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This week, we saw many top-tier Senate candidates take to the debate stage. And it did not go well for Republicans.

Abdul El-Sayed faced off against Mike Rogers and ripped him for being the “champion of big pharma.”

And hoo boy.

Troy Jackson absolutely owned Senator Susan Collins during their debates this week, whether it was this moment…

Or when he repeatedly called her out for voting for Brett Kavanaugh’s nomination.

And the way Jon Ossoff wiped the floor with Mike Collins…

Yaassss.

👏 👏 👏

Meanwhile, Ken Paxton won’t even agree to debate James Talarico.

But now Trump is urging him to 😂

Read more

Democratic Senate candidate’s remarks come as Trump has long baselessly claimed his 2020 election loss was stolen

Democrats must “win by massive numbers” during November’s federal midterm elections because Donald Trump and his Republican allies are bound to try to sow doubt about the integrity of the results, Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed of Michigan said on Sunday.

El-Sayed’s comments on NBC’s Meet the Press came with the Democrats favored to win control of the House of Representatives during the 3 November midterms – and polls show that the party could also win Senate seats in states that traditionally elect Republicans and gain a majority there, too.

A fuel deal with Vladimir Putin, and sanctions against the legal institution, ram home the president’s belief that might is right

On Friday, Donald Trump drove home his belief that might is right and the rule of law is an obstacle rather than an essential foundation stone of international order. First came the escalated assault on the international criminal court (ICC), sanctioning the body itself. Then he announced a deal with Russia to buy diesel.

The US has long chafed at the notion of being bound by the rule of law that it espoused publicly. That hypocrisy now appears as a lesser vice. The president has declared that “my own morality” is all that constrains him. His brazen flouting of the law, embrace of dictators and rhetorical attacks all undermine global standards.

Do you have an opinion on the issues raised in this article? If you would like to submit a response of up to 300 words by email to be considered for publication in our letters section, please click here.

Ukrainian president earlier rejected US call for Kyiv to stop bombing oil refineries, saying Moscow must first end attacks on energy infrastructure

Donald Trump has announced an energy ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia, apparently without consulting Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who said the deal to stop long-range attacks was “news to me”.

In a social media post, the US president claimed the two sides had reached an agreement. “Effective immediately, there is an ENERGY CEASEFIRE in the War between Russia and Ukraine. Both parties have agreed. Do not break it!” he wrote on Truth Social.

Analysts say fuel will take weeks to ship and quantity is too small to affect prices, while full deal is unlikely to be met given damage to Russian refineries

• Trump announces partial ceasefire but Zelenskyy says deal is ‘news to me’

Donald Trump’s deal with Vladimir Putin to temporarily lift sanctions on US imports of Russian diesel will have little “meaningful” effect on motorists and businesses in the US and overseas, energy and foreign policy analysts have predicted.

The US president infuriated Volodymyr Zelenskyy when he announced the deal on Friday, writing on Truth Social that the agreement with his Russia counterpart to supply millions of tonnes of diesel was essential to reduce fuel prices in the US, which have soared after his decision to go to war against Iran.

Sarah Fitzpatrick has a story describing that Kash Patel refuses to tell anyone at the FBI why he’s hopping on a plane to fly to Russia this week.

Current and former FBI officials familiar with the matter told me there was a quiet campaign to urge senior leadership to cancel the trip. When that and other efforts to pass apprehensions up the chain went unanswered, some shared their worries with Congress. Now a pair of senior House Democrats are taking the unusual step of asking the FBI director to scrap the visit, which is reportedly set to begin next week: “In the interest of national security, we ask you to reconsider. Call off this trip,” they wrote in a letter that I obtained. The letter is signed by Representative Jamie Raskin, the ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee, and Representative Jim Himes, the ranking member of the House Intelligence Committee. Patel has not replied to the letter and the FBI has not publicly confirmed his travel plans. Neither the FBI nor the White House responded to my multiple requests for comment.

The story notes that Kash has, with Trump, spent a decade trying to dismiss Russia’s interference in the 2016 election.

But it doesn’t mention that Kash has used his position in the Deep State — first as babysitter for John Ratcliffe, then as FBI Director — to collude with Russian spies to frame Donald Trump’s adversaries, first Hillary Clinton and then more recently Jim Comey.

As Chuck Grassley exposed last year, documents shared with the FBI in 2016 discussed framing Hillary Clinton, based on her criticism of Donald Trump’s coziness with Russia. Kash appears to have discovered the documents when undermining the Russian investigation in 2017; right wingers on HPSCI got a look at them in 2018; and then Kash had John Ratcliffe declassify them in 2020 to create a basis for the John Durham investigation.

But the documents Kash was attempting to use to claim that Hillary tried to frame Trump (which is not what they said anyway) were fabrications. They were fabricated starting on July 26, 2016, to distract from growing discoveries tying Guccifer 2.0 to Russia.

Even though Durham showed they were fabrications (he called them “composites”), Kash kept using those Russian fabrications to try to frame Trump’s adversaries. Jim Comey’s confused answer about the fabrications was one of the things Trump charged Comey for last year. And there’s no way Todd Blanche could charge the Grand Conspiracy without relying on Comey’s confused answer, either.

Last year, after Charlie Savage laid out what I also did — that Kash and John Durham had been chasing Russian fabrications for years — Kash panicked, and endorsed Sean Davis’ propaganda about these reports in an attempt to cling to his use of Russian fabrications.

That’s a problem. For the same reasons I laid out in this video about the misleading way Chuck Grassley declassified the document, it means that when Kash gets on a plane to visit Russian spies this week, they already have his nuts in a vice, because they know — and have proof — that he has been relying on Russian fabrications to frame people.

The entire logic of the Durham Report holds that it is a crime to knowingly rely on Russian disinformation — or false claims at all — to try to frame someone.

That is the crime the FBI Director continues to commit.

And Putin’s spies have proof that is what Kash is doing.

Links

In a Desperate Bid to Survive His Latest Fuck-Up, FBI Director Kash Patel Desperately Clings to Propaganda

John Ratcliffe and Kash Patel — and Durham Himself — Committed the Crime John Durham Was Hunting

How Chuck Grassley’s Politicized Redactions Gave Putin Leverage over Trump

The SVR Fabrication Necessitates Reconceiving the 2016 Russian Influence Operation

How John Durham Buried Evidence He Had Been Doing the Work of Russian Spies … and then Tulsi Gabbard Buried More

Kash Patel’s Taint

Did the Comey Dismissal Render Kash Patel’s Grand Conspiracy “Just Someone Else’s Fantasy”?

The post Kash Patel Colluded with Russian Spies to Frame Jim Comey, and He Probably Will Again appeared first on emptywheel.

Ukraine’s president reportedly says Kyiv would accept a deal if Moscow does after US president posts announcement with no detail on social media

• Trump announces partial ceasefire in Ukraine war as Zelenskyy says deal is ‘news to me’

• Sign up for the US Breaking News email

The president of the EU Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, has expressed her “full support for President Zelenskyy” amid calls for a ceasefire.

In a telephone call with the Ukrainian leader, von der Leyen posted on X that she “fully supported the call of President Zelenskyy for a ceasefire that would protect global food supplies and energy infrastructure in Ukraine and Russia.

“Ukraine supports the ceasefire, and it’s important for Russia to support it as well. We are awaiting details from the American side. From our Ukrainian side, there is always FULL support for de-escalation steps, protection of lives, and the necessary decisions to end the war and ensure lasting peace.”

My favorite sentence in Scott Bessent’s effort to dodge Elizabeth Warren’s oversight via public trolling states that the Treasury market’s liquidity and performance compared to US peers is evidence.

The U.S. Treasury market’s liquidity and performance versus global peers is evidence.

It doesn’t say what it is evidence of.

Senator Warren wrote the letter, “to ask how the Treasury Department (Treasury) plans to address the harm to families and risks to the financial system from skyrocketing interest rates, which are driven in part by President Trump’s failed economic agenda and your market misadventures.” Her letter laid out the following:

• 10-year Treasury yields are the highest they’ve been since 2002 (sourced to WSJ)
• Those surging yields harm consumers, especially through higher mortgage rates (sourced to NBC, NYT, Mortgage News Daily, National Association of Realtors)
• That surge is self-inflicted, and comes on top of efforts by the Fed to rein in inflation, which is driven by the Iran War
• Trump’s policies are driving up National Debt (citing US Bureau of Economic Analysis)
• Trump’s policies, including both the Big Ugly Bill and the Iran War, are driving up the deficit (citing reports on the financial impact and effects of the law and the AP)
• A long paragraph on what Warren calls Bessent’s “chaotic interventions in the market, apparently in hopes of stemming the damage” citing this CNN story to claim Bessent’s intervention is failing:

Rather than advise the President to lower costs, you have chosen to launch unprecedented and chaotic interventions in the market, apparently in hopes of stemming the damage. On August 19, 2026, the Treasury Department announced its plan to double the size of its buyback operations, in which it issues short-term Treasury bills to buy back longer dated bonds.15 There were reports that the Treasury reportedly was even considering tapping its cash on hand, maintained in the Treasury General Account at the Federal Reserve, to further increase the buybacks.16 Since then, Treasury has gone through with three rounds of these buybacks: $5.2 billion on September 10, $4.1 billion on September 24, and $6 billion on October 1.17 While you asserted that the goal of these purchases was to make it easier for investors to buy and sell Treasuries, others—including your former boss —see your move as an attempt to reduce the high interest rates on longer term Treasury debt. Unfortunately, your intervention is failing.18 Indeed, bond yields rose on the days of the first two buybacks, and while they dipped on the day of the third, they climbed again the following day and remain high.19 Buybacks are not designed to lower rates, and they are financed by issuing new debt, which only adds to the pressure pushing rates higher.20 Further, the administration’s casting about for various measures to reassure the markets is undermining the longstanding strategy that Treasury issuance—and buybacks—should be “regular and predictable” to keep financing costs lower over time.21

• Another paragraph describing the financial struggles of Americans citing (among other things) this NYT story

She asked the following questions:

1. Is the Treasury planning to draw down the Treasury General Account to expand buybacks further? If so, on what timeline? What risks does that pose to Treasury’s cash position and to market liquidity?
2. What analysis has the Treasury done—including through the Bureau of Tax Analysis, Office of Economic Policy, and Office of the Secretary—on how higher yields are affecting mortgage payments, car loans, and credit card costs for American families? Provide copies of that analysis.
3. How is the Treasury ensuring lenders don’t overcharge consumers at a time when the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has been gutted? What specific steps is the Treasury taking, beyond buybacks, to bring long-term yields down?
4. Will you recommend that the President end the war in Iran and pursue other policies to reduce inflation and lower costs for families? If not, what is your plan to lower costs for families?

Rather than answer any of those four questions — what he’s doing with his buybacks, whether Treasury has tracked how higher yields are affecting consumers, whether Treasury is protecting consumers against being cheated, and whether he has counseled Trump to end the war that is spiking prices — Bessent did the following:

• Told her she should take an introductory economics course
• Accused her of blaming the Fed in 2022 when inflation spiked under Biden
• Rather than answering her question about his plans on the buybacks, instead claimed that evidence is evidence

‘The “interventions” you describe as “unprecedented” have been underway since May 2024. The buyback program has been well received by market participants in bolstering Treasury liquidity, which reduces market volatility, increases the convenience yield of Treasury securities and ensures the best value for the taxpayer. The continued enhancements optimize Treasury market liquidity in primary and secondary markets. The U.S. Treasury market’s liquidity and performance versus global peers is evidence. [my emphasis]

• Responded to her comments about the services that the Big Ugly Bill stripped from Americans by boasting that “the average refund this filing season was over $3,400,” though some of that was because people overpaid last year and it is an average that includes especially large refunds from changes to SALT
• Complained about these comments in this paywallwed Punchbowl article, which was itself a response to this WSJ profile laying out Bessent’s bullying and his failure to meet his own goals

To summarize, Warren asked if he’s doing anything to help American consumers and whether he knows what he’s doing with risky market interventions, and he responded by blaming Joe Biden and then rather than responding to criticisms in the WSJ and Punchbowl (which, incidentally, show that his interventions have not been well-received), accused her of being stupid.

It did serve Bessent’s apparent purpose, however, of going viral among a bunch of people who apparently haven’t read what it says — or perhaps have only read Bessent’s Native American slur.

Accused of being a bully whose management makes the US less safe, Scott Bessent decided to waggle his dick around and dodge any question about his performance.

Which only raises more questions about whether he could manage an increasingly likely financial crisis.

The post Evidence Is Evidence: The Questions Scott Bessent Couldn’t Answer appeared first on emptywheel.

Comments were among the most direct overtures by Trump to woo Democratic senator into his Republican party

Donald Trump on Saturday openly encouraged Democratic US senator John Fetterman to switch parties and become a Republican just weeks before the federal midterm elections could reshape control of Congress.

“I’d love to see him as a Republican,” the presidents told reporters at Joint Base Andrews as he returned to Washington DC from a rally in Tennessee. “He does better as a Republican than he does as a Democrat.”

Guardian staff contributed reporting

US president’s plan to park the wars in Iran and Yemen, while blaming Ukraine for diesel prices, looks unsustainable

The reckless missile attack on King Khalid international airport in Riyadh on Saturday did not just export the death and misery inside Yemen to Saudi Arabia, it also left Donald Trump forced to reconsider his diplomatic and political strategy designed to take him into the midterm elections next month.

The US president’s plan had only been unveiled on Friday. He said it was the result of “a world problem” – spiralling diesel prices – which he blamed on Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s attacks on Russian oil refineries. He was going to keep the political temperature down on his war of choice in Iran and its spillover in Yemen until after the midterms.

Trump’s ‘big, beautiful bill’ spending cuts will be fully felt next year, but hospitals are already feeling the squeeze

Maternity wards across the United States are facing a wave of closures as cuts to federal Medicaid funding take effect, experts have warned.

According to analysis by the non-profit Protect Our Care, 52 maternity wards have closed since the HR1 bill was announced in July 2025, with a further eight having announced their upcoming closure.

