Researchers involved in the Vesuvius Challenge have created model papyrus scrolls to assist in deciphering the ancient Herculaneum scrolls, which are too fragile to unroll. Their findings, published in PLoS ONE, aim to identify scrolls written in lead-based ink for further analysis.
A Government Accountability Office report indicates that the Trump administration spent approximately $9.5 billion on paid administrative leave for federal workers in 2025, a significant increase from previous years. The report attributes this rise to a deferred resignation program initiated by the administration, which allowed many federal employees to receive salaries while resigning early.
Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh is set to make a significant decision on interest rates amid ongoing inflation and political pressure from President Trump. With expectations for a rate hike growing, Warsh's approach is under scrutiny, particularly following discussions with Trump and the administration's attempts to remove Fed governor Lisa Cook. Surveys indicate strong support among former Fed officials for raising rates, while economic factors such as the U.S.-Israel conflict and developments in artificial intelligence continue to influence the economic landscape.
Senator Bill Cassidy criticized the Trump administration's handling of vaccine messaging during a committee hearing on the nomination of Nicole Saphier as surgeon general. He expressed concern over the administration's role in fostering vaccine skepticism, particularly in light of recent measles deaths in Pennsylvania. Cassidy's comments reflect his ongoing opposition to Trump's vaccine policies as he prepares to leave Congress.
Kerry Kennedy accused President Trump of holding the Kennedy Center funding hostage, stating he would not allocate funds for renovations unless his name was included on the building. This follows a federal judge's ruling blocking the addition of Trump's name and the board's decision to close the center for renovations. Kennedy and other family members criticized Trump's actions as detrimental to the center's legacy.
The House of Representatives, led by Speaker Mike Johnson, will adjourn early for a seven-week recess, postponing a vote on the impeachment of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The decision comes amid political pressures and follows Rep. Thomas Massie's announcement of an impeachment resolution due to Hegseth's actions regarding the U.S. war with Iran. Attorney General Todd Blanche defended Hegseth's conduct in response to the impeachment push.
House lawmakers will not vote on the impeachment resolution against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth until after the November elections, following the cancellation of Thursday's votes by GOP leaders. Speaker Mike Johnson criticized the impeachment effort as a publicity stunt and emphasized the need for members to campaign in their districts. The House is set to return on November 9.
The Coast Guard and FBI boarded a Texas-bound oil tanker last month after concerns arose about a potential cyberattack on the vessel's network. Iranian state media reported that hackers gained control over critical systems, leading to a loss of communications. The Coast Guard confirmed that there were no current operational disruptions or safety concerns following the investigation.
House Democrats are introducing legislation to block federal tax breaks for data centers amid concerns about their expansion linked to the AI boom. The proposed bill, supported by multiple representatives, aims to address issues related to local input, resource strain, and the prioritization of corporate interests over community needs.
The family of Tierra Walker, a pregnant woman who died in December 2024, has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, alleging that the denial of an abortion contributed to her death. Walker was diagnosed with pre-eclampsia at 20 weeks of pregnancy.
On September 16, 2026, researchers initiated a class action lawsuit against the NIH, alleging that the Trump administration is censoring scientific grants by blocking funding for certain topics. The lawsuit claims that a list of 235 keywords has been used to restrict funding for areas such as health equity and climate change.
On September 16, 2026, Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh spoke after the Federal Open Market Committee raised interest rates by 0.25 percent to combat inflation. The new rate range is set at 3.75 to 4 percent, the first increase in over three years.
U.S. diplomats met with Houthi representatives in Oman to discuss tensions in the Red Sea and the continuation of a ceasefire. The meeting aimed to ensure the Bab al-Mandeb Strait remains open amidst escalating conflicts between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia, with the U.S. seeking to avoid military involvement in the region.
President Trump criticized the EU's proposal to make Canada its first associate member amid ongoing trade disputes. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen suggested the idea during a meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who is set to address the European Parliament. The trade tensions have escalated, with both sides imposing tariffs on various goods.
Reid Hoffman, a major Democratic donor, expressed doubts about Kamala Harris' chances for a successful presidential run in 2028, citing a challenging political landscape. Harris has not confirmed her candidacy but plans to support Democratic candidates in the upcoming midterm elections. Governor Gavin Newsom stated he would not run if Harris decided to enter the race.
UCLA will provide free tickets to students for all football and basketball games beginning Saturday, coinciding with the football game against Purdue. The initiative is intended to boost student attendance at these events.
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg expressed that AI companies are driven by safety considerations in their model development. He noted that external pressures are not required for these companies to maintain safety timelines.
Belarus has released 25 political prisoners in exchange for sanctions relief from the United States. Dzmitryi Halavach, a rock musician among those freed, arrived in Vilnius, Lithuania, on September 16, 2026.
ESPN has extended Joe Buck's contract for six years at approximately $108 million, increasing his annual salary to $18 million. This deal secures Buck for upcoming Super Bowls and reflects ESPN's strategy of compensating star talent while making cuts elsewhere in the organization.
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