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Democracy Skies in Blueness
Alaska is one of the most important battlegrounds for control of the Senate.
A new poll shows Democrat Mary Peltola, a former congresswoman, holding a six percentage point edge over incumbent Sen. Dan Sullivan (R) after ranked-choice voting.
A new poll shows Democrat Mary Peltola, a former congresswoman, holding a six percentage point edge over incumbent Sen. Dan Sullivan (R) after ranked-choice voting.
These midterm polls caught our attention this week. They’re good for Democrats.
Political strategists and pollsters say surveys are usually more reliable after Labor Day.
www.washingtonpost.com
September 19, 2026 at 2:30 AM
Alaska is one of the most important battlegrounds for control of the Senate.
A new poll shows Democrat Mary Peltola, a former congresswoman, holding a six percentage point edge over incumbent Sen. Dan Sullivan (R) after ranked-choice voting.
A new poll shows Democrat Mary Peltola, a former congresswoman, holding a six percentage point edge over incumbent Sen. Dan Sullivan (R) after ranked-choice voting.
Alaska is one of the most important battlegrounds for control of the Senate.
A new poll shows Democrat Mary Peltola, a former congresswoman, holding a six percentage point edge over incumbent Sen. Dan Sullivan (R) after ranked-choice voting.
A new poll shows Democrat Mary Peltola, a former congresswoman, holding a six percentage point edge over incumbent Sen. Dan Sullivan (R) after ranked-choice voting.
These midterm polls caught our attention this week. They’re good for Democrats.
Political strategists and pollsters say surveys are usually more reliable after Labor Day.
www.washingtonpost.com
September 19, 2026 at 2:30 AM
Alaska is one of the most important battlegrounds for control of the Senate.
A new poll shows Democrat Mary Peltola, a former congresswoman, holding a six percentage point edge over incumbent Sen. Dan Sullivan (R) after ranked-choice voting.
A new poll shows Democrat Mary Peltola, a former congresswoman, holding a six percentage point edge over incumbent Sen. Dan Sullivan (R) after ranked-choice voting.
A district court ruled that the Trump administration must reinstate a $7 billion grant program that funded solar panel installation for low- and moderate-income families.
Trump’s EPA must reinstate $7 billion grant program for solar panels, judge rules
District court rules that Biden-era Solar for All grants that help lower-income families and communities install solar panels cannot be terminated.
www.washingtonpost.com
September 19, 2026 at 1:30 AM
A district court ruled that the Trump administration must reinstate a $7 billion grant program that funded solar panel installation for low- and moderate-income families.
A district court ruled that the Trump administration must reinstate a $7 billion grant program that funded solar panel installation for low- and moderate-income families.
Trump’s EPA must reinstate $7 billion grant program for solar panels, judge rules
District court rules that Biden-era Solar for All grants that help lower-income families and communities install solar panels cannot be terminated.
www.washingtonpost.com
September 19, 2026 at 1:30 AM
A district court ruled that the Trump administration must reinstate a $7 billion grant program that funded solar panel installation for low- and moderate-income families.
A federal judge said at a hearing that she was concerned that the Trump administration could find ways to effectively revive a defunct $1.8 billion “Anti-Weaponization Fund” that critics say would have rewarded the president’s supporters.
Judge is skeptical Trump administration has fully abandoned payout fund
Officials dropped plans for a $1.8 billion fund to pay those who claimed they were wronged by the justice system. But a suit against the effort is ongoing.
www.washingtonpost.com
September 19, 2026 at 1:15 AM
A federal judge said at a hearing that she was concerned that the Trump administration could find ways to effectively revive a defunct $1.8 billion “Anti-Weaponization Fund” that critics say would have rewarded the president’s supporters.
The University of Maine at Presque Isle, known for letting students earn a bachelor’s degree in less than a year, is drawing scrutiny from its accreditor about the quality of its online program.
State college in Maine draws scrutiny from accreditor over fast online degrees
The University of Maine at Presque Isle is facing a review after a Washington Post article reported that some students completed degrees in just a few months.
www.washingtonpost.com
September 19, 2026 at 1:00 AM
The University of Maine at Presque Isle, known for letting students earn a bachelor’s degree in less than a year, is drawing scrutiny from its accreditor about the quality of its online program.
