Vice President JD Vance emphasized the importance of voter turnout in the 2026 midterms to support the Trump administration's agenda. He noted that Republicans need to engage their base and articulate future plans to attract voters, particularly traditional conservatives who have shown less enthusiasm for midterm elections. Current polling indicates that Democrats hold an advantage, and Vance's comments reflect a strategy to mobilize support ahead of the elections.
During a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on September 16, 2026, FBI Director Kash Patel faced accusations from Senate Democrats of using his position to intimidate journalists. Patel denied these allegations and defended the FBI's record while also addressing changes in hiring standards and the potential presence of agents at polling places during the midterm elections.
President Donald Trump threatened to keep the Kennedy Center closed permanently after a judge ruled against adding his name to the building. Trump stated that renovations cannot begin until a higher court rules on the renaming, while the Kennedy Center emphasized safety in its decision to shut down operations. The situation has led to declining ticket sales and artist cancellations.
The Department of Justice has charged five Russian agents for allegedly engaging in murder-for-hire plots and surveillance operations against dissidents and allies of Ukraine. The defendants include individuals from Russia, Cuba, and Venezuela, and they are accused of attempting to recruit U.S. citizens for these activities.
On September 16, 2026, the House of Representatives approved a war powers resolution that seeks to restrict military actions by President Trump in Iran. The resolution passed with a vote of 220-204 and was sponsored by Rep. Seth Moulton.
The Kansas City Chiefs implemented a historic trick play during their 31-10 win against the Denver Broncos on September 15, 2026. Inspired by Chris Berman, the play featured Patrick Mahomes passing to Kenneth Walker III for a touchdown, with Justin Fields also on the field as a second quarterback.
A fourth Florida resident has died from a flesh-eating bacteria linked to raw or undercooked oysters, according to the Florida Department of Health. The individual was from Broward County and was between the ages of 75 and 79. The state has reported 21 cases of Vibrio vulnificus in 2026, with previous deaths occurring in Bay, Palm Beach, and Marion counties.
FBI Director Kash Patel testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee on September 15, 2026, facing questions from Senator Adam Schiff regarding various allegations, including the misuse of an FBI SWAT team. Patel denied the claims and expressed frustration during the hearing, which underscored the partisan tensions within the committee.
Human remains were discovered near Crystal Rapids in Arizona following flash floods in the Grand Canyon that occurred in late August, resulting in two deaths and one missing person. The National Park Service has recovered the remains and transferred them to the Coconino County medical examiner's office.
Senator Chris Coons has won the Democratic primary in Delaware and is expected to continue his term in the Senate. He will face former state Senator Michael Katz, the Republican nominee, in the general election.
Rep. Pramila Jayapal claimed that the majority of individuals arrested by the Department of Homeland Security this summer posed no threat to public safety, highlighting a shift in enforcement focus towards immigrants without criminal records. She stated that this trend is making communities less safe and referenced a significant increase in arrests of individuals without criminal convictions. DHS reported record-high arrests in August, emphasizing its commitment to immigration enforcement.
Rep. Pramila Jayapal claimed that the majority of individuals arrested by the Department of Homeland Security this summer posed no threat to public safety, highlighting a shift in enforcement priorities. She noted that arrests of immigrants without criminal convictions have increased significantly, while arrests of those with criminal records have decreased. DHS reported record-high arrests in August under the Trump administration.
Federal authorities have reported that Russia's intelligence services are allegedly plotting targeted killings of individuals aligned with Ukraine in the US and Europe. Charges have been filed against five individuals connected to this network, which reportedly sought to surveil and kill these targets.
A climber from San Jose, California, fell 500 feet down Mount Shasta and crawled to a remote cabin for safety. He was found by rescue teams the next day after his friends reported him missing when they could not contact him. Forest officials emphasized the importance of preparation and navigation skills for hikers.
Rep. Joyce Beatty shared details of a contentious conversation with President Trump about the Kennedy Center. She indicated that her stance against closing the center during a board meeting led to a strong response from the president.
The US is preparing to deliver 2,000lb bombs to Israel as part of a $2.8 billion arms deal, which includes 40,000 bombs. This delivery was previously paused by the Biden administration due to concerns about mass casualties in Gaza.
Delaware Republicans have nominated Joseph Arminio to challenge Democratic Rep. Sarah McBride for the state's U.S. House seat in the upcoming election. Arminio, a political scientist, won the nomination by defeating the party's endorsed candidate and its 2024 nominee. He aims to address economic issues, including inflation and rising living costs, as he seeks to unseat McBride, who became the first openly transgender member of Congress in 2024.
Donald Trump has issued an ultimatum regarding the Kennedy Center, demanding that he be allowed to place his name on the building in exchange for support for its renovation. This comes after a federal judge blocked an attempt to add his name. The Kennedy Center is reportedly facing financial collapse and potential bankruptcy, complicating the situation further.
We use first-party cookies only — for login, preferences, and aggregate
analytics with hashed IPs. No third-party trackers.
Read more