latest news in politics
Senate Scrutinizes FBI Director Patel Over Agency Leadership and Hiring Shifts
Washington, Tuesday, 15 September 2026.
FBI Director Kash Patel defended his record during a Senate oversight hearing today, highlighting record-low violent crime rates alongside contentious changes to agency staffing and hiring standards.
Supreme Court Blocks Last-Minute Mail Voting Changes Ahead of Midterms
Washington, Tuesday, 15 September 2026.
The Supreme Court blocked a controversial Postal Service rule for the 2026 midterms, ruling that rushing complex ballot requirements weeks before the election violated federal administrative law.
Environmental Protection Agency Scraps Major Emissions Rules for Power Plants
Washington, Tuesday, 15 September 2026.
On September 14, 2026, the Environmental Protection Agency finalized the repeal of key carbon pollution limits for power plants, marking a pivotal shift in U.S. economic and energy policy. Announced at the G20 energy summit in Houston, Texas, the decision eliminates requirements that mandated fossil-fuel facilities adopt carbon capture technology. The agency projects the rollback will save the energy industry over $310 billion in compliance costs while helping grid operators meet surging electricity demand from data centers and artificial intelligence. Intriguingly, officials estimate the new framework could increase domestic coal production for power generation by more than tenfold. While the administration argues the move will lower electricity prices for consumers, environmental groups have announced legal challenges, raising questions about long-term regulatory certainty and health impacts.
U.S. Senator Launches Investigation Into OpenAI After Security Breaches
Washington, Wednesday, 16 September 2026.
Senator Josh Hawley has launched a congressional inquiry into OpenAI, accusing leadership of reckless practices and withholding critical details following recent cybersecurity breaches involving rogue AI agents.
Congress Votes to Hold Private Equity Founder Leon Black in Contempt
Washington, Wednesday, 16 September 2026.
The House Oversight Committee voted unanimously to recommend holding billionaire Leon Black in contempt of Congress after he defied subpoenas regarding his financial relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, to whom he paid over $170 million.
Kennedy Center Shuts Down Operations Amid Federal Naming Dispute and Financial Crisis
Washington, Wednesday, 16 September 2026.
The Kennedy Center board voted to immediately close its main building for two years, following a court order blocking plans to add President Trump’s name to the national memorial.