President Trump said that he would be “demanding” drug companies further split up vaccines into five doses given in six-month intervals, and claimed that doing so would reduce autism rates.
It was not clear which immunizations he was seeking to break up.
It was not clear which immunizations he was seeking to break up.
Trump says he will demand drug companies split up vaccines into more doses
Those comments came a day after Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. told attendees of a conference for the anti-vaccine group he founded that they have a “friend at the White House.”
www.washingtonpost.com
September 19, 2026 at 12:45 AM
President Trump said that he would be “demanding” drug companies further split up vaccines into five doses given in six-month intervals, and claimed that doing so would reduce autism rates.
It was not clear which immunizations he was seeking to break up.
It was not clear which immunizations he was seeking to break up.
Column by Philip Kennicott: The fiasco of this week’s Kennedy Center closure reveals the truth of President Trump’s motivations — and what the arts community stands to lose. https://wapo.st/4AqIfj0
September 19, 2026 at 12:30 AM
Column by Philip Kennicott: The fiasco of this week’s Kennedy Center closure reveals the truth of President Trump’s motivations — and what the arts community stands to lose. https://wapo.st/4AqIfj0
Column by Philip Kennicott: The fiasco of this week’s Kennedy Center closure reveals the truth of President Trump’s motivations — and what the arts community stands to lose. https://wapo.st/4AqIfj0
September 19, 2026 at 12:30 AM
Column by Philip Kennicott: The fiasco of this week’s Kennedy Center closure reveals the truth of President Trump’s motivations — and what the arts community stands to lose. https://wapo.st/4AqIfj0
The Trump administration’s policy on deporting immigrants to third countries is unlawful, a federal appeals court ruled, a decision that could halt a program that has already sent thousands of people to countries that are not their own.
Appeals court says Trump administration’s third-country deportation policy is unlawful
The decision marks a major setback for the administration, which has removed tens of thousands of unauthorized immigrants to countries where they are not citizens.
www.washingtonpost.com
September 19, 2026 at 12:15 AM
The Trump administration’s policy on deporting immigrants to third countries is unlawful, a federal appeals court ruled, a decision that could halt a program that has already sent thousands of people to countries that are not their own.
You don’t need to give up dessert entirely to still eat healthily.
Experts say it’s fine to indulge from time to time. We asked six top nutrition and health experts to share their favorite dishes. https://wapo.st/3VdV7IN
Experts say it’s fine to indulge from time to time. We asked six top nutrition and health experts to share their favorite dishes. https://wapo.st/3VdV7IN
September 19, 2026 at 12:00 AM
You don’t need to give up dessert entirely to still eat healthily.
Experts say it’s fine to indulge from time to time. We asked six top nutrition and health experts to share their favorite dishes. https://wapo.st/3VdV7IN
Experts say it’s fine to indulge from time to time. We asked six top nutrition and health experts to share their favorite dishes. https://wapo.st/3VdV7IN
President Trump said that his son paid back the well-connected Russian businessman who funded his wedding celebrations.
A person close to Donald Trump Jr. confirmed the repayment.
A person close to Donald Trump Jr. confirmed the repayment.
Trump says son has paid back Russian for wedding party
The president defended Donald Trump Jr.’s decision to take a large gift from Umar Kremlev, saying that such presents are “common.”
www.washingtonpost.com
September 18, 2026 at 11:45 PM
President Trump said that his son paid back the well-connected Russian businessman who funded his wedding celebrations.
A person close to Donald Trump Jr. confirmed the repayment.
A person close to Donald Trump Jr. confirmed the repayment.
Receiving Medicaid, food stamps, tuition assistance and free school lunch could all be grounds for denying a green-card application now.
New York led 21 other states, D.C. and several cities in suing the Trump administration over the new rule. https://wapo.st/475AnWm
New York led 21 other states, D.C. and several cities in suing the Trump administration over the new rule. https://wapo.st/475AnWm
September 18, 2026 at 11:30 PM
Receiving Medicaid, food stamps, tuition assistance and free school lunch could all be grounds for denying a green-card application now.