Threatening an ally is a terrible idea, but there’s no denying the Arctic’s increasing strategic importance

One of Donald Trump’s more diabolical talents is his ability to land on the right things in the wrong way. Since his first term, Trump has been obsessed with the Arctic – Greenland in particular – something that has puzzled and enraged many, particularly in Europe. He first brought up the idea of buying the icy landmass from Denmark in 2019. Right after re-election, he began ramping up his rhetoric about acquiring it “one way or another”, threatening the Nato alliance and the foundations of post-second world war security.

Trump got his way – thankfully without military force – in September, when the US and Denmark signed an agreement that allowed for many more US troops on the island, albeit without the sort of takeover that the president enjoys “joking” about. “The United States will FOREVER have the complete ability to do what is necessary in Greenland,” Trump wrote on social media. “We will work with the people of Greenland in its development and construction.”

This is no scoffing matter. The accelerating proliferation of advanced nuclear weapons is bringing ‘end times’ closer by the day

Humankind has fearfully and sometimes joyfully anticipated the end of the world ever since it began. The Bible’s Book of Revelation speaks of “end times”, a period of tribulation, war, famine, plague, floods and environmental catastrophe that may seem a less absurd prospect today than perhaps it once did. Islam, too, posits a fateful day of judgment or day of reckoning. Christian evangelicals believe that, in the final rapture, a chosen few – the righteous or the “elect” – will be saved while sinners burn. It’s a minority view. Matthew’s gospel predicts most people will defy, ignore or ridicule warnings of imminent Armageddon. Peter, another of Jesus’s disciples, agreed: “In the last days, scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires.” Yet such worldly scepticism does not mean a universal cataclysm is less likely. It may make it more probable.

Donald Trump’s blanket denials of the dangers ostensibly posed by artificial intelligence, whose uncontrolled development is seen by some as the latest harbinger of apocalypse, could be interpreted as fulfilling Peter’s prophecy. This US president, the nearest thing the world has to a one-man doomsday machine, is a great one for scoffing and evil desires. In Robert Harris’s 2019 novel, The Second Sleep, a worried scientist lists half a dozen ways the world might end. They include devastating climate change, pandemic disease, a giant asteroid collision with Earth, or some other overwhelming calamity. Few heed the fictional scientist’s fears. In the event, what destroys him and almost everybody else is a disturbingly plausible cyber crash – a global digital and internet meltdown.

Simon Tisdall is a Guardian foreign affairs commentator

David McCloskey’s new book depicts a calamitous collapse of the ‘special relationship’ – could things get darker still?

The “special relationship”, the time-honored emotional bond between the US and Britain that has sustained through war and peace, is in trouble.

The ties of history, culture and language that have bridged an ocean and bound the two countries politically for generations are fraying as perhaps never before – strained relentlessly by Donald Trump, who has gleefully sacrificed traditional alliances and diplomatic niceties on the altar of his “America first” agenda.

Are we really living through ‘end-times fascism’? Naomi Klein and Astra Taylor think so.

In a new series from the Guardian, the pair speak to Radical Thinking with Aditya Chakrabortty in an extended interview. From Trump 2.0 and the rise of the tech billionaires to Gaza and the climate emergency, Klein and Taylor argue we are not just lurching from crisis to crisis but are in a new and dangerous moment in history. But they haven’t given up hope of a fightback

You can watch the full interview with Naomi Klein and Astra Taylor here.

Aditya’s suggested reading:

Naomi Klein and Astra Taylor’s End Times Fascism is out now and available here. It began life as a special essay in the Guardian, which you can read here.

A different take on whether Trump 2.0 is fascist comes from the economist Branko Milanović on his brilliant Substack.

Elon Musk gives Donald Trump millions, and Trump gives Musk vast access to power. To read more, look at Quinn Slobodian and Ben Tarnoff’s long read for the Guardian and their recent book Muskism: A Guide for the Perplexed.

For some phenomenal reporting on Trump’s second term, look at Regime Change by Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan.

How did the business class learn to love Trump and embrace chaos? Paul Heideman gives a lucid analysis in his recent book Rogue Elephant.

Klein and Taylor’s book regularly cites Karen Hao’s Empire of AI.

There’s also The Nerd Reich, just out from Gil Durán.

If you enjoyed Yanis Varoufakis in our last episode of Radical Thinking, check out his book Technofeudalism.

As for how AI is imposing a new age of total corporate control, The Rulers by Cecilia Rikap is a must.

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 Council of Economic Advisers reports that manufacturing is experiencing “robust growth” driven by President Trump’s “pro-growth policies.” The White House attributes a rise in “factory construction” to tariff policies and asserts that manufacturing jobs are returning to the country after the Biden Administration “shipped over 200,000 American jobs overseas.” The administration further claims that a “new renaissance in American steel production” is helping foster a “new American Golden Age.”

President Trump announced the appointment of Katie Bailey as Director of the Office of Legislative Affairs, noting her role will involve working with Congress to “MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN, GREATER THAN EVER BEFORE.” In other statements, Trump expressed frustration regarding the Nobel Peace Prize, asserting he settled eight wars and prevented Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. Additionally, Trump disputed claims regarding his popularity, characterizing reports from the “Fake News Media” as a “false narrative” and highlighting his “Record Setting Rallies.”

The Department of State reported that the Trump Administration deployed Urban Search and Rescue teams and a Disaster Assistance Response Team to Panama following a 7.7 magnitude earthquake that occurred on October 9. The department committed $5 million in humanitarian assistance and stated, “The Trump Administration has no higher priority than the safety and security of Americans.” Separately, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu reaffirmed the U.S.-Japan Alliance. Secretary Rubio also discussed the necessity of sanctions on the International Criminal Court, labeling the institution’s behavior as “rogue actions that threaten American sovereignty.”

Governor JB Pritzker’s office published his daily public schedule for October 10, 2026, which states he has no public events scheduled for the day.

Records indicate no relevant updates for OpenAI, xAI, Anthropic, Palantir, Google DeepMind, or NVIDIA.

On October 9, 2026, the Senate met in a pro forma session with no legislative business conducted. The House held a session where 27 public bills and four resolutions were introduced. Additionally, 10 pieces of legislation, including H.R. 7683, H.R. 9718, and H.R. 10375, were reported to the House. No committee hearings or markups were held.

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2. White House News

The State of American Manufacturing

The White House Council of Economic Advisers reports that manufacturing is seeing “robust growth” due to President Trump’s “pro-growth policies.” The White House claims “factory construction is soaring” because of tariff policies and states that manufacturing jobs are reshoring after the Biden Administration “shipped over 200,000 American jobs overseas.” The White House asserts that these developments, including a “new renaissance in American steel production,” position the United States as a global leader and contribute to a “new American Golden Age” with increased wages and job growth.

Reference: Original White House release

3. Truth Social Posts

Trump announced the appointment of Katie Bailey as Director of the Office of Legislative Affairs, noting she will replace James Braid. He praised Bailey’s past assistance in confirming Cabinet members and expressed confidence that she would work with Congress to “MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN, GREATER THAN EVER BEFORE.” Additionally, Trump expressed frustration regarding the Nobel Peace Prize, asserting that he settled eight wars, secured the release of hostages, won a war in Venezuela, and prevented Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.

Addressing political discourse and media coverage, Trump criticized Doug Schoen, calling him a “TRUMP DERANGED, STONE COLD LOSER” and a “Third Rate Political Hack.” He disputed the “false narrative” from “Dumocrats” and the “Fake News Media” that he is unpopular, claiming instead that he is popular and that Republicans will win, as evidenced by his “Record Setting Rallies.” He further noted his arrival in Tennessee for a rally, observing an “incredible Crowd” and feeling “Lots of love.”

Regarding other public figures and news, Trump shared a report regarding Robert Jeffress’s support for public execution and highlighted John Catsimatidis’s argument that the American people are “under attack.” Finally, he paid tribute to Mike Ditka, describing him as a “great champion” who was “MAGA all the way.”

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

4. Government Department News

State Department (state.gov)

The United States Mobilizes Immediate Response to the Panama Earthquakes

The Trump Administration deployed Urban Search and Rescue teams and a Disaster Assistance Response Team to Panama following a 7.7 magnitude earthquake on October 9. The Department of State committed $5 million in humanitarian assistance and is coordinating with the Department of War and SOUTHCOM to support relief efforts and aerial assessments. The State Department is providing consular assistance to U.S. citizens, stating, “The Trump Administration has no higher priority than the safety and security of Americans.”

Secretary Rubio’s Call with Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi

Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu reaffirmed the U.S.-Japan Alliance as the “cornerstone of peace, security, and prosperity.” Secretary Rubio offered condolences regarding the death of a Japanese national in Okinawa and pledged cooperation with local investigative authorities. Additionally, Secretary Rubio discussed the necessity of U.S. sanctions on the International Criminal Court, characterizing the institution’s behavior as “rogue actions that threaten American sovereignty.” The officials agreed to coordinate ahead of the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Atlanta.

5. Selected Democratic Officials

JB Pritzker (gov.illinois.gov)

Daily Public Schedule: Saturday, October 10, 2026

Governor Pritzker has no public events scheduled for Saturday, October 10, 2026.

6. AI & Tech Company News

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

7. Congressional Watch

Covers the 2026-10-09 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 before the chamber adjourned.

• None — No legislative actions occurred [None]

House of Representatives

The House held a brief session to introduce new legislation and receive committee reports. No votes were taken during the proceedings.

• H.R. 10768–10794 — Introduction of 27 public bills [No vote taken]

• H. Con. Res. 124 and H. Res. 1621–1623 — Introduction of 4 resolutions [No vote taken]

• H.R. 7683 — Expanding authority of the Assistant Secretary for Management of the Department of Veterans Affairs [Reported to the House]

• H.R. 9718 — Maintaining a website for small business onshoring manufacturing capacity [Reported to the House]

• H.R. 10329 — Disseminating information on foreign adversary conduct harming small businesses [Reported to the House]

• H.R. 10353 — Requiring quarterly reporting on small business investment companies [Reported to the House]

• H.R. 10355 — Establishing procedures for disaster loan outreach material consistency [Reported to the House]

• H.R. 10371 — Ensuring compliance with reporting requirements for veterans business development [Reported to the House]

• H.R. 10375 — Improving the loan guaranty program and access to capital for small manufacturers [Reported to the House]

• H.R. 4615 — Providing interim partial payments to small business contractors for equitable adjustments [Reported to the House]

• H.R. 10352 — Increasing commitments to qualified State or local development companies [Reported to the House]

Committee Highlights

• None - None — No committee hearings or markups were held

Coming Up

The Senate will meet in a pro forma session at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 13, 2026. The House will meet in a pro forma session at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 13, 2026.

Reference: Congressional Daily Digest — 2026-10-09

Investigation launched after five broadcasters last month ceased presidential coverage after CNN, MS Now and Politico were barred from White House

The US Department of Justice is investigating whether the decision of the White House television press pool to halt coverage of the US president, Donald Trump, last month violated antitrust law, an agency spokesperson said Saturday.

A spokesperson for the department said group boycotts among business competitors might violate US law. “The Antitrust Division is simply investigating to determine whether these news organizations have violated the antitrust laws,” they said.

Protesters spent months occupying an ancient cottonwood. Then a tense standoff with US border patrol came to a head

A 200-year-old cottonwood tree near the US-Mexico border, known as the “grandmother”, has been destroyed to make way for the construction of Donald Trump’s border wall, despite a months-long effort by protesters trying to save it.

In late July, land defenders began a tree-sit in the ghost town of Lochiel, Arizona, taking turns occupying a platform high in the tree’s canopy. The group remained there for more than 70 days.

The tourist attraction just unveiled an elaborate, full-scale overhaul to match Trump’s second-term aesthetic

Sitting behind a replica Resolute Desk, nine-year-old Sydney Wright posed for the camera like a future US president. “I love it,” she smiled. And what about the dazzling gold appliqués, gold leaf and gold trim surrounding her? “It’s cool.”

Sydney was among a steady stream of visitors on Thursday to The People’s House: A White House Experience, an interactive museum – with an orientation film narrated by The West Wing star Martin Sheen – at 1700 Pennsylvania Avenue, just 150 yards from the real thing.

US president suggests Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, has not done enough to end war

Donald Trump has said Ukraine needs “a new leader”, a day after making a deal with Vladimir Putin to buy large quantities of Russian diesel.

The US president suggested Volodymyr Zelenskyy has not done enough to end the war with Russia and blamed him for high diesel prices in the US.

I think it is a mistake to center stories about the corrupt deal Trump made with Vladimir Putin yesterday around Donald Trump’s tweet (which I have corrected for accuracy).

The tweet is propaganda: the ask that his handler, Vladimir Putin, demanded before he agreed to his own side of the bargain. Putin’s own statement does not mention the word “diesel” — and does not mention any oil deals at all until after mentioning “the Ukraine crisis” and “the situation surrounding Iran.”

During the October 9 telephone conversation with US President Donald Trump, considerable focus was on prospects for settling the Ukraine crisis, while the situation surrounding Iran and various aspects of bilateral relations were touched upon as well.

When discussing the state of affairs in the global energy market, the Russian side confirmed its willingness to supply oil and petroleum products to the US market and global markets at large. I am convinced this will have a positive impact on the entire global economy.

An agreement was reaffirmed to maintain personal contacts between the presidents of the two countries and to continue cooperation across their respective administrations, security services, and agencies.

The purported deal for diesel — for Russia to export diesel they do not have — is not the drone warfare you’re looking for. Just in the last three days, we heard of a Lukoil deal that would benefit a guy who gave Trump $2 million which requires both Putin and Trump’s approval (and offers the kind of US corruption that Trump has so enjoyed with his theft of Venezuela’s oil).

The deal, for a worldwide portfolio of oil fields, refineries and gas stations now owned by the sanctioned Russian energy giant Lukoil, has become intertwined with the U.S. talks with Russia over ending the war in Ukraine, The New York Times reported last week.

