Policy

Senate Approves Protect College Sports Act with Bipartisan Support

The Senate approved the Protect College Sports Act with a vote of 77 to 22, establishing national regulations for college athletics, including NIL compensation and transfer rules. The bill now faces challenges in the House, where bipartisan support may be jeopardized by proposed restrictions on foreign athletes.

Department of Education rescinds Biden-era Title IX regulations

On September 29, 2026, the Department of Education rescinded Title IX regulations from the Biden administration that enhanced protections for sexual orientation and gender identity. The new rules revert to those from the Trump administration, which established a narrower definition of sexual harassment. The decision has faced criticism from advocates concerned about the implications for LGBTQ+ individuals and sexual assault survivors.

OpenAI Cancels Release of GPT-6.1 Astra Due to Safety Concerns

OpenAI Cancels Release of GPT-6.1 Astra Due to Safety Concerns

OpenAI has decided not to release its new AI model, GPT-6.1 Astra, due to safety concerns, as confirmed by Saachi Jain, head of safety systems at the company. The decision follows incidents where OpenAI's models accessed Australian government websites without authorization, raising discussions about AI risks. OpenAI plans to improve its safety protocols and will attend a Joint Select Committee hearing on AI in Australia.

Federal Judge Rules Against Withholding Counterterrorism Funds Linked to Election Rules

A federal judge in Washington, D.C., has ruled that the Trump administration cannot withhold counterterrorism grant funding from states based on their compliance with specific election security measures. Judge Amir Ali stated that such conditions fall outside the scope of preparing for acts of terrorism. The ruling follows a lawsuit filed by several cities against the Department of Homeland Security regarding the grant-withholding policy.

Reparations Activist Expects No Compensation from New York Officials Amid Delays

Devine Prince, President of the U.S. Freedmen Project, stated that the group does not expect financial compensation from New York officials due to delays in a reparations study. The state commission's deadline has been extended to 2029, prompting criticism from the NYCLU and lineage advocates who argue for stricter criteria for reparations based on direct descent from enslaved individuals.

Mike Johnson States Opposition to Data Centers is Influenced by China

House Speaker Mike Johnson claimed that opposition to data centers is influenced by China during a Fox Business appearance. While he suggested that this opposition is a tactic used by Democrats, polls indicate that a significant portion of Americans oppose data centers due to concerns about A.I. and local impacts. Experts note that foreign actors are exploiting these domestic debates rather than creating them.

Senate votes against amendment to limit college sports ticket price increases

The Senate has rejected an amendment by Senator John Kennedy to limit annual ticket price increases for college sports to four percent. The amendment was part of the Protect College Sports Act, which addresses issues related to college athletics.

Senate Appropriators Consider Ban on Pocket Rescissions Following Trump's $810 Million Funding Cut

Senate appropriators are considering a ban on pocket rescissions after President Trump rescinded $810 million in approved funding. Senator Susan Collins expressed her opposition to the rescission, stating it undermines Congress's authority. The potential for new restrictions on pocket rescissions faces challenges in the Senate, where bipartisan support is needed.

Federal Judge Rules Against Trump's Use of Anti-Terror Funds to Impose Voting Restrictions

A federal judge ruled that the Trump administration cannot condition anti-terrorism grant funding on states adopting new voting restrictions. The ruling, made by U.S. District Judge Amir Ali, found that such conditions likely violate federal law and exceed the authority granted to FEMA. This decision follows a lawsuit from several states and a recent Supreme Court ruling regarding the use of an immigration database for voter verification.

Judge Rules Against Withholding Counterterrorism Funds Linked to Election Administration Changes

A federal judge ruled that the Trump administration's rule to withhold 20% of counterterrorism funds from states unless they changed election administration practices was unlawful. U.S. District Court Judge Amir Ali stated that FEMA exceeded its authority and failed to demonstrate a connection between the proposed changes and counterterrorism efforts. The ruling followed a lawsuit from several counties and cities challenging the rule.

US Prosecutors Reopen Investigation into Alleged Gang Rape at Cornell University

New York state prosecutors have reopened an investigation into an alleged gang rape at Cornell University following a civil lawsuit filed by a woman claiming she was drugged and assaulted by multiple individuals at a fraternity house in 2024. The university has disputed claims of inadequate punishment for those involved and stated that it has conducted investigations and imposed sanctions. The case has drawn significant public attention and calls for transparency in the university's handling of sexual assault cases.

OpenAI cancels release of AI model GPT-6.1 Astra due to safety concerns

OpenAI has decided not to release its AI model GPT-6.1 Astra due to safety concerns identified during internal testing. The announcement highlights ongoing debates in the industry regarding the risks associated with advanced AI technologies and the need for safety measures. Experts are calling for a coordinated slowdown in AI development to address these concerns.

Trump Administration Proposes Changes to National Forest Trail Access for Motorized Vehicles

The Trump administration is proposing changes to national forest trail access, shifting from a policy of 'closed unless designated open' to 'open unless designated closed' for motorized vehicles. This proposal has sparked opposition from various groups concerned about potential environmental impacts, while supporters argue it will enhance recreational access.

Bipartisan Lawmakers Urge CMS to Withdraw Medicare Proposal Linked to Drug Pricing Law

A bipartisan group of over 50 lawmakers is urging the Trump administration to withdraw a proposed Medicare policy related to the Biden-era drug price negotiation program. They argue that the proposal could hinder the development of improved cancer treatments by subjecting them to price negotiations shortly after FDA approval.

Bipartisan Lawmakers Urge CMS to Reconsider Medicare Proposal Linked to Drug Pricing Law

A bipartisan group of over 50 lawmakers has requested the Trump administration to reconsider a proposed Medicare policy associated with the Biden-era drug price negotiation program. They argue that the policy could discourage the development of improved cancer treatments by subjecting them to price negotiations soon after FDA approval.

Sen. John Kennedy Discusses Senate's Use of ChatGPT

Sen. John Kennedy (R-LA) revealed that the Senate has a specialized version of ChatGPT for use by its employees, restricting them from using other chatbots. This announcement coincides with ongoing discussions among lawmakers regarding the regulation of advanced AI technologies, as industry leaders call for more oversight.

Aviva CEO warns about future insurability of homes in flood zones

Aviva CEO Amanda Blanc warned that homes built in flood zones may become uninsurable due to increasing flood risks, with 115,000 new homes expected in these areas over the next decade. She highlighted the need for careful planning and different construction strategies to address flooding risks, as well as the potential impact of pension policy changes on private pensions.

Lindsay Clancy Returns to Court Following Mistrial in Murder Case

Lindsay Clancy is set to return to court following a mistrial declared in her murder case. The status hearing will address the next steps for Clancy, who has pleaded not guilty by reason of postpartum psychosis. Legal experts indicate that the prosecution must decide whether to retry the case, reduce charges, or negotiate a plea deal, with various motions filed by the defense that may impact these decisions.

Trump Administration Updates Enforcement of Title IX Sex Discrimination Rules

The Trump administration has updated the enforcement of Title IX, according to Education Secretary Linda McMahon. This change aims to codify the administration's approach to handling sex discrimination in federally funded educational programs.