The Senate voted against both Democratic and Republican plans to address rising out-of-pocket costs for Affordable Care Act (ACA) enrollees, leaving enhanced tax credits set to expire at the end of the year. Democrats and Republicans remain divided on how to handle this issue, impacting health care conversations before the upcoming midterm elections.
Key Facts
The Senate rejected both parties' proposals related to ACA subsidies.
Democrats proposed a three-year extension of enhanced tax credits, which failed with a 51-48 vote.
Four Republicans voted for the Democratic plan; it needed 13 for passage.
The Republican plan proposed payments to health savings accounts instead of extending subsidies and also failed 51-48.
There is ongoing skepticism about reaching a bipartisan agreement on healthcare.
Most Republicans oppose extending subsidies, considering it as wasteful spending.
A poll found 74% of the public supports extending the ACA subsidies.
Some House lawmakers are pushing for compromise plans, but it remains uncertain if these will pass.
Indiana's Republican-led senate voted against a new congressional map that was meant to give their party an advantage in the 2026 elections. President Donald Trump had pressured for this mid-cycle redistricting to favor Republicans, but the proposal was rejected by a combination of Republican and Democratic senators.
Key Facts
Indiana's senate is led by Republicans and a proposal for new district lines was voted down.
The new map was supposed to help Republicans win more seats in the 2026 elections.
President Trump wanted states to change district lines before the usual 10-year cycle.
Twenty-one Republican senators and all 10 Democratic senators opposed the plan.
Trump urged Republicans to redraw districts to have more favorable election outcomes.
Trump criticized senators who resisted the plan, hinting at supporting their challengers in future elections.
Some Indiana lawmakers received threats during the debate about redistricting.
Half of Indiana's state senate will have elections in 2026.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) urged 39 states to stop redirecting Social Security benefits meant for foster children to cover state expenses. The department aims to ensure these benefits support the children's needs and help them transition to adulthood.
Key Facts
The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) sent letters to 39 governors about the policy change.
States often use foster children's Social Security survivor benefits to cover foster care costs.
The ACF wants these benefits to be used for the children's unmet needs and future.
Approximately 27,000 foster children receive Social Security benefits.
Eleven states have already changed their policies to protect these benefits for the children.
The ACF and Social Security Administration plan to work with states to stop this practice.
President Trump and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. support the initiative to protect foster children's benefits.
A hiker named Austin Dirks was trapped in quicksand while hiking in Utah's Arches National Park. He used a GPS device to send his location to rescuers and was stuck for two hours before being rescued by a drone.
Key Facts
Austin Dirks got stuck in quicksand in Arches National Park in Utah.
He used a GPS satellite messenger to contact rescuers.
Dirks was trapped for two hours before help arrived.
The temperature was around 20 degrees Fahrenheit while he was trapped.
A rescue drone was used to locate him.
The rescue operation was reported by CBS News, a partner of the BBC.
An Indiana state senator, Mike Gaskill, claimed that a new civil war in the United States has begun. He made this statement while urging support for a redistricting bill backed by President Trump, which ultimately failed in the Indiana Senate.
Key Facts
Mike Gaskill is a state senator from Indiana and a member of the Republican Party.
Gaskill declared that a "second civil war" has started in the U.S.
He linked this claim to support for a redistricting effort.
The redistricting plan was supported by President Donald Trump.
The Indiana Senate voted against the redistricting bill, with a result of 19 in favor and 31 against.
The push for redistricting was backed by Trump, but it did not pass.
This is a developing story, and more information will be added as updates become available.
The Indiana Senate has decided not to move forward with a plan to redraw the state's voting districts, despite President Donald Trump's support for the plan. This decision is part of ongoing national discussions about redistricting, where both political parties try to shape voting districts in their favor for future elections.
Key Facts
The Indiana Senate rejected a redistricting plan that President Trump supported.
Republicans and Democrats in Indiana voted together against the redistricting proposal.
The proposed plan aimed to give Republicans two more seats in Indiana.
Redistricting can impact elections by changing how voting districts are shaped.
The Indiana House had previously approved the plan with a vote of 57 to 41.
Most U.S. states have engaged in redistricting efforts, but Indiana rejected it.
The U.S. Supreme Court allowed Texas's new congressional map to proceed as planned.
New York Attorney General Letitia James received a legal win when a grand jury decided not to re-charge her with mortgage fraud after a previous case was dismissed. The Justice Department had twice tried to indict her, but both attempts were unsuccessful. The case has been closely watched due to its connections to President Donald Trump.
Key Facts
A grand jury in Virginia chose not to re-indict Letitia James on mortgage fraud charges.
The initial case was dismissed by a judge due to an improper prosecutor appointment.
The prosecutor, Lindsey Halligan, was linked to President Trump and lacked experience.
The Justice Department made two unsuccessful attempts to indict James.
The situation highlights concerns about using legal action for political purposes.
President Trump has openly criticized Letitