern/noon-1 Pacific and then available to watch any time at your convenience. We have no paywall, but this show is listener supported, so please help us out if you’re able to.

Get more info and today’s show notes & news notes at nicolesandler.com, where you can also make a contribution to support this program. And please subscribe to nicolesandler.substack.com to get it all delivered to your inbox.

The post Fridays with Nicole Sandler Show, October 2, 2026 appeared first on emptywheel.

President says payments, to be sent in early October, are meant to offset cost of monthly insurance premiums

Donald ⁠Trump has said the US government will send a one-time $90 payment to more than 20 million Americans enrolled in Medicare, the ⁠health insurance program for ⁠elderly people, ​to help offset the cost of their monthly medical insurance premiums.

The president said on social media late on Friday that the ⁠payments would come from the Medicare Improvement Fund, which he said was given $2bn by Congress to improve the Medicare fee-for-service program.

As the Broadview 6 exonerees have laid out in a number of ways, the underlying dispute that led to the collapse of their case was their request for evidence to support a selective and vindictive prosecution claim, primarily based off the Trump Administration’s overt animus towards Kat Abughazaleh. Abughazaleh twice (one, two) laid that out. Sheri Mecklenburg responded by saying then-defendants were not entitled to the things that would show Trump’s role in the prosecution. Then defendants laid it out in a motion for discovery, and William Hogan responded by claiming such communications did not exist.

Judge April Perry’s reliance on Hogan’s claim has been the primary focus of questions about candor so far (and will presumably be the focus of her request for more information, which she ordered at Thursday’s hearing).

The defendants have expressly predicated their theory of vindictive and selective prosecution on external forces having some type of impact on the Chicago-based prosecutors. They stated in writing repeatedly that they are not alleging any animus by the line AUSAs or the Chicago U.S. Attorney’s Office. To the end, the prosecutors agreed to provide evidence of external forces communicating with the Chicago U.S. Attorney’s Office about this case, and they have now said there is no such evidence. There are no White House communications, there are no main justice communications, and I quote, There are no communications of any nature from, to, or with anyone outside of the U.S. Attorney’s Office other than local FBI investigators assigned to the case regarding any investigatory or charging decisions.

But Judge Perry also made this point about why a selective prosecution claim — a claim based on the fact that prominent Democratic officials were the only ones who had been at the September 26 Broadview protests charged — would fail: Because both the people who were charged and those who were not shared the same views.

To the extent the defendants’ theory is they were charged because of their political beliefs, everyone on the scene seems to have had the same political beliefs. To the extent they believe they were charged based on the exercising of their First Amendment rights, everyone on the scene seems to have been exercising the same political opinions and the same type of speech. So to the extent that there were some of those people who were uncharged, that is not evidence that your clients were selected because of their political beliefs or their First Amendment speech.

There’s still an argument that Abughazaleh (and through her, everyone else) was only charged because she spoke out against the ICE goon who drove into her. But that also assumes the moment of selection came in the first decision to charge.

We now know there was a second prosecutorial decision: Andrew Boutros’ decision, after the case was no-billed on October 9 last year, to try twice more — to keep trying until Kat Abughazaleh was charged in a felony conspiracy. DOJ has claimed that (aside from the September 27 meeting at which a video that is almost certainly Abughazaleh’s was shown) it didn’t speak to Main DOJ about the case until they had decided to charge it. They have not said — though exonerees have asked — whether there were communications after it was no-billed, whether that was why Boutros ordered Mecklenburg to get a rush grand jury transcript that she sent to Boutros but which he pinky swears he never read.

What abundant evidence shows is that at that point, Boutros treated the Broadview 6 selectively.

As I noted here, even though Boutros said the question of selective and vindictive prosecution was mooted by the dismissal, he spent five pages in his response addressing the topic. As part of it, he argued that no matter whether you think this case sucks, he had publicly and “vigorously prosecut[ed] those who seek to obstruct or impede federal employees and property.”

Furthermore, whatever one’s views about the filing of charges in this case, the United States Attorney appeared in Court and offered his detailed rationale for authorizing the charges, including his legal thinking on enforcement of § 111 in this and future cases, including where other federal officials and employees might be victims. R. 187 at 57-58.13 The United States Attorney’s public position on vigorously prosecuting those who seek to obstruct or impede federal employees and property was well established when charges were filed, as evidenced by the many criminal cases the U.S. Attorney’s Office has brought involving those federal interests, and where applicable, his public comments in connection with those cases, and in particular, his October 4, 2025, statement. That view was shared by seven federal law enforcement leaders, including the then-Special Agent in Charge of the FBI, the leading investigative agency on this prosecution, all of whom joined the United States Attorney in issuing the October 4 statement.

13 The United States Attorney’s Office has charged—both before and after former Defendants’ case— numerous instances of alleged harm to federal law enforcement officers and employees, federal property, and other federal interests. See, e.g., United States v. Brzowski, No. 1:25-cr-589 (N.D. Ill. Sept. 18, 2025) (forging judges’ signatures); United States v. Santoyo, No. 1:25-cr-422 (N.D. Ill. July 25, 2025) (dangerous weapon possession after standoff in federal courthouse); United States v. Lake, No. 1:26-cr-221 (N.D. Ill. May 11, 2026) (felon in possession of firearm in Dirksen building); United States v. Reyes, No. 1:26-cr248 (N.D. Ill. May 20, 2026) (running car into federal agent’s car); United States v. Gomez, No. 1:25-cr735 (N.D. Ill. Nov. 13, 2025) (unlawfully possessing a firearm and shooting it near federal law enforcement officer).

To substantiate that, a footnote describes a case from July 2025 (before ICE invaded), a case charged on September 18, 2025 about conduct dating to 2023, a case involving a shooting while CBP officers were present charged in November 2025, and two cases charged in 2025 (one of which — Reyes — pertains to events that occurred during the ICE invasion in 2025). Just two of these, Reyes and Gomez, involve conduct alleging resisting an ICE or CBP goon during the invasion last fall.

What Boutros doesn’t mention are the 25 other people charged during that period. For good reason! Virtually all of those cases also fell apart, just like the Broadview 6 case did.

But they fell apart differently than Broadview 6. And that’s where the decision after October 9, the decision to keep trying to indict it, should come under scrutiny. On September 27, the same day (we belatedly learned) Main DOJ and Chicago and one other US Attorney’s office were discussing — among other things — the protest from the day before, Greg Bovino rolled into Broadview and caused a “shitshow,” leading to what DHS claimed were arrests of 11 people. Only five of those people were charged.

But by October 9, four of those cases had been dismissed, including the charges against Ray Collins and Jocelyne Robledo, who were no-billed on October 7 (by a Tuesday grand jury, so a different one than the one that indicted the Broadview 6), and Hubert Mazur, who was initially charged for being pushed by a Border Patrol Officer after which both he and the Border Patrol Officer fell to the ground.

On November 20, Boutros dismissed the last of those cases after the defendant threatened to call Greg Bovino as a witness. All five cases charged based on conduct the day after the Broadview 6 protest fell apart.

At a hearing on October 8 after the government moved to dismiss the case against Mazur — the day before Sheri Mecklenburg first tried to indict the Broadview 6 for contact initiated, as with Mazur, by the DHS goon — DOJ explained that once they reviewed more bodyworn camera footage of what happened, they decided not to charge Mazur with assault for being pushed by a DHS goon.

The government provided additional basis for its motion, noting that the government’s review, after defendant’s arrest, of additional body-worn camera video evidence caused the government to decide not to file an information in this case, in which the compliant charged the case as a misdemeanor.

In his order dismissing that last charge from September 27, Magistrate Judge Gabriel Fuentes (who had been on duty on September 27) described how all five cases charged that day fell apart.

Examining more closely the five September 27 Broadview criminal arrest cases, all of which came before the undersigned magistrate judge, the Court notes the following facts:

1) The initial complaints charged four (Collins, Robledo, Ivery, and Briggs) of the foregoing five persons with felony violations of Section 111(a). Only the complaint against Mazur was filed as a misdemeanor.

2) With today’s dismissal of the Briggs criminal information, none of these cases remains pending today – all have been dismissed.

3) As the docket entries reflect in all five of the cases, the undersigned magistrate judge obtained a sworn statement from the affiants in each affidavit, at the time of complaint issuance, that not only were the affidavit allegations true, but that video evidence of the encounters existed, that the affiants had reviewed the video evidence, and that the video evidence corroborated the version of events set forth in the affidavits. Mazur (D.E. 11); Collins/Robledo (D.E. 26); Ivery (D.E. 13); and Briggs (D.E. 14).

[snip]

Importantly, nothing in this order should be construed as scolding the government for dismissing in these cases. Dismissing appears to be the responsible thing for the government to have done, in light of the government’s judgment and discretion. But the Court cannot help but note just how unusual and possibly unprecedented it is for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in this district to charge so hastily that it either could not obtain the indictment in the grand jury or was forced to dismiss upon a conclusion that the case is not provable, in repeated cases of a similar nature. Federal arrest brings federal detention, even for a short time. It brings the need to obtain counsel, to appear at court hearings, to answer the charges (as Briggs did in this case, pleading not guilty), and to prepare for trial (as Briggs also has had to do in this case). Being charged with a federal felony, even if it is later reduced to a misdemeanor, is no walk in the park.

In the very same period where Boutros ordered Sheri Mecklenburg to try three times to charge Kat Abughazaleh and others with a felony, he was dismissing cases, based in part on additional video review or after the grand jury refused to indict. Importantly, in those other cases, DOJ did the additional BWC review.

Yet in the Broadview 6 case, when grand jurors asked what the local cops had seen on October 16, Mecklenburg didn’t chase such footage down. She instead told them, falsely, that there were no cops present.

GRAND JUROR: Who took the videos? What’s the source of these videos?

MS. MECKLENBURG: This video is from Ms. Abagazala’s social media.

MR. SKIBA: Yeah. So some were like a Twitter, an Instagram. Some were, I believe, You Tube. This was all civilians taking photos.

MS. MECKLENBURG: Yeah. No law enforcement was out there, so they didn’t take any video.

Once Mecklenburg did chase down that video, it showed that the people she had charged with felony conspiracy had walked away after a DHS goon, as happened with Mazur and many others, initiated contact. That’s likely what led DOJ to drop the charges against Kat Sharp and Joselyn Walsh in March.

In any case, by the time Mecklenburg falsely claimed there were no cops and therefore no bodyworn footage, Boutros had already made that second decision, to keep trying for that felony.

In every other case, Boutros reviewed a shitty claim and dropped it.

In this case — the one targeting someone the White House had targeted personally — he did not.

In the hearing on Thursday, Judge Perry asked when the communications with Main DOJ about the case transpired. Nate Whalen, attempting to stave off further investigation, stonewalled.

U.S. District Judge questions the feds about outside communications about the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathaniel Whalen quibbles on whether there are relevant communications, which prompts many smiles on the defense side of the courtroom. Defendants had pressed for communications with the White House and Justice Department headquarters.

Whalen indicates there were communications outside the U.S. attorney’s office after a charging decision was made.

Perry tries to pin down when that was. Whalen tells her the feds tried to clarify that in a brief, and Perry’s eyes go wide. She also tells Whalen that a footnote he’s been pointing to “is a mess.”

Judge Perry is going to give the Feds questions she demands they answer under oath, under penalty of perjury. Ostensibly, she will use them to decide whether to appoint a prosecutor who could put them in jail — but she may learn enough to hold them in criminal contempt right there.

And one of those questions will likely pertain to why the Broadview 6 case got treated differently, last fall, than all the other frivolous cases that Boutros was willing to dismiss within days.

The post The Broadview 6 Were Selectively Prosecuted appeared first on emptywheel.

Robert P Jones argues that declining white Christian influence has fuelled an alliance with Trump, and warns it is reshaping US democracy

The lawyer Mike Godwin famously came up with the “law” that, as an online discussion grows longer, the probability of a comparison involving Nazis or Hitler approaches one (or 100%).

Robert P Jones thought long and hard about whether to go there in his latest book. But the more he studied US demographic numbers, considered the rise of Christian nationalism and heard Donald Trump use the language of racial purity, he found the conclusion inescapable. “This is our 1933,” he writes.

The US defense secretary who hates ‘beardos, weirdos and wimps’ has announced an Office of Religious Affairs at the Pentagon

Apart from money and McDonald’s, there’s nothing Donald Trump seems to love more than a “big, beautiful” wall. The government is currently spending billions of taxpayer dollars to fulfill the president’s fantasy of lining the US-Mexico border with 30ft steel bollard walls and high-tech surveillance.

What the Trump administration is apparently not so keen on is the wall of separation between church and state. While the president may hawk bibles as a side hustle, he is not exactly devout; he serves only mammon. The top levels of his government, however, are stuffed full of religious fanatics who appear hellbent on remaking the country as a Christian theocracy.

Arwa Mahdawi is a Guardian columnist

As the Illinois governor seeks a third term, his growing national profile has fueled speculation about a possible White House bid

• Send us your questions about how the Iran war will affect US voters in the midterm election

When Donald Trump returned to power, 20 long months ago, some state leaders wrung their hands, worrying what explicit resistance might cost their citizens – and their careers – during the second term of a vengeful president. JB Pritzker was not among them.

Two days after Trump’s re-election, the Democratic governor of Illinois warned the president would need to “come through me” to reach the people of his state. He waited all of 30 days after the inauguration before drawing a comparison with Nazi Germany.

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 proclaimed October 2, 2026, as National Manufacturing Day, with the President reporting 72,000 new manufacturing jobs in 2026 and attributing growth to tariffs and tax acts. The Administration also announced a “Cyber Strategy for America,” the “GOLD EAGLE” intelligence partnership, and reaffirmed commitments regarding domestic violence and breast cancer awareness.

Trump stated on Truth Social that he secured an 8.4 billion dollar oil recovery project with the Republic of Korea. He further urged Senate Republicans to pass the “No More Changing of Clocks Act,” alleging the bill would decrease robbery and murder rates. Additionally, Trump questioned why New York Governor Kathy Hochul appointed Letitia James to represent the state in a legal case.

The State Department and Treasury announced the designation of a Hamas operative and a fundraising network, alleging the group raised $2 million through sham charities. The U.S. and Japan signed a protocol to extend a science and technology agreement indefinitely. The Department of War announced multiple flag and general officer nominations and a memorandum to accelerate the fielding of counter-unmanned aircraft systems. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. announced $96 million in funding for the STREETS program to assist homeless individuals with mental illness or substance use disorders.

Democratic officials announced various state-level initiatives: Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, alongside Senators Bernie Sanders and Jeff Merkley, introduced the Ban Flock Act to restrict federal agency use of automatic license plate readers. Governor Wes Moore launched a Key Bridge Rebuild Dashboard and announced nine judicial appointments, while Governor Gretchen Whitmer appointed Dr. Amber Libby to the 6th District Probate Court. Governor Andy Beshear reported an 8.14% decrease in serious crime in Kentucky from 2024 to 2025.

No updates were recorded for the specified AI and tech companies.

According to Congressional Watch records for October 1, 2026, the Senate conducted no legislative business during a pro forma session, while the House introduced 80 public bills and one private bill. The Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs examined four nominations, and the House received a committee report concerning traumatic brain injury research.

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2. White House News

National Manufacturing Day, 2026

President Donald J. Trump proclaimed October 2, 2026, as National Manufacturing Day to honor workers and celebrate the “extraordinary comeback of American manufacturing.” The White House reports that the President has secured over $11.2 trillion in investments, adding 72,000 manufacturing jobs in 2026. The White House attributes this growth to “powerful tariffs” and the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, which includes “No Tax on Overtime.” The President states that real wages for the average manufacturing worker have “surged by $2,500 annually” since he took office.

Reference: Original White House release

Presidential Message on National Cybersecurity Awareness Month

During National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, the White House reaffirmed its dedication to “bolstering our Nation’s cybersecurity” and “unleashing the Golden Age of Cyberspace.” The President stated his Administration signed an Executive Order to combat cybercrime and released a “Cyber Strategy for America.” The White House announced the creation of “GOLD EAGLE,” a partnership designed to use “American Super Intelligence” to identify vulnerabilities. Additionally, the White House highlighted First Lady Melania Trump’s “Presidential Super Intelligence Challenge” and “Fostering the Future Together” initiative to support student technology education.

Reference: Original White House release

Presidential Message on National Domestic Violence Awareness Month

The White House commemorated National Domestic Violence Awareness Month by reaffirming a commitment to “permanently ending domestic violence” and ensuring Americans live “free from the threat of violence.” The President stated the Administration will provide resources for shelters, counselors, and advocates to assist survivors. Furthermore, the White House announced plans to give law enforcement tools to prevent such violence and ensure perpetrators are “held accountable.” The President encouraged those in need to contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for confidential support.

Reference: Original White House release

Presidential Message on National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

During National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the White House honors survivors, those currently fighting, and those lost to “this terrible disease.” Noting that 380,000 women will receive a diagnosis this year, the Administration declares “these numbers represent shattered lives and families, and that is unacceptable.” Through the “historic mission to Make America Healthy Again,” the White House commits to advancing research and treatments to conquer chronic illness. The President and First Lady encourage individuals to know their risk factors while standing in “compassionate solidarity with all cancer warriors.”

Reference: Original White House release

3. Truth Social Posts

Trump thanked the state of Oklahoma. He also asserted that “America does not belong to those who hate it” and “belongs to those who love it!” Additionally, Trump questioned why New York Governor Kathy Hochul would appoint “Corrupt Prosecutor” Letitia “Peekaboo” James to represent the state in a “highly controversial Cornell University rape case.”

Regarding energy policy, Trump announced an 8.4 billion dollar oil recovery project with the Republic of Korea, stating it contributes to “American Energy Dominance and Energy Security.” He also stated that Europe agreed to release a “massive amount” of diesel oil, with the process beginning immediately.

Trump urged Senate Republicans to move forward on the “No More Changing of Clocks Act,” or The Sunshine Protection Act, characterizing the current biannual clock changing process as “ridiculous” and “foolish, inconvenient and, in some cases, very costly.” He attributed the hold-up of the bill, which he noted passed the House with bipartisan support, to Senator Tom Cotton. Trump claimed that ending the clock change would provide a variety of benefits, including the potential to “Decrease Robbery and Murder Rates,” lower health risks, and boost several industries.

Reference: https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump

4. Government Department News

State Department (state.gov)

United States and Japan Extend Science and Technology Agreement Indefinitely

On October 2, 2026, the United States and Japan signed a protocol in Tokyo to indefinitely extend their 1988 Science and Technology Agreement. Assistant to the President and Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy Michael Kratsios and Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs Motegi Toshimitsu signed the document. The extension aims to sustain cooperation on critical and emerging technologies, which the U.S. government characterizes as a sign of “deep trust and respect” between the two nations.

Deputy Secretary Landau’s Meeting with Japanese State Minister for Foreign Affairs Horii

Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau met with Japanese State Minister for Foreign Affairs Iwao Horii on October 2, 2026. The officials discussed the U.S.-Japan Alliance, regional peace and stability, and ongoing cooperative development and infrastructure projects in the Pacific Islands. They also reaffirmed a commitment to strengthening economic security in regions of mutual interest, building upon a September 22 meeting between President Trump and Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.

Ad-Hoc Coalition to Defeat ISIS Meeting on Iraq and Syria

On October 1, 2026, the United States and Italy co-chaired a Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS/Daesh meeting in Rome. Partners marked the conclusion of Operation Inherent Resolve’s mandate in Iraq as a “true victory” and noted cooperation with Damascus in Syria. Participants announced over $75 million in commitments to support counterterrorism, detention capacity, and humanitarian services. The Coalition emphasized that long-term security requires strengthening inclusive, sovereign state institutions to prevent the grievances historically exploited by ISIS/Daesh.

Joint Statement on the Anniversary of the Snapback of UN Restrictions on and Related to Iran

A coalition of over 50 nations, including the U.S., marked the one-year anniversary of the snapback of UN Security Council resolutions regarding Iran. The signatories committed to upholding arms restrictions and preventing the transfer of nuclear-related materials and delivery systems to or from Iran. They pledged to streamline information exchange and coordinate efforts—such as Operation Economic Outcast—to counter Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs. The statement calls on Iran to comply with nonproliferation obligations and cooperate with the IAEA.

United States Cuts Off Hamas Financing Network

On October 2, 2026, the U.S. Department of the Treasury designated a Hamas military operative and a France-based fundraising network. The U.S. government alleges the network utilized sham charities and cryptocurrency to raise nearly $2 million for Hamas. This action, coordinated between the State Department, Treasury, and FBI, serves to “dismantle Hamas’s global support networks.” The U.S. reaffirmed its commitment to preventing the exploitation of humanitarian aid while isolating Hamas to protect regional security.

Secretary Rubio’s Call with Jordanian King Abdullah II

Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with King Abdullah II of Jordan on October 2, 2026. The two leaders discussed regional and bilateral topics, specifically the implementation of the Trilateral Framework in Lebanon, the disarmament of Hizballah, and the promotion of stability in Syria. Secretary Rubio expressed gratitude for Jordan’s role in “advancing regional security.”

Department of War (war.gov)

Secretary of War Flag Officer Announcements for Oct. 2, 2026

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced three presidential nominations for flag officer appointments. Vice Adm. John B. Skillman is nominated for admiral and assignment as vice chief of Naval Operations. Rear Adm. Benjamin R. Nicholson is nominated for vice admiral and assignment as commander, Military Sealift Command. Rear Adm. Benjamin G. Reynolds is nominated for vice admiral and assignment as deputy chief of Naval Operations for Integration of Capabilities and Resources.

Secretary of War General Officer Announcements for Oct. 2, 2026

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced six presidential nominations for general officer appointments. Lt. Gen. David N. Miller is nominated for general and assignment as commander, U.S. Space Command. Brig. Gen. Matthew F. Blue is nominated for major general and assignment as deputy judge advocate general of the Air Force. Brig. Gens. Roger S. Giraud, Louis L. Mitchell, and Christine Rummel are nominated for major general. Col. James J. Jones is nominated for the grade of brigadier general.

Department of War Accelerates Counter-UAS Employment to Defend American Airspace Sovereignty

The Department of War issued a memorandum to expedite the fielding of counter-unmanned aircraft systems (c-UAS). The policy directs the removal of barriers related to operational authorities, radio spectrum certification, weapons safety, and legal reviews. Approval authorities must treat delays as “operational risk” and designate owners for every barrier. The Department will establish a unified c-UAS process, support AI-driven spectrum coordination, and limit redundant safety reviews to accelerate decisions from months to days or weeks.

Department of War’s Critical Technologies Office Partners With In-Q-Tel to Accelerate Technology From Non-Traditional Performers to the Warfighter

The Office of the Assistant Secretary of War for Critical Technologies partnered with In-Q-Tel to shorten the transition of commercial technologies to the military. The agreement targets six areas, including Artificial Intelligence and Hypersonics. Hon. Michael Dodd stated that “technological superiority will not be determined by who invents a capability first, but by who delivers it to the warfighter fastest.” The partnership aims to use In-Q-Tel’s venture methodology to move commercial prototypes into operational evaluations with combatant commands within 12 months.

Contracts for Oct. 2, 2026

The Department of War awarded several contracts. BAE Systems Inc. received $99,206,056 for systems engineering and $70,524,268 for technical support on the Trident II D5 program. Northrop Grumman Corp. was awarded $29,219,125 for inertial navigation systems, with support for Canada and Australia. Serco Inc. received a $49,000,000 ceiling contract for technical analytics and transition support. Additionally, American Systems Corp. was awarded $43,266,824 for Red LAN Sustainment, though the full contract text provided was truncated.

Secretary of War Hegseth to Visit Colorado Springs for Send Me Tour

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth is scheduled to travel to Colorado Springs, Colorado, on October 3, 2026, as part of the “Send Me Tour.” During the visit, Secretary Hegseth plans to address 3,500 cadets and perform an oath of enlistment for new recruits during the Air Force vs. Navy football game.

Department of Health and Human Services (hhs.gov)

Secretary Kennedy Announces 8 Communities to Receive $96 Million Through New STREETS Program

HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. announced the STREETS program, which will award $96 million over four years to eight communities to assist homeless individuals with serious mental illness or substance use disorders. Administered by SAMHSA, the program provides $3 million annually per community to implement a “Treatment First” approach. Secretary Kennedy stated, “STREETS takes treatment directly to Americans living on our streets and connects them to the care and support they need to recover.” The initiative aligns with President Trump’s executive actions.

Treasury Department (home.treasury.gov)

URIF Approves Additional Investments and Partnerships in Energy and Critical Minerals

The U.S.–Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund (URIF) board approved new investments targeting Ukraine’s critical minerals and energy sectors to bolster supply chains and economic resilience. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated these actions realize the 2025 agreement to provide America a “direct stake in Ukraine’s long-term peace and prosperity.” DFC CEO Ben Black noted the projects support “innovative Ukrainian companies,” while Oleksii Sobolev of the Office of the President of Ukraine emphasized that the move builds investor confidence in Ukraine’s economic recovery.

Treasury Dismantles Major Hamas Financing Network

The Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated a Hamas military wing member and two France-based individuals, along with two associated entities, for operating a scheme that funneled over $2 million to Hamas via sham charities and cryptocurrency. Secretary Scott Bessent stated, “Treasury will continue to identify, isolate, and impose consequences on those who provide Hamas with the financial lifelines it needs to survive.” The action blocks all U.S.-held property of the designated individuals and entities pursuant to Executive Order 13224.

United States Trade Representative (ustr.gov)

USTR Seeks Public Comment on the 2027 Joint Review of USMCA

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative has initiated a public consultation process regarding the 2027 joint review of the USMCA. As directed by Congress, USTR is seeking public comments and will host a public hearing to evaluate the agreement’s operation. Submissions for comments and requests to testify at the hearing must be received by January 12, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. EST. Details regarding the hearing’s date and location will be announced on the USTR website.

Ambassador Greer Commends Trade Ministers Signing on to Statement Eliminating Forced Labor in Global Supply Chains

Ambassador Jamieson Greer announced that trade ministers from the United States, Mexico, and Argentina agreed to a statement addressing forced labor in global supply chains. Ambassador Greer applauded the move, stating the ministers joined “in siding with moral and economic reality and recognizing the continued existence of forced labor as an abhorrent human rights issue that distorts global supply chains.” The Ambassador called on all nations to increase collective efforts toward eradicating forced labor from international supply chains.

Ambassador Greer Issues a Statement on G20 Trade Ministers Reaching Consensus on Condemning the Weaponization of Food through Coercive Trade Actions

Ambassador Jamieson Greer announced that G20 Trade Ministers reached consensus on a statement condemning the use of food as a weapon through coercive trade actions. Ambassador Greer stated that such weaponization “poses a significant humanitarian and economic threat” and has been used for decades to exert pressure for political or economic reasons. According to the Ambassador, this consensus marks an important step toward ensuring agricultural products are not utilized as tools for coercion.

Chair’s Statement of the G20 Trade Ministerial

Ambassador Jamieson Greer, acting as Chair of the G20 Trade Ministerial, characterized the Milwaukee event as a success, highlighting the consensus reached on food weaponization. He noted productive discussions on global diesel supplies and the potential reform of the Most-Favored Nation principle. While expressing hope that other nations will join the commitment to eliminate forced labor, the Ambassador stated he was “disappointed” that the G20 could not reach consensus on that issue or on creating a pathway for addressing structural excess production.

United States and Mexico Announce Course of Remediation at Corporación de Occidente Facility

The United States and Mexico announced a course of remediation for the Corporación de Occidente facility in El Salto, Jalisco, following allegations of labor rights violations under the USMCA’s Rapid Response Labor Mechanism. This marks the fourteenth such agreement. The plan includes measures to ensure the protection of freedom of association and collective bargaining. The agreement follows an investigation into petitions alleging retaliation against workers who sought democratic representation and transparency within the facility’s incumbent union.

5. Selected Democratic Officials

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (ocasio-cortez.house.gov)

Ocasio-Cortez, Sanders, Merkley Unveil Ban Flock Act to Protect Americans’ Right to Privacy

On October 2, 2026, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Senators Bernie Sanders and Jeff Merkley introduced the Ban Flock Act. The legislation aims to prohibit federal agencies from using automatic license plate readers and restrict federal funding for state and local governments utilizing such technology. Ocasio-Cortez stated the integration of AI-powered cameras is “unconscionable” and that the act seeks to “enforce our constitutional right to privacy.” The sponsors contend the measure is necessary to prevent the formation of a “surveillance state.”

Gretchen Whitmer (michigan.gov)

Gov. Whitmer Makes Appointment to the Bench

Governor Gretchen Whitmer appointed Dr. Amber Libby to the 6th District Probate Court in Mackinac and Luce Counties, effective October 12, 2026. Dr. Libby will serve a partial term expiring January 1, 2029, filling the vacancy created by the resignation of Judge W. Clayton Graham. Governor Whitmer stated that Dr. Libby is a “skilled legal professional” who will “uphold the rule of law.” Dr. Libby expressed that she is “truly grateful” for the appointment and “sincerely reverent to the duties” entrusted to her.

Wes Moore (governor.maryland.gov)

Governor Moore Announces Judicial Appointments to Baltimore City Circuit Court and Montgomery County Circuit and District Courts

Governor Moore announced nine judicial appointments: Sean Richard Delaney, James Burke Miller, and Jocelyn Lang Williams to the Baltimore City Circuit Court; Keith Joseph Rosa and Carlotta Ann Woodward to the Montgomery County Circuit Court; and Jason Brian Abbott, Rolando Julio Aleman, Howard Ray Cheris, and Seth Bradley Zucker to the Montgomery County District Court. The governor stated, “I am proud to appoint these nine accomplished legal practitioners to the bench,” adding that their expertise will be of “great service to the people of Maryland.”

Governor Moore Announces Key Bridge Rebuild Dashboard, Giving Marylanders a Clearer View of Construction Progress

Governor Moore launched the Key Bridge Rebuild Dashboard at KeyBridgeRebuild.com to provide public updates on the Francis Scott Key Bridge construction. The dashboard displays measurable progress, completed activities, and project milestones. Secretary of Transportation Katie Thomson noted that the tool allows residents to view work that is otherwise difficult to see from land. Congressman Johnny Olszewski stated, “Transparency and accountability are fundamental to good government,” while MDTE Executive Director Bruce Gartner described the platform as a way to keep the community informed.

Governor Moore Announces Maryland SUN Bucks Program Feeds More than 600,000 Children for Third Consecutive Year, Fights Childhood Hunger

Governor Moore and the Department of Human Services announced the Maryland SUN Bucks program served over 600,000 students in 2026, providing $72.2 million in grocery benefits. The governor described the program as a “central pillar” in his administration’s “all out attack on childhood poverty and hunger.” To increase benefit redemption, the department launched a “Use It or Lose It” campaign, which contributed to a 75% redemption rate achieved 30 days faster than in 2025. Acting Secretary Stacy L. Rodgers emphasized the administration’s commitment to year-round nutritional access.

Andy Beshear (governor.ky.gov)

Gov. Beshear Highlights Kentucky’s Progress To Increase Public Safety

Gov. Andy Beshear reported that serious crime in Kentucky decreased by 8.14% from 2024 to 2025, marking two consecutive years of decline. The administration highlighted increased school resource officer staffing, elevated Kentucky State Police salaries, and the development of a reentry campus at Northpoint Training Center. Additionally, the Governor noted that recidivism rates have declined for two years, and overdose deaths decreased by 22.9% in 2025. Beshear stated, “Kentuckians deserve to be safe and to feel safe in their communities.”

JB Pritzker (gov.illinois.gov)

Daily Public Schedule: Friday, October 2, 2026

Governor Pritzker has no public events scheduled for October 2, 2026. The office directs individuals to the Governor’s Twitter and Facebook pages for press conference livestreams and indicates that downloadable video footage is available through the Illinois Department of Central Management Services.

6. AI & Tech Company News

No relevant AI & tech company updates found for this date.

7. Congressional Watch

Covers the 2026-10-01 session — the Congressional Record is published with a one-day delay.

Senate

The Senate met briefly in a pro forma session. No legislative business was conducted during this meeting.

• None — No legislative actions or votes occurred [None]

House of Representatives

The House held a brief pro forma session where members introduced numerous bills and resolutions. The chamber also received a committee report regarding research on traumatic brain injury treatments.

• H.R. 10640–10719 — Introduction of 80 public bills [None]

• H.R. 10720 — Introduction of one private bill [None]

• H.J. Res. 218 — Introduction of a joint resolution [None]

• H. Con. Res. 122 — Introduction of a concurrent resolution [None]

• H. Res. 1591–1605 — Introduction of 15 resolutions [None]

• H.R. 6993 — Committee report filed regarding traumatic brain injury research programs [None]

Committee Highlights

• Senate - Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs — examined the nominations of Jeremy Wiggins, Matthew Jones, David Slade, and Michael Rigas

Coming Up

The Senate is scheduled to meet in a pro forma session at 4 p.m. on Monday, October 5, 2026. The House is scheduled to meet in a pro forma session at 4:30 p.m. on Monday, October 5, 2026.

Reference: Congressional Daily Digest — 2026-10-01

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Welcome to today’s Trump Tyranny Tracker…

Trump’s purge of government watchdogs killed a corruption investigation, his financial conflicts continue to grow, and the White House launch of a government-run propaganda operation are among today’s top stories.

Today at a Glance

• Trump’s purge of FBI and DOJ anti-corruption teams killed an active investigation into Congress members.

• White House launches government-run “Trump TV” after banning major news organizations.

• ICE detainee dies after repeatedly complaining he was not receiving insulin.

What We Need to Pay Attention To

The FBI Anti-Corruption Squad Was Circling Susan Collins — Until Trump Got in the Way

What Happened: FBI agents investigating illegal campaign contributions from defense contractor Navatek were cleared in late 2024 to expand the probe into possible bribery involving members of Congress, including Sen. Susan Collins. The investigation ended after Trump returned to office and his appointees dismantled the FBI and DOJ public corruption teams.

Why It Matters: Trump dismantled the teams investigating government corruption, ending an active bribery investigation involving members of Congress. Without independent investigators, government corruption will go unchecked and unpunished.

Source: ProPublica

Corruption

Trump and sons invest heavily in AI economy as he resists calls for slowdown

What Happened: Trump and his sons have money invested in companies involved in AI, data centers, chips, and energy while Trump sets federal AI policy and pushes faster development. Trump has not placed his assets in a blind trust and has reported thousands of securities transactions since returning to office.

Why It Matters: Trump is setting policies that affect industries where he and his family have money invested. Trump is making decisions on AI, energy, and data centers that are increasing the wealth of him, his family, and his cronies.

Source: The Washington Post

Trump bought and sold shares in Musk’s SpaceX in July, financial disclosure shows

What Happened: Trump bought between $15,001 and $50,000 in SpaceX shares on July 10 and sold between $1,001 and $15,000 a week later, according to his financial disclosure. SpaceX is a major federal contractor, and Trump also purchased shares in the company in June.

Source: Reuters

Trump World Eyes Towers, Tungsten, Trade in Ex-Soviet States

What Happened: Trump’s family and associates are expanding business across Georgia, Kazakhstan, and Armenia as his government deepens U.S. economic and diplomatic ties in the region. Projects include a $2 billion Trump-branded development in Georgia, critical mineral investments in Kazakhstan and Armenia, and investments connected to the new Armenia-Azerbaijan trade corridor with Trump’s name.

Source: Bloomberg

Power Consolidation

How Trump Has Cracked Down on Dissent Since the Killing of Charlie Kirk

What Happened: Since Charlie Kirk’s killing last year, Trump has directed federal agencies to investigate organizations and individuals the government associates with left-wing “political violence.” The effort has included scrutiny of nonprofits and unions and federal surveillance of protest groups and other activists.

Why It Matters: Trump is using federal law enforcement and intelligence agencies to target political groups, protesters, and activists. Treating dissent as a terrorism threat is the same tactic Russia uses to criminalize political opposition.

Source: New York Times

Weaponization of Institutions

Democrat says ICE restricted her oversight visit to country’s largest detention camp

What Happened: Rep. Veronica Escobar said ICE prevented her from speaking with detainees during an oversight visit to Camp East Montana, the country’s largest immigration detention facility. ICE has also refused to provide surveillance footage she requested after two disturbances at the camp.

Why It Matters: ICE is blocking congressional oversight of the country’s largest immigration detention facility. Keeping lawmakers away from detainees and withholding footage allows abuse inside the facility to remain hidden.

Source: The Guardian

Trump’s Compensation Fund Is Dead. Could He Find Other Ways to Pay Allies?

What Happened: The Justice Department dropped its proposed $1.776 billion slush fund, but a federal judge is concerned Trump could use other ways to pay allies, including Jan. 6 insurrectionists. The court has already barred the government from recreating the fund under another name.

Source: New York Times

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Media Suppression & Authoritarian Tactics

White House Launches ‘Trump TV’ Amid Feud With Press

What Happened: The White House launched “Trump TV,” a 24/7 government-run stream featuring Trump speeches, announcements, and selected highlights. It launched days after Trump barred CNN, MS NOW, and Politico from the White House, and major television networks suspended shared pool coverage in response.

Why It Matters: Trump is shutting out independent journalists while building a government-run channel for his own propaganda. The White House decides what people see, avoids questions, and presents its own version of events. This is what state propaganda looks like.

Source: TIME

Human & Civil Rights Abuses

Costa Rican man complained of lack of care for diabetes before his death in ICE custody, family says

What Happened: Carlos Josue Marchena, a 36-year-old Costa Rican man with type 1 diabetes, died after less than a week at an ICE detention facility in Louisiana. His family and a fellow detainee said he repeatedly complained of missed insulin doses, inadequate food and water, and worsening symptoms before his death. ICE says he received proper medical care; his official cause of death is still pending.

Why It Matters: Marchena is at least the 58th person to die in ICE custody since January 2025 and the third at this facility in less than six months. The growing death toll and repeated failures in medical care are part of the mass human rights abuses taking place across Trump’s detention system.

Source: Associated Press

The ICE Officer in Austin Wasn’t Wearing a Body Cam

What Happened: The ICE officer who shot Wilber Rafael Garcés Pérez in the back was not wearing his assigned body camera, despite ICE rules requiring officers to carry and activate them during enforcement operations. The officer was hired last year during ICE’s rapid expansion; his partner was wearing a camera and recorded parts of the encounter.

Source: The Atlantic

Trump ally Stephen Miller leads sweeping push to accelerate removal of migrant children

What Happened: Stephen Miller is directing an effort across at least five federal departments to accelerate the removal of migrant children. Nearly 200,000 children have received removal orders since Trump returned to office, roughly doubling the number since January 2025.

Why It Matters: Trump officials are using multiple federal agencies to deport children faster while stripping away access to lawyers and other protections. Nearly 200,000 children have already been ordered removed.

Source: The Guardian

Trump administration asks US Supreme Court to allow detention of pro-Palestinian scholar

What Happened: The Justice Department asked the Supreme Court to overturn a ruling that allowed Georgetown scholar Badar Khan Suri to remain free. Immigration authorities detained Suri in 2025 after his pro-Palestinian advocacy, but a federal judge ordered his release after finding he was likely to prove that his detention violated his First Amendment and due process rights.

Source: Reuters

Government Disruption

‘We Hacked the FBI:’ Hackers Say They Have Data on All FBI Employees

What Happened: The hacking group ShinyHunters says it breached the FBI and stole information on employees and applicants, including names, home addresses, phone numbers, and details about spouses. 404 Media checked 5,000 of the alleged records and matched some of the information to DOJ personnel. The FBI says it is investigating activity connected to FBIjobs.gov.

Why It Matters: Personal information on FBI employees and their families in the hands of hackers is a major security and counterintelligence risk. Foreign intelligence services and criminals could use the data to identify, track or target federal agents.

Source: 404 Media

Trump Officials Eject 750,000 From Obamacare Markets, Claiming Fraud

What Happened: Trump officials canceled Affordable Care Act coverage for more than 750,000 people as part of a “fraud” crackdown led by JD Vance, with another 440,000 people reportedly under review.

Why It Matters: More than 750,000 Americans have already lost their health insurance and another 440,000 could be next. Anyone wrongly caught in the crackdown will suddenly be left without health coverage.

Source: New York Times

Pennsylvania measles cases near 800 as outbreak grows

What Happened: Pennsylvania has confirmed 792 measles cases across 39 counties, including 155 hospitalizations and four measles-associated deaths. Only four of the confirmed cases were among vaccinated people.

Source: Reuters

Imperial & Geopolitical Watch

Trump Meets Middle East Leaders as Regional Wars Widen

What Happened: Trump met with Middle Eastern leaders as the Iran war and fighting between the Houthis and Saudi-backed forces in Yemen continue to spread across the region. Trump said he would maintain pressure on Iran and warned there would come a point when the U.S. would not allow Iran to “survive as a nation.”

Source: New York Times

Machado Fails to Slip Into Venezuela While Rodríguez Is Away

What Happened: Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado made three attempts to return to Venezuela but failed. Meanwhile, acting President Delcy Rodríguez traveled to New York to meet with Trump as the U.S. builds closer economic ties with her government.

Why It Matters: Trump removed Maduro and promised Venezuela a political transition. Now he is working with Maduro’s former deputy while Machado and the opposition are being shut out.

Source: Bloomberg

Far-Right & Russian Influence Watch

Unmasking RussiaGermany’s AfD, Gazprom, and Moscow’s Long GameIt has been four years since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine forced Germany to begin unwinding its decades-long dependence on Russian energy. Now a senior official from a right-wing party loyal to Moscow is trying to reverse that…Read more11 days ago · 118 likes · 12 comments · Olga Lautman

Economic News

Americans Are About to Lose Access to Cheap Gray-Market Prescriptions From Canada

What Happened: Beginning October 22, prescription drugs mailed from Canada and other countries will face new customs requirements that could shut down many personal mail order imports. Millions of Americans use foreign pharmacies to buy medications at much lower prices.

Why It Matters: Americans who cannot afford U.S. drug prices could lose access to cheaper medications. One patient profiled said she pays around $10 a week for her medication through Canada, and the same drug will now cost her $1,100 a week in the U.S.

Source: Wall Street Journal

Resistance

Check out 50501 for local and nationwide events…

Source: 50501

By the Numbers

• $2 billion — Planned Trump-branded development in Georgia as his family expands business interests across Georgia, Kazakhstan and Armenia

• 750,000+ — People who lost Affordable Care Act coverage in Trump’s “fraud” crackdown

• 200,000 — Migrant children who have received removal orders since Trump returned to office

• 58 — People who have died in ICE custody since January 2025

• 792 — Confirmed measles cases in Pennsylvania

What to Watch Next

Trump has gutted the government’s anti-corruption investigators — What other investigations will disappear as oversight continues to be dismantled?

Trump is turning federal agencies against political dissent — How far will surveillance and investigations of protesters, activists and political organizations expand?

The White House is restricting independent press access while building its own government-run media operation — How much further will Trump go to control what Americans see and hear?

Nearly 200,000 migrant children have received removal orders — How many more children will be rounded up via Trump’s deportation system?

Key Takeaways

Corruption Without Oversight — Trump gutted federal anti-corruption teams, killing an active bribery investigation involving members of Congress.

Personal Profiteering — Trump and his family are investing in industries affected by his policies while expanding business interests across countries where his government is making major economic and diplomatic decisions.

Criminalizing Dissent — Federal law enforcement and intelligence agencies are being used to investigate protesters, activists and political organizations.

State Propaganda — Trump is restricting independent press access while the White House launches its own 24/7 government-run propaganda media channel.

Human Rights Abuses — ICE deaths continue to rise as Trump officials accelerate efforts to deport migrant children and restrict access to legal protections.

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

Thanks for reading the Trump Tyranny Tracker. Stay tuned for more updates.

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Democrats Rise in Race for Congress as Trump and Vance Campaign in Trump Country

Several polls are now showing Democrats with double digit leads on the Congressional generic ballot. A new Economist/YouGov poll found Democrats with a +15 point advantage on the generic ballot among Likely Voters, 53%-38%. The new Quinnipiac University Poll found that Democrats have a +12 point advantage over Republicans among Registered Voters, 51%-39%, and among Independent voters that lead jumps to +24 points. A new Argument Magazine/Verasight poll found Democrats with a +10 point lead over Republicans for control of Congress, 55%-45%. Nate Silver’s model now shows Democrats with an approximate generic ballot lead of +9. In the 2018 election, when Democrats gained 41 seats in the midterm elections, Democrats led the popular vote by 8.4 percent.

These polls come as Donald Trump and JD Vance hit the campaign trail for Republicans. Notably, Trump and Vance are heading to red states and districts to shore up races that should be easy wins for Republicans in a normal year. On Wednesday, Vance held a rally for Eric Flores, who is running in an unexpectedly tight race in Southern Texas. Then on Thursday, he traveled to Florida to campaign with Byron Donalds, who is running in a close race for Governor. On Thursday, Trump held rallies in Denton, Texas, north of Dallas, and in Durant, Oklahoma. Trump has promised that these stops are just the beginning of a month-long schedule in support of Republican candidates. His next stops: Vandalia, Ohio and Grand Island, Nebraska—both normally safe red states.

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Ceremony will not be hosted at its traditional home for the first time since awards began in 1978

The Kennedy Center Honors will take place away from its traditional home this year for the first time in its history as the John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts remains in jeopardy amid Donald Trump’s ongoing battle to have it named after himself.

The Capital One Arena in Washington DC is now set to host the ceremony on 7 December, a Kennedy Center spokespersonsaid. The list of honorees this year has not yet been announced.

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Welcome to today’s Trump Tyranny Tracker…

The Pentagon undercounting American military deaths, ICE hiding the locations of thousands of detainees, and more government agencies being used against Trump’s political opponents are among today’s top stories.

Today at a Glance

• Pentagon’s public database leaves out at least four U.S. military deaths from Trump’s Iran war.

• ICE removes thousands of detainees with final deportation orders from its public locator system.

• Former federal prosecutors say Trump Media’s $100,000 early access service likely violates criminal law.

What We Need to Pay Attention To

More U.S. troops have died amid Iran war than Pentagon has disclosed publicly

What Happened: At least 22 U.S. service members have died in the Middle East since Trump’s launched the Iran war began, according to five U.S. officials, four more than the Pentagon has publicly reported. A sixth official put the number at 23. The Pentagon declined to explain the discrepancy.

Why It Matters: Americans are entitled to know how many service members have died in a war. Governments hiding military casualty numbers is something that happens in countries like Russia. The Pentagon needs to explain why American deaths are missing from its public count.

Source: The Washington Post

Corruption

RFK Jr. Got Free Flights to Fiji and Greece From a Top Donor

What Happened: RFK Jr. disclosed more than $250,000 in gifts from Gavin de Becker, a longtime friend and major donor to Kennedy’s 2024 presidential campaign. The gifts included nearly $97,000 in flights to Fiji, about $45,000 in airfare to Greece, and use of a Washington vacation home.

Why It Matters: A Cabinet secretary accepted more than $250,000 in gifts from one of his biggest political donors. Kennedy says HHS ethics officials approved the gifts, but that does not erase the obvious corruption and conflict of interest.

Source: Wall Street Journal

Ex-federal prosecutors say Trump media company’s scheme to sell early access to Truth Social posts is likely criminal

What Happened: Fifty-three former federal prosecutors and agents told a federal court that Trump Media’s $100,000 Truth API, which gives paying investors faster access to Trump’s market-moving posts, likely violates federal criminal laws involving securities, conflicts of interest, and public corruption.

Why It Matters: Trump’s company is charging wealthy investors $100,000 for faster access to his posts announcing government policy. That allows paying customers to trade on information before everyone else gets it, while his company makes money selling this advantage.

Source: CBS News

Power Consolidation

How Trump turned a refugee bureau into a $410 million deportation operation

What Happened: Trump officials have authorized or pledged at least $410 million for deportation agreements with 31 countries, allowing the U.S. to send migrants to countries where they have no ties. The program is being run through a new Office of Remigration inside the State Department bureau responsible for refugees and humanitarian assistance.

Why It Matters: Trump took an office meant to help refugees and turned part of it into a deportation operation that pays foreign governments to take disappeared migrants. Some of the agreements were structured to get around human rights safeguards and congressional requirements.

Source: The Washington Post

Weaponization of Institutions

Bill Pulte Scrutinized Mortgages of Trump’s Political Rivals—and Todd Blanche

What Happened: Federal housing chief Bill Pulte scrutinized the mortgages of Trump targets including Adam Schiff, Letitia James and Lisa Cook. He also reportedly examined then-Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche’s mortgages while the two clashed over the investigations. Some officials believed Pulte was looking for information to pressure Blanche to move the cases forward.

Source: Wall Street Journal

ICE hides locations of thousands of detainees with final removal orders

What Happened: ICE removed thousands of immigrants with final deportation orders from its public detainee locator on September 15, leaving lawyers and families unable to find where many are being held. Nearly 16,000 people booked into ICE detention in July had final removal orders.

Why It Matters: People with final deportation orders still have the right to challenge their removal in court. If their lawyers cannot find them, they can be deported before an attorney or court has a chance to intervene.

Source: Associated Press

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Media Suppression & Authoritarian Tactics

CNN, MS NOW and Politico sue Trump administration over White House access

What Happened: CNN, MS NOW and Politico sued Trump after he revoked their journalists’ White House access because he objected to their coverage. The outlets argue the ban violates the First Amendment and due process protections and are seeking an immediate court order restoring access.

Why It Matters: Trump is using White House access to punish news organizations for coverage he dislikes. This is part of his broader attack on the press, using government power to intimidate journalists and punish outlets that report things he does not want Americans to hear.

Source: CNN

Freedom oppressed: the journalists caught up in Trump’s ICE crackdown

What Happened: Journalists covering immigration enforcement have been arrested, assaulted, and detained by federal authorities. Immigrant journalists have also faced ICE detention and deportation. The U.S. Press Freedom Tracker documented 32 journalist arrests and 170 assaults in 2025, most during protests.

Why It Matters: Journalists are being arrested, assaulted, and detained while documenting federal law enforcement. Going after reporters makes it harder to expose abuses and is meant to keep the public from seeing what the regime is doing.

Source: The Guardian

Human & Civil Rights Abuses

Man shot by ICE in Austin being held in detention center with bullet in his back, lawyer says

What Happened: An ICE officer shot Venezuelan DoorDash driver Wilber Rafael Garces Perez in the back in Austin, according to his attorney. ICE then transferred him from the hospital to a detention center with the bullet still lodged near his spine, where he said he was initially denied pain medication and a bed.

Why It Matters: ICE shot a man and then put him in detention with the bullet still in his body, where he says he was initially denied pain medication and a bed. Another example of the grave human rights violations being committed by this regime.

Source: CBS News

Judge orders return of Honduran migrant deported to Central African Republic

What Happened: A federal judge ordered the government to return Brayan Omar Sanchez Servellon to the U.S. and release him after ICE deported him to the Central African Republic, a country where he has no citizenship or personal ties. His federal court case was still pending when ICE deported him.

Source: ABC News

‘Disturbing’: Jacob Soboroff sounds alarm on ICE’s missing miscarriage data

What Happened: ICE recorded at least 18 miscarriages in detention from January through September 2025 but has no miscarriage data after October 3. At the same time, more pregnant women and teenagers are being detained. Women in ICE custody have also reported difficulty getting prenatal and emergency medical care, including treatment after miscarriages.

Why It Matters: ICE is detaining more pregnant women while no longer keeping track of miscarriages in its custody. Without that data, there is no way for the public to know how many women are losing pregnancies in detention or hold ICE accountable for inadequate medical care.

Source: MS NOW

Government Disruption

A new DOJ program restores ex-felons’ right to own guns. What you need to know

What Happened: The Justice Department created a new process allowing people federally prohibited from possessing firearms to apply to have their gun rights restored. DOJ expects hundreds of thousands of applications, with decisions made through the Office of the Pardon Attorney.

Source: NPR

Trump says he will demand drug companies split up vaccines into more doses

What Happened: Trump said he will demand that drug companies split vaccines into as many as five smaller doses given six months apart, claiming it would “reduce autism.” Decades of research have found no link between vaccines and autism, and medical experts say spacing out vaccines can leave children unprotected from preventable diseases.

Why It Matters: Trump wants to change how children are vaccinated based on conspiracies that vaccines cause autism. Spreading doses months apart would leave children without full protection for longer and put them at greater risk of preventable diseases like measles.

Source: The Washington Post

Imperial & Geopolitical Watch

US strikes on alleged drug boats may constitute ‘crimes against humanity’, UN expert says

What Happened: A U.N. special rapporteur found “reasonable grounds to believe” that 68 U.S. military strikes on alleged drug boats, which killed 223 people, constituted crimes against humanity of murder under international law. The report also describes the strikes as extrajudicial killings and rejects the U.S. government’s self-defense justification.

Why It Matters: The U.S. military has killed 223 people without arrest, trial, or publicly providing evidence that those targeted posed a military threat. Now a U.N. expert says the killings may amount to crimes against humanity.

Source: The Guardian

US watching Chinese marine presence off Alaska, Arctic Coast Guard chief says

What Happened: Four Chinese research vessels have operated off Alaska this year, including around the Aleutian Islands and Bering Strait. The ships remained in international waters but did not provide customary advance notice. U.S. officials are watching whether their research could help China explore seabed resources or gain a military advantage in the Arctic.

Source: Military Times

Far-Right & Russian Influence Watch

Trump seeks fertilizer deal with Russia ally Belarus amid Canadian tensions

What Happened: Trump said the U.S. is working on a major deal to buy cheaper potash from Belarus instead of Canada. Belarus helped Russia launch its genocidal full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Also, increased shipments to the U.S. would likely have to travel through Russian ports because its traditional route through Lithuania remains closed.

Source: Washington Post

Economic News

Iran War Will Make Winter More Expensive for Some Americans

What Happened: Heating oil prices have risen roughly 60% since the U.S. and Israel began attacking Iran in February. In New York, heating oil averaged $6.14 a gallon in mid-September, compared with $3.70 a year earlier.

Source: New York Times

Resistance

Check out 50501 for local and nationwide events…

Source: 50501

Air Force Officer Charged After Protesting Trump Says He Spoke to Defend Constitution

What Happened: Air Force Maj. Jason Watson faces 10 military charges after publicly criticizing Trump and calling for his impeachment, including carrying out a protest at the Capitol. Watson has been held in pretrial confinement while the military decides whether his case will proceed to court-martial.

Source: New York Times

By the Numbers

• 22–23 — U.S. service members, officials say, have died since Trump launched the Iran war, compared with 18 publicly reported by the Pentagon

• $100,000 — Price for faster access to Trump’s posts through Trump Media’s Truth API

• ~ 16,000 — People booked into ICE detention in July who had final deportation orders

• 223 — People killed in U.S. military strikes on boats

• 60% — Increase in heating oil prices since the U.S. and Israel began attacking Iran

What to Watch Next

The Pentagon is reporting fewer U.S. military deaths than its own officials say have occurred — Will it explain why American deaths are missing from the public count?

ICE is making thousands of detainees harder for their lawyers and families to find — How many people will be disappeared before their attorneys can locate them?

Trump’s attacks on the press are expanding — What other news organizations and journalists will lose access or face federal action?

Trump is pushing changes to childhood vaccines based on conspiracies about autism — How much further will federal health policy move away from established medical science?

Key Takeaways

Rising Costs — Heating oil has jumped roughly 60% since Trump’s Iran war, leaving families in the Northeast facing much higher winter heating bills.

More Corruption — Trump Media is charging investors $100,000 for faster access to Trump’s posts announcing government policy.

Weaponized Government — Federal officials continue to use government agencies against Trump’s political opponents while ICE makes thousands of detainees harder for lawyers and families to find.

Press Suppression — Trump is banning news organizations over coverage he dislikes as journalists covering immigration enforcement face arrests, detention and assaults.

Hidden War Deaths — Pentagon records show fewer American military deaths than multiple U.S. officials say have occurred since Trump launched the Iran war. A tactic seen in Russia.

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

Thanks for reading the Trump Tyranny Tracker. Stay tuned for more updates.

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A decade after his infamous Access Hollywood tape, the gender divide is again shaping a pivotal midterm election

A decade ago, Donald Trump’s improbable presidential campaign was rocked – and nearly derailed – by the now-infamous Access Hollywood tape, a 2005 recording in which the real estate developer turned reality TV star boasted about kissing and grabbing women without their consent.

“When you’re a star, they let you do it,” he said, a remark he later downplayed as “locker-room talk” before musing that the tape might be fake. (It wasn’t.)

‘Of course I’m the underdog’: the British former spin doctor trying to turn California red

A fake image of a Georgia mayor kissing a person went viral. Can US voters trust everything they see?

Most Americans don’t know Hasan Piker. The rest say he is changing this year’s elections

Trump campaign ads paid with public money violate federal law, critics say

Trump allies could use midterms ‘counting window’ to disrupt results, experts warn

What Democrats are getting right – and wrong – in run-up to midterms: ‘We can’t just be anti-Trump’

A year ago, I wrote this:

Where Noem’s urge to create propaganda may get her in trouble is how she invited Russia’s useful idiot, Benny Johnson, to tag along wearing Border Patrol armor.