New York led 21 other states, D.C. and several cities in suing the Trump administration over the new rule. https://wapo.st/475AnWm
New York led 21 other states, D.C. and several cities in suing the Trump administration over the new rule. https://wapo.st/475AnWm
Receiving Medicaid, food stamps, tuition assistance and free school lunch could all be grounds for denying a green-card application now.
New York led 21 other states, D.C. and several cities in suing the Trump administration over the new rule. https://wapo.st/475AnWm
New York led 21 other states, D.C. and several cities in suing the Trump administration over the new rule. https://wapo.st/475AnWm
September 18, 2026 at 11:30 PM
Receiving Medicaid, food stamps, tuition assistance and free school lunch could all be grounds for denying a green-card application now.
New York led 21 other states, D.C. and several cities in suing the Trump administration over the new rule. https://wapo.st/475AnWm
New York led 21 other states, D.C. and several cities in suing the Trump administration over the new rule. https://wapo.st/475AnWm
The Congressional Black Caucus endorsed James Talarico, the Democratic Senate nominee in Texas, following a contentious primary riven by accusations of racism.
Black congressional leaders endorse James Talarico in Texas Senate race
Talarico has strong support among Black voters in public polls, but he has recently stepped up his efforts to reach them.
www.washingtonpost.com
September 18, 2026 at 11:15 PM
The Congressional Black Caucus endorsed James Talarico, the Democratic Senate nominee in Texas, following a contentious primary riven by accusations of racism.
The Christian legal movement that John Whitehead helped pioneer is worth hundreds of millions of dollars and has touched many aspects of American life.
But Whitehead says the movement is not what he envisioned when he launched it in 1982.
But Whitehead says the movement is not what he envisioned when he launched it in 1982.
Why a lawyer who launched the Christian legal movement believes it’s gone astray
John Whitehead says the Christian legal movement is not what he envisioned when he launched the Rutherford Institute in 1982.
www.washingtonpost.com
September 18, 2026 at 11:00 PM
The Christian legal movement that John Whitehead helped pioneer is worth hundreds of millions of dollars and has touched many aspects of American life.
But Whitehead says the movement is not what he envisioned when he launched it in 1982.
But Whitehead says the movement is not what he envisioned when he launched it in 1982.
President Trump pushed back against a Republican critic, calling Rep. María Elvira Salazar (R-Florida) weak on border security.
“She obviously doesn’t have a very strong feeling for the border, but I do,” he said.
“She obviously doesn’t have a very strong feeling for the border, but I do,” he said.
Trump criticizes Florida Republican who said he’s losing Latino support because of immigration enforcement
Rep. María Elvira Salazar (R) is running in a Latino-heavy district in Florida.
www.washingtonpost.com
September 18, 2026 at 10:45 PM
President Trump pushed back against a Republican critic, calling Rep. María Elvira Salazar (R-Florida) weak on border security.
“She obviously doesn’t have a very strong feeling for the border, but I do,” he said.
“She obviously doesn’t have a very strong feeling for the border, but I do,” he said.
Duncan Sheik, the singer-songwriter who wrote his single “Barely Breathing” and composed the Tony Award-winning musical “Spring Awakening,” died Thursday. He was 56.
The cause was cardiac arrest, his mother said.
The cause was cardiac arrest, his mother said.
Duncan Sheik, singer-songwriter who found success on pop charts and Broadway, dies at 56
He had a hit single in 1996, “Barely Breathing,” then went on to compose the Tony Award-winning musical “Spring Awakening.”
www.washingtonpost.com
September 18, 2026 at 10:30 PM
Duncan Sheik, the singer-songwriter who wrote his single “Barely Breathing” and composed the Tony Award-winning musical “Spring Awakening,” died Thursday. He was 56.
The cause was cardiac arrest, his mother said.
The cause was cardiac arrest, his mother said.
Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) announced a set of policies aimed at controlling the rampant development of data centers, but stopped short of the moratorium that some in her party have sought.
Spanberger takes unusual step to limit data centers — up to a point
Spanberger acts to restrict new data centers in Virginia but leaves some details for the future.
www.washingtonpost.com
September 18, 2026 at 10:15 PM
Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) announced a set of policies aimed at controlling the rampant development of data centers, but stopped short of the moratorium that some in her party have sought.
