Section
Politics
Federal and state government: legislation, elections, campaign finance and regulatory action. Claims are checked against the published bill text, state legislature records, Federal Election Commission filings and the Federal Register.
Trump Waives Sanctions, Sets 500% Tariff on Russia
President Donald J. Trump waived most sanctions in the Graham Act while imposing a 500% duty on Russian goods. The order also targets third-party energy buyers with 100% tariffs if they purchase Russian oil after October 18.
Latest in Politics
Energy Department Announces New Initiatives for AI Infrastructure
The Department of Energy agreed to cleanup standards for the Oak Ridge, Paducah, Portsmouth, and Savannah River sites based on residential use despite unlikely future housing.
DOE Nuclear Cleanup May Cost $840 Billion by 2100
A GAO report states DOE nuclear waste cleanup could cost up to $840 billion and last until 2100. Legal disputes and unrealistic land-use assumptions drive these high costs and extended schedules.
OPM Eliminates Time-in-Grade Rule for GS Promotions
The Office of Personnel Management issued a final rule eliminating the Time-in-Grade restriction for General Schedule promotions.
CPSC Excludes Fuel Additives From Flammable Liquid Increases Rule
The Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a rule excluding fuel additives from flammable liquid fuel definitions. This action avoids $545.7 million in annual compliance costs for manufacturers.
NNSA Reduces Federal Workforce by 236 Employees
The National Nuclear Security Administration cut 236 federal employees, including nuclear engineers, by the second quarter of fiscal year 2026.
Bonta Urges Congress to Pass Epstein Files Act II
California Attorney General Rob Bonta and 17 colleagues urged Congress on Thursday to pass the Epstein Files Transparency Act II.
OCC Finds Nine Banks Denied Services Over Views
The OCC found that between 2020 and September 2025, nine major U.S. banks denied services based on political or religious views. The agency removed reputation risk from its framework to stop such denials.
Bonta Joins Coalition Opposing FCC E-Rate Cuts
California Attorney General Rob Bonta joined a multistate coalition Tuesday opposing Federal Communications Commission efforts to restrict or terminate the federal E-Rate program.
Homeland Security Cuts Refugee Termination Notice to Ten Days
The Department of Homeland Security issued a rule reducing the refugee status termination notice period from thirty days to ten days.
DHS, DOJ Raise Immigration Civil Penalties to $2,800
The Department of Homeland Security and Department of Justice finalized a rule raising weekly civil penalties for immigration violations to nearly $2,800.
CFTC Seeks Rules for Crypto Asset Markets
The Commodity Futures Trading Commission issued a notice seeking public comment on new rules for crypto asset markets. The agency cites prior fraud cases involving billions in losses as justification for federal oversight.
Treasury Sanctions International Criminal Court, Issues Licenses
The U.S. Treasury designated the International Criminal Court as a sanctioned entity and issued four general licenses.
Hearing Canceled in Abrego Garcia Deportation Case in Maryland
A hearing before U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis regarding Kilmar Abrego Garcia's deportation to Liberia was canceled Tuesday. The government seeks to vacate an injunction blocking removal while Abrego Garcia's lawyers aim to make it permanent.
Congress Passes Bill To Make Chiricahua A National Park
Congress passed legislation to redesignate Chiricahua National Monument as a national park, sending the bill to President Trump for signature.
U.S. Customs Suspends De Minimis Drug Exemption
U.S. Customs and Border Protection suspended the de minimis exemption for imported drugs starting October 22, 2026. The change requires bonds and data, affecting millions who buy cheaper medicines abroad.
DHS Proposes $70,000 Fee for Student Work Program
The Department of Homeland Security proposed a $70,000 fee for each initial international student work application. Critics argue the cost will harm innovation while the agency cites fraud concerns.
2nd Circuit Hears 9/11 Families Suit Against Saudi Arabia
The 2nd Circuit Court heard arguments on allowing a 9/11 families lawsuit against Saudi Arabia to proceed. Judges will rule later on whether the kingdom holds sovereign immunity despite evidence of official support for hijackers.
Trump Calls Andrews 'Trannie' in South Carolina Senate Post
President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social calling Democratic candidate Annie Andrews a derogatory name three times.
Chicago Federal Judge Blocks Illinois Prediction Market Ban
A Chicago federal judge blocked Illinois from regulating prediction markets as gambling, ruling federal law preempts state authority.
Kennedy Says AI Will End Medical Tyranny at MAHA Summit
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. stated artificial intelligence will allow Americans to verify medical advice independently. Sponsors paid up to $300,000 for summit access while critics called the event pay-to-play.
Nevada Senator Says ICE Ignored Letter on Shock Gloves
U.S. Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto says ICE has not answered an August letter about shock gloves. The agency signed a $16.7 million contract for 6,000 pairs despite study findings on pain.
Bonta Leads 17 States Opposing Roadless Rule Rescission
Attorney General Rob Bonta and 17 states filed comments opposing a federal rule to rescind roadless area protections. The change could open 4.4 million acres in California to logging, mining, and road construction.
Republicans Focus Midterm Campaigns on Crime and Border Security
Republicans are centering midterm campaigns on public disorder and illegal immigration despite polling showing voter concern shifting to the economy.