The United States government, through the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation, would get a stake of about 15 percent in the deal, without investing any cash up front, the people said.

The leader of the investor group, Todd Boehly, an American billionaire who has donated $2 million to pro-Trump causes in the last two years, would get a smaller minority stake.

But more than half of the equity will be cumulatively held by investors in the Middle East, according to three participants in the negotiations. The investors include entities tied to the royal family in Abu Dhabi and to two billionaire Syrian-born Qatari brothers, who are business partners with Jared Kushner, the president’s son-in-law, and Ivanka Trump, the president’s daughter.

The deal is structured in such a way that the United States — through Mr. Boehly and the government — would control a majority of the board of the resulting entity, some of the people close to the deal said. A senior administration official said the deal included a “substantial upfront payment and profits interest for the United States,” would enhance American “energy dominance” and outlast the current administration.

We also learned of a Nord Stream deal that would start selling gas to Europe, and benefit Kushner.

Top Russian and US officials, including US Special Envoy Jared Kushner, have held talks about bringing a US investor into the Nord Stream pipelines that delivered gas to Germany before Russia invaded Ukraine, five people with knowledge ​of the situation said.

The discussions included Kirill Dmitriev, a close adviser to Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Kushner, the son-in-law of US President Donald Trump, the people said.

Nothing about Putin’s statement makes sense if this deal is about diesel. It all makes sense if this deal is about bribing people close to Trump to betray Ukraine and Europe.

The point of Trump’s statement about Ukraine is, first, to continue to blame Ukraine — rather than Trump’s own incompetence — for sky high diesel prices. And, just as importantly, to rationalize cutting off Ukrainian intelligence (and, if that were to happen, probably Starlink as well).

• They were told that Trump decided to move forward after Ukraine ignored multiple requests to stop strikes on Russian oil refineries, which were directly affecting U.S. consumers.
• A Ukrainian official claimed that during the talks, Witkoff and Kushner threatened that Trump could cut off Ukraine from U.S. intelligence if it continued to ignore his requests.
• The U.S. official denied such a threat was made and said Witkoff and Kushner told the Ukrainians that the U.S. was a strong partner, providing munitions and intelligence. Ukraine therefore shouldn’t take actions that hurt American consumers, Witkoff and Kushner said.
• “The attacks on the refineries cause pain in Russia, but it causes pain for the U.S., too,” the U.S. official said.

Trump is not the agent of this deal — or rather, he is the Agent of a Foreign Power here. But he is not the architect of it.

I predicted back in March that one way the Iran war would end is if Putin recruited Trump to join his side in a world war, which at this point puts the dictatorships of the world against a Europe struggling to stave off right wing extremists just as winter hits.

Trump has two options to get the Strait of Hormuz open, neither of which would restore the status quo from before Trump’s disastrous attack, if they work at all: to use the cover of other quasi-negotiations to capitulate on Russia’s terms, effectively losing the war to Iran for Russian assurances that Iran will keep the Strait open, or to send those 20,000 troops to conduct incredibly difficult operations with degraded local facilities.

I’m not saying that Trump has already decided to capitulate to Russia. Though it is the kind of neat solution — one that likely comes with financial benefits for his family and his developer buddy — that would allow Trump to go back to gaudying up more of the White House, his real passion. I’m saying that until Trump’s two insanely unqualified and conflicted “volunteer” negotiators are replaced with grown-ups, this will continue to be a real possibility.

It took Lindsey Graham’s death, Trump’s complete incompetence to claim an Iran win, and billions of dollars in bribes — some of which may never deliver. The mention of “cooperation across their respective administrations, [including] security services,” likely means that Kash Patel is traveling to Russia next week to collect the kind of disinformation (likely implicating Jim Comey and John Brennan) he has been chasing for a decade.

But Vladimir Putin seems to have finally completed the complete recruitment of Trump that Russia has been pursuing for decades.

The post Agent of a Foreign Power appeared first on emptywheel.

NYT has a story about how the grand conspiracy is falling apart. It has weird gaps, as stories involving Glenn Thrush generally do (he wrote it with Alan Feuer, who had great sources among defense attorneys during the January 6 investigation).

The story doesn’t name John Yoo in either the body or the correction, noting he works at Berkley, not Stanford.

An earlier version of this article misstated the school affiliation of the law professor known for memos on torture in the war on terrorism who joined the “grand conspiracy” prosecution team. He is at the University of California, Berkeley, not Stanford.

Its backstory on Joe DiGenova skips the most important bit — his role in the the Russian-linked influence operation that framed Hunter Biden in 2019, which seems like worthy background to the fight over a SCIF (this story describes that Jason Reding Quiñones approved DiGenova’s request for his own SCIF, but Todd Blanche overrode it). Nor does it describe Jack Eckenrode’s background on another Russian-linked attempt to frame Hillary Clinton. While it describes Mike Davis’ role in dreaming up the Grand Conspiracy, it doesn’t describe Davis’ ties to Aakash Singh (or to other cases that have fallen apart), though it does confirm that Singh is now overseeing the investigation.

What the story does do is capture a key conflict between DiGenova and Todd Blanche. The story starts by describing how DiGenova quit before Blanche could fire him. It ends by claiming Blanche wasn’t intending to fire him. Along the way it describes that Blanche is approaching the Grand Conspiracy in a way to avoid getting fired, not in a way to prosecute anyone.

Under the clash of personalities was a deeper divide on how best to move forward.

Mr. diGenova, who wanted to take aim at big-name targets, told one associate he believed that Mr. Blanche was less interested in proving the conspiracy to destroy the president than in securing rapid box-checking indictments of low-level players to keep Mr. Trump happy.

Mr. Blanche, he told that person, was so anxious to maintain his position that he did not want to tell Mr. Trump the truth: A successful investigation needed time.

The attorney general acknowledged the inquiry’s complexities on a podcast earlier this year. “I’m not suggesting that we don’t have that evidence,” he told Sean Hannity of Fox News. “I’m saying when you talk about the challenges, that’s the challenge.”

Mr. Blanche had his own complaints. His team thought Mr. diGenova was too scattered, too combative and too slow, according to three current and former officials. It did not help that around this time Mr. diGenova and Ms. Toensing left for a long-planned vacation to France.

By early September, Mr. Blanche dispatched two prosecutors from Washington to Florida to move things forward. During a heated meeting, they peppered Mr. diGenova’s staff with questions about its work before the grand jury.

The coda came when members of Mr. diGenova’s team offered him a readout of their closed-door meeting with the two prosecutors: Washington would now be running things.

Mr. diGenova, infuriated, said he would instruct U.S. marshals to remove the prosecutors from the grand jury room if they showed up there to interfere, the officials said.

Mr. Blanche responded with a profanity-laced phone call and summoned Mr. diGenova to Washington. The attorney general wanted to recount his grievances in person, but never actually planned to fire Mr. diGenova, according to a person close to Mr. Blanche. [my emphasis]

The closest it gets to describing that the entire grand conspiracy is makebelieve is when it describes, “Mr. diGenova and others involved in the case have found it difficult, and time-consuming, to meet the standards of evidence and jurisdiction needed to prove anything close to a conspiracy in a court of law.”

Meanwhile, it describes Blanche losing confidence in David Metcalf, who first oversaw the case in Philadelphia, then Maria Medetis Long, the national security prosecutor once in charge of the case, then US Attorney Reding Quiñones who fired Medetiz, then DiGenova, one after another lawyer who failed Blanche.

Except for Singh. In spite of Singh’s role in all the failed politicized cases Blanche has overseen, Blanche still has confidence in him.

It’s a funny progression given the complaints Blanche made on boy-troll show RuthLess this week (which Raw Story reported). He said the biggest challenge he faces is all the former prosecutors calling out his corruption. He claimed he’s perfectly happy with the people who’ll work for him — the JAG officers forced into service, the conspiracy theorists who can’t get clearance, even Reding Quiñones, though the story describes “a growing lack of confidence” in him.

I think the most challenging is not changing the culture–most of our prosecutors are great. Agents are great. But changing the perception of the culture. The prosecutors that left over the past year and a half, they hate us. And so any time — they formed a, basically they unionized, formed an organization whose sole mission is to go after the current Department of Justice. So pushing back on that perception is a constant challenge. I go to US Attorneys Offices multiple times a month and the prosecutors in those offices are great. They love what we’re doing. They love their jobs. It’s the best job they’re ever going to have. But the perception on LinkedIn or on Instagram or the newspaper, New York Times, is just “my god, DOJ is in a bad place,” which it’s not.

It’s just the former prosecutors impugning DOJ’s reputation, not the judges serially describing how DOJ’s presumption of regularity has collapsed.

What I increasingly wonder, though, is what is so compelling about this job that motivates Blanche’s flopsweat efforts to deliver on Trump’s demands for revenge? What is so attractive about this job that he’s willing to spin out pointless indictments that will only do what this story curiously describes, with no direct attribution, as a big win for Trump,

Even if charges are never filed, Mr. Trump has already instilled fear in — and imposed steep financial costs on — potential targets, in his view giving them a taste of what he experienced when he was under investigation.

Why is Singh the one in whom Blanche retains confidence, when he is the architect of so much Blanche failure?

The post Why Does Todd Blanche Want the Job? appeared first on emptywheel.

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 that on October 9, 2026, the President enacted S. 195, the “American Music Tourism Act of 2025,” which the White House states mandates the Department of Commerce to promote travel to music-related sites. Additionally, Director Michael Kratsios announced White House initiatives to modernize the research ecosystem, including $2.4 billion in industry compute commitments and the $50 million NextGen Workforce Program, which the administration claims will address national challenges and maintain global competitiveness.

On Truth Social, President Trump announced the appointment of Katie Zacharia as White House Press Secretary and reported a “highly successful discussion” with Russian President Vladimir Putin, claiming an agreement for Russia to supply diesel fuel to American and global markets. Trump also stated he will skip a football game to prioritize safety during a “huge Hurricane/Storm,” and he endorsed Michigan Senate candidate Mike Rogers. Furthermore, Trump criticized the Nobel Committee for awarding the Nobel Peace Prize to Navi Pillay, whom he described as an “unabashed hater of America and Israel.”

The State Department announced that the United States is sanctioning the International Criminal Court (ICC) under Executive Order 14203 to prevent the court from prosecuting American citizens. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated the U.S. is banning transactions to “cripple its ability to operate.” Additionally, the State Department reported that reconciliation talks between Venezuela’s interim government and 2015 National Assembly representatives have resulted in civil liberty reforms. Secretary Rubio met with 2015 National Assembly President Dinorah Figuera to discuss these talks, which the State Department says are supported by “President Trump’s bold leadership.” The Department of War awarded several contracts, including an $88,064,639 modification to General Dynamics Mission Systems for space architecture support. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. announced that HHS recommended the DEA use new thresholds to target enhanced kratom products, launched the NEST program in West Virginia, and awarded $27.8 million for falls prevention among older adults. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent appointed Dr. Judy Shelton as a Counselor in the Office of the Secretary.

Governor Newsom initiated preparations for an El Niño winter, including stockpiling 4.4 million sandbags, and signed a partnership agreement with French Minister Monique Barbut regarding climate resilience. Newsom also announced expanded CalFresh enrollment access for college students. Maryland Governor Wes Moore announced $60 million for victim service providers and signed an executive order to bring emergency diesel fuel relief to agricultural and forestry industries. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker announced initiatives for Illinois farmers, including $1.8 million in Local Food Infrastructure Grants and a pilot grain storage loan program, while attributing financial hardship for farmers to “Trump’s flawed economic policies and war of choice in Iran.”

OpenAI reported that the company Sophos is utilizing OpenAI Daybreak to integrate intelligence into its cybersecurity system. According to Sophos Chief Technology Officer John Peterson, the integration has reduced average case response times by 96% and allows AI agents to resolve 52% of Managed Detection and Response cases end-to-end.

No Congressional Record was found for October 8, 2026.

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2. White House News

Congressional Bills S. 195 Signed into Law

On October 9, 2026, the President enacted S. 195, the “American Music Tourism Act of 2025.” According to the White House, this law mandates that the Department of Commerce “promote domestic and international travel and tourism to locations and events in the United States that are important to music tourism.”

Reference: Original White House release

Remarks by Director Michael Kratsios at the Science: A New Golden Age Summit

At the “Science: A New Golden Age” summit, Director Michael Kratsios outlined White House efforts to modernize the American research ecosystem. Guided by President Trump’s mandate, the administration announced new initiatives to strengthen technological leadership and empower scientists. These include $2.4 billion in industry compute commitments, expanded metascience experiments, and workforce programs like the $50 million NextGen Workforce Program. Kratsios stated that these efforts aim to address national challenges, reduce administrative burdens, and ensure the U.S. remains globally competitive in emerging fields like super intelligence and quantum computing.

Reference: Original White House release

3. Truth Social Posts

Trump announced the appointment of Katie Zacharia as White House Press Secretary, describing her as a “loyal and brilliant supporter” with an “unblemished record of support.” Zacharia, who currently serves as a Senior Communications Advisor to Truth Social, was praised by Trump for her experience and work on his past campaigns, and he noted she is replacing Karoline Leavitt, whom he called “fabulous.” In a separate post, a statement credited to Zacharia expressed her gratitude for the “distinguished privilege” of the appointment and her commitment to communicating the administration’s “major wins.”

Regarding domestic affairs, Trump stated he will miss an Alabama versus Georgia football game to prioritize safety during a “huge Hurricane/Storm,” choosing instead to attend a rally in Tennessee for Senator Bill Hagerty and gubernatorial candidate Marsha Blackburn. Trump also endorsed Mike Rogers, a Republican Senate candidate in Michigan, asserting that Rogers “completely obliterated” his opponent in a recent debate, whom Trump characterized as a “Jihadist lunatic.” Additionally, Trump shared a New York Post report regarding allegations that New York Attorney General Letitia James pushed an investigation despite investigators finding “nothing.”

In foreign policy, Trump reported a “highly successful discussion” with Russian President Vladimir Putin, claiming an agreement for Russia to supply significant quantities of diesel fuel to the American and global markets, which he asserted will cause prices to decline “IN RECORD NUMBERS, AND FAST.” He reiterated his priority of lowering costs for farmers, ranchers, and truckers, while maintaining that “Iran will not have a Nuclear Weapon.” Separately, Trump criticized the Nobel Committee for awarding the Nobel Peace Prize to Navi Pillay, describing her as an “unabashed hater of America and Israel” who lacks credibility. Trump contrasted this with his own record, citing his work on the Abraham Accords and efforts to end the Russia/Ukraine war.

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

4. Government Department News

State Department (state.gov)

Reconciliation Talks Deliver Concrete Progress for Venezuela’s Democratic Transition

Political reconciliation talks between Venezuela’s interim government and 2015 National Assembly representatives have resulted in reforms to civil liberties, including Supreme Court reconstruction, restored internet access, and the reform of a repressive law. Over 1,000 political prisoners have been released, with nearly 200 more expected. Delegations led by Dinorah Figuera and Jorge Rodríguez held rounds in Caracas during August and September, with a third round scheduled for October 14. The State Department states this transition process is supported by “President Trump’s bold leadership.”

Secretary Rubio’s Meeting with Venezuela’s 2015 National Assembly President Dinorah Figuera

Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Dinorah Figuera in Washington to discuss progress in Venezuelan reconciliation talks following “Operation Absolute Resolve.” Secretary Rubio praised the release of over 1,200 political prisoners and steps toward judicial and media reforms. The Secretary encouraged continued efforts toward electoral reform and political freedoms ahead of the next round of talks on October 14, reaffirming a shared commitment to achieving lasting democratic change for the Venezuelan people.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio and 2015 Venezuelan National Assembly President Dinorah Figuera Before Their Meeting

Secretary of State Marco Rubio pledged “100 percent support” for the reconciliation process led by Dinorah Figuera, describing it as the best opportunity in a generation for Venezuela to achieve an “enduring democracy.” Secretary Rubio stated that while “concrete results” have been reached, a successful peaceful transition requires patience, free elections, and the establishment of stable institutions. He emphasized that the process must include participation from all sectors of society to sustain stability, prosperity, and freedom for the future.

Fiji National Day

Secretary of State Marco Rubio extended congratulations to Fiji on its national day. The Secretary stated that the United States values the partnership with Fiji, which is centered on shared commitments to regional peace, security, and prosperity. He noted that collaboration through the Millennium Challenge Corporation is helping to build the foundation for the bilateral relationship to reach “new heights” in the future.

Imposing Sanctions on the International Criminal Court

The State Department announced additional actions to sanction the International Criminal Court (ICC) under Executive Order 14203. Following previous sanctions on 17 individuals, the U.S. has now blocked all property and interests in property of the ICC held by U.S. persons or within the United States. Transactions involving these blocked assets are prohibited unless authorized by a license from the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).

Imposing Sanctions on the International Criminal Court

Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the United States is sanctioning the ICC to prevent the “rogue court” from prosecuting American citizens, servicemembers, and leaders. The Secretary stated that the U.S. is banning transactions to “cripple its ability to operate” because the court and its States Parties have not addressed U.S. concerns. Secretary Rubio indicated that if diplomatic solutions are not found, the U.S. will continue its “campaign to dismantle the ICC, brick by brick, until Americans are threatened no longer.”

Department of War (war.gov)

Contracts for Oct. 9, 2026

General Dynamics Mission Systems received an $88,064,639 modification for Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture ground segment support, expected completion Sept. 30, 2029. Pond-IMEG JV was awarded a $50,000,000 architect-engineer services contract for Arnold AFB, ending Oct. 8, 2034. Ophir Corp. received a $34,619,699 contract to repair the B-2 Pilot Alert System by October 2036. General Dynamics Applied Physical Sciences Corp. was awarded a $49,945,664 contract for naval research and development, expected completion September 2030. Contracting activities include the Space Development Agency, Air Force Test Center, Air Force Sustainment Center, and Naval Sea Systems Command.

Department of Health and Human Services (hhs.gov)

HHS Recommends Science-Based Thresholds to Target Dangerous Enhanced Kratom Products

HHS recommended that the DEA use concentration or ratio-based thresholds to identify products containing 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) and mitragynine pseudoindoxyl (MGPI) for Schedule I temporary control. Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. stated the goal is to “draw a clear line between natural kratom and dangerous, enhanced opioid products.” The recommendation aims to distinguish concentrated or chemically altered products from natural botanical kratom, which may contain trace amounts of these compounds, while ensuring federal policy remains grounded in “rigorous science.”

HHS Launches Newborn Essentials Support Toolkit Program to Support Mothers and Babies

HHS launched the Newborn Essentials Support Toolkit (NEST) Program in West Virginia to provide new parents with essential supplies and health information. Funded by a $5 million HRSA award to the CDC Foundation, NEST provides kits containing items such as diapers, postpartum recovery supplies, and blood pressure monitors. Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. stated the initiative puts “mothers, babies, and strong families at the center of his health agenda,” with a focus on reaching maternal care deserts and underserved communities.

HHS Announces Up to $27.8 Million for Falls Prevention

HHS announced $27.8 million in funding over three years for three initiatives aimed at preventing falls among adults aged 65 and older. Managed by the Administration for Community Living, the program seeks to connect healthcare screenings with community-based interventions, such as the STEADI and Stepping On programs. Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. stated these investments advance the “Make America Healthy Again agenda” by helping older adults maintain independence, noting, “A fall can change an older American’s life in an instant.”

Treasury Department (home.treasury.gov)

United States Department of the Treasury Announces New Appointment

Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent appointed Dr. Judy Shelton as a Counselor in the Office of the Secretary. An economist specializing in currency and international financial issues, Shelton will advise the Secretary on currency policy, specifically focusing on financial conditions in China. Shelton’s professional background includes roles at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the National Endowment for Democracy, the Hoover Institution, and the Independent Institute, as well as authoring several books on financial and economic topics.

United States Trade Representative (ustr.gov)

Ambassador Greer to Tour Utah’s Advanced Manufacturing Plants

Ambassador Jamieson Greer will visit Utah on October 15 and 16, 2026, to tour advanced manufacturing facilities, including a semiconductor plant and a consumer goods manufacturer. According to the Office of the United States Trade Representative, the trip aims to “highlight the Trump Administration’s work to revitalize our industrial base and strengthen our supply chain resilience.” Additionally, Ambassador Greer will participate in a G20 Interfaith Forum panel regarding “unleashing human potential for the common good.”

5. Selected Democratic Officials

Gavin Newsom (gov.ca.gov)

Ahead of El Niño this winter, Governor Newsom prepares California for winter storms and flooding impacts

Governor Newsom has initiated preparations for a potentially historic El Niño winter storm season. Following a September 21 emergency proclamation, the state has stockpiled 4.4 million sandbags, 400,000 tons of rock, and other flood-fighting supplies at 68 locations. The Department of Water Resources is inspecting 1,600 miles of levees and coordinating with local partners. Additionally, the state is facilitating efforts to capture stormwater for groundwater replenishment, aiming to protect communities while increasing local water supplies through new infrastructure and permit support.

California and France build on a decade of cooperation with new partnership to strengthen clean energy, protect communities, and grow economic opportunity

Governor Newsom and French Minister Monique Barbut signed a letter of intent to launch a partnership focused on climate resilience, clean energy, and environmental protection. The agreement aims to facilitate the exchange of expertise between government, researchers, and businesses to address wildfires, extreme heat, and drought. CalEPA will lead the development of an action plan to advance carbon neutrality goals. The partnership intends to foster innovation, trade, and economic development, building on a decade of cooperation between California and France.

California improves access to CalFresh food benefits, helping college students get up to $306 a month to buy groceries

Governor Newsom announced streamlined CalFresh enrollment for undergraduate students at California Community Colleges, CSUs, and UCs. By qualifying through degree program enrollment, the state aims to remove bureaucratic barriers for financially eligible students, potentially benefiting over 200,000 individuals with up to $306 monthly in food assistance. The initiative, supported by the Breakthrough Advisory Group, includes a new outreach campaign, “Full Carts,” funded by $1.5 million from Chris Larsen and contributions from Instacart and Snap, to assist students in accessing federal nutrition benefits.

Wes Moore (governor.maryland.gov)

Governor Moore Announces $60 Million Investment in Victim Service Providers

Governor Moore and the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy announced nearly $60 million in Fiscal Year 2027 funding for organizations supporting survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and other crimes. The funding supports services such as counseling, legal advocacy, and emergency shelter. According to GOCPP Executive Director Dorothy Lennig, the state received over $81 million in requests, exceeding available funds. Governor Moore stated the investment aims to ensure “victims’ security following incidents of violence” and assist survivors in their recovery.

Governor Moore Signs Executive Order to Bring Emergency Diesel Fuel Relief to Agricultural, Forestry Industries During Harvest Season

Governor Moore signed an executive order declaring a 30-day state of emergency to address record-high diesel prices. The order allows qualifying agricultural and forestry vehicles to use dyed diesel fuel on state roads and waives fees for 30-day Exceptional Hauling Permits. According to the administration, these measures aim to reduce transportation costs during the 2026 harvest. While the state relief does not waive federal tax requirements, the Comptroller’s office will seek federal penalty exemptions to support the state’s agricultural supply chain.

JB Pritzker (gov.illinois.gov)

ICYMI: Gov. Pritzker Delivers Major Wins for Illinois Farmers

Governor JB Pritzker announced several initiatives to support Illinois agriculture, including $1.8 million in Local Food Infrastructure Grants and a pilot grain storage loan program. Pritzker issued a disaster proclamation for all 102 counties and signed Executive Order 2027-08 to address a diesel fuel crisis. Additionally, the Governor announced record-breaking 2026 State Fair attendance and a $17 million expansion of the National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center at SIUE. Pritzker cited “Trump’s flawed economic policies and war of choice in Iran” as factors causing financial hardship for Illinois farmers.

Gov. Pritzker Announces One Appointment to Boards and Commissions

Governor JB Pritzker announced the appointment of Arthur Hill, Jr. to continue serving as a member of the Illinois Forensic Science Commission, pending Illinois Senate confirmation. Hill previously served as an Associate Judge for the Circuit Court of Cook County and an Assistant State’s Attorney. He has also held academic roles at Northwestern University School of Law and the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law.

Daily Public Schedule: Friday, October 9, 2026

Governor JB Pritzker has no public events scheduled for Friday, October 9, 2026.

6. AI & Tech Company News

OpenAI (openai.com)

Sophos cuts threat investigation time by 96% with OpenAI Daybreak

Sophos is using OpenAI Daybreak to integrate frontier intelligence into its Sophos Fusion cybersecurity system. According to Chief Technology Officer John Peterson, the integration has reduced average case response times from 38 minutes to 89 seconds. AI agents now resolve 52% of Managed Detection and Response cases end-to-end. Sophos maintains customer oversight through three modes: Notify, Collaborate, and Authorise. Peterson states that the company aims to “stay a step ahead of the attacker community” by scaling its security expertise via AI.

7. Congressional Watch

Covers the 2026-10-08 session — the Congressional Record is published with a one-day delay.

No Congressional Record found for 2026-10-08.

Are we really living through ‘end times fascism’? Naomi Klein and Astra Taylor think so.

In a new series from the Guardian, the pair speak to Radical Thinking with Aditya Chakrabortty in an extended interview. From Trump 2.0 and the rise of the tech billionaire to Gaza and the climate emergency, Klein and Taylor argue we are not just lurching from crisis to crisis but are in a new and dangerous moment in history. But they haven’t given up hope of a fightback

Radical Thinking will be published every Saturday in the Politics Weekly feed

You can watch the full interview with Naomi Klein and Astra Taylor here.

Aditya’s suggested reading:

Naomi Klein and Astra Taylor’s End Times Fascism is out now and available here. It began life as a special essay in the Guardian, which you can read here.

A different take on whether Trump 2.0 is fascist comes from the economist Branko Milanović on his brilliant Substack.

Elon Musk gives Donald Trump millions, and Trump gives Musk vast access to power. To read more, look at Quinn Slobodian and Ben Tarnoff’s Long Read for the Guardian and their recent book Muskism: a Guide for the Perplexed.

For some sensational reporting on Trump’s second term, look at Regime Change by Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan.

How did the business class learn to love Trump and embrace chaos? Paul Heideman gives a lucid analysis in his recent book Rogue Elephant.

If you want more on the new tech bros of Silicon Valley, here are four recommendations:

- In their book, Klein and Taylor regularly cite Karen Hao’s Empire of AI.

- There’s also The Nerd Reich, just out from Gil Durán.

President complains about not winning prize in year he started war with Iran and says: ‘We will not forget, Norway’

Donald Trump complained on Friday about not winning the Nobel peace prize for 2026, a year in which he started a war with Iran.

At what was supposed to be a rally for other Republican candidates in Syracuse, New York, the US president devoted a long portion of his speech to airing his grievances with the Nobel committee.

Energy and climate change minister says Russia should not be rewarded for ‘illegal and immoral invasion of Ukraine’

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Australia’s energy minister has said Russia “should not be rewarded for their illegal and immoral invasion of Ukraine” after the US president, Donald Trump, struck a deal with Vladimir Putin to buy diesel from the country.

The energy and climate change minister, Chris Bowen, said on Saturday Australia did not “need or want Russian fuel” while updating reporters on the country’s fuel reserves.

Trump’s announcement a betrayal of Ukraine, Democrats say; Ukraine strikes major datacentre in Russia. What we know on day 1,690

Ukrainian peace negotiators in Miami have been used as a “smokescreen” for a “weak” decision by Donald Trump to lift diesel sanctions on Russia, Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in a furious response to the US president’s backflip on Russian sanctions. In a move likely to create a fresh crisis with Washington’s Nato allies, Trump announced the deal with Putin on his Truth Social network, saying it was essential to reduce fuel prices in the US, which have soared as a result of his decision to go to war with Iran. The Ukrainian president, who flew to Washington last month to plead with US lawmakers to pass tougher sanctions on Russia, said in a statement on Friday that it was “unfortunately, a weak decision by strong partners”. “I believe our team is simply being used as a smokescreen. And that is certainly not fair. It is certainly not how partners should treat each other.”

Negotiators for the ⁠US, Ukraine and Europe ⁠held ​six ‌hours ‌of talks ‌in Miami on Friday with the aim ‌of reaching agreement ​on ending ​the war ​in ​Ukraine, ​a ‌source ​briefed ​on the talks said. They discussed a postwar economic package for Ukraine and potential new security architecture between Europe and Russia, the source said. President Trump announced the diesel deal as his envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner were meeting with Ukrainian officials in Florida to discuss a peace plan.

Trump’s announcement was a betrayal of Ukraine, the European allies and US national security, said Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer, top Democrat on the Foreign Relations Committee Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, and senior Democrat senator, Elizabeth Warren. “Enough is enough,” the senators wrote. “The President must end his war with Iran instead of funding Russia’s war machine.”

A number of prominent Republicans joined Democrats on Friday to condemn Trump for lifting the diesel sanctions, including congressman Don Bacon, who said the majority of Americans supported Ukraine. “The President’s policies towards Russia and Ukraine are failures. We need moral clarity not moral ambiguity.”

Ukraine struck and partly disabled a major datacentre operated by Russian technology company Yandex on Friday in the second such action in successive days. Yandex, which is heavily involved in Russia’s ​AI development, said its data centre in the Kaluga region south-west of Moscow had been struck by Ukrainian drones and partly put out of action. Ukrainian arms maker Firepoint said Kyiv had used its FP-1 one-way attack drones to mount the ⁠strike.

Four Ukrainians were arrested in Vienna this week on ⁠suspicion of spying, Austrian interior minister, Gerhard Karner, said on Friday, with Ukrainska ⁠Pravda newspaper saying two ⁠of ​its team were among those detained. Three remain in custody, Karner said, declining ⁠to provide further details because the investigation was ongoing. Austrian news agency APA quoted a ⁠spokeswoman for the Ukrainian embassy in Vienna as saying ​it was awaiting ‌an explanation from the ‌Austrian authorities on the circumstances of and legal grounds ‌for the arrests. The embassy did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Russian ⁠forces struck ​three cargo vessels in and ⁠around Ukraine’s Black Sea ports on ⁠Friday, Russia’s defence ministry ​said. The ‌ministry said ‌one vessel was ‌hit in the port of Mykolaiv, another in the port of Chornomorsk and ‌a third, bound for Odesa, in the ​Black Sea. According to the ministry, all three vessels ⁠were being used ​to supply ​the Ukrainian ​military. Reuters could ​not ‌independently verify ​the ​report or the claim.

Russian strikes killed three people and wounded at least eight across Ukraine, officials said Friday, as Ukraine struggles to counter escalating Russian bombardments that have killed more than 50 people over the past three days.

US president says agreement needed to lower fuel prices, but move likely to create fresh crisis with Ukraine and Nato allies

Donald Trump is on a fresh collision course with Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European allies after his stunning agreement to buy Russian diesel upended years of US and western pressure on the Kremlin to end its war against Ukraine.

Zelenskyy reacted furiously to Trump’s announcement of the deal with Vladimir Putin on Friday, calling it “absolutely terrible” and “not fair and not honest”.

MAGA Crowd Cheers as Trump Suggests California Cities Could Get Nuked by Iran

At a campaign rally in Grand Island, Nebraska on Monday, Donald Trump fantasized about the destruction of Los Angeles and San Diego by Iran. When speaking about the war he launched in February, Trump said, “It’s a small price to pay for keeping the world safe, keeping our country safe. They can take out a city, let ’em take out Los Angeles, let ’em take out San Diego. This is a very small price to pay.” At the mention of the destruction of two American cities, the Trump rally crowd cheered loudly.

Governor Gavin Newsom fired back at Trump, posting, “After sending the National Guard and Marines to occupy California, Donald Trump is now saying our foreign enemies should ‘take out’ Los Angeles and San Diego. He is deranged and dangerous.” According to The Hill, Newsom said “Trump was ‘mentally ill’ and called for the 25th Amendment to be invoked.” San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria wrote, “San Diego is not collateral damage. We are not expendable. And we are never a ‘small price to pay.’ Keep our city out of your reckless war talk.” White House Communications Director Steven Cheung responded saying, “The media freakout over President Trump’s comments is not rooted in reality. He was clearly stating U.S. cities would have been threatened if a nuclear Iran hadn’t been stopped. America is safer because of the President. Iran has no nuclear, no navy, no air force, and no money.”

On Wednesday, during a rally in San Antonio, Texas, Trump doubled down on the comments, saying, “You want to see trauma? You want to see problems? And I said it the other day, let them hit a missile into San Diego or Los Angeles on the way. You want to see a horror show? You wanna see problems? Let them hit San Diego. Let them hit Los Angeles. You want to see some bad things happen? You want see a country in free fall? We’re not going to let that happen, we protect our cities, we protect our country, we’re not letting that happen.”

Pentagon Will Livestream Execution of Fort Hood Killer

In the wake of Tennessee’s botched execution of Christa Pike by lethal injection last week, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced on Wednesday that the execution of Nidal Hasan, who killed 13 people in a 2009 mass shooting at the Fort Hood Army base in Texas, would be livestreamed for the public to view.

Read more

Judge says justice department policy of checking state voter rolls against a federal immigration database is unlawful

A federal judge ruled on Friday that the US justice department’s policy of collecting states’ unredacted voter rolls to check them against a federal immigration database is unlawful.

The ruling, by the US district judge Sparkle Sooknanan, was a setback for Donald Trump, who has pushed his administration to ramp up investigations into non-citizen voting ahead of the November midterm elections, with control of Congress at stake.

Zacharia will replace Karoline Leavitt, who left the role at the end of August after giving birth to her second child

Donald Trump on Friday announced that he had picked Katie Zacharia to be the next White House press secretary, lining up a conservative commentator he called a “devoted fan” to be his most prominent spokesperson.

Zacharia will replace Karoline Leavitt, who left the role at the end of August after the birth to her second child.

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Welcome to today’s Trump Tyranny Tracker…

Trump’s refusal to allow international election observers, the FBI targeting political opponents, and new revelations about his top advisers working for a Russian proxy are among today’s top stories.

Today at a Glance

• Trump refuses international election observers

• Trump’s top midterm advisers received hundreds of thousands of dollars advising a pro-Russian government in Bosnia

• The FBI released a video attacking Democratic politicians

What We Need to Pay Attention To

NAACP launches voter protection hub for midterm elections

What Happened: The NAACP is organizing lawyers to investigate voter intimidation and suppression and seek emergency court orders during the midterms. The group is also challenging plans to deploy armed federal personnel near polling places as the Justice Department prepares to send more than 1,000 election monitors.

Why It Matters: As Trump expands the federal government’s presence around elections, the NAACP is preparing to challenge voter intimidation and interference in court before voters are denied their rights.

Source: The Washington Post

Corruption

Amid Midterm Crunch, Trump Advisers Took Time to Help Russia-Aligned Government

What Happened: James Blair and Chris LaCivita, two of Trump’s top midterm advisers, traveled to Bosnia’s Republika Srpska to advise its government ahead of elections. The New York Times reported that each was paid hundreds of thousands of dollars through a D.C. law firm hired by the government run by Milorad Dodik’s Russia-aligned party.

Why It Matters: Two of Trump’s top midterm advisers were paid hundreds of thousands of dollars to work for Putin’s allies in Bosnia. Trump has already lifted sanctions on Dodik and his associates. What else was happening behind the scenes between Trump, his cronies and Russia?

Source: New York Times

Elon Musk and Palmer Luckey’s new Pentagon roles raise ethics worries

What Happened: Pete Hegseth appointed Elon Musk and Anduril co-founder Palmer Luckey to help lead a Pentagon study on AI, drones and autonomous weapons that will influence future military spending. SpaceX has received more than $8 billion in defense contracts this year, while Anduril also holds major Pentagon contracts.

Source: NPR

Power Consolidation

Trump administration refuses international election monitors for first time in over 2 decades

What Happened: Trump officials refused to invite observers from the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) to monitor the midterms, breaking with more than two decades of U.S. practice. Meanwhile, Trump’s Justice Department is preparing to deploy more than 1,000 federal election monitors.

Source: MS NOW

Trump Hints at ‘Some Big Surprises’ Coming In a ‘Few Weeks’ Before the Midterm Election

What Happened: Trump said budget director Russell Vought has “some big surprises” planned for the coming weeks, shortly before the midterms. Trump offered no details but praised Vought as one of the most “important” figures in American history.

Why It Matters: Vought controls the White House budget office and has been key to Trump’s efforts to dismantle federal agencies and redirect government spending. With the midterms approaching, what is Trump planning?

Source: Mediaite

Weaponization of Institutions

Whistleblower says Trump demanded FBI probe into protesters over a TikTok he saw

What Happened: Former FBI supervisor Jill Fields alleges that Trump and other officials pressured the FBI to investigate anti-ICE protesters in Southern California despite concerns that their activities were constitutionally protected. One investigation reportedly began after Trump watched a TikTok video showing protesters warning residents about ICE raids and explaining their legal rights.

Source: CNN

Why the Hell Is Kash Patel’s FBI Making Campaign Ads?

What Happened: The FBI released a government-produced video attacking “democratic socialist leaders,” featuring Michigan Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed alongside Kamala Harris, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and other Democratic politicians. The video then promoted the FBI’s record under Kash Patel.

Why It Matters: The FBI is using government resources to attack Democratic politicians, including a candidate running for Senate. This further undermines the FBI’s political independence and sets a dangerous precedent for using federal law enforcement to influence elections.

Source: The New Republic

US Senator Murphy says Pentagon denied him access to US base in Qatar

What Happened: Sen. Chris Murphy said the Pentagon denied him access to Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar and refused to provide a briefing on the Iran war.

Why It Matters: The Pentagon is restricting a senator’s access to military facilities and information about an ongoing war. Congress is responsible for overseeing military operations, including their costs, casualties, and conduct.

Source: Reuters

US justice department moves to strip citizenship of 40 naturalized citizens

What Happened: The Justice Department filed cases to revoke the citizenship of 40 naturalized Americans between August 21 and October 2, its largest such initiative during Trump’s second term. DOJ had previously identified at least 384 people whose citizenship it wanted to revoke.

Why It Matters: Trump is expanding efforts to strip naturalized Americans of their citizenship. The threat of losing citizenship can also be used to intimidate people into silence, making them afraid to speak out against the government.

Source: The Guardian

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Media Suppression & Authoritarian Tactics

School book bans hit record high with nearly 12,000 removals, study finds

What Happened: PEN America recorded 11,982 book bans in public schools during the 2025–26 school year, up from 6,870 the previous year and the highest number since tracking began in 2021. Texas and Florida accounted for most of the bans, with state laws driving removals across the country.

Source: The Hill

ABC and Trump’s FCC battle in federal court over issues of free speech and jurisdiction

What Happened: ABC asked a federal judge to block the FCC’s early review of its broadcast licenses, arguing that the move is retaliation for coverage Trump dislikes. ABC says the threat of losing its licenses is already affecting editorial decisions ahead of the midterms.

Source: Associated Press

Human & Civil Rights Abuses

More Than 500 U.S. Citizens Have Been Detained, Including Handcuffed or Held at Gunpoint, in Trump’s Immigration Crackdown

What Happened: ProPublica documented 506 U.S. citizens detained by federal immigration agents since Trump returned to office, including at least 70 children and teenagers. 36 were held for a day or longer without access to lawyers or family, 63 were detained while recording agents, and roughly a dozen citizens, mostly children, were deported.

Why It Matters: Trump’s immigration crackdown is violating the rights of U.S. citizens. Americans are being detained, denied access to lawyers and even deported, exposing how far immigration enforcement has expanded beyond its legal boundaries.

Source: ProPublica

Emails show how ICE trimmed training for deputized officers

What Happened: ICE reduced training for local police authorized to make immigration arrests from four weeks in person to just 40 hours online. Emails show the agency cut instruction on immigration law and eliminated practical training scenarios as participation expanded to more than 2,600 law enforcement agencies.

Why It Matters: Trump is giving thousands of local officers federal immigration enforcement powers while cutting the training they need to understand legal limits on arrests and detention. This increases wrongful arrests, racial profiling and civil rights violations.

Source: The Washington Post

Army study found shock gloves purchased by ICE cause pain, compliance and fear

What Happened: ICE signed a $16.7 million contract for 6,000 pairs of electric shock gloves despite an Army study documenting intense pain, immediate compliance, and fear among people subjected to the devices. Researchers found that even seeing the gloves afterward was enough to make participants comply.

Why It Matters: ICE is purchasing devices that use pain and fear to force compliance, with potential use against detainees and protesters. The gloves leave no visible marks, making abuse harder to document and hold agents accountable for.

Source: Associated Press

Government Disruption

Soldiers Wounded by Iranian Drone Strike Accuse Military Health Care System of Failing Them

What Happened: Nine U.S. soldiers wounded in the March 1 Iranian drone attack in Kuwait say the military failed to provide adequate medical care, forcing some to arrange their own treatment. They reported delays in specialized care, medication, and test results despite suffering traumatic brain injuries, shrapnel wounds, and other serious injuries.

Source: Military.com

Veteran conservative lawyer quits Trump’s interior department and warns of ‘assault on the rule of law’

What Happened: John Murdock, an 18-year Interior Department attorney and self-described conservative, resigned over what he said was “glaring legal flaws” and an “assault on the rule of law” under Trump. He cited efforts to expand offshore drilling while bypassing environmental protections.

Why It Matters: Experienced government lawyers are leaving as Trump’s political priorities override legal safeguards. Murdock’s resignation adds to warnings from many career officials about the erosion of legal oversight inside federal agencies.