Breaking news: The Kennedy Center laid off about a dozen employees Friday, according to people familiar with the layoffs. The cuts come as the center’s main building remains closed during a legal battle over President Trump’s transformation of the institution.
Fresh layoffs begin at Kennedy Center as closure continues
The cuts come as the center’s main building remains closed amid a legal battle over President Donald Trump’s transformation of the national cultural institution.
www.washingtonpost.com
September 18, 2026 at 10:10 PM
Breaking news: The Kennedy Center laid off about a dozen employees Friday, according to people familiar with the layoffs. The cuts come as the center’s main building remains closed during a legal battle over President Trump’s transformation of the institution.
Breaking news: The White House has struck a deal that gives “permanent control over security” in Greenland to the U.S., President Trump said, declaring victory in his desire to increase U.S. sway over the Arctic territory.
Trump announces ‘forever’ deal to defend Greenland as Denmark says signing ‘expected’ next week
President Trump announced an agreement with Denmark that he said gives the United States "permanent" sway over Greenland's security.
www.washingtonpost.com
September 18, 2026 at 10:05 PM
Breaking news: The White House has struck a deal that gives “permanent control over security” in Greenland to the U.S., President Trump said, declaring victory in his desire to increase U.S. sway over the Arctic territory.
U.S. Central Command, which oversees American military operations in the Middle East, estimates that the Iran war has cost about $43.6 billion through early September, according to a document reviewed by the Post.
Iran war cost is now at least $43.6 billion, U.S. Central Command says
The total includes $28 billion needed to replace munitions but does not account for damage to American facilities throughout the Middle East.
www.washingtonpost.com
September 18, 2026 at 10:05 PM
U.S. Central Command, which oversees American military operations in the Middle East, estimates that the Iran war has cost about $43.6 billion through early September, according to a document reviewed by the Post.
Hannah Michelle Brower and Aspen Simone are leaders of “South Philly’s hottest new excursion” — a pigeon tour.
They’re trying to change the narrative that pigeons are just dirty birds.
They’re trying to change the narrative that pigeons are just dirty birds.
Some people hate pigeons. This couple’s bird tour aims to change that.
The Philadelphia pigeon tour was intended to be a one-time event, but demand has kept it going, despite a few pigeon poop mishaps.
www.washingtonpost.com
September 18, 2026 at 10:00 PM
Hannah Michelle Brower and Aspen Simone are leaders of “South Philly’s hottest new excursion” — a pigeon tour.
They’re trying to change the narrative that pigeons are just dirty birds.
They’re trying to change the narrative that pigeons are just dirty birds.
In a matter of weeks, Russia has been linked to a series of attacks and plots that carried the potential to trigger a dangerous escalation in the war in Ukraine and the West’s broader conflict with Moscow, according to security officials and experts.
String of daring Russian plots is testing Washington’s restraint
A strike on a train that imperiled former European leaders and CIA officers is among a spate of attacks that risked a dangerous escalation with the West, experts say.
www.washingtonpost.com
September 18, 2026 at 9:30 PM
In a matter of weeks, Russia has been linked to a series of attacks and plots that carried the potential to trigger a dangerous escalation in the war in Ukraine and the West’s broader conflict with Moscow, according to security officials and experts.
The Federal Aviation Administration said that President Trump’s proposed 250-foot triumphal arch would not pose a hazard to aircraft.
The FAA’s study said the proposed structure should feature “a non-standard eternal flame” to make it noticeable to pilots.
The FAA’s study said the proposed structure should feature “a non-standard eternal flame” to make it noticeable to pilots.
NAACP files lawsuit seeking to bar federal agents from polling places
The lawsuit is the second one this month aimed at keeping ICE and others away from the polls.
www.washingtonpost.com
September 18, 2026 at 9:15 PM
The Federal Aviation Administration said that President Trump’s proposed 250-foot triumphal arch would not pose a hazard to aircraft.
The FAA’s study said the proposed structure should feature “a non-standard eternal flame” to make it noticeable to pilots.
The FAA’s study said the proposed structure should feature “a non-standard eternal flame” to make it noticeable to pilots.