Among other things Benny did on his cosplay cop caper was to post a video of protestors as they were being arrested, claiming they were being arrested for “VIOLENT ASSAULT.”

Of the Federal charges filed since then, just one has been from Broadview (it was assault, but even that one sounds like someone charged for being pushed by the Feds). If, in fact, these people weren’t charged — much less with assault — this would be slander. Since he was dolled up as a “Border Patrol Federal Agent,” even if they were arrested, this will be a privacy violation that might endanger any charges the Feds tried to file. [my pink emphasis because it’s Friday again]

Yesterday, lawyers for two of these protestors (including several from the same firm that is suing on behalf of Renee Good’s family), did just that:

205. On October 5, 2025, Defendants posted on Mr. Johnson’s X account the full twelve minute edited video account, produced by Mr. Johnson and Benny Media LLC, of their ride-along with Kristi Noem. That video shows Plaintiffs sitting with their hands bound in a line of detained protesters guarded by law enforcement. Mr. Johnson describes them as “left-wing terrorists arrested for attacking police officers and ICE officers,” and says “[t]hese individuals assaulted ICE officers as they were trying to clear out the area.” The post stated: “I rode with DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and ICE on intense raids across left-wing violence ridden Chicago. From tunnels under Trump Tower to the most targeted ICE facility, we faced violent Antifa, chaos, and criminals on the run.”

206. The statements in the X post and video that Plaintiffs are “terrorists,” “criminals on the run,” were “arrested for attacking police officers and ICE officers,” and “assaulted ICE officers,” as well as the suggestion that Mr. Johnson saw Plaintiffs behave this way, are each false and defamatory.

207. Each statement was intended to convey, and was understood to convey, the false factual assertions that Plaintiffs were not peacefully exercising their First Amendment rights, but instead were engaged in acts of terrorism, violence, and assault against law enforcement, and that Defendants witnessed Plaintiffs engaging in these acts.

208. Each statement is of and concerning Plaintiffs—who are identifiable in the video by their faces and distinctive features and who were recognized by members of their communities.

209. Each statement is libelous per se in that each imputes that Plaintiffs have committed crimes and tends to prejudice Plaintiffs in their profession.

210. Each statement was published to a worldwide platform and, upon information and belief, has been viewed hundreds of thousands of times.

Even more than hoping these people get paid, I’m hoping we get to learn both about the arrangement DHS made with Benny for this cosplay, and — more importantly — who has been funding Benny since his Russian gravy train was exposed.

The post The Protestors Benny Defamed Finally Come After Him appeared first on emptywheel.

At the beginning of Time’s painfully disjointed interview with Donald Trump on September 28, they asked him about his meeting with Dario Amodei and the AI summit he had scheduled the next day. Trump repeatedly dodged the question of who he was meeting with, Trump did know one thing: “We’re the most advanced, we have the, we have the smartest people. And tomorrow I have a big meeting. We have everybody.”

But my attitude is, we’re winning against the world by a lot, and I want to keep winning. There are those that say it’s bigger than the industrial revolution, and you would think not. But actually, if you look at the numbers—you ever see these numbers? They’re like, they’re like straight up in the air. And from our standpoint, we have trillions of dollars being invested in our country because it’s probably the biggest business there is. We’re the most advanced, we have the, we have the smartest people. And tomorrow I have a big meeting. We have everybody. All the—Dario’s coming back.

I’m curious what exactly is going on with all these meetings with these AI leaders.

Well, look, you know, this isn’t like I’m building a building, which I can do out of my back pocket. It’s easier to do that for me, and it’s what I’ve been doing. This is a whole new world, probably mostly good, but some bad too. And it’s a very powerful world. It’s a very—potentially really could be good for medical. I mean, some of the things they’re coming up with now that they never even thought about. But with good comes bad, and we want them, we want all of them to behave for themselves. Tomorrow’s meeting. What time is that meeting tomorrow? Two?

Natalie Harp: Noon, in the East Room.

Trump: So we have everybody. Give me a list of the people at the meeting.

[snip]

You’ve said there’s going to be an AI force that you announced?

Yeah, but I’m going to change the name.

What is it going to do?

It’s going to be super intelligence.

What will it do?

Because it’s much more accurate. It’s going to be a group of very smart people that understand it, who will be advising me. But I will tell you right now, I’m not going to be easy because I’m not going to kill a thing based on phony threats. They said that our country was going to burn down because of global warming. Then they changed the name to climate change because global warming wasn’t going. They said that we are going to have some of the most difficult times ever. Global warming turned out to be a hoax. Russia, Russia, Russia was a hoax. Ukraine, Ukraine, Ukraine.

It’s a pretty interesting comment, because of the 20 visitors at that meeting, 11 are immigrants, most coming in via student visas of the sort Trump’s twin wars on immigrants and universities has absolutely destroyed (I’m only counting people with institutional affiliations and even there, there’s another error in Brandon Daniels’ name, because Trump’s staffers are slovenly dopes), two were raised by immigrants. Elon Musk famously illegally immigrated, using a student visa to start working in the US.

This is the world Trump wants America to be. And Stephen Miller is destroying that America.

Update: Number of visitors corrected.

1. Shyam Sankar: Born in India, immigrated as a child with his working class father.

Sankar’s dad was born in a mud hut in Tamil Nadu in southern India and was the first person in his family to attend college, studying pharmacy. Shyam was born in Mumbai but lived in Lagos, Nigeria, as an infant. When he was 2, the family relocated to Orlando, Florida, where they initially ran a successful souvenir business for theme parks and later a dry-cleaning business that went bankrupt, Sankar wrote.

After graduating with engineering degrees from Cornell University and Stanford University, Sankar turned down a job offer at a consulting company to join a startup — Xoom Corp. — at the encouragement of his father. “My father urged me to take the risk and fight the machine and gave his blessing,” he recounted. After two years at Xoom, Sankar signed on as Palantir’s first business hire.

2. Chamath Palihapitiya: Born in Sri Lanka, moved to Canada as a refugee.

Chamath Palihapitiya was born on 3rd September 1976, in Sri Lanka. At the age of 6, his family moved to Canada as refugees. His mother was a housekeeper but later became a nurse’s aide while his father was constantly unemployed. He recalls spending cold nights on a mattress in a small living room. When the time came to return to their motherland Sri Lanka, Chamath’s father applied for a refugee visa. When he was 14, his family lived on welfare, forcing him to work at Burger King. While working part-time to support his family, he attended Lisgar Collegiate Institute and graduated at 17. In 1999, he graduated from the University of Waterloo with a degree in electrical engineering.

3. Greg Brockman: Born in North Dakota.

Brockman, 31, grew up on a hobby farm in North Dakota and had what he describes as a “focused, quiet childhood.” He milked cows, gathered eggs, and fell in love with math while studying on his own. In 2008, he entered Harvard intending to double-major in math and computer science, but he quickly grew restless to enter the real world. He dropped out a year later, entered MIT instead, and then dropped out again within a matter of months. The second time, his decision was final. Once he moved to San Francisco, he never looked back.

4. Satya Nadella: Born in India. Came to the US for grad school.

Nadella grew up in the southern Indian city of Hyderabad and studied electrical engineering at Mangalore University (B.Sc., 1988). After moving to the United States, he completed (1990) a master’s degree in computer science at the University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee and went to work at Sun Microsystems, Inc., as a member of its technology staff. He was lured away from Sun in 1992 to join Microsoft, where he initially worked on the development of Windows NT, a landmark operating system that was aimed primarily at business users. While working full-time at Microsoft, Nadella also earned (1997) a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Chicago.

5. Jeff Bezos: Born to a teenage mother; his stepfather was a Cuban immigrant.

Jeffrey P. Bezos was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico. His mother was still in her teens, and her marriage to his father lasted little more than a year. She remarried when Jeffrey was four. Jeffrey’s stepfather, Mike Bezos, was born in Cuba; he escaped to the United States alone at age 15, and worked his way through the University of Albuquerque. When he married Jeffrey’s mother, the family moved to Houston, where Mike Bezos became an engineer for Exxon.

6. David Sacks: Born in South Africa to scientists, moved to the US as a child.

Sacks was born in 1972 in South Africa, and moved to the United States at age 5. He grew up in Memphis and attended an elite boys’ prep school before going on to Stanford University.

7. Lisa Su: Born in Taiwan, moved to the US as a toddler.

Lisa Su was born in the coastal city of Tainan, Taiwan, and came to the United States with her parents and brother when she was two years old. She developed an interest in technology early on, taking electronics apart as a child. Su’s mother, an accountant turned entrepreneur, and father, a statistician, gave her three career options: doctor, concert pianist, or engineer. The latter seemed like the logical choice. After graduating from New York City’s prestigious Bronx High School of Science, a public magnet school, she went on to study electrical engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

8. Alex Karp: Born in NYC, raised by social justice warriors.

Alex Karp was born on October 2, 1967, and grew up in Philadelphia. Being raised by parents active in political and labor rights demonstrations, influenced Karp early in questions of civil rights and social justice. His academic journey was impressive and varied: he earned a Bachelor’s degree from Haverford College, a J.D. from Stanford Law School, and later pursued a Ph.D. in social theory from Johann Wolfgang Goethe University in Frankfurt, Germany. This diverse educational background helped shape his philosophical and ethical perspectives, particularly his interest in German philosophers which influenced both his studies and later his business practices.

9. Tom Brown: Raised in US.

Brown studied computer science and cognitive science at MIT. He cofounded his first company, social club Grouper, in 2011.

10. Brandon Daniels.

11. Dario Amodei: Born in San Francisco to an Italian immigrant father.

12. Hock Tan: Born in Malaysia; came to US on scholarship.

Hock E. Tan was born in Penang, Malaysia. He first came to the United States in 1971 on a scholarship to attend the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mechanical engineering. He later earned an MBA from Harvard University.

“It’s really amazing to me, even today, that this great American educational institution took a chance on me, sight unseen, and gave me a scholarship to pursue the American Dream,” Tan said in remarks at the White House.

13. Brad Gerstner: Born in Indiana.

So I grew up in a small rural town in northwest Indiana. You know, I was coming of age in the late 70s and early 1980s. My dad, who was one of my early heroes, was first generation college and he was the general manager of a company that made auto parts and employed a lot of the men in this small town.

And like was happening across America, a big corporate came to town, bought the company and laid off a lot of his men in 1977. And my dad felt this obligation to start his own company, hire them back and compete on making parts for the auto industry. But unfortunately, despite him working heroically, the combination of Japanese low priced cars, 13% interest rates, 13% inflation, he just couldn’t keep the credit in the business to keep the business going and eventually shut down.

14. Mark Zuckerberg: Born in White Plains, NY

Mark Elliot Zuckerberg was born on May 14, 1984, in White Plains, New York, to Edward Zuckerberg, a dentist, and Karen Kempner-Zuckerberg, a psychiatrist. He grew up in nearby Dobbs Ferry with three sisters: Randi, Donna, and Arielle.

His father operated a dental practice from the family home, where computers were part of Zuckerberg’s life from an early age. At about age 11, Zuckerberg created a home messaging network called ZuckNet that allowed his family to send messages between computers. After attending Phillips Exeter Academy, Zuckerberg enrolled at Harvard University in 2002.

15. Jensen Huang: Born in Taiwan, moved to US as a child.

Huang was born the second son of Taiwan citizens Huang Hsing-tai and Lo Tsai-hsiu. Huang’s father was a chemical engineer, and his mother taught grade school. When he was five, the family moved to Thailand. However, due to the then-ongoing Vietnam War, Huang’s parents decided that they wouldn’t settle in Thailand permanently. Huang’s father had previously been accepted into a worker-training program at the American air conditioner manufacturer Carrier and had formed a positive impression of the United States. Huang’s mother helped prepare Huang and his brother for the eventual move by teaching them 10 random English words a day.

When Huang was nine years old, he and his brother were sent to live with their uncle in Tacoma, Washington, while their parents stayed in Thailand. Shortly thereafter, Huang’s uncle sent them to the all-boys Oneida Baptist Institute in rural Oneida, Kentucky, mistakenly believing it to be a prestigious boarding school. In fact, the institute was a religious reform school for “difficult” children. Huang was forced to clean toilets every day while his brother worked on a tobacco farm. The boys were relentlessly bullied by fellow students, were called ethnic slurs, and were even threatened with knives.

About two years later, Huang’s parents arrived in the United States, discovered the situation, and pulled their children out of Oneida. The reunited family settled in the suburbs of Portland, Oregon, where Huang attended Aloha High School.

16. Elon Musk: Born in South Africa, immigrated on a student and illegally worked on a student visa.

Musk arrived in Palo Alto in 1995 for a graduate degree program at Stanford University but never enrolled in courses, working instead on his start-up.

Leaving school left Musk without a legal basis to remain in the United States, according to legal experts.

Foreign students cannot drop out of school to build a company, even if they are not immediately getting paid, said Leon Fresco, a former Justice Department immigration litigator.

17. Sundar Pichai: Born in India, immigrated on student visa.

As a boy growing up in Madras (now Chennai), Pichai slept with his brother in the living room of the cramped family home, but his father, an electrical engineer at the British multinational GEC, saw that the boys received a good education. At an early age Pichai displayed an interest in technology and an extraordinary memory, especially for telephone numbers. After earning a bachelor’s degree in metallurgy in 1993 and a silver medal at the Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, he was awarded a scholarship to study at Stanford University, where he earned a master’s degree in engineering and materials science in 1995. He remained in the United States thereafter, working briefly for Applied Materials (a supplier of semiconductor materials) and then earning an M.B.A. from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania in 2002.

18. Sanjay Mehrota: Born in India, immigrated on student visa.

Humble beginnings shaped Sanjay Mehrotra’s early years in Kanpur, India, where he was born in 1958. The youngest of four siblings, Mehrotra grew up in a family that later influenced his career path. His father worked as a liaison officer in the cotton industry and made a life-changing decision to move the family to New Delhi when Mehrotra turned 10. This move to India’s capital city gave young Mehrotra educational opportunities that became the foundation of his future success.

[snip]

Transformative decision came at 18 when Mehrotra started his international education. His father dreamed of seeing his son pursue higher education in the United States—a vision that inspired Mehrotra to apply to American universities. He started his undergraduate studies at the Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani, spending two years developing his tech skills. BITS Pilani gave him valuable tools that helped him excel in the technology sector. His path soon led him west.

Bold transition marked Mehrotra’s transfer from BITS Pilani to the University of California, Berkeley. This move was more than just geographical—it became a defining moment in his education. His choice to leave India and study in America’s growing technology hub helped position him as a pioneer in the semiconductor revolution. Many international students struggle with adjustment, but Mehrotra tackled this challenge with determination and focus on his studies.

19. Bill McDermott: Born on Long Island.

Bill McDermott, born in New York City in 1961, is an accomplished American businessman currently serving as the CEO of ServiceNow since 2019. Before taking the helm at ServiceNow, McDermott held various leadership positions in the tech industry, including CEO of SAP SE, where he significantly increased the company’s market value.

His earlier career includes roles at Xerox, Gartner, and Siebel Systems. McDermott has authored a memoir titled “Winners Dream: A Journey from Corner Store to Corner Office” and has received numerous industry recognitions and awards for his leadership, such as “Manager of the Year” by the German Business Daily Handelsblatt and top CEO by Glassdoor in multiple countries. In addition to his professional accomplishments, McDermott is known for his civic leadership and involvement in philanthropic activities.

20. Nikesh Arora: Born in India, moved to US as student.

Nikesh Arora was born in Ghaziabad, India. His father was an officer in the Indian Air Force, and Arora regularly changed schools as the family moved. After completing his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology at Banaras Hindu University, Arora came to the United States for graduate studies. He earned an MS in finance from Boston College and an MBA in business administration from Northeastern University.

The post Stephen Miller Is Destroying the Great America Trump Is Trying to Make appeared first on emptywheel.

Trump FCC boss Brendan Carr endlessly pays empty lip service to the “public interest” and the “value of broadcasting integrity” as he engages in ham-fisted censorship of comedians and journalists the president doesn’t like. Or the illegal dismantling of media consolidation limits. Or helps the president and his friends steal TikTok.

But any time there’s an actual threat to broadcasting integrity or the public interest he’s unsurprisingly nowhere to be found. Like last week when his FCC rubber stamped heavy Saudi and Chinese investment in the Paramount merger despite obvious foreign influence concerns.

Or this week, when his FCC sat on its hands as the Trump administration used $20 million in taxpayer dollars to air rank propaganda ahead of the midterms across major broadcast networks.

A new set of rehashed ads feature Donald in black and white as he walks down a hallway promising to smite all of his enemies, including “the deep state,” “warmongers,” the “fake news media,” “Marxists,” and “fascists.” A notice at the bottom of the ad states it was “paid for by the US government.”

A previous version of the ad was funded by Trump’s campaign committee, not the US government. The ad violates laws restricting the use of taxpayer money for domestic propaganda (you can tell we’ve really been enforcing that one) — and the Hatch Act (ditto), correctly notes a complaint to the FTC, FCC, Government Accountability Office (GAO) and Office of Special Counsel (OSC):

“Under federal communications law, broadcast stations are strictly prohibited from censoring or rejecting ads sponsored by legally qualified political candidates. Even if a candidate’s ad
contains graphic imagery or disputed claims, stations generally must air it. But there are clear
exceptions to this rule.

Broadcasters may be held liable for airing any advertisement that is in violation of federal law. Federal law explicitly prohibits using appropriated public funds for government propaganda, self-aggrandizement, or partisan political advertising. Yet, that is exactly the nature of Trump’s recent campaign ads that began airing on September 23, 2026. Furthermore, Donald Trump is not a candidate for any elective office. The FCC and broadcasters are not constrained by the special rule protecting candidate advertisements.”

According to Public Citizen, the ad ran during NBC’s Saturday Night Live, Fox News Sunday, and several college and NFL football games this past weekend. While the Trump administration is trying to dodge the law by falsely claiming the ad is a “public service announcement,” it doesn’t actively promote any real programs or services, making it a very clear violation of existing law.

In addition to Public Citizen’s complaints, Senate Democrats sent a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin this week stating that Trump is “illegally using Americans’ tax dollars to fund government propaganda and to put ads from his 2024 campaign back on the air.” It’s quite the waste of cash, given that associating yourself with a historically unpopular and corrupt president appears to be polling and political suicide this midterm season.

The Trump FCC will, of course, do nothing. Brendan Carr told the media that these are just “normal” “public service announcements” that “don’t raise any red flags.” He also insisted it’s fine because, he claimed falsely, the “left” does this all the time:

“Carr brushed off the concern, telling reporters that “there’s groups on the left that have, you know, long worked and pushed to weaponize the FCC’s license renewal process” but that the ads “don’t raise any red flags.”

Carr’s referring to a single event in 2023 when the volunteer-run Media and Democracy Project (MAD) petitioned the FCC to pull the license of a Fox Philly affiliate for repeatedly running lies about election fraud. What Carr leaves out is that while there was that one effort from “the left” to stop the renewal of a Fox license, at the same time there was an even bigger effort from a far right group to block the renewal of licenses for three CBS stations that aired an interview with Kamala Harris that the MAGA faithful deemed was edited to make Harris look good.