Source: The Guardian

Justice Dept. Turns to Partisans and Conspiracists to Fill Depleted Ranks

What Happened: More than 300 career employees have left the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division since 2025. DOJ has hired about 130 lawyers, including conservative activists and individuals with partisan or conspiratorial backgrounds, as the division shifts toward Trump’s extremist agenda.

Source: New York Times

New York declares first US measles disaster emergency since 2025 surge

What Happened: New York declared a statewide disaster emergency after reporting 108 measles cases through October 3. Pennsylvania has recorded more than 1,000 cases and five deaths, while nationwide infections are close to 3,900.

Source: Reuters

Imperial & Geopolitical Watch

How the Houthis Triumphed on the Red Sea and Sparked a New War in Yemen

What Happened: Iran-backed Houthi forces seized Yemen’s Red Sea coast near the Bab al-Mandeb Strait in September, defeating Saudi-backed forces. Saudi Arabia has launched airstrikes to support Yemeni forces attempting to retake the territory, with the U.S. providing intelligence and targeting assistance.

Source: New York Times

Far-Right & Russian Influence Watch

US, Israeli and European far-right figures to gather for conference in Israel

What Happened: National Conservatism is organizing a conference in Jerusalem bringing together Israeli nationalist politicians, American Christian nationalists and European far-right figures. Trump counterterrorism official Sebastian Gorka was advertised as a speaker but later withdrew, according to the White House.

Source: The Guardian

Economic News

The Iran war’s latest price shock could be your heating bill

What Happened: Americans who rely on heating oil face higher bills this winter as the Iran war drives up global energy prices. Heating costs have already started rising before the winter season has begun.

Why It Matters: The economic fallout from Trump’s war with Iran continues to hit American households. Families already paying more for gasoline and everyday essentials now face another major expense as winter approaches.

Source: Axios

Resistance

Check out 50501 for local and nationwide events…

Source: 50501

By the Numbers

• 506 — U.S. citizens detained by federal immigration agents since Trump returned to office, including at least 70 minors.

• 11,982 — Public school book bans recorded during the 2025–26 school year

• $16.7 million — ICE contract for 6,000 pairs of electric shock gloves

• 40 — Naturalized Americans targeted in new Justice Department citizenship revocation cases between August 21 and October 2.

• 300+ — Career employees who have left the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division since 2025.

• 1,000+ — Federal election monitors the DOJ is preparing to deploy to polling places.

What to Watch Next

Trump is blocking international election observers while expanding federal election monitoring — What is Trump planning to do with federal agents during the midterms?

Trump’s top political advisers received hundreds of thousands of dollars from a Russian proxy government — What other financial relationships exist between Trump, his inner circle, and Russia?

The FBI is using official government communications to attack Democratic politicians — Will other federal agencies become involved in propaganda as the midterms approach?

Trump says Russell Vought has “big surprises” coming before the midterms — What are Trump and Vought planning?

Key Takeaways

Rising Costs — The Iran war is driving up energy prices, adding higher heating bills this winter on top of already expensive groceries, gasoline, and other everyday goods.

Foreign Influence — Trump’s top campaign advisers received hundreds of thousands of dollars from a Russian proxy government, while major Pentagon contractors were appointed to advise the military on technologies their own companies sell.

Federal Election Interference — Trump is blocking international election observers while preparing to send more than 1,000 federal election monitors to polling places, and the FBI is releasing videos attacking Democratic politicians ahead of the midterms.

Civil Rights Under Attack — Immigration agents are detaining U.S. citizens, Trump is pursuing more cases to revoke naturalized Americans’ citizenship, and ICE is giving thousands of local officers immigration enforcement powers with less training.

Institutional Capture — Career Justice Department lawyers are leaving as Trump fills positions with political allies, while federal agencies have been accused of targeting protesters and pressuring news organizations.

Call to Action

Document Everything: Document purges, corruption, and power grabs. Share credible information with journalists, watchdogs, and legal experts. Silence enables authoritarianism—see something, say something.

Defend Press Freedom: Support independent journalism by subscribing to and sharing reporting that challenges Trump’s power grab.

Contact Lawmakers: Demand accountability for Trump’s unchecked power and war on oversight.

Mobilize for Action: Organize or join legal efforts and resistance movements to protect democracy and human and civil rights.

Support Whistleblowers: Encourage legal defense funds for government workers facing retaliation for exposing corruption.

Follow my work on YouTube → Subscribe to Unmasking Russia

https://youtube.com/@unmaskingrussia

Preorder My New Book…

Putin’s Pawns takes you on a journey from the earliest days of the Cold War and Soviet KGB active measures through Russia’s attacks on Western elections, the rise of the far right, Trump and Russia, the genocidal war against Ukraine, influence operations across Europe, and the shadow war unfolding today.

It is the story of how Moscow spent decades learning to exploit the weaknesses of democracies and how those tactics brought us to this moment.

Preorder now

https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250796547/putinspawns/

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

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Welcome to today’s Trump Tyranny Tracker…

Trump’s plans to deploy 1,000 federal election monitors, new revelations about business deals tied to his Russia negotiators, and his threats to arrest journalists are among today’s top stories.

Today at a Glance

• The Justice Department faces a lawsuit on its plan to deploy 1,000 federal election monitors.

• U.S.-Russia talks on Ukraine include a multibillion-dollar oil deal involving investors with ties to Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff.

• Trump calls for journalists to be arrested over reporting he dislikes.

What We Need to Pay Attention To

DOJ sued for records on ‘unprecedented’ plan to deploy 1,000 election monitors in midterms

What Happened: The NAACP sued the Justice Department for records on its plan to deploy roughly 1,000 federal election monitors during the midterms, compared with 289 in 2022 and 714 in 2024. The lawsuit seeks information about where monitors will be deployed, their authority, and whether federal law enforcement will be involved.

Why It Matters: Trump is planning a massive federal presence at polling places without disclosing where monitors will go or what powers they will have. His election lies and push to expand federal control are part of an effort to seize control of elections.

Source: Democracy Docket

Corruption News

Kristi Noem’s Agency Gave Her Donor a Lucrative Contract Just Before She Left

What Happened: On Kristi Noem’s final day as Homeland Security secretary, DHS agreed to purchase five aircraft for more than $300 million from a company owned by one of her political donors. Records show DHS paid substantially more than the company had recently paid for several of the planes.

Why It Matters: Noem approved a deal that handed a political donor tens of millions in profits at taxpayers’ expense. This is more rampant corruption under Trump, with taxpayer money and political connections being used for personal profit.

Source: New York Times

U.S.-Russia Talks on Ukraine Now Involve an Oil Deal Tied to Trump Allies

What Happened: U.S.-Russia talks over Ukraine now include a multibillion-dollar sale of sanctioned Lukoil assets to investors with business ties to Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff. Putin discussed the deal directly with both in September, and Trump officials confirmed they helped negotiate terms for U.S. government investment.

Why It Matters: Trump’s shady envoys are prioritizing business deals with Russia while it continues its genocidal war against Ukraine. A deal involving their business associates would ease sanctions on Russian assets and create opportunities to profit while Russia continues mass murdering Ukrainians.

Source: New York Times

Power Consolidation

Inside Trump’s Plan to Fence Off a Historic Protest Site

What Happened: Trump officials are planning a permanent fence around Lafayette Square, the historic protest site across from the White House. The fence would have gates that federal officials could close during “heightened conditions,” restricting public access.

Why It Matters: The fence would give Trump officials greater power to restrict protests directly outside the White House. This is such an authoritarian tactic meant to limit public dissent and keep protesters away from the White House.

Source: New York Times

Weaponization of Institutions

Agency Diverted $1.4 Billion in Science Funds Mandated by Congress

What Happened: The National Science Foundation withheld $1.4 billion in research funding Congress approved, roughly one-fifth of its main research budget. Trump officials plan to redirect the money toward White House priorities

Source: New York Times

Trump Directed Use of Taxpayer Money for Ads Praising His Presidency

What Happened: Trump personally directed budget director Russell Vought to find taxpayer money for television ads praising his presidency. DHS funded a $20 million advertising contract, with at least $5.5 million already spent airing the ads on major networks.

Why It Matters: Trump is using taxpayer money to promote himself ahead of the midterms. Public funds meant for government operations are being spent on political propaganda praising the president, which is what happens in Russia.

Source: New York Times

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Media Suppression & Authoritarian Tactics

Trump says some journalists ‘should be arrested,’ escalating attack on free press

What Happened: Trump said the New York Times and other news outlets “should be arrested” for reporting that his recent events had empty seats, accusing them of dishonesty and doing a “disservice to our Country.”

Why It Matters: Trump is calling for journalists to be arrested over reporting he dislikes. Threatening the press with arrest is part of his broader attack on the press to intimidate journalists and suppress critical coverage.

Source: MS NOW

White House blocks Politico from Air Force One

What Happened: The White House barred Politico from Air Force One, blocking its reporter from scheduled press pool duties and leaving the pool without a print reporter. Trump had previously banned Politico and other outlets from the White House, but a federal judge ruled that the restrictions violated their due process rights.

Why It Matters: Trump continues to punish news organizations by restricting their access, even after a court ruled against earlier press bans. Blocking pool reporters also limits independent coverage that is available to the broader press corps.

Source: The Hill

Human & Civil Rights Abuses

“You Kidnapped My Son”

What Happened: ICE is separating children from parents arrested and transferring them to federal custody as “unaccompanied” minors, even when they were living with their parents before the arrests. Mother Jones found that hundreds of children have been sent to or returned to federal shelters under this practice.

Why It Matters: ICE is forcibly separating children from their parents and then labeling them “unaccompanied” to place them in federal custody. Trump is reviving his cruel family separation policy, traumatizing children and tearing families apart.

Source: Mother Jones

Government Disruption

Hegseth’s One Percent

What Happened: Pete Hegseth told Air Force Academy cadets that military personnel are the “real one percent” of American society, with a perspective the other 99% lack. His speeches increasingly portray the military as superior to civilian society.

Why It Matters: Civil-military scholar Eliot Cohen warns that Hegseth is encouraging military superiority over civilians while treating the press and intellectuals as adversaries. This threatens the principle of civilian control over the military.

Source: The Atlantic

RFK Jr’s Relentless Anti-Vax Push Will Disproportionately Hurt Children on Medicaid

What Happened: RFK Jr. is pushing to remove vaccines from the federal childhood immunization schedule, threatening coverage for children on Medicaid and those without insurance. Roughly half of American children fall into these groups.

Source: Talking Points Memo

Measles cases surpass 1,000 in Pennsylvania amid the state’s largest outbreak in decades

What Happened: Pennsylvania has reported 1,004 measles cases across 39 counties, including 198 hospitalizations and five associated deaths. Fewer than 1% of cases involve people fully vaccinated against measles.

Source: ABC News

Imperial & Geopolitical Watch

Potential Iranian Drone Attack Led to Exit of U.S. Aircraft From British Air Base

What Happened: The U.S. withdrew all 12 B-1 bombers from RAF Fairford after intelligence warned of a possible Iranian Revolutionary Guard drone attack targeting the aircraft and American personnel. U.S. and British officials said the suspected plot involved plans to attack the base and kill U.S. troops.

Source: New York Times

Battle for control of Red Sea, attacks on energy infrastructure temper news of rising oil flow

What Happened: Brent crude remained near $100 a barrel as fighting intensified around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and attacks further threatened Saudi energy infrastructure. Middle Eastern oil producers have relied on Red Sea shipping routes to avoid disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.

Why It Matters: Trump’s Iran war continues to threaten another major oil shipping route, putting additional pressure on global energy supplies and keeping gasoline and transportation costs high.

Source: CBS News

NATO Drafts Plan to Defeat Russian Attack With Drones and AI

What Happened: NATO’s top military commander is developing a plan to defeat a Russian attack on the alliance’s eastern flank using conventional forces, drones and AI-assisted targeting. The strategy is scheduled to be presented in Poland in October.

Source: Bloomberg

Far-Right & Russian Influence Watch

Suspected plague in Russia puts EU on alert

What Happened: The European Commission is closely monitoring a suspected pneumonic plague case in Russia after a 28-year-old employee of the Irkutsk Anti-Plague Institute died. More than 200 people are under observation.

Source: Politico EU

Unmasking RussiaGermany Warns Russia’s “Shadow War” Could Escalate Into “Violent Conflict”Another week begins with another warning from Europe about Russia…Read more5 days ago · 170 likes · 22 comments · Olga Lautman

Economic News

US services sector cools in September, price pressures building

What Happened: U.S. services activity slowed in September as the index measuring prices paid by businesses rose to 74.0, its highest level in more than four years. Businesses reported higher fuel, diesel, steel and shipping costs, along with worsening supply-chain delays.

Source: Reuters

Resistance

Check out 50501 for local and nationwide events…

Source: 50501

By the Numbers

• $300 million+ — DHS aircraft purchases from a company owned by a political donor to Kristi Noem

• 5 — Aircraft included in the DHS deal

• 1,000 — Federal election monitors the Justice Department plans to deploy for the midterms

• $1.4 billion — Congressional research funding withheld by the National Science Foundation.

• $20 million — Taxpayer-funded advertising promoting Trump, including at least $5.5 million already spent airing ads

• 1,004 — Measles cases reported in Pennsylvania across 39 counties, including 198 hospitalizations and five associated deaths

• 12 — U.S. B-1 bombers withdrawn from a British air base following intelligence about a possible Iranian attack

• $100 — Approximate price per barrel of Brent crude amid threats to Middle Eastern oil shipping routes

• 200+ — People under observation following the unexplained death of an employee at Russia’s Irkutsk Anti-Plague Institute

• 74.0 — September’s U.S. services-sector prices-paid index, the highest reading in more than four years

What to Watch Next

The Justice Department plans to deploy 1,000 federal election monitors — Where will they be sent, and what powers will they have?

Trump’s shady envoys are pursuing a multibillion-dollar oil deal with Russia involving their business associates — Will Trump approve the deal and ease sanctions on Russia?

