On September 9, 2026, Secretary of State Marco Rubio designated the Ecuadorian gang Los Tiguerones as a Foreign Terrorist Organization and Specially Designated Global Terrorist. Rubio stated that the gang is involved in narcotrafficking and has committed violent acts against civilians and law enforcement. This designation follows the classification of three other gangs in July and was announced during Rubio's visit to Quito, Ecuador.
President Trump indicated he might consider pardoning Michael Cohen, citing concerns about how the legal system has treated him. Cohen was a significant witness in the 2024 New York hush money trial and has since recanted his testimony.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) stated that defunding Planned Parenthood remains a priority for the GOP, despite the recent expiration of a federal funding ban. He emphasized the importance of adhering to the Hyde Amendment, which prohibits federal funding for abortions, and mentioned ongoing litigation related to abortion regulations.
President Donald Trump stated that gas prices will drop to $2 per gallon after the November midterm elections. He indicated that oil prices will decrease following the elections, although he acknowledged that relief may take longer than expected. Trump also suggested that the ongoing Iran war could end after the elections, potentially contributing to lower gas prices.
Dr. William G. Anderson, a significant figure in the civil rights movement and a physician, has passed away at 98. He was recognized for his contributions to civil rights and was seen with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Rev. Ralph Abernathy in a historic photograph from 1962.
President Trump will address a midterm convention in Dallas after an inspection of Air Force One's emergency slide. Meanwhile, Stefany Shaheen has secured the Democratic nomination for Chris Pappas's former House seat, with her family ties to the Democratic establishment being a point of contention in the primary.
Conservative fund-raisers have expressed expectations of low attendance from major Republican donors at the upcoming midterm convention. This trend may impact fundraising efforts for the party.
Conservative fund-raisers have noted that major Republican donors are likely to have lower attendance at the upcoming midterm convention. This could impact fundraising efforts for the party.
President Donald Trump reportedly gave $45,000 in holiday cash gifts to White House aides Margo Martin and Chamberlain Harris, as disclosed in financial forms. The White House stated that such gifts are a longstanding practice and do not relate to the aides' official duties.
An inflatable slide was deployed on Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews before President Trump's departure for the Republican midterm convention in Dallas. The slide was inflated from a door on the right side of the aircraft.
Senator Ted Cruz defended Justice Clarence Thomas' views on affirmative action during an appearance on 'The View,' discussing the historical context of race and opportunity in America. Co-hosts Sunny Hostin and Whoopi Goldberg challenged Cruz's perspectives, emphasizing the importance of addressing racism rather than eliminating affirmative action. The discussion highlighted Thomas' experiences and the implications of constitutional amendments related to civil rights.
On September 9, 2026, a federal appeals court reviewed a case that may affect access to medication abortion nationwide, including in states that protect abortion rights. The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals engaged with attorneys for Louisiana, the FDA, and related manufacturers during the proceedings.
The Energy Department has increased its forecast for U.S. diesel prices in 2027 by 33 cents, now predicting an average of $4.40 per gallon. This adjustment is attributed to tight global supplies and low domestic inventories, with expectations of elevated fuel costs continuing into 2027. The report also highlights the impact of the ongoing Middle East conflict on oil supplies.
Oil prices have exceeded $100 a barrel for the first time since July, driven by attacks on oil facilities and shipping in the Middle East. Brent crude rose nearly 3% to $100.72, while U.S. gasoline prices increased significantly. Analysts from Bank of America have raised their oil price forecast due to ongoing disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, warning of potential further price increases if attacks continue.
U.S. officials reported that Iran conducted a strike on a military base located in Azraq, Jordan. The officials characterized the damage from the strike as minimal.
U.S. officials confirmed that Iran conducted a strike on a military base located in Azraq, Jordan. The attack resulted in minimal damage to the facility.
A study from the University of Illinois Chicago’s Great Cities Institute estimates that ICE's operations in the Chicago area resulted in over $1.2 billion in losses for local businesses in 2025. The study highlights a decline in visits to restaurants and retail in Latino-heavy neighborhoods affected by these operations.
A study published in PLoS ONE reveals that The Beatles are the most referenced band in scientific literature. Co-author Gabriel Budel highlighted creative examples of these references, including plays on the band's song titles. The article also mentions a previous instance of researchers inserting Bob Dylan lyrics into their papers as part of a bet.
September 11 is observed annually in the U.S. as a day of remembrance for the terrorist attacks, but it is not a federal holiday despite multiple legislative attempts to establish it as one. The high costs and potential disruptions associated with federal holidays present significant barriers. Currently, September 11 is recognized as Patriot Day, which includes observances but does not grant federal employees a day off. Local governments may choose to recognize the day differently, but efforts to make it a federal holiday have not advanced.
President Trump expressed his belief that the U.S. war with Iran will end immediately following the November midterm elections. He made these remarks while en route to a Republican convention in Dallas.
We use first-party cookies only — for login, preferences, and aggregate
analytics with hashed IPs. No third-party trackers.
Read more