He also leaves out that his predecessor (the Democrat Jessica Rosenworcel) rejected all four of those requests, citing the First Amendment and pointed out that all such attempts to block license renewals for partisan reasons was an attack on free speech and a free press. Oh and he also leaves out that after he took over, he reinstated the efforts against the CBS affiliates, but not the Fox one.

In other words, only one side (Carr and his MAGA minions) appears to be engaged in partisan attempts to suppress speech.

Carr’s far more interested in dismantling all oversight of telecom monopolies, illegally dismantling media consolidation limits, trampling free speech, and forcing broadcasters to air discounted midterm ads. Broadcasters, meanwhile, are also unlikely to balk at running the ads, lest they want to face a fake Brendan Carr inquiry into “DEI” or some other, manufactured nonsense.

Another day in a corrupt autocracy run by the shittiest zealots imaginable.

These graphics explain what the Democrats would need to do to flip the Senate and House of Representatives

A turning point in Donald Trump’s second term will soon arrive. On 3 November, voters across the US will decide whether to keep the president’s Republican allies in control of Congress, or return Democrats to the majority.

Many indicators of voter sentiment suggest the Democrats are favored to take back control of the House of Representatives, and potentially the Senate. Winning either would be a significant victory for the party and give it the power to block Trump’s legislative agenda and more aggressively investigate his administration.

This live blog is now closed.

• Sign up for the Breaking News US email

• Send us your questions on how the Iran war will affect US voters in the midterms

And as we bring you the latest on how the jobs report stands to impact voter sentiment ahead of the November midterms, my colleagues have done all the hard work in mapping out the battle for Congress and the key states, candidates and districts that will ultimately decide the balance of power on Capitol Hill.

Many indicators of voter sentiment suggest the Democrats are favored to take back control of the House of Representatives, and potentially the Senate. Winning either would be a significant victory for the party and give it the power to block Trump’s legislative agenda and more aggressively investigate his administration.

There was a telling legal split screen yesterday.

In Minnesota, the family of Renee Good rolled out two lawsuits (wrongful death, Klan Act) to avenge Renee’s death.

In Massachusetts, DOJ rolled out that arrest of a guy, John Anthony Proia, for harassing Katie Miller and her parents.

Proia allegedly contacted Katie via cycling phone numbers 40 times over 51 days, and left mean messages asking Katie’s parents if it disturbed them that Katie was married to someone as evil as Stephen.

a.    “Good morning [first name of victim’s mother].  Does it disturb you that such evil as [Federal Official] is married to the creature that slithered from your Cunt?”

b.    [Photo of Victim 1]

c.    “My god, how can you be proud of this filth?”

d.    “Hey [first name of victim’s father], how goes it?  Hope your daughter marrying a Jewish Nazi/white supremacist is working out for you and [first name of victim’s mother].  Did you raise her to be trash or did that just happen naturally?”

Todd Blanche announced Proia’s arrest, claiming that anyone who engaged in such harassment would be arrested.

That’s a vicious lie, of course.

Deep in the Goods’ Klan Act lawsuit (it bears the last name of Renee’s brother, who is the executor of her estate) — which names Stephen Miller, along with Jonathan Ross and Greg Bovino and Kristi Noem, as the conspirators who deprived Renee and other Minnesotans of their rights — lies the proof that’s bullshit: A description of the harassment Becca Good suffered after Ross first shot Renee dead and left her to bleed out while Becca watched, after which Trump and Noem publicly slandered Renee.

196. Defendants’ public campaign against her and Renee, as pled below, compounded the injury. Because senior federal officials, including the President and Defendant Noem, publicly branded Renee a terrorist and a criminal within hours of her death (as discussed below), Becca lost her privacy along with her partner and has been made to relive the killing as a subject of national argument. She has received continuous threats. She was unable to live in her home for more than a month, has hired security staff to protect it, and has installed a security system and window film.

The entire Klan Act lawsuit describes how Stephen sent masked men into Minnesota on the pretext of hunting down Somalis — whom he and Katie had dehumanized for years — to deprive everyone there of their civil rights.

And it led, inexorably, to Renee’s death and that flood of harassment of Becca.

As the lawsuit lays out, Todd Blanche specifically deprived Renee and Becca of their rights. On Blanche’s order, DOJ covered up Renee’s killing.

24. As the federal government branded Renee a terrorist and declared that Ross had done nothing wrong, it moved to hide the evidence of what actually occurred on Portland Avenue. On the morning of the shooting, the FBI and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (“BCA”) agreed to a joint investigation, as is standard in officerinvolved deaths. By that evening the United States Attorney had reversed course; BCA investigators were excluded from the interviews at the Whipple Federal Building, denied the names of the officers involved, and cut off from the vehicle and its contents, the shell casings, and the firearm. Renee and Becca’s car was removed from the scene before local investigators could process it. The Deputy Attorney General, Todd Blanche, announced: “We investigate when it’s appropriate to investigate. And that is not the case here. . . . So no, we are not investigating.” Numerous federal prosecutors resigned, and an FBI agent resigned after being pressured to abandon a civil rights inquiry into Ross in favor of an investigation of Becca instead.

As the suit and scores of stories make clear, everyone loses from Blanche’s selective application of the law. FBI Agent Tracee Mergen quit when Blanche and others ordered her to treat Renee and Becca as criminals rather than victims, as did at least six prosecutors. Minnesota US Attorney Dan Rosen dropped at least four drug trafficking cases so he could hunt down those Stephen Miller and Todd Blanche and Pam Bondi told him to. Even the fraud cases that were the pretext of this invasion — fraud cases worked for years under Joe Biden — wallowed.

And the same happened when Blanche ordered his minions to prioritize Katie Miller’s needs over far more serious criminals. FBI demoted two senior counterterrorism officials, just days before a suspected terrorist dry run in the UK for which the US gave the Brits no advance warning.

I don’t think Katie’s parents should be harassed because their daughter helped the richest man in the world kill hundreds of thousands — what will ultimately be millions — of mostly brown people, mostly children; because their son-in-law has serially murderboated hundreds of times, because their son-in-law sent masked thugs into Minnesota who killed Renee Good and Alex Pretti, leaving them to bleed out in the street.

But I do think Todd Blanche should stop lying about applying justice equally for both Becca Good and Katie Miller.

He refuses to do that. And it makes everyone less safe.

The post Todd Blanche Stole the Justice Due Becca Good and Gave It to Katie Miller appeared first on emptywheel.

In effort to avoid panic at pumps, Keir Mather insists supply of fuel to Britain is ‘inherently resilient’

• UK diesel price hits record high of £2 a litre

• Business live – latest updates

The government has sought to avert panic at the pumps, insisting that the UK is not facing a diesel shortage after Donald Trump threatened to cut off US supplies of the fuel.

The transport minister Keir Mather said on Friday that the UK has a wide range of sources of the fuel and is in talks with other European countries over the potential release of emergency diesel stockpiles.

Deployment underscores evolving complexity of Trump’s war against Iran as US midterm elections loom

The US military is dispatching a third aircraft carrier strike group to the Middle East, as President Donald Trump warned new strikes against Iran could be on the horizon.

The deployment, which includes a specialist amphibious attack group, underscores the rapidly evolving dynamic of Trump’s war against Iran as midterm elections in the US loom large.

On July 15, 2025, when Donald Trump issued his call to arms for red states to redraw their maps in order to expand Republican seats ahead of the 2026 midterms, he understood something fundamental about this year’s election: It was going to be very bad for Republicans.

Cue Trump’s mid-decade redistricting scheme.

Trump had no interest in using the presidency to shift the political environment for his party by actually trying to make people’s lives better. No, he turned to his tried and true: rigging the rules in the middle of the game by demanding Republicans simply redraw districts to their own advantage.

And it worked. Well, it seemed to, at least.

In the year after Trump issued that directive, thanks to pliant Republican legislatures and governors, as well as some advantageous court rulings, Republicans appeared to net about nine seats out of their mid-decade gerrymander.

And that’s not nothing. Those nine seats bought Republicans a structural advantage going into next month’s midterms of around three or four points.

But as the political environment keeps getting bluer and bluer, it’s worth asking: Will Republicans’ +9 seat advantage in the redistricting wars hold, or will it get washed away in what increasingly looks like a blue wave election?

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The State Of Play

In the wake of Trump’s demand that Texas—and really, every red state—redraw its congressional districts, several complied. Texas leapt first, redrawing its maps with the goal of picking up five additional Republican seats. This mid-decade redistricting arms race only came to an end last Friday when the Supreme Court quashed Republicans’ final attempt to net one more seat out of Missouri.

But Trump’s redistricting push was only part of the story. In April 2026, in its Louisiana v. Callais decision, the Supreme Court greatly weakened Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, ruling that racial gerrymanders were unconstitutional, giving license to southern states to eliminate majority-minority districts by cracking and packing Black voters into white majority Republican-leaning districts.

So, where did it all shake out? As The AP summarized,

All told, new congressional districts are being used this year in Alabama, California, Florida, Louisiana, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas and Utah. All favor Republicans except in California and Utah, where the new boundaries could help Democrats.

Notably,

If the districts all played out as designed, Republicans could net up to nine additional seats, but a good year for Democrats could reduce that tally.

Among the nine states where new maps are being used this year, Ballotpedia compiled a helpful chart laying out the circumstances of each state’s redistricting as well as the net benefit intended by the architects of each state’s redraw. This is how we get to nine new GOP seats.

Note that the Republican majority legislatures in Alabama, Louisiana and Tennessee each acted after the Supreme Court’s Callais decision this past Spring, in hopes of eliminating one majority Black Democratic district each.

Five of the states redrew their districts after Trump’s call to action, including Texas, California, Florida, North Carolina, and Ohio.

Only Utah’s redraw was a result of litigation unrelated to Callais.

Back in May, polling analyst G Elliott Morris estimated that with an approximate Republican advantage of +8 seats as a result of redistricting, Democrats would need to win the House popular vote by 3-4 points before they would begin to net the number of seats required for a majority.

But now, as we approach a midterm election with several polls giving Democrats a double-digit generic ballot advantage, that 3-4 point cushion Trump helped to build is a very low bar for Democrats to clear.

So how are these expected gains holding up heading into the final 30 days of the election?

The Callais Three

Alabama

Back in 2023, Alabama Republicans drew a map that tried to consolidate Black voters into a single Black majority district. It was such an egregious racial gerrymander that the currently constituted U.S. Supreme Court overturned the map and ordered the state to redraw fairer maps. After Alabama Republicans defied the order, a court-ordered special master re-drew Alabama’s congressional maps with one majority Black district and one near-majority Black district.

This map was in effect for the 2024 election, which allowed Democrat Shomari Figures to win a seat in Congress representing the newly drawn AL-02.

Just three years later, however, that same Supreme Court essentially reversed itself with the Callais decision, ruling that the redrawn map in play in the 2024 election was itself an unconstitutional racial gerrymander. This allowed Alabama to use its original 2023 maps in the 2026 election to dilute AL-02’s Black vote in hopes of going from a 5R-2D congressional delegation to 6R-1D.

Alabama Reflector laid out what the shift from the 2024 map to the 2023 map means:

The map, aimed at giving Black Alabamians a chance to elect their preferred leaders, set the Black Voting Age Population at 48.7%. Figures’ 2024 win was the first time Alabama elected two Black representatives.

The 2023 Legislature-passed map that was put in place in May covers the Wiregrass, Montgomery and the eastern part of the Black Belt, and reduced the BVAP to 39.9%. The Cook Political Report rates the district R+7.

Normally, Republicans would be favored in a R+7 district. But not so much this year, as Figures runs for reelection against Trump-endorsed state legislator Rhett Marques in what is shaping up to be a tight race.

An internal Democratic poll published in July showed that Marques and Figures are in a “statistical tie” among 400 likely voters. Figures raised $1.35 million through July 22 to Marques $1.32 million, according to the Federal Election Commission. Figures has spent about half of his cash and Marques spent $1.13 million.

Although Marques has Trump’s endorsement, Singleton is confident Figures has a chance. According to polling conducted by YouGov and analyzed by The Economist, Trump is broadly unpopular with Alabama residents, though he maintains a positive rating among 2024 voters.

As a result of strong polling in the race, Larry Sabato’s Crystal Ball recently shifted the race from Likely Republican to Lean Republican. And the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) is all-in on Figures. Republicans are nervous. They are dispatching Donald Trump himself to Mobile, Alabama tomorrow for an appearance with Marques.

The stop is one of several Trump is making in what should be solid red districts. Swing district Republicans might not want the toxic president, whose approval rating keeps falling, stumping for them in the closing weeks. That he is headed to Alabama speaks to how anxious Republicans are that their aggressive gerrymander may fall short.

Louisiana

Mere weeks after the Supreme Court’s Callais decision this past April, Republican state lawmakers in Louisiana also got to work redrawing their map in the hope of eliminating one of the state’s two Black-majority districts. Unlike in Alabama, however, this redraw appears to be achieving precisely Republicans’ intent.

As PBS reported,

Legislation in Louisiana seeks to address the Supreme Court ruling by scrapping a district that snakes over 200 miles (321 kilometers) northwest from the capital, Baton Rouge, to Shreveport, creating a voting bloc with a majority of Black residents. Democratic U.S. Rep. Cleo Fields represents the current 6th District.

Under the new plan, that district would instead be clustered around predominantly white communities in the Baton Rouge area and southern Louisiana.

The new plan keeps a New Orleans-based, majority-Black district represented by Democratic U.S. Rep. Troy Carter while also adding a portion of Baton Rouge to it.

In July, Rep. Cleo Fields announced he would not run for reelection in the newly redrawn district, which Cook Political Report rated as going from Solid D to Solid R overnight. Fields instead is running for State Senate.

Rep. Troy Carter, whose run for reelection in LA-02 is rated Solid D, will now represent Louisiana’s one remaining majority Black district.

Tennessee

Within days of the Callais decision, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee called a special legislative session to “formally review” the state’s congressional map. In the end, the state legislature redrew the state’s map to break up their one Black majority district in and around Memphis (TN-09) by splitting the predominantly Black city among three congressional districts.

The district has been represented by Rep. Steve Cohen (D-TN) for almost twenty years, but the aggressive redraw led Cohen, who had already been facing a primary challenge from State Rep. Justin Pearson, to announce in July that he would not seek reelection, saying, “I don’t want to quit. I’m not a quitter. But these districts were drawn to beat me.”

And of course, this is exactly what Republicans sought to do with the new maps.

Per PBS News,

Nearly two-thirds of Memphis residents are Black, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. The demographics represented under the old 9th District map, which included Memphis, were similar, with about 60% of the residents being Black, while 23% were white, according to the nonprofit Census Reporter.

Now, 58% of residents in the new district are white and 32% Black, according to Cook Political Report analysis of census data.

As a result, per The AP, “Cohen predicted it would be nearly impossible for Tennessee Democrats to win a seat in Congress with the new districts.” And sure enough, Cook Political Report now rates the district—which went for Trump in 2024 by 21 percent and has a partisan voting index of R+9— “Solid Republican” along with every single other Tennessee congressional district.

But as Cohen observed in his remarks to The AP,

[T]here was a chance the redistricting effort could “backfire on the Republicans” but that would require an “unbelievable registration effort among Democrats” and a massive vote turnout.

And that’s precisely what State Rep. Justin Pearson, who won the nomination for the newly redrawn TN-09 in August, is counting on. According to Tennessee Lookout,

Pearson’s campaign released an internal poll in September showing him trailing Taylor 48% to 44% in a head-to-head matchup.

While TN-09 is a solid R district, in 2018, Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) only won this district by half a percentage point. And despite winning the district in 2024 by more than 20 points, Trump’s approval rating is down to 47 percent there.

The DCCC added the race to its slate of “Districts In Play,” and Pearson is up on the air with a powerful ad targeting his opponent over data centers.

The Trump Four

North Carolina

Despite being a purple state—having elected Democrats at the statewide level in 2024 and voting for Donald Trump by only 3 points—North Carolina Republicans currently hold 10 of the state’s 14 congressional seats thanks to multiple brazen map redraws since the 2020 census.

And after Trump called for red states to eke out even more Republican congressional seats for the 2026 midterms, North Carolina Republicans became the first red state to ask, “How high?”

In October 2025, the legislature passed a new congressional map targeting Rep. Don Davis (D-NC) in the state’s first district.

According to WUNC,

Under the maps used in 2024, Republicans held a clear advantage in 10 of the state’s Congressional districts, Democrats held it in three and the 1st Congressional District was effectively a toss-up.

U.S. Rep. Don Davis, a moderate Democrat, won that district in 2022 and 2024.

As WUNC explained,

In the version of the 1st District used in 2024, about 40% of voters were Black. That will decline to about 32% in the new map, with significant Black populations in Greene, Lenoir, Wayne and Wilson counties moving to the 3rd District.

The current map “shifts about 500,000 people in eastern North Carolina between the 1st and 3rd Districts to give the GOP an advantage in the 1st.”

By cracking and packing the 1st District to get rid of Davis, who is Black, Republicans created a district that is more favorable to Republicans but not overly so. According to Larry Sabato’s Crystal Ball, in this environment, this R+5 district is rated a “Toss-up.”

The DCCC just released a tough new ad against Davis’s opponent Lisa Buckhout, calling her out for trying to get out of a DUI arrest.

And House Majority PAC has announced a $2.5 million ad buy in support of Davis in the district.

But NC-01 may not be the only gerrymander backfire in North Carolina this year. As Cardinal and Pine editor Billy Ball explained,

But the gerrymandering arms race could have unintended consequences, making some supposedly “safe” seats in North Carolina less safe in the 2026 election. One of those races that’s flying under the radar is NC Congressional District 3, where Republican incumbent Greg Murphy is facing Democrat (and former NC lawmaker) Raymond Smith Jr.

Recent polling has that race within the margin of error.

Additionally, the open Republican seat in NC-11—which was abandoned by scandal-plagued Chuck Edwards earlier this year—is currently rated a “Toss-Up” by the Cook Political Report, which notes:

Even though the new GOP nominee, state Rep. Jennifer Balkcom, lacks Rep. Chuck Edwards’ baggage, she’s not nearly as well-known as Democrats’ nominee, Jamie Ager. And Republicans have limited time left to introduce Balkcom to voters.

As outgoing Senator Thom Tillis warned his fellow North Carolina Republicans, “be careful what you wish for.”

Ohio

When the bipartisan Ohio Redistricting Commission voted unanimously to approve gerrymandered maps that favor Republicans in 12 of the state’s 15 congressional districts last year (seeking to net +2 seats over the current 10R-5D delegation at Donald Trump’s behest,) Democrats widely saw it as the best outcome among many worse ones.

As Democratic Senate Minority Leader Nickie Antonio said at the time,

This is not the congressional map that Ohioans deserve, however, I do believe with this map we have averted a disaster.

According to the Ohio Capital Journal

Democratic U.S. Rep. Shontel Brown’s 11th district sees the biggest advantage in her party via the new map, at 78%.

U.S. Reps. Marcy Kaptur, Greg Landsman, and Emilia Sykes would all see significant impacts to their districts.

Landsman’s 1st district would lean Republican with a 54% to 47% breakdown.

Sykes’ 13th district would lean Democratic, 52% to 48% Republican, according to data provided by the commission.

Kaptur’s 9th district would lean Republican with a 54.5% to 45.5% Republican to Democratic ratio. In a statement following the vote, Kaptur said gerrymandering “diminishes our state’s stature even as population stagnates.”

But with the current pro-Democratic environment in Ohio—where both Sherrod Brown running for Senate and Amy Acton running for Governor are favored in November—the state’s attempt to flip those two additional seats red may fail in the end.

Cook Political Report currently rates Marcy Kaptur’s race in OH-09 a “Toss-Up” (shifted from Leans R) and Greg Landsman’s race in OH-01 a “Lean Democratic” (shifted from Toss-up.)

And thanks to a high profile scandal in which incumbent Rep. Max Miller is facing domestic abuse allegations involving his ex-wife and two-year-old daughter, Democrats may actually be able to pick up the formerly safe OH-07 seat, currently rated a “Toss-up.”

National Democrats are acting accordingly. The DCCC recently released a poll showing Kaptur in a dead heat. They also just went up with their first ad on behalf of Landsman in the Cincinnati market. And Democrat Brian Poindexter, running against Miller in OH-07, has been added to their Red to Blue slate.

Texas and Florida

Republicans’ most aggressive redistricting of the cycle in response to Trump’s call for more seats took place, unsurprisingly, in Trump strongholds Texas and Florida.

Last August, Texas Republicans passed their newly drawn maps designed to net five more seats for Republicans and turn their R25-D13 state into R30-D8. While it was instantly challenged in court, the Supreme Court gave Texas Republicans the go-ahead in December.

As Democracy Docket noted at the time, “The Court concluded that Texas had engaged in a partisan — as opposed to an illegal racial — gerrymander.”

In Florida, it took Governor DeSantis and his loyal state lawmakers until April 2026 to pass their new map, which was designed to net four new Republican seats, hoping to turn the state from R20-D8 to R24-D4.

In both cases, though, Republicans have expressed concerns that these new maps could spread Republican voters so thin that the redraw could backfire in a particularly Democratic year.

As ABC News reported after Florida passed its maps,

Some Republican members of Florida’s U.S. House delegation had previously expressed concerns that a map redraw could backfire for the GOP, weakening incumbents while galvanizing Democratic voters.

Now, that fear seems to becoming reality as top tier close races for Senate and Governor in both states are causing a headache for Republicans.

As The Independent put it bluntly in its recent headline:

Trump’s desperate gerrymandering scheme backfires in Texas and Florida as voters sour on GOP

As that paper put it,

The GOP aimed to gain as many as nine congressional seats across Texas and Florida. Yet despite redrawing boundary lines to favor their candidates, the party is struggling under voter dissatisfaction over the economy, tariffs, the president’s deportation agenda, and the conflict with Iran.

And…

GOP strategists in Washington acknowledge that economic pressures, including inflation and Trump’s tariffs, alongside the military involvement in Iran, have complicated their electoral strategy. Additionally, frustration among Latino voters over the president’s deportation agenda has unsettled GOP projections.

Whoops!

Take one example in TX-34:

Former federal prosecutor and Army National Guard infantry captain Eric Flores was considered a top recruit for the Republican Party in this year’s midterm elections. A newly redrawn Texas congressional map appeared to give him a clear shot at unseating longtime Democratic Rep. Vicente Gonzalez in a district that backed Donald Trump during the last presidential election.

However, Flores is now entangled in a far tougher contest than expected. Republican-led state legislatures followed Trump’s call to undertake an unusual redistricting push to preserve their majority in the U.S. House, but the strategy is facing headwinds.

The Cook Political Report currently rates Flores’ race a “Toss-Up” and calls it “one of the most competitive House races in the country.” No wonder JD Vance traveled to the district to campaign with Flores yesterday.

Another district rated a “Toss-Up” that is proving more difficult than Republicans expected is TX-15, where incumbent Rep. Monica De La Cruz is facing off against Latin pop star Bobby Pulido.

On paper, this district should favor Republicans — it voted for Trump by 18 points in 2024 and three points in 2020, and GOP Rep. Monica De La Cruz won reelection by 14 points. But public and private polling still shows this race is tied — or even Democrat Bobby Pulido, the Tejano singer-songwriter, with a lead.

In a sign that Republicans are worried about Texas, Trump is in Texas and Oklahoma today. And it’s no accident that Vance’s schedule takes him to Florida, where Republicans are looking at a similar level of redistricting backfire.

As The Independent reported,

The GOP map sought to squeeze Rep. Kathy Castor in the Tampa area and Rep. Darren Soto near Orlando, while forcing South Florida Democratic Reps. Jared Moskowitz and Debbie Wasserman Schultz into the same district.

Rather than face a primary against a colleague, Moskowitz relocated his candidacy to an adjacent, Republican-leaning district, while Wasserman Schultz opted to run in a separate, strongly Democratic seat. Though Castor and Soto face tougher paths in their newly configured territories, DelBene maintains that both candidates can win under current conditions.

Cook Political Report currently rates Castor’s FL-14 and Moskowitz’s FL-25 “Toss-Up” races. Both FL-14 and FL-22, where Democrat Pia Dandiya is running in her first race for Congress, have been shifted toward the Democrats from “Leans Republican.” In addition, the DCCC added Dandiya to their Red to Blue program.

The Independent makes clear why Dandiya has a real shot of preventing Republicans from flipping that seat.

Dandiya is contesting Florida’s 22nd Congressional District, a seat Trump carried by double digits in 2024…However, Dandiya points out that Biden won the same set of precincts against Trump in 2020. Describing herself as “a happy road warrior,” she frequently logs more than 150 miles between campaign stops.

Dandiya maintains that voters are focusing on current economic realities rather than past party lines.

“Cost of living is not an issue that is exclusively impacting Democrats. It is an issue that is ubiquitous,” she noted, adding that these financial concerns resonate across the more conservative pockets of her district as well.

Heading Into November

With just one month to go until Election Day, Republicans look highly likely to lose the U.S. House majority. According to Nate Silver’s model, Democrats are 92% favored to win back control of the House. And Democrats have a nine point lead on the generic ballot.

In such an environment, Democrats are on offense and Republicans are back on their heels. And if we just take a look at where each party is devoting resources, it becomes apparent that any perceived advantage Republicans may have gained through redistricting is now providing Democrats with competitive seats to target. Whether it’s Trump and Vance’s travel schedule, or, as Semafor reports today, Democrats’ latest ad buy:

House Democrats are looking confident.

Their campaign arm is rolling out $11 million in ads across 35 districts, including some redrawn by Republicans in Florida, North Carolina, Ohio, and Texas, according to an announcement by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee shared first with Semafor.

Several of the states with the most aggressive gerrymanders this year, namely Ohio, North Carolina, Florida and Texas, also have some of the most competitive Senate and governor races in the nation. In North Carolina, former Governor Roy Cooper has all but secured the Senate seat there. And in Florida, Texas and Ohio, Democratic candidates are over-performing expectations in both the U.S. Senate and governor races.

Another massive Republican miscalculations is playing out in Texas and Florida. As PBS Newshour puts it, “GOP’s big bet on Texas Latino voters could backfire in midterms”:

Texas Republicans redrew the state’s congressional map last year, making a bet that Latino voters who broke for President Trump in 2024 could be the foundation for victory in 2026.

But, as Liz Landers reports, in South Texas, immigration crackdowns and rising everyday costs may be splintering the GOP’s new coalition.

Taken together, Trump’s aggressive gerrymanders are looking increasingly like they won’t save the GOP’s House majority. In fact, if the wave is big enough, these gerrymanders will be viewed in hindsight as “dummymanders,” putting GOP seats into play that could have otherwise remained safely in the red column.

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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

Truth Social: Donald Trump announced the nominations of Philip Aubart to the United States District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina and Todd Butler to the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. Trump also congratulated The Boeing Company regarding the 737 Max, describing the aircraft’s design as an “amazing show of precise and powerful structural planning and design” and attributing its endurance to the “incredible ‘genius’” of the plane.

Government Departments: The State Department congratulated Nigeria and the Republic of Cyprus on their independence anniversaries. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. announced a $10 million prize competition to encourage the implementation of the Presidential Fitness Test. The Treasury Department announced the completion of automatic enrollment for Trump Accounts, with Secretary Scott Bessent describing the effort as a “transformative milestone” for building generational wealth. Additionally, the Treasury and IRS issued proposed regulations for an Education Freedom Tax Credit, which Secretary Bessent stated “marks a new chapter in educational freedom.”

Selected Democratic Officials: Governor Gavin Newsom reported that the CARE Act has reached over 10,000 Californians and launched a new data dashboard. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Senator Chuck Schumer introduced the Restoring Essential Plan Coverage Act to reinstate health coverage for 450,000 New Yorkers, alleging that Republican legislation previously “decimated” the state’s plan. Governor Wes Moore announced an $8 million investment for the Baltimore City 9-1-1 system. Governor Andy Beshear and First Lady Britainy Beshear marked Domestic Violence Awareness Month by highlighting state victim service grants and protective order data. Senator Jon Ossoff announced that the Senate passed the bipartisan Mystic Alerts Act, which he stated will “help upgrade America’s emergency alert systems.”

AI & Tech Companies: No relevant records were found for OpenAI, xAI, Anthropic, Palantir, Google DeepMind, or NVIDIA.

Congressional Watch: No Congressional Record was found for 2026-09-30.

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2. White House News

No White House news found.

3. Truth Social Posts

Trump announced the nomination of Philip Aubart to the United States District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina, describing him as someone who “will not let you down” and will “protect Law and Order.” He noted the nomination of Todd Butler to the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, stating that the people of Mississippi can rely on Butler to “protect the Constitution and the Rule of Law.”

Trump congratulated The Boeing Company for the performance of the 737 Max, which he asserted was able to endure forces and strain “far beyond what it was designed and expected to do.” He characterized the aircraft’s structural planning as an “amazing show of precise and powerful structural planning and design,” and suggested that the company deserves credit for the “incredible ‘genius’” of the plane.

Reference: https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump

4. Government Department News

State Department (state.gov)

Nigeria National Day

On behalf of the United States, the State Department congratulated Nigeria on its 66th independence anniversary. Highlighting Nigeria as “Africa’s largest democracy” and a major economy, the statement emphasized the value the U.S. places on the bilateral relationship. The countries are linked by shared goals, including “mutual democratic principles, the protection of religious freedom, a growing commercial relationship, and a commitment to fostering peace and security.” The U.S. expressed its intent to continue standing with Nigeria in pursuit of regional stability and economic growth.

Cyprus National Day

The United States congratulated the Republic of Cyprus on its 66th independence anniversary, noting a deepening partnership in defense, energy, and economics. The department highlighted a new Memorandum of Understanding to expand the Fulbright English Teaching Assistant Program as a step to increase educational and business ties. Furthermore, the U.S. reaffirmed its support for a “Cypriot-led, UN-facilitated settlement that reunifies the island as a bizonal, bicommunal federation,” in alignment with United Nations Security Council resolutions.

Department of Health and Human Services (hhs.gov)

HHS Launches $10 Million Presidential Fitness School Innovation Challenge

HHS announced a $10 million prize competition to encourage schools and youth organizations to implement the Presidential Fitness Test (PFT). The initiative, supported by the Office of the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition, also includes the launch of Fitness.gov. Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. stated the goal is to “restore a culture of strength, fitness, and healthy competition.” Eligible organizations must register and submit entries by February 5, 2027, with winners expected to be announced in spring 2027.

Treasury Department (home.treasury.gov)

Treasury Announces the Completion of Automatic Enrollment Today for Trump Accounts

The U.S. Department of the Treasury announced the completion of automatic enrollment for Trump Accounts, tax-advantaged investment accounts for children under eighteen. Over 60 million eligible children now have accounts ready to be claimed. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent described the program as a “transformative milestone” in the administration’s effort to help children “build generational wealth.” Parents must claim and manage these accounts via the official app to receive a $1,000 seed contribution.

The Trump Administration Advances the Establishment of America’s First Nationwide School Choice Program

The Treasury and IRS issued proposed regulations for the Education Freedom Tax Credit, a federal program supporting K-12 scholarships. Starting January 1, 2027, taxpayers can claim nonrefundable credits of up to $1,700 for individuals or $3,400 for married couples filing jointly for contributions to Scholarship Granting Organizations. Secretary Scott Bessent stated the program “marks a new chapter in educational freedom.” Officials estimate the program could fund 2.2 million scholarships annually by 2030, aiming to empower families to choose educational options beyond government-imposed barriers.

5. Selected Democratic Officials

Gavin Newsom (gov.ca.gov)

CARE Court implementation and progress are accelerating, reaching more than 10,000 Californians in crisis

Governor Gavin Newsom announced that the CARE Act reached over 10,000 Californians through June 2026, with over 5,400 petitions filed. The Governor also launched the Behavioral Health Public County Profile, a dashboard for tracking behavioral health data and CARE Act progress across all 58 counties. Newsom stated the tool aims to increase transparency, allowing the public to “see what’s working, where the gaps are, and how we can build a system that delivers care, dignity, and hope for everyone.”

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (ocasio-cortez.house.gov)

Representative Ocasio-Cortez and Senator Schumer Introduce Bicameral Legislation to Restore Health Coverage for 450,000 New Yorkers

Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer introduced the Restoring Essential Plan Coverage Act to reinstate health coverage for 450,000 New Yorkers. Proponents allege the Republican “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” decimated the state’s Essential Plan and represents “the largest loss of healthcare in American history.” The legislation seeks to repeal H.R. 1’s eligibility restrictions and provide states the option to expand basic health plan coverage. The bill is supported by the Greater New York Hospital Association and other health organizations.

Wes Moore (governor.maryland.gov)

Governor Moore Visits Emergency Call Center, Highlights State Investments in Public Safety

Governor Moore announced an $8 million state investment to upgrade the Baltimore City 9-1-1 Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) system. Combined with $3.7 million in federal funding, the project aims to replace an aging system and support the new Department of Neighborhood Safety, which routes nonviolent calls to mental health professionals. Additionally, the Maryland 9-1-1 Board approved $868,000 for cybersecurity and training tools. Gov. Moore stated that his “number one priority” is safety and that the administration is “dedicated to an all-of-the-above public safety approach.”

Andy Beshear (governor.ky.gov)

Gov. Beshear, First Lady Highlight Progress Made Against Domestic Violence

To mark Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Gov. Andy Beshear and First Lady Britainy Beshear highlighted state efforts to support survivors and hold offenders accountable. The administration has awarded $189 million in victim service grants since taking office. The Governor launched a website sharing domestic violence data, noting that courts issued over 20,000 protective orders in the past year. ZeroV provided services to nearly 14,500 survivors. The First Lady announced the next “Shop & Share” donation drive is scheduled for Feb. 13, 2027.

JB Pritzker (gov.illinois.gov)

Daily Public Schedule: Thursday, October 1, 2026

Governor Pritzker has no public events scheduled for Thursday, October 1, 2026.

Jon Ossoff (ossoff.senate.gov)

U.S. Senate Passes Sen. Ossoff’s Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen Emergency Alerts

The U.S. Senate unanimously passed the bipartisan Mystic Alerts Act (H.R. 7022), authored by Sens. Jon Ossoff and John Cornyn. The legislation aims to enable emergency alerts via satellite communications when cellular networks fail during natural disasters. The bill, which previously passed the House, now awaits the President’s signature. Sen. Ossoff stated the measure will “help upgrade America’s emergency alert systems to keep Georgia families safe and informed.” Sen. Cornyn noted the bill addresses technology shortfalls exposed by previous flooding events.

6. AI & Tech Company News

No relevant AI & tech company updates found for this date.

7. Congressional Watch

Covers the 2026-09-30 session — the Congressional Record is published with a one-day delay.

No Congressional Record found for 2026-09-30.

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 President Trump signed S. 2398, the “Kay Hagan Tick Reauthorization Act,” into law on September 30, 2026. The White House also reported President Trump announced a $15 billion Mesabi Metallics steel complex in Iowa and First Lady Melania Trump announced six private-sector partnerships, including Adobe and Google, for her Fostering the Future Together initiative. Additionally, the White House claimed Senate Democrats blocked the Stop Insider Trading Act and asserted Republicans are united behind measures requiring photo ID for voting.

President Trump met with President Lee Jae Myung of the Republic of Korea to launch $200 billion in new investments, according to Truth Social. Trump also reported the finalization of new fuel economy standards, the reinstatement of sexual misconduct rules for schools, and a “pocket rescission” to cancel nearly $1 billion in funding for illegal immigrants and race-focused programs. Additionally, Trump highlighted directives from Defense Secretary Hegseth regarding election interference and shared reports criticizing the actions of Jack Smith.

The State Department announced the United States congratulated Tuvalu and Palau on their National Days and the People’s Republic of China on its 77th anniversary. The State Department also reported that the United States convened a G20 Foreign Ministerial, resulting in $470 million in new Ebola-related pledges, and implemented new Cuba sanctions and penalties against individuals linked to Tren de Aragua. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth unveiled six strategic initiatives at Quantico, while Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell announced the conclusion of Operation Inherent Resolve in Iraq. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. launched the SURPASS program for clinical trials, and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced the launch of a new Defaulted Loans Support Center with the Department of Education.

Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 895 to place a $7.5 billion research bond before voters, as well as legislation to regulate artificial intelligence and ban child marriage in California. Governor Wes Moore announced $32 million in ENOUGH Initiative grants to fight child poverty in Maryland and a $17.6 million investment in affordable housing. Governor Andy Beshear highlighted mental health resources and FEMA reimbursements for Kentucky, while Governor JB Pritzker announced that $240 million in energy bill assistance for Illinois households opens for applications on October 1, 2026.

OpenAI reported it disrupted a coordinated “adversarial distillation” campaign that extracted protected model reasoning to improve other models. The company stated it attributed a core cluster of the activity to individuals associated with Moonshot AI and mitigated the campaign through account enforcement and technical controls.

Congressional Watch records for September 29, 2026, indicate the Senate passed several measures, including H.R. 1945 regarding the America’s National Churchill Museum and S. 5045 concerning air quality monitoring. The Senate also failed to pass S.J. Res. 197, which would have disapproved of an HHS rule, and failed to discharge S. Res. 852 concerning Israel’s human rights practices. The House of Representatives was not in session.

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2. White House News

Democrats UNANIMOUSLY Vote AGAINST the Stop Insider Trading Act

The White House states President Trump has called for the passage of the Stop Insider Trading Act to ensure lawmakers cannot “corruptly profit using inside information.” According to the White House, Senate Democrats blocked this legislation, which would prohibit Members of Congress and their families from purchasing individual stocks. The White House claims the bill includes a provision requiring photo ID for voting to “ensure that only American citizens vote in American elections,” while asserting that “Republicans and President Trump are UNITED” behind these measures.

Reference: Original White House release

ICYMI: President Trump Announces Largest-Ever Steel Plant Coming to Iowa

President Donald J. Trump announced a $15 billion Mesabi Metallics steel complex in Iowa, described by the White House as the “largest steel plant ever built in the United States.” The project expects to create 1,750 permanent jobs, support 6,000 construction roles, and generate $95 billion in economic output. Supporters, including Gov. Kim Reynolds and various legislators, lauded the investment as “transformational” and “historic.” Mesabi Metallics CEO Joe Broking stated the facility will provide “high-quality, all-American steel” for critical infrastructure and national defense.