Trump is threatening journalists with arrest and restricting press access — What further action will he take against the media?

ICE is separating children from their parents and placing them in federal custody — Will Congress or courts intervene?

Trump’s Iran war is threatening American forces and major oil shipping routes — Will the war escalate and push oil prices higher?

Key Takeaways

Rampant Corruption — A Noem political donor received a lucrative DHS aircraft deal, while Trump’s Russia negotiators are involved in an oil transaction benefiting investors with ties to their business associates.

Authoritarian Tactics — Trump is threatening journalists with arrest, restricting press access, and planning barriers around a historic protest site outside the White House.

Abuse of Federal Power — Trump officials withheld $1.4 billion in congressionally approved research funding while using taxpayer money for propaganda praising the president.

Human Rights & Public Health — ICE is separating children from their parents, while Kennedy’s proposed vaccine changes threaten coverage for millions of lower-income children.

Call to Action

Document Everything: Document purges, corruption, and power grabs. Share credible information with journalists, watchdogs, and legal experts. Silence enables authoritarianism—see something, say something.

Defend Press Freedom: Support independent journalism by subscribing to and sharing reporting that challenges Trump’s power grab.

Contact Lawmakers: Demand accountability for Trump’s unchecked power and war on oversight.

Mobilize for Action: Organize or join legal efforts and resistance movements to protect democracy and human and civil rights.

Support Whistleblowers: Encourage legal defense funds for government workers facing retaliation for exposing corruption.

Follow my work on YouTube → Subscribe to Unmasking Russia

https://youtube.com/@unmaskingrussia

Preorder My New Book…

Putin’s Pawns takes you on a journey from the earliest days of the Cold War and Soviet KGB active measures through Russia’s attacks on Western elections, the rise of the far right, Trump and Russia, the genocidal war against Ukraine, influence operations across Europe, and the shadow war unfolding today.

It is the story of how Moscow spent decades learning to exploit the weaknesses of democracies and how those tactics brought us to this moment.

Preorder now

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

Leave a comment

There is plenty of coverage everywhere you look about how Pete Hegseth and the Pentagon have announced plans to livestream the firing squad execution of Nidal Hasan, the Army officer who shot up Fort Hood, killing 13 people and wounding dozens more. There is plenty of debate about the moral atrocity that is a firing squad execution and plenty of comparison to the botched lethal injection execution in Tennessee last week. This is not the place for such discussions, other than to make it clear that the entire concept here — no matter how terrible Hasan is or no matter how terrible his crime — of the state putting people to death is a barbaric practice that should be ended.

But there is one angle here that we can talk about that most other places won’t: whether hosting the livestream would violate the platforms’ own rules — and whether they’ll simply ignore (or rewrite) those rules to do it anyway. While it’s probably perfectly legal in the US to stream the execution, it still might violate the various platform rules that most sites have set up for themselves. (Hosting it globally may also create legal headaches in countries with stricter rules on violent, extremist, and terrorist content, but that’s a separate question.)

But let’s look more closely at the possible platforms Hegseth might use, since the Pentagon hasn’t yet said where this “livestream” is supposed to occur.

X

Elon Musk’s X is (duh) a likely choice. In theory, X has a “violent content policy,” but it leaves a lot of wiggle room for Elon to claim the barbarous execution doesn’t violate its policies:

You may share graphic media if it is properly labeled, not prominently displayed and is not excessively gory or depicting sexual violence, but explicitly threatening, inciting, glorifying, or expressing desire for violence is not allowed.

X is a place where people can express themselves, show and learn about what’s happening, and debate global issues, often sharing images and videos as part of the conversation. However, healthy conversations can’t thrive when Violent Speech is used to deliver a message, and not every participant wishes to be exposed to Violent Media. As a result, we may remove or reduce the visibility of Violent Content to ensure the safety of our users and prevent the normalization or glorification of violent actions. We also do not allow sharing Violent Content in highly visible places such as profile photos, banners or bio.

I would argue that livestreaming a government firing squad is “excessively gory” and, depending on how it’s packaged, “glorifying” violence, though there’s clearly room to argue otherwise. And I’m sure Elon will claim it’s not. The policy does do a little more of an explanation of what it considers “glorification” as well:

• Glorification of Violence: Glorifying, praising, or celebrating acts of violence where harm occurred, including expressing gratitude or praising that someone experienced physical harm by Violent Entities. This also includes glorifying animal abuse or cruelty.

Again, I would argue the execution counts, because it is clearly celebrating an act of violence. The policy also says that it prohibits violent content “in live video” but again, I expect that to be ignored by Elon’s team.

There is one concrete area of X’s policy that is interesting:

• Moment of Death: We may request the removal of images or videos that were taken at the point of, immediately before, or after an identifiable individual’s death, if we receive a request from their family or an authorized representative.

In theory, Hasan’s family could ask X to remove the video, and then the question is whether Elon would honor that request. And since the policy only says X “may” remove such content, it leaves plenty of wiggle room to say no.

In short, the video will likely be shared on X, and whether or not it violates the company’s policies really depends on a very subjective set of decisions.

YouTube

YouTube is the other most likely choice for streaming the execution. Here, it seems pretty clear that the execution video, on its own, would violate YouTube’s stated policy.

Violent or gory content intended to shock or disgust viewers, or content encouraging others to commit violent acts, are not allowed on YouTube.

That said, YouTube leaves itself an out in saying there’s an exception for “content that is in the public interest.”

In some cases, we may make exceptions for content with educational, documentary, scientific, or artistic context, including content that is in the public’s interest.

Looking through that linked exceptions page, the obvious hook is that YouTube lists “government proceedings” as public-interest material that may get an exception, and you can bet that’s what it would point to. But the same page lists content that’s barred from exceptions no matter the context, including “the act of decapitation.” While this isn’t quite decapitation, it’s still a pretty gruesome public execution.

Meta (Instagram / Facebook)

Zuck has spent the past couple years sucking up to Donald Trump after Trump threatened to put Zuck in jail for life. But Meta’s “Violent and Graphic Content” policy is the clearest of the bunch in ruling out hosting a livestream of the execution. In the list of things that it says “Do not post” is literally:

Live-streams of capital punishments.

The policy does allow still imagery of such content behind a warning screen and limited to adults, but livestreams of capital punishment are banned outright.

I don’t see any exceptions or language that Meta can wiggle out of for this, meaning that if it does allow such a livestream, it would only be either by ignoring its current policies or changing them.

TikTok

TikTok has less detail than the others in its policy, but does say they don’t allow “glorification of violence” among other things.

• Violent and Criminal Behavior: We don’t allow threats, encouragement or glorification of violence, promotion of crime, or instructions on how to commit harmful acts.

Again, the company (now backed by Trump’s investor friends) can probably wriggle around that language and try to claim that the execution isn’t a “glorification” of violence, though it would be wrong.

Truth Social

I guess we need to consider that the Pentagon might try to post it on the president’s personal social media and propaganda site, Truth Social. Truth Social has very unhelpful terms of service and community guidelines, that do say that when you upload content you “represent and warrant” that your content isn’t violent:

your Contributions are not obscene, lewd, lascivious, filthy, violent, harassing, libelous, slanderous, or otherwise objectionable.

your Contributions do not depict violence, threats of violence or criminal activity.

But that is only the agreement with the user. It says nothing about whether or not the site will take such content down. In the community guidelines, it only notes that you can “report” “content that depicts violence or threat of violence,” but says nothing about whether or not that’s actually allowed.

In short, depending on how much these services want to bend over backwards (or should I say, bow down?) to appease Donald Trump and the bloodthirsty Pete Hegseth, all of them except Meta can make unfortunately credible claims that livestreaming an execution by firing squad doesn’t technically violate their policies. Meta cannot say that. I’d argue that the videos likely do violate YouTube, X, and TikTok’s policies as well, but it very much depends on subjective calls for all three.

Again, as a reminder, in the US, all of these platforms are free to set their own editorial policies, including both what to allow and what not to allow.

Remember, some of the earliest moral panic over how “bad” social media is came from US elected officials losing their minds about terrorist execution videos on YouTube. It’s kind of incredible how far we’ve come: Now the US government itself is planning to stream a gruesome execution of its own, and any platform that pushes back will likely be attacked by the president and his supporters for not being patriotic enough.

US president renews his efforts to oust Cook despite supreme court ruling that her firing was unconstitutional

Donald Trump announced on Friday that he is establishing a committee to investigate Lisa Cook, the US Federal Reserve governor, over allegations that she committed mortgage fraud, renewing his efforts to oust her despite a June supreme court ruling that her earlier firing was unconstitutional.

Trump said a committee will consult with justice department officials to decide whether there is “cause” for her removal. The White House will hold an in-person hearing on 5 November to consider the allegations against Cook, which will be closed to the public but transcribed and published. Cook will be able to submit a written statement to present her own evidence and will be subject to examination from White House and her own legal counsel.

Late-night hosts looked at Trump’s latest lies and his bizarre comments on Iran destroying Los Angeles and San Diego

Late-night hosts poked fun at Donald Trump’s attempts to lie about crowd size once again as his administration continues to show signs of corruption.

Control of Congress after the 2026 midterm elections would give Democrats power to subpoena documents and testimony

In August, Jamie Raskin renewed his demand that Jared Kushner hand over documents about the overlap between his informal role advising Donald Trump on foreign policy and the private equity firm he runs after an earlier request was ignored.

Five of the 11 companies that Elizabeth Warren, Chuck Schumer and Ron Wyden wrote to about Donald Trump’s IRS settlement – including the Trump Organization and World Liberty Financial – never answered at all.

From cost of living to the Iran war, these are the issues that matter most to US voters across the political spectrum

US voters are about to deliver their first national verdict on the second presidency of Donald Trump. On 3 November, millions of Americans will vote in midterm elections to decide control of the House of Representatives and Senate, as well as the governorships in 36 states. The results could have a huge impact on Trump’s final two years in office.

Today, the Guardian launches its 2026 midterm voter panel. Our reporters have interviewed nine voters across the country and the political spectrum about the issues that matter to them, from the cost of living, immigration and healthcare to the war in Iran and whether they trust their political leaders.

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 over $6 billion in new scientific investments at the Science: A New Golden Age Summit, which Director Michael Kratsios described as the most transformative day for the American scientific enterprise since World War II. President Donald J. Trump also presented National Medals of Science and Technology and Innovation to six recipients, while the administration stated its intention to advance “super intelligence” and replace DEI with merit in federal research and development.

President Trump stated on Truth Social that no military action will be taken against the Islamic Republic of Iran before the November 3rd midterm elections, though he affirmed that a blockade remains in effect. He also claimed the White House considers the term “Artificial Intelligence” to be “THE ENEMY” and asserted that his administration prefers the term “Super Intelligence.” Additionally, he called upon Minnesota residents to “fight back” against crime and criticized media reports regarding his comments on San Diego and Los Angeles.

The Department of State announced sanctions against ten entities, six individuals, and five vessels for trading Iranian-origin petroleum, while the Department of the Treasury sanctioned 17 entities and their vessels under Executive Order 13902. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Portuguese officials to discuss defense-industrial cooperation, and the U.S. signed a $2.49 billion global health partnership with Zambia. The Department of War awarded a $6.3 billion contract to Raytheon and announced $350 million for quantum computing initiatives, while HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. announced new initiatives to investigate vaccine injuries. Additionally, the U.S. Trade Representative invoked the Rapid Response Labor Mechanism to investigate labor rights at a GLM Components facility in Mexico.

Governor Gavin Newsom announced the deployment of new swiftwater rescue equipment to 13 local fire departments, stating that “we’re putting new rescue vehicles, boats, and lifesaving equipment into the hands of highly trained local first responders” in contrast to federal funding cuts. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker announced $1.8 million in local food infrastructure grants. Governor Pritzker also criticized the Trump Administration’s denial of a major disaster declaration for Illinois, stating that “Donald Trump should never play politics with their homes, businesses, and infrastructure,” while Senator Dick Durbin alleged the denial was an act to “punish Americans who live in states that did not support him.”

OpenAI reported it banned two covert influence operations from Russia and Iran that used its models to support “false front” entities. Anthropic announced a $150 million commitment to the federal Genesis Mission to support AI-driven scientific discovery across 15 government agencies. Additionally, Anthropic launched the Anthropic Cyber Mission, providing vulnerability scanning tools for open-source projects and a program to secure industrial control systems in partnership with organizations including Accenture and CrowdStrike.

No Congressional Record was found for 2026-10-07.

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2. White House News

President Trump Is Putting American Industry, Jobs, and Paychecks Back on the Map

The White House states that President Donald J. Trump is “delivering on his promise to the American worker: build it here, power it here, and put paychecks back in the communities Washington left behind.” According to the White House, President Trump has secured various “steel, nuclear, gas, shipbuilding, and medical manufacturing commitments” within weeks. The White House asserts these initiatives are intended to “hire American workers and strengthen American security.”

Reference: Original White House release

President Trump Presents National Medals of Science and National Medals of Technology and Innovation

At the Science: A New Golden Age Summit, President Donald J. Trump presented National Medals of Science and Technology and Innovation to six recipients. The White House stated the President is committed to “restoring U.S. global scientific and technological leadership for a New Golden Age.” Michael Kratsios, Assistant to the President and Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, described the awardees as “the architects of the future.” The summit also addresses recommendations from the report, *Science: A New Golden Age*, released in July 2026.

Reference: Original White House release

Fact Sheet: Trump Administration Announces the Most Ambitious Set of Science Initiatives This Century

At the Science: A New Golden Age Summit, the Trump Administration announced over $6 billion in investments across government, industry, academia, and philanthropy. White House Office of Science and Technology Policy Director Michael Kratsios stated these initiatives mark “the most transformative day for the American scientific enterprise since the reshaping of the Federal research ecosystem following World War II.” The administration aims to advance “super intelligence,” replace DEI with merit in federal R&D, revive national missions in technology and space, and create new scientific institutions.

