Senator Josh Hawley plans to introduce legislation to close a tax loophole for data centers, which he claims is being misused by tech companies as corporate welfare. The proposed bill would exclude data centers from tax incentives meant for Opportunity Zones, aimed at benefiting low-income areas. This move comes amid ongoing concerns about the regulation of artificial intelligence and the influence of tech companies on legislative actions.
Annie Dillard, an influential author known for her reflections on nature, passed away on September 15, 2026, at the age of 81. Her notable works include the Pulitzer Prize-winning book 'Pilgrim at Tinker Creek,' where she explored the beauty and complexity of the natural world. Dillard's writing often drew comparisons to Henry David Thoreau and emphasized the spiritual connection to nature.
Five men have been indicted in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York for their involvement in a network that allegedly planned to assassinate Russian dissidents. The indictment was unsealed on September 16, 2026.
Residents of al-Mughayyir in the West Bank are experiencing a reduction in the space available to them within their village. This development has led to concerns about their living conditions and access to resources.
Susie Wiles, Chief of Staff to Donald Trump, has declared that she is cancer-free. She maintained her work responsibilities at the White House during her treatment.
Senator Bill Cassidy has criticized the Trump administration's vaccination policies, linking them to an increase in measles deaths in the U.S. He emphasized the need for public health officials to rely on scientific evidence. During a Senate hearing, Cassidy questioned Dr. Nicole Saphier, Trump's nominee for surgeon general, about the MMR vaccine and its alleged connection to autism.
Matt Fitzpatrick, the defending champion of the DP World Tour finale, expressed discomfort about traveling to the Middle East for the upcoming events due to ongoing regional conflicts. He indicated that while some players share his concerns, others feel differently, and he doubts his opinion will significantly influence the tour's decisions regarding the events' locations.
Lebanon has returned 37 artefacts to Egypt that were smuggled out six years ago, following a ceremony at the National Museum of Beirut. The artefacts, which include masks and wooden coffins, were seized in 2020, and their ownership was verified through collaboration with INTERPOL and Egyptian authorities. This return highlights ongoing efforts to combat the illicit trafficking of cultural property.
Jessica Bates, a widowed mother from Oregon, has settled with the state after being denied the opportunity to adopt due to her Christian beliefs regarding gender identity. The settlement allows her to continue the adoption process while her lawsuit against state officials progresses.
The Kennedy Center has closed for repairs following a board vote aligned with former President Donald Trump. Democratic Representative Joyce Beatty is seeking a court hearing to challenge the closure, which she deems unlawful. The closure comes after a federal judge blocked the addition of Trump's name to the building, citing the need for Congressional approval.
Rep. Gregory Meeks, a senior Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, has announced a hold on a $2.8 billion weapons sale to Israel proposed by the Trump administration. The sale involves 40,000 one-ton bombs, and Meeks emphasized his commitment to evaluating the consequences of the transaction.
House Minority Whip Katherine Clark emphasized the need for 'team players' to hold top committee positions following recent defections by Democratic Representatives Marie Gluesenkamp Perez and Jared Golden. Clark's comments come after the two centrists voted with Republicans on key issues, prompting discussions within the Democratic caucus about potential consequences for their actions.
Texas Democratic Senate nominee James Talarico identified Alyssa Edwards, the stage name of Justin Dwayne Lee Johnson, as his favorite drag queen. Johnson has been an advocate for LGBT issues, particularly concerning youth, and has clarified that he does not promote youth participation in drag shows.
Retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. David Deptula commented on the U.S. deployment of weapons in space, indicating it is a reaction to an existing arms race with Russia and China. He made these remarks during an interview on NewsNation.
Concerns about the cognitive effects of short-form video have been raised by public figures and researchers, but limited research exists on the topic. Preliminary studies suggest potential negative impacts on attention and memory, but many findings are inconclusive or lack rigor. The uncertainty surrounding these effects complicates policy decisions and raises questions about the responsibility of tech companies.
President Donald Trump criticized the Federal Reserve for raising interest rates while expressing support for Fed Chairman Kevin Warsh. The Fed's recent decision to increase its target rate to a range of 3.75%-4.0% was made in response to ongoing inflation concerns. Trump's comments highlighted his alignment with Warsh, despite the rate hike, while Senator Elizabeth Warren acknowledged Warsh's actions but noted the need for him to rebuild his reputation.
California is evaluating the acceptance of $1.86 billion in federal broadband grant funds, which comes with conditions that may require the state to modify its net neutrality law. The Trump administration's recent changes to the BEAD program mandate that states cannot enforce net neutrality rules on ISPs receiving federal funding.
The U.S. State Department has issued a Level 2 travel advisory for Cambodia, warning Americans of security risks including crime and unexploded ordnance. Travelers are advised to exercise caution, particularly in certain provinces and areas along the Cambodian-Thai border, and to avoid resisting robbery attempts.
On September 16, 2026, the House of Representatives voted to hold billionaire Leon Black in contempt of Congress for not complying with subpoenas related to the investigation into Jeffrey Epstein. The vote followed a unanimous recommendation from the House oversight committee.