Reference: Original White House release

Congressional Bill S. 2398 Signed into Law

On September 30, 2026, the President signed S. 2398, the “Kay Hagan Tick Reauthorization Act,” into law. According to the White House, the measure “reauthorizes through Fiscal Year 2030, activities to address vector-borne diseases.”

Reference: Original White House release

Adobe, Amazon, Intel, Starlink, Google, and Zoom partner with First Lady Melania Trump’s Fostering the Future Together

First Lady Melania Trump announced six new private-sector partnerships for Fostering the Future Together, including Adobe, Amazon, Intel, Starlink, Google, and Zoom, which committed over $23 million to provide global education, tools, and expertise. The First Lady stated, “Delivering on that mission demands alliances between best-in-class innovators and global leaders.” These initiatives aim to empower children through technology and education. Additionally, the First Lady unveiled 2026 regional events across the G20, ASEAN, Europe, and the Caribbean following the initiative’s Washington DC meeting and UN General Assembly announcements.

Reference: Original White House release

3. Truth Social Posts

Trump met with President Lee Jae Myung of the Republic of Korea in New York to launch $200 billion in new investments, building upon a $350 billion strategic trade and investment deal established last year. This initiative includes a $120 billion nuclear program to construct eight large-scale reactors, a $50 billion Alaska LNG project, and a $22 billion natural gas project in Texas, which Trump stated will create tens of thousands of jobs and provide “transformational change.” Elsewhere, Trump noted that his envoys reported “real progress” and “hope and promise” following meetings at the UN General Assembly. Regarding foreign affairs, Scott Bessent warned that Iran’s economy will have “nothing” left within two weeks, and Trump highlighted that Defense Secretary Hegseth has directed the department to fight foreigners who “meddle” in U.S. elections.

Domestically, the Trump administration finalized new fuel economy standards to support gas-powered vehicles, with the administration asserting that these changes will make new cars cost $1,300 less. Trump also reported the reinstatement of sexual misconduct rules for schools and announced a “pocket rescission” to cancel nearly $1 billion in funding for illegal immigrants and race-focused programs. Additionally, Trump shared his reception at a college football game and noted that the Team USA captain credited him for a Presidents Cup comeback. He also dismissed a “leftist race narrative” regarding a Mississippi hanging case.

Trump critiqued media coverage of his CNN ouster and allegations of spying by Jack Smith, characterizing these actions as a “double standard.” He further highlighted a report claiming Smith’s team ignored attorney-client and speech or debate privileges to pursue him, and shared that a U.S. Senator who sued Smith believes he should be criminally prosecuted.

Reference: https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump

4. Government Department News

State Department (state.gov)

Tuvalu National Day

On September 30, 2026, the United States congratulated the people of Tuvalu on their 48th National Day. The Department of State noted that the bilateral relationship is built on mutual respect and a shared vision for a stable, prosperous Pacific region. The United States expressed its commitment to increasing cooperation regarding regional security, trade, and investment.

Palau National Day

The United States extended congratulations to Palau for its national day on September 30, 2026. Describing Palau as one of its “most trusted partners in the Pacific,” the United States stated that their partnership has strengthened over the past year. The United States reaffirmed its commitment to the Compact of Free Association, pledging to support Palau’s economic growth, regional security efforts, and its leadership in promoting peace and prosperity.

People’s Republic of China National Day

On September 30, 2026, the United States congratulated the people of China regarding the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, which occurs on October 1. The United States extended wishes for “peace, health and happiness in the coming year.”

G20 Chair’s Statement: Ebola Ministerial on Accelerating Collective Action to Defeat Ebola

The United States convened a G20 Foreign Ministerial to address the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Donors announced over $470 million in new pledges, surpassing $2 billion total since May 2026. The U.S. government announced $267 million in new assistance, totaling $887 million in direct aid. Participants discussed challenges such as the virus strain and conflict-affected outbreak areas. Various nations and the World Bank pledged additional funding to support surveillance, treatment units, vaccine development, and health worker training.

U.S. Tightens Cuba Sanctions to Counter Regime Repression

The Department of the Treasury implemented President Trump’s Executive Order 14404 by publishing new Cuba Sanctions Regulations. According to the State Department, these measures aim to increase economic pressure on the Cuban government, its intelligence and military apparatus, and its financial enablers. The administration amended the Cuban Assets Control Regulations to “close loopholes” regarding sanctions evasion and funding for activities it describes as threatening to U.S. national security.

Sanctioning Money Launderers Linked to Tren de Aragua’s Multi-Million-Dollar Theft Scheme

The United States sanctioned 11 targets linked to the organization Tren de Aragua (TdA), including 10 individuals involved in an alleged ATM theft scheme and one alleged leader tied to illicit gold mining. The Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control implemented the sanctions. The State Department stated the action targets those who exploit U.S. financial institutions and noted that the U.S. is “coming for you and your assets” under the leadership of President Trump.

Department of War (war.gov)

Secretary Hegseth Announces Six Major Initiatives at Quantico Speech

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth unveiled six strategic initiatives, including the formation of the Autonomous Warfare Command, a new Corps of Cadets, and the “FORTRESS” readiness program. Other efforts include the Next Great American Base project, the Office of Religious Affairs, and Project Meridian. The Secretary stated these reforms aim to prioritize “lethality, the warfighters, and rapid modernization.” The Autonomous Warfare Command is scheduled to stand up by October 1, 2027, as a 4-star functional combatant command to scale autonomous capabilities across the Joint Force.

Readout of 17th U.S.-Qatar Military Consultative Commission and 21st U.S.-Bahrain Military Consultative Committee

Deputy Assistant Secretary of War Michael P. DiMino IV co-chaired military consultative meetings in Qatar and Bahrain from September 20-25. Discussions focused on regional security, interoperability, and defensive capabilities. Qatar agreed to examine the expansion of maintenance facilities for common platforms and cooperation on critical minerals. Bahrain committed to participating in Task Force Falcon Strike and discussed investing in counter-air capabilities, including the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System.

Statement by Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell on the Conclusion of the U.S. Military Mission in Iraq

Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell announced the formal conclusion of Operation Inherent Resolve in Iraq. According to Parnell, the mission successfully defeated ISIS as an organized military threat over a 12-year campaign. The transition shifts security responsibilities to an Iraqi-led effort, though the Department of War will maintain “targeted training and intelligence support.” Parnell stated the Department expects Iraqi security forces to lead ongoing efforts to suppress ISIS remnants and address regional security challenges.

Contracts for Sept. 30, 2026

The Department of War awarded a $9 billion multiple-award construction contract to 15 companies for work within the Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Northwest, scheduled for completion by September 2034. Raytheon Missiles and Defense received a $511,533,484 modification for AN/SPY-6(V) radar hardware and spares, expected by November 2031. Additionally, Fortress Government Solutions LLC was awarded a $318,811,963 modification for Navy Cyber Supply Chain Risk Management services, with work expected to be completed in September 2030.

Department of Health and Human Services (hhs.gov)

Secretary Kennedy and Lori Taylor Share Pantry Staples on The Real Food Show

Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and The Produce Moms founder Lori Taylor released a new episode of The Real Food Show focusing on affordable pantry staples. The segment demonstrates how ingredients like rice, pasta, oils, and canned goods can be used for budget-friendly meals. Secretary Kennedy stated, “Healthy eating should be simple, affordable, and practical for every American family,” and noted that the show aims to help families “take greater control over what they eat” while restoring the “sacred ritual” of shared meals.

HHS Launches SURPASS and New Efforts to Accelerate Faster, Smarter Clinical Trials

The Department of Health and Human Services, through ARPA-H, launched the Simulation-augmented, Real-time Platform Adaptive Seamless Trials (SURPASS) program. This initiative aims to modernize clinical development by using computational models and real-time analysis to reduce trial timelines, costs, and participant burdens. Secretary Kennedy stated the program addresses “delays, duplication, and unnecessary costs” to help treatments reach patients faster. Along with SURPASS, ARPA-H introduced three projects—STACK, COMMONS, and CINCH—to improve clinical trial infrastructure, patient data contribution, and operational efficiency across the U.S. ecosystem.

Treasury Department (home.treasury.gov)

Treasury Sanctions Financial Network of Foreign Terrorist Organization, Tren de Aragua, After Theft of Millions from U.S. Banks

The Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control designated 10 targets involved in a fraud scheme run by Tren de Aragua (TdA), a Foreign Terrorist Organization. The scheme uses malware to force U.S.-based ATMs to dispense cash. Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent stated the administration will not allow such organizations to “exploit the U.S. financial system.” The action targets leadership, including Anibal Alexander Canelon Aguirre, to disrupt TdA’s financial infrastructure as part of a broader, government-wide effort to address transnational criminal activities.

U.S. Department of the Treasury and U.S. Department of Education Launch New Defaulted Loans Support Center

Treasury and the Department of Education launched the Defaulted Loans Support Center, an online portal designed to help borrowers address defaulted federal student loans. Secretary Scott Bessent described the center as an effort to restore “fiscal responsibility” to the student loan portfolio. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon stated the partnership aims to “break up the federal education bureaucracy.” The portal replaces paper-based processes, allowing users to apply for loan rehabilitation or consolidation online, an initiative framed by the administration as correcting past management failures.

United States Trade Representative (ustr.gov)

Ambassador Greer Delivers Opening Remarks at the 2026 G20 Trade Ministerial

Ambassador Jamieson Greer opened the G20 Trade Ministerial in Milwaukee, marking the United States’ first time hosting the G20 Leaders’ Summit since 2009. Ambassador Greer stated that the U.S. has utilized tariffs and bilateral deals to reduce trade deficits and bolster supply chains. He identified four U.S. Presidency workstreams for the ministerial: the weaponization of food, structural excess capacity, the Most-Favored-Nation principle, and forced labor. He expressed his intent to foster a “clearer sense of urgency and a recognition of the need for action.”

Ambassador Greer’s Opening Remarks at the G20 Trade Ministerial

In his remarks, Ambassador Greer criticized “slavish fidelity to multilateral rules” for causing years of economic drift. He stated that the global trading system faces significant challenges including macroeconomic imbalances, economic coercion, and excess industrial capacity. He argued that the Most-Favored-Nation principle constrains countries’ abilities to respond to distortive policies. Additionally, he asserted that goods produced with forced labor create “unfair competitive conditions” and erode trust in the global trading system, calling for candid discussions to address these systemic issues.

September

This page serves as an archive for USTR speeches and remarks published during September 2026.

Ambassador Greer Issues Statement Following the Ministerial Meeting of the Global Forum on Steel Excess Capacity

Ambassador Jamieson Greer chaired a Global Forum on Steel Excess Capacity (GFSEC) meeting in Milwaukee, where members reached consensus on the “Milwaukee Framework” for joint action. Ambassador Greer credited President Trump’s policies, including tariffs and trade deals, for a “renaissance” in the U.S. steel industry. He encouraged like-minded partners to adopt similar policies to hold nations accountable for global overcapacity. The United States intends to collaborate with GFSEC members to implement the framework and work toward “restoring a global level playing field.”

5. Selected Democratic Officials

Gavin Newsom (gov.ca.gov)

Governor Newsom Signs Final Legislative Session Bill to Invest in Research

Governor Newsom signed Senate Bill 895, which places a $7.5 billion science and health research bond before voters in March 2028. The measure aims to fund research in fields including medicine, climate change, and wildfire prevention, and includes $1 billion for infrastructure at the University of California and California State University systems. Senator Scott Wiener stated the bill is a “bold step to protect science,” while UAW International President Shawn Fain described the action as a way to “keep discovery moving.”

Governor Newsom Announces Appointments

Governor Newsom announced four state appointments. Jason Kenney was appointed Director of the Department of General Services. Patricia Barahona and Jose Cisneros were reappointed to the Board of Trustees of the State Bar of California. Ajay Bhutoria was appointed to the Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors and Geologists. The appointments of Kenney, Barahona, and Cisneros require Senate confirmation.

Governor Newsom Issues Legislative Update 9.30.2026

Governor Newsom announced the signing of numerous bills, including AB 40 regarding environmental impact reports for coal handling and storage, AB 635 concerning the Mobilehome Residency Law Protection Program, and AB 706, which relates to the FOREST and Wildfire Prevention Fund Act. The signed legislation also addresses topics such as school athletics, child abuse reporting, and nondiscrimination policies.

Governor Newsom Expands AI Framework with New Worker and Consumer Protections

Governor Newsom signed legislation to regulate artificial intelligence in the workplace, healthcare, and consumer sectors. New laws require human review for automated employment decisions, mandate digital watermarking transparency, and protect likeness rights against AI-generated deepfakes. The Governor also issued an executive order regarding the terminology of artificial intelligence. California Federation of Labor Unions President Lorena Gonzalez stated the bills help “put guardrails on AI at work” to ensure human oversight.

Governor Newsom Proclaims a Day of Remembrance for Indian Boarding Schools

Governor Newsom proclaimed September 30, 2026, as “A Day of Remembrance for Indian Boarding Schools.” The proclamation acknowledges the legacy of federally funded, church-run institutions that sought to assimilate Native American children and caused lasting trauma. It notes that 13 such schools were established in California and encourages citizens to reflect on the victims and survivors of this era, characterized by the Governor as a policy to “kill the Indian, save the man.”

Governor Newsom Signs Bill to Ban Child Marriage

Governor Newsom signed AB 1267, which sets the minimum marriage and domestic partnership age in California at 18 and eliminates provisions allowing for parental consent. Sponsored by Unchained at Last and the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls, the law aims to protect minors from potentially coercive relationships. Advocate Courtney Stodden, who joined the signing, stated, “Governor Newsom’s action today made clear to me and to survivors of child marriage everywhere that we should never have been expected to carry this burden.”

Wes Moore (governor.maryland.gov)

Governor Moore Announces Historic Funding to Fight Child Poverty Through the ENOUGH Initiative

Governor Wes Moore announced $32 million in ENOUGH Initiative grants to support community-led anti-poverty projects in 30 communities. The administration also awarded $10 million in Produce Rx grants to improve nutrition in these areas. According to the Governor, the initiative represents “a new way of governing that empowers communities.” The program has reportedly leveraged $360 million total through state and private partnerships. Special Secretary Carmel Martin stated the all-of-government approach helps “support a positive trajectory for all of Maryland’s children.”

Moore-Miller Administration Announces $17.6 Million Investment to Create or Preserve 555 Affordable Housing Units

Governor Moore and the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development announced $17.6 million in funding and tax credits to support seven affordable housing projects. These awards aim to create or preserve 555 rental units across seven counties and Baltimore City. The projects must meet 2026 Qualified Allocation Plan requirements and close financing within 12 months. Secretary Jake Day noted the awards support the administration’s goal to “make Maryland a more affordable place to live” by addressing housing affordability and availability crises.

Andy Beshear (governor.ky.gov)

Gov. Beshear Highlights Continued Support for Kentuckians’ Mental Health

On the final day of Suicide Prevention Month, Gov. Beshear emphasized mental health resources for Kentuckians, noting that the number of licensed mental health professionals has nearly doubled during his administration. He cited the state’s three-digit crisis hotline, which has fielded 305,000 interactions since 2022. The Governor also noted that he recently signed legislation to cover eating disorder treatments and establish a psychiatric collaborative care model, while Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman highlighted successful initiatives aimed at supporting student mental health.

Gov. Beshear: $21.9 Million in Federal FEMA Reimbursements Secured for More Than 30 Kentucky Communities and Organizations

Gov. Beshear announced that his administration secured over $21.9 million in federal FEMA disaster funds to reimburse various Kentucky cities, counties, and utilities for costs related to severe weather events between 2019 and 2026. Additionally, the Bowling Green-Warren County Community Hospital Corporation will receive more than $4.7 million for COVID-19 protective measures. The Governor stated that this federal support is essential and that he remains committed to ensuring the delivery of all funds promised to the commonwealth.

Gov. Beshear: Speed Kentucky To Open New $1.47 Million Manufacturing and Distribution Facility in Owsley County, Creating 60 Full-Time Jobs

Speed Kentucky LLC plans to invest $1.47 million in a new Owsley County facility for the assembly and distribution of utility task vehicles, creating 60 full-time jobs. Gov. Beshear described the project as a “major win” and the largest investment announcement on record for the county. Cofounders Jimmy Lewis and Robby Gordon intend for the site to serve as an operational footprint for the Eastern United States, supporting both current models and a new utility vehicle expected in late summer 2027.

Gov. Beshear: RISING Documentary Now Streaming on Tubi

The documentary *RISING*, which chronicles the rebuilding process in Eastern Kentucky following the 2022 floods, is now available for free streaming on Tubi. The film documents the effort to relocate survivors to high-ground communities, eight of which are currently in progress or complete. Gov. Beshear stated that the film highlights the resilience of Eastern Kentuckians and offers hope to others affected by natural disasters. Proceeds from prior film screenings have raised over $48,000 for disaster relief efforts.

Gov. Beshear Celebrates Grand Opening of Robert E. Spiller Bowling Green Veterans Center

Gov. Beshear opened the $53 million, 80,000-square-foot Robert E. Spiller Bowling Green Veterans Center, a skilled nursing facility featuring 60 private suites that is expected to create 152 jobs. The center, named for the late Col. Robert E. Spiller, is the state’s fifth such facility for veterans. Additionally, the Governor announced an executive order to fast-track Commercial Driver’s Licenses for current and former service members by waiving the written exam, which he described as an action to remove employment barriers for veterans.

JB Pritzker (gov.illinois.gov)

Gov. Pritzker Reminds Illinoisans to Apply for Energy Bill Assistance

Governor JB Pritzker announced that $240 million is available for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to help families with utility costs. Applications open October 1, 2026, for seniors, individuals with disabilities, families with children five or younger, and households facing utility disconnection. All other eligible households may apply starting November 1, 2026. Governor Pritzker stated, “No working family should have to decide between heating their home and putting food on the table.” Last year, the program supported 360,500 households.

Daily Public Schedule: Wednesday, September 30, 2026

Governor JB Pritzker has no public events scheduled for Wednesday, September 30, 2026.

6. AI & Tech Company News

OpenAI (openai.com)

Disrupting a coordinated model-distillation campaign

OpenAI identified a campaign involving “adversarial distillation,” where operators extracted protected model reasoning to train or improve other models. This activity, observed from early July until its disruption on July 28, involved manipulating interactions to bypass safety boundaries. OpenAI attributes a core cluster of this activity to individuals associated with Moonshot AI. The company mitigated the campaign through account enforcement and technical controls, and shared findings via the Frontier Model Forum to help industry partners strengthen defenses against this evolving security challenge.

7. Congressional Watch

Covers the 2026-09-29 session — the Congressional Record is published with a one-day delay.

Senate

The Senate conducted routine proceedings and passed numerous bills and resolutions, including legislation concerning public lands and health awareness. Senators also held votes on motions to proceed to the consideration of specific measures regarding health regulations and international human rights.

• S. Res. 917 — Expresses support for designating September as Dystonia Awareness Month [Agreed to]

• H.R. 1945 — Designates the America’s National Churchill Museum National Historic Landmark [Passed]

• H.R. 1550 — Redesignates Saratoga National Historical Park as Saratoga National Battlefield Park [Passed]

• H.R. 3620 — Conveys property to the Southcentral Foundation in Anchorage, Alaska [Passed]

• S. 3383 — Makes improvements to the Act of August 9, 1955 [Passed]

• S. 3219 — Transfers federal land into trust for Indian Pueblos in New Mexico [Passed]

• S. 5045 — Modifies air quality monitoring for prescribed fires under the Clean Air Act [Passed]

• S. 528 — Reauthorizes the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative [Passed]

• S. 1574 — Includes Tribal courts as courts of competent jurisdiction under the Stored Communications Act [Passed]

• H.R. 5284 — Updates Social Security Administration terminology in rules and regulations [Passed]

• H.R. 1190 — Expands access to capital for rural-area small businesses [Passed]

• S. 5600 — Reauthorizes the Traumatic Brain Injury program [Passed]

• S. Res. 922 — Designates October 26, 2026, as the Day of the Deployed [Agreed to]

• S. Res. 923 — Expresses support for designating October 4–10, 2026, as National 4–H Week [Agreed to]

• S. Res. 924 — Designates October 7, 2026, as Energy Efficiency Day [Agreed to]

• S. Res. 925 — Designates September 2026 as National Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month [Agreed to]

• S. Res. 926 — Designates September 2026 as National Literacy Month [Agreed to]

• S. Res. 662 — Honors the life of Nicholas Douglas Quets and condemns cartel violence [Agreed to]

• H.R. 1744 — Extends appropriations for the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom [Passed]

• H.R. 10159 — Authorizes land conveyance at Fort Bragg for a veterans’ State home [Passed]

• S.J. Res. 197 — Disapproves of the HHS rule regarding the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act [Failed (48 yeas to 51 nays)]

• S. Res. 852 — Requests information on Israel’s human rights practices [Failed to discharge committee (47 yeas to 51 nays)]

House of Representatives

The House of Representatives was not in session on September 29, 2026.

• None — No legislative activity occurred [N/A]

Committee Highlights

• Senate - Committee on Armed Services — Examined an update on Golden Dome

• Senate - Committee on the Judiciary — Examined Jack Smith’s authority

• Senate - Committee on the Judiciary — Examined the United States Patent and Trademark Office

• Senate - Select Committee on Intelligence — Received a closed briefing on intelligence matters

Coming Up

The Senate will meet on September 30, 2026, to vote on cloture motions for the Stop Insider Trading Act, the Ratepayer Protection Act, and the nomination of Keith Sonderling. The House of Representatives will meet in pro forma session on October 1, 2026.

Reference: Congressional Daily Digest — 2026-09-29

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 President Donald J. Trump signed executive orders to eliminate invasive ticks and mosquitoes using “safe and effective, non-chemical, and technology-enabled methods” and to replace the term “Artificial Intelligence” with “Super Intelligence” throughout the executive branch. Additionally, the White House launched America.gov as a “unified digital front door to the Federal Government” and announced the 2026 Fall Garden Tours for October 17–18. The White House states that the “Super Intelligence” terminology captures the “transformative capabilities” of these technologies.

The State Department sanctioned eight entities and five individuals for Iranian weapons procurement, as well as 21 individuals and 25 entities linked to the Sinaloa Cartel. The Department of War awarded a $20 billion contract to Boeing for the F/A-XX Strike Fighter and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth directed military academies to halt tenured civilian faculty appointments to address “academic stagnation and complacency.” The Treasury Department, led by Secretary Scott Bessent, convened the Financial Stability Oversight Council to review economic conditions and sanctioned parties associated with the Iranian Ministry of Defense and the Sinaloa Cartel.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore announced a $9 million federal grant to build a statewide student career exploration system. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear ordered flags to half-staff to honor Trooper Hayden W. Phillips, announced $85 million in federal funding for the Somerset Northern Bypass, and signed an order waiving the written test for Commercial Driver’s Licenses for eligible military personnel. U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff reported he is investigating Georgia patients’ accounts of insurance company delays and denials of care.

OpenAI introduced GPT-6.1 Sol, which the company states offers an “unmatched combination of speed and affordability.” Anthropic researchers reported that Zhipu AI’s GLM-5.3 model can “autonomously build end-to-end cyber exploits.” Anthropic noted that NIST’s Center for AI Standards and Innovation characterizes the model as “the most cyber-capable open-weight model released to date,” following observed tests where the model identified unknown vulnerabilities in a web browser engine.

On September 28, 2026, the Senate passed several measures, including S. 4668, the Protect College Sports Act, by a vote of 77 to 22, and H.R. 10167, to discontinue minting pennies. The Senate also passed legislation to reauthorize the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act of 2002 and to impose sanctions regarding forced organ harvesting in China. The House of Representatives held a two-minute pro forma session and transacted no legislative business. The Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe examined the protection of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.

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2. White House News

Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Eliminates Disease-Carrying Pests and Restores Enjoyment of The Great Outdoors

President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order to eliminate invasive ticks and mosquitoes within Washington, D.C.’s federal jurisdiction using “safe and effective, non-chemical, and technology-enabled methods.” The White House states this order also invests in pioneering pest control nationwide to address populations that “spread debilitating diseases across America.” Furthermore, the White House reports President Trump is “committed to Making America Healthy Again” and “leading the world in Gold Standard Science,” through various initiatives originating from Washington, D.C. to keep the nation “healthy, safe, and beautiful.”

Reference: Original White House release

Eliminating Disease-Carrying Pests And Restoring Enjoyment Of The Great Outdoors

The White House announced a policy to suppress tick and mosquito populations, stating these pests are “among the deadliest animals worldwide.” By 2028, federal agencies must implement a campaign in D.C. to reduce invasive mosquito populations by 90 percent and ticks by 50 percent. The order mandates the development of “commonsense, non-chemical, technology-enabled measures,” including biotechnologies and sterile insect techniques. Additionally, the administration will prioritize diagnostics and treatments for associated diseases, explore alpha-galactose food labeling, and advance regulatory frameworks for novel control methods.

Reference: Original White House release

Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Inaugurates The Era of Super Intelligence

President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order replacing the term “Artificial Intelligence” with “Super Intelligence” throughout the executive branch to reflect the “limitless promise” of advancing technologies. The White House states that the United States is the “world leader in Super Intelligence” and maintains that the Federal government should adopt a name reflecting the “full promise and opportunity” of these technologies. According to the White House, President Trump acted to ensure the nation “leads and wins” while securing the “vast economic benefits” of Super Intelligence for Americans.

Reference: Original White House release

Inaugurating The Era Of Super Intelligence

The White House issued an executive order requiring the executive branch to replace the terms “Artificial Intelligence” and “AI” with “Super Intelligence” and “SI.” The White House states that “Super Intelligence” more appropriately captures the “transformative capabilities” and “limitless opportunities” of these technologies. Under this directive, agencies must adopt this terminology in official communications and documents. Additionally, the Assistant to the President for Science and Technology must propose a federal definition for “Super Intelligence” within 60 days to reflect its “promise, potential, and rapidly advancing capabilities.”

Reference: Original White House release

First Lady Melania Trump Announces 2026 Fall Garden Tours

The White House announced the 2026 Fall Garden Tours, occurring October 17 from 10:00 AM–4:30 PM and October 18 from 10:00 AM–2:30 PM. The event, described by the White House as “rich in history and tradition,” allows public access to the South Lawn, Rose Garden, and other grounds. Free, timed tickets are required and will be distributed daily by the National Park Service at the White House Visitor Center starting at 8:30 AM. Visitors may check the status of the event by calling (202) 456-7040.

Reference: Original White House release

Streamlining Access to Government Services Through America.gov

The White House has ordered the establishment of America.gov, a “unified digital front door to the Federal Government” designed to simplify access to services. President Trump states the initiative aims to provide a “secure, intelligent, and service-oriented point of entry” for users. The order directs agencies to integrate “covered services” and Login.gov into the platform while maintaining data privacy and agency autonomy. The initiative is intended to allow the government to “do its own paperwork” without becoming the exclusive method for accessing federal services.

Reference: Original White House release

Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Streamlines Access to Government Services Through America.gov

President Donald J. Trump launched America.gov, a digital portal for accessing Federal services and information, and signed an Executive Order requiring agencies to integrate with the platform. The White House states this initiative aims to make government “easier and more accessible” while prioritizing “innovation and efficiency.” According to the White House, the Administration seeks to ensure programs are “efficient, transparent, and focused on delivering real value to taxpayers—making government smaller, smarter, and work for the American people.”

Reference: Original White House release

3. Truth Social Posts

No relevant Truth Social posts found.

4. Government Department News

State Department (state.gov)

United States Disrupts Iran’s Proliferation-Sensitive Efforts in Support of UN Restrictions

The United States is sanctioning eight entities and five individuals involved in Iran’s procurement and proliferation of weapons. The State Department states this action supports Operation Economic Outcast, responding to Iran’s “significant non-performance” of nuclear commitments and violations of restored UN measures. Additionally, the Rewards for Justice program is offering up to $15 million for information to disrupt the financial mechanisms of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The U.S. calls on UN member states to fulfill their binding obligations to stop Iranian proliferation.

Sanctioning Sinaloa Cartel Leaders and Corrupt Enablers in Baja California

The U.S. government is sanctioning 21 individuals and 25 entities associated with the Sinaloa Cartel, including leader Ismael Zambada Sicairos. According to the State Department, these designations target networks involved in fentanyl trafficking and corruption in Baja California, where officials allegedly accepted bribes to protect cartel operations. The Narcotics Rewards Program is offering up to $5 million each for information leading to the arrest or conviction of three cartel leaders: Alfonso Arzate Garcia, Rene Arzate Garcia, and Juan Jose Ponce Felix.

Department of War (war.gov)

Department of War and U.S. Navy Award Contract for F/A-XX Program

The Department of War and the U.S. Navy awarded a contract valued at over $20 billion to Boeing for the full-scale development of the Sixth-Generation F/A-XX Strike Fighter. The platform is designed to operate with manned and unmanned systems, including Collaborative Combat Aircraft, and will eventually replace legacy F/A-18E/F and EA-18G aircraft. Under Secretary of War for Acquisition and Sustainment Michael P. Duffey stated the F/A-XX is a “critical pillar” for maintaining “peace through strength” and achieving “absolute air superiority.”

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth Signs Directive Halting Tenured Civilian Positions at U.S. Military Service Academies

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has directed Military Departments to immediately stop appointing civilian faculty to tenured positions at U.S. Military Service Academies. The Department of War stated this reform aims to address “academic stagnation and complacency” that it claims threatens the academies’ focus on “warfighting and tactical dominance.” The Department intends to replace tenure with new hiring policies intended to increase faculty flexibility and prioritize contributions to the warfighting mission to ensure future officers are prepared for the “modern battlefield.”

Treasury Department (home.treasury.gov)

Financial Stability Oversight Council Meeting on September 29, 2026

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent convened the Financial Stability Oversight Council to discuss financial stability monitors, including equity, debt, and macroeconomic trends. The Council reviewed household financial conditions and fraud-prevention efforts, as well as banking regulatory reforms from federal agencies. The Council approved its fiscal year 2027 budget of $9,337,069 and meeting minutes from July 15, 2026. Treasury noted that while the financial system “remains resilient and poised to support economic growth,” the Council will continue monitoring for stability considerations.

Operation Economic Outcast Takes Down Iranian Military Procurement Networks

The Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned 10 individuals and entities for procuring weapons components for Iran’s Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics (MODAFL). Secretary Scott Bessent stated the action aims to “disrupt those who provide material, technological, or financial support” to the Iranian regime. Designated parties include representatives and companies in China, Pakistan, and Iran. Treasury warned that entities facilitating sanctions evasion for Iran risk being “cut off from the U.S. financial system” under Operation Economic Outcast.

Treasury Sanctions Sinaloa Cartel Leadership and Corruption Networks

OFAC sanctioned 46 individuals and entities associated with the Sinaloa Cartel, including leader Ismael Zambada Sicairos (”Mayito Flaco”). Secretary Scott Bessent stated the administration will “identify and disrupt any cartel actor who threatens our security.” The action follows an investigation into the cartel’s leadership and corruption networks, conducted with the Homeland Security Task Force. These designations target individuals involved in drug trafficking and money laundering, pursuant to Executive Orders 14059 and 13224, as part of an effort to address cartel activities near the U.S.-Mexico border.

5. Selected Democratic Officials

Wes Moore (governor.maryland.gov)

Maryland Awarded $9 Million Federal Grant to Build Student Career Exploration System

Gov. Moore announced a $9 million, three-year federal grant to develop a statewide career exploration system for over 600,000 students. The platform will facilitate six-year plans for students in grades 7 through 12 using a “learner wallet” to document skills and credentials. According to Gov. Moore, the initiative aims to build “the best education system in the nation” by connecting students to higher education and workforce opportunities. More than half of the funding will go to school districts, with full participation expected by 2029.

Andy Beshear (governor.ky.gov)

Gov. Beshear Orders Flags to Half-Staff Sunday in Honor of Kentucky State Trooper

Gov. Andy Beshear ordered state flags to be lowered to half-staff on Sunday, Oct. 4, to honor Kentucky State Police Trooper Hayden W. Phillips, who died in the line of duty on Sept. 28. Phillips, 28, served at Post 3 in Bowling Green. A funeral service is scheduled for noon at Western Kentucky University’s E.A. Diddle Arena. Gov. Beshear stated, “Trooper Hayden Phillips was a hero who sacrificed everything protecting our people and our commonwealth, and it is our sacred duty to honor him.”

Gov. Beshear: $85 Million Secured To Fund Somerset Northern Bypass

Gov. Beshear announced $85 million in federal INFRA grant funding for the Somerset Northern Bypass. The project will construct an eight-mile, four-lane highway to extend the Louie B. Nunn Cumberland Expressway. According to the Governor, the bypass aims to improve safety, reduce traffic, and support economic growth for communities from Paducah to Pikeville. Transportation Secretary Rebecca Goodman stated the project supports the “vision to improve safety, ease congestion, support the economy, and create better connections in South-Central Kentucky.”

Gov. Beshear Removes Employment Barrier for Veterans and Active-Duty Military; Fast-Tracks Commercial Driver’s Licenses

Gov. Beshear signed an order waiving the written test for Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs) for eligible military personnel who have operated commercial-style vehicles within the past two years. The measure is intended to assist service members’ transition to civilian employment. Transportation Secretary Rebecca Goodman stated the action allows military members to “translate valuable military training and driving experience into a credential that opens doors for careers.” Gov. Beshear noted the initiative is part of his administration’s “sacred duty” to support military members and their families.

JB Pritzker (gov.illinois.gov)

Daily Public Schedule: Tuesday, September 29, 2026

Governor Pritzker has no public events scheduled for Tuesday, September 29, 2026.

Jon Ossoff (ossoff.senate.gov)

11Alive: “Gwinnett woman highlights struggles with health insurance authorization”

U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff is conducting an investigation into reports from Georgia patients regarding insurance company delays and denials of medically necessary care. According to the senator, these issues have resulted in “untreated life-threatening conditions” and “severe financial hardship.” A recent 11Alive report highlighted a Gwinnett woman’s experience with prior authorization struggles. Sen. Ossoff’s investigation previously detailed patient reports of delayed care and increased costs following the loss of ACA tax credits, with some patients citing a complete loss of insurance coverage.

6. AI & Tech Company News

OpenAI (openai.com)

Addendum: GPT‑6.1 Sol Safety

OpenAI introduced GPT-6.1 Sol, the newest model in the GPT-6 series. The company states the model offers capabilities similar to GPT-6 Astra while providing an “unmatched combination of speed and affordability.” Under the OpenAI Preparedness Framework, GPT-6.1 Sol is categorized as Critical for cybersecurity and High for biological and chemical capability. Consequently, the model utilizes the same safeguards stack as GPT-6 Astra. This addendum provides updated baseline safety metrics and evaluation results for the system.

Anthropic (anthropic.com)

GLM-5.3 and the spread of advanced cyber capabilities

Anthropic researchers report that the Zhipu AI model GLM-5.3 possesses “strong capabilities for autonomously building end-to-end cyber exploits.” Unlike Claude Mythos Preview, the authors state GLM-5.3 lacks “meaningful safeguards,” noting attackers can bypass existing protections in 64% to 100% of simulated tests. NIST’s Center for AI Standards and Innovation characterizes the model as “the most cyber-capable open-weight model released to date.” Anthropic observed GLM-5.3 identify and exploit unknown vulnerabilities in a web browser engine during sandboxed testing.

7. Congressional Watch

Covers the 2026-09-28 session — the Congressional Record is published with a one-day delay.

Senate

The Senate conducted routine proceedings and passed the Protect College Sports Act following the consideration of several amendments. Senators also approved a series of other legislative measures and began the process for considering specific nominations and motions to proceed to floor business.

• S. 4668 — Protect student athletes’ name, image, and likeness rights and establish competition standards [Passed 77 to 22]

• S. Res. 913 — Express condolences regarding the death of former Senator Nancy Kassebaum [Agreed to]

• H.R. 10167 — Discontinue minting pennies and require cash transaction rounding [Passed]

• S. 2339 — Reauthorize the Young Women’s Breast Health Education and Awareness Requires Learning Young Act [Passed]

• H.R. 8205 — Reauthorize the Accelerating Access to Critical Therapies for ALS Act [Passed]

• S. 4009 — Impose sanctions for forced organ harvesting in China [Passed]

• S. 4974 — Amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act regarding food safety [Passed]

• S. 4395 — Reauthorize the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act of 2002 [Passed]

• H.R. 997 — Enable the National Taxpayer Advocate to hire and consult counsel [Passed]

• H.R. 7730 — Modify bankruptcy eligibility requirements [Passed]

• S. Res. 914 — Designate September 2026 as National Cholesterol Education Month [Agreed to]

• S. Res. 915 — Recognize the 50th anniversary of Prison Fellowship [Agreed to]

• S. Res. 916 — Designate the week of September 21, 2026, as Ray Gaesser Memorial Farm Safety Week [Agreed to]

House of Representatives

The House of Representatives held a pro forma session that lasted two minutes. No legislative business was transacted.

• No actions taken — No legislative business conducted [None]

Committee Highlights

• JOINT - Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe — Examined protecting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure

Coming Up

The Senate is scheduled to meet on September 29, 2026, at 10 a.m. The House of Representatives is scheduled to meet for a pro forma session on October 1, 2026, at 11:30 a.m.

Reference: Congressional Daily Digest — 2026-09-28

Court will review practice of indefinite detention for undocumented immigrants living in the US

The US supreme court agreed on Thursday to take up a case challenging the Trump administration’s practice of indefinite detention for undocumented immigrants living in the US and awaiting deportation proceedings.

At the center of the immigration case is a dispute over Donald Trump’s reinterpretation of a longstanding policy that has led to a huge surge in the number of migrants held in detention centers.

Jorge Messias calls Guardian report ‘an important alert for Brazilian sovereignty’ as nation prepares to go to polls

Brazil’s attorney general has said foreign meddling in his country’s institutions and democracy “cannot be tolerated” after a Guardian report revealed how the Trump administration was pushing to direct funds to a campaign against the Brazilian supreme court.

Writing on X, Jorge Messias called the report “an important alert for Brazilian sovereignty”. “The information is especially serious in light of Brazil’s electoral process and the recent episodes of external pressure on our institutions,” Messias added.