Reference: Original White House release

3. Truth Social Posts

Trump addressed ongoing discussions with the Islamic Republic of Iran, stating that while the country is in “very bad condition” economically and militarily, there will be no military action taken against them prior to the November 3rd midterm elections. He affirmed that the current blockade remains in effect and emphasized that “IRAN WILL NOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON!” Separately, he criticized media reports claiming he invited attacks on San Diego and Los Angeles, describing those outlets as “Degenerates.” Trump explained that he was merely making a comparison between temporary gasoline price increases and the potential for a nuclear-armed Iran to bomb major cities.

Regarding domestic affairs, Trump called upon Minnesota residents to “fight back” against crime and what he described as a takeover by Somali immigrants, labeling Governor Tim Walz an “incompetent thief.” He stated that if requested by the Governor or the Mayor of Minneapolis, the Federal Government would “come to your rescue.” In a separate matter, Trump questioned the 12-day absence of the individual he referred to as “TalaFREAKo,” casting doubt on the reported “flu” diagnosis. He then promoted Ken Paxton as a “proven Champion” and the “Greatest Attorney General in the History of Texas” to fill a Senate role.

Finally, Trump announced that the White House considers anyone using the term “Artificial Intelligence” to be “THE ENEMY,” noting that the administration prefers the term “Super Intelligence.”

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

4. Government Department News

State Department (state.gov)

Release of the 2026 Trafficking in Persons Report

Spokesman Thomas “Tommy” Pigott stated that human trafficking is a “direct assault on the values of freedom and dignity that define America.” The 2026 report identifies new methods used by criminal organizations and regimes to profit from trafficking. It calls for accountability for governments failing to protect citizens or punish offenders. The Trump Administration announced it will use all available tools to pursue traffickers and their enablers.

Operation Economic Outcast Sanctions on Iran’s Shadow Fleet Network

The Department of State announced sanctions against ten entities, six individuals, and five vessels for trading Iranian-origin petroleum or petrochemical products. Concurrently, the Department of the Treasury sanctioned 17 entities and their vessels. These measures aim to isolate the Iranian regime, dismantle its “shadow fleet,” and prevent funding for “malign activities.” State Department targets were sanctioned under Executive Order 13846, while Treasury actions were taken under Executive Order 13902.

U.S. Intensifies Operation Economic Outcast Against Iran’s Shadow Fleet Network

The Department of State detailed sanctions against entities and individuals involved in smuggling Iranian petrochemicals to Asia. Targets include Türkiye-based NOORZAD PETROKIMYA and its CEO Said Ahmad Noorzad, UAE-based ARABIANPRO MATERIALS FZCO, India-based SSPL SOLUTIONS PRIVATE LIMITED and its directors Dhwani and Nisarg Vora, and Türkiye-based BGZ DIS TICARET LIMITED SIRKETI. The U.S. government states these entities “channeled millions of dollars to the Iranian regime,” bolstering its revenue streams and enabling continued illicit conduct.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Portuguese Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel at a Joint Press Availability

Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel highlighted the historic alliance between Portugal and the United States, citing long-standing defense and economic cooperation. Rangel stated that Portugal reached 2 percent of GDP for defense spending in 2025 and reaffirmed support for Ukraine and international maritime security in the Gulf. Secretary Rubio met with the Minister and the Prime Minister to discuss the bilateral relationship.

Secretary Rubio’s Meetings with Portuguese Prime Minister Montenegro and Foreign Minister Rangel

Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Prime Minister Luís Montenegro and Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel in Lisbon to discuss the U.S.-Portugal alliance and defense-industrial cooperation. Discussions included expanding two-way trade, investment through the U.S.-Portugal CEO Forum, and Portugal’s role regarding American technology in Europe. Secretary Rubio also noted that he looks forward to working with Portugal during its 2027-2028 term on the United Nations Security Council.

United States and Zambia Sign Five-Year Global Health Partnership under the Trump Administration’s America First Global Health Strategy

The U.S. and Zambia signed a $2.49 billion, five-year Health Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding. This includes $1.52 billion in U.S. assistance and $975 million in Zambian investment. The partnership aims to increase Zambian self-reliance in procuring health commodities and managing health systems. Additionally, the U.S. plans to provide over $13 million for infectious disease surveillance. This marks the 36th global health agreement signed under the Trump Administration’s America First Global Health Strategy.

Department of War (war.gov)

Department of War Awards $6.3 Billion Multi-Year Contract to RTX’s Raytheon for SM-3 BLOCK IB Interceptors

The Department of War and the Missile Defense Agency awarded Raytheon a multi-year contract valued at up to $6.3 billion to produce SM-3 Block IB interceptors. Under Secretary of War for Acquisition and Sustainment Michael P. Duffey stated the contract provides “production certainty” and helps “dominate any adversary.” The agreement spans five years with two option years. Work will occur in Tucson, Arizona, and Huntsville, Alabama, intended to eliminate supply-chain friction and support the Joint Force’s ballistic missile defense capabilities.

Department of War Announces $350 Million in Quantum Computing Initiatives

The Department of War announced approximately $350 million in new initiatives to advance quantum computing for national security. Under Secretary of War for Research and Engineering Emil Michael stated that “dominance in quantum information science” is a critical priority. Funding includes $200 million for DARPA’s Quantum Benchmarking Initiative and support for PsiQuantum. The Department plans to host application workshops before January 2027 to identify high-value use cases for quantum technology in weapons, materials science, and physics to maintain a technological edge.

Department of War’s Office of Strategic Capital Signs $150 Million Conditional Loan Commitment With PsiQuantum

The Department of War’s Office of Strategic Capital (OSC) announced a $150 million conditional loan commitment to PsiQuantum to support domestic advanced manufacturing and prototyping. OSC Director David A. Lorch stated the transaction aligns with President Trump’s mandate to accelerate quantum computing commercialization. Peter B. Zuckerman of OSC described the funding as a “national security imperative” to secure a technological edge. The commitment requires PsiQuantum to meet specific financial, legal, and technical due diligence requirements before the financial close.

Department of War Executes White House Strategy for a New Golden Age of Science

The Department of War announced initiatives to implement the White House’s “New Golden Age of American science.” Key efforts include an MOU with the National Science Foundation to support experimentation and workforce development, with $200 million dedicated to Programmable Cloud Labs for Fiscal Year 2028. The Department is also adopting a “metascience-informed framework” to measure the effectiveness of its laboratories and research centers. Under Secretary Emil Michael stated these steps will “dismantle barriers to commercialization” and safeguard taxpayer-funded research from foreign exploitation.

Contracts for Oct. 8, 2026

The Department of War awarded several contracts, including a $6.3 billion multi-year deal to Raytheon for SM-3 Block IB interceptors. Ernst & Young LLP received two labor-hour contracts totaling over $869 million for financial audit services regarding Navy and Air Force funds. Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. was awarded $51.7 million for management support to DARPA. Additionally, Gentex Corp. received a $39.9 million modification for combat helmets, and three companies were awarded a shared contract for wood products totaling $15.7 million.

Department of Health and Human Services (hhs.gov)

HHS Launches Agency-Wide Actions to Strengthen Vaccine Injury Research, Reporting, and Patient Care

HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. announced new initiatives to investigate and document health issues reported after vaccination. The NIH opened a clinic in Bethesda to care for and study such patients. CMS proposed a new policy to reimburse physicians for reporting suspected injuries to VAERS. Additionally, the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology will require electronic health records to capture vaccine-related adverse events. The CDC is also modernizing the VAERS system, including mobile accessibility and improved tools for researchers.

Treasury Department (home.treasury.gov)

Operation Economic Outcast Neutralizes Iranian Regime’s Remaining Shadow Fleet Network

The Treasury Department announced that Operation Economic Outcast has neutralized the majority of Iran’s shadow fleet used for illicit petroleum exports. Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent stated, “Treasury is starving the tyrannical regime in Tehran of the money it uses to wage war in the region.” The action designates 17 vessels and associated companies under Executive Order 13902. Additionally, OFAC removed the HAKUNA MATATA and PINOCCHIO from the sanctions list after confirming their transition to non-sanctioned operators.

United States Trade Representative (ustr.gov)

United States Seeks Mexico’s Review of Alleged Denial of Workers’ Rights at GLM Components Mexico

The Office of the United States Trade Representative has invoked the Rapid Response Labor Mechanism under the USMCA to investigate alleged denials of collective bargaining and freedom of association at the GLM Components auto parts facility in Puebla, Mexico. Following a petition from the Sindicato Regeneración Nacional de Trabajadores y Empleados de la República Mexicana “Morenas,” the Interagency Labor Committee found “sufficient, credible evidence” of rights violations. The U.S. has suspended liquidation of goods from the facility pending Mexico’s review.

5. Selected Democratic Officials

Gavin Newsom (gov.ca.gov)

First Partner Siebel Newsom co-hosts summit elevating social connection as an urgent public health priority at the Vatican

First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom and Chancellor Marcelo Suárez-Orozco co-hosted a two-day Vatican summit, “Belonging and Social Relations in the Age of Fragility.” Attendees explored treating social connection as a public health metric, citing loneliness as a risk factor comparable to smoking or obesity. Siebel Newsom stated that California is designing systems to “move belonging from an individual experience to a collective action,” citing state initiatives like the Social Health Council. A forthcoming white paper will outline global recommendations for advancing social health.

Governor Newsom announces new swiftwater rescue fleet to strengthen California storm preparedness

Governor Gavin Newsom announced the deployment of new swiftwater rescue vehicles, boats, and equipment to 13 local fire departments. This upgrade supports the California Fire and Rescue Mutual Aid System, enabling specialized teams to respond to flood emergencies. Governor Newsom stated, “While Donald Trump moves to cut disaster preparedness, we’re putting new rescue vehicles, boats, and lifesaving equipment into the hands of highly trained local first responders.” Cal OES Director Caroline Thomas Jacobs noted the effort aims to bolster statewide readiness ahead of potential El Niño-driven storms.

JB Pritzker (gov.illinois.gov)

Gov. Pritzker Announces $1.8 Million in Grant Funds for Local Food Infrastructure Across Illinois

Governor Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Agriculture announced $1.8 million for the Local Food Infrastructure Grants program to support food supply chains. Eligible projects include infrastructure for processing, storing, and distributing agricultural products. Governor Pritzker stated the program “reduces food insecurities while strengthening local economies.” Applications open November 2, 2026, and close January 6, 2027; pre-registration is required. Since 2025, the state has distributed nearly $4 million in awards to help agribusinesses, local producers, and nonprofits expand their operations.

Trump Administration Denies Illinois Request for Emergency Assistance After Severe August Storms

FEMA denied Illinois’ request for a major disaster declaration following severe August storms. FEMA Administrator Cameron Hamilton stated assistance was “not warranted.” Governor Pritzker criticized the decision, stating, “Donald Trump should never play politics with their homes, businesses, and infrastructure.” The state will appeal the denial for Champaign, Cook, Ford, Fulton, McLean, Tazewell, Vermilion, and Will counties. Senator Dick Durbin alleged the denial was an act to “punish Americans who live in states that did not support him.”

Daily Public Schedule: Thursday, October 8, 2026

On October 8, 2026, Governor Pritzker is scheduled to deliver remarks at the 2026 Governors’ Summit regarding the State of PJM Interconnection in Chicago at 9:00 AM CT. No live stream will be provided, but the Governor’s Office intends to release video following the event.

6. AI & Tech Company News

OpenAI (openai.com)

Disrupting AI-enabled “false front” operations

OpenAI reports it banned two covert influence operations from Russia and Iran that utilized its models to support “false front” entities. The Iranian operation employed seven fake journalist personas to pitch articles, while the Russian operation managed a fake “think tank” and generated “leaked” documents. OpenAI assessed the Russian operation as a Category 5 on its IO Breakout Scale and the Iranian operation as Category 4. OpenAI states these groups use AI to improve “scale, efficiency, linguistic fluency, and editorial ability” to plant content in mainstream media.

Anthropic (anthropic.com)

Anthropic Commits $150 Million to Genesis Mission

Anthropic announced a $150 million, three-year commitment to the federal Genesis Mission, aimed at advancing scientific discovery through AI. The initiative provides Claude to over 15 agencies, including NASA, the National Institutes of Health, and the National Science Foundation. This follows previous collaborations with the U.S. Department of Energy. Additionally, the company highlighted recent scientific support efforts, including the launch of Claude Science, the Model Hardware Standard research preview, and the expansion of the AI for Science program.

Introducing the Anthropic Cyber Mission

Anthropic launched the Anthropic Cyber Mission, a long-term effort providing tools, research, and resources to security defenders. The company introduced the Critical Infrastructure Defense Program, partnering with organizations like Accenture, CrowdStrike, and Deloitte to support industrial control system security. Furthermore, Anthropic launched OSS Scanner, an opt-in service for open-source projects that provides periodic AI-generated vulnerability scans and suggested fixes. These efforts build on lessons from Project Glasswing and the previously established cyber defense program for state, local, tribal, and territorial governments.

7. Congressional Watch

Covers the 2026-10-07 session — the Congressional Record is published with a one-day delay.

No Congressional Record found for 2026-10-07.

Polling out this week suggests the Democrats could do something no one thought possible even a few months ago: take back the US Senate. Despite this, Donald Trump is telling crowds at rallies across the country that the Republicans will ‘win big’.

This week, Jonathan Freedland speaks to David Nir of the Downballot about why Democrats are feeling so hopeful in deep red states

Watch Jonathan Freedland on our new Politics Weekly YouTube channel

Send your questions and feedback to politicsweeklyamerica@theguardian.com

Watch Aditya Chakrabortty’s new series, Radical Thinking, on YouTube, or listen to it on the Politics Weekly feed

Man taken to hospital and mayor says child physically unharmed as he demands Trump stop ICE enforcement in city

A US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent shot and wounded a man in New York City on Thursday afternoon during an enforcement operation, federal officials said.

The man was conscious and hospitalized, authorities said, and the shooting quickly sparked angry protests from local residents and elected officials in the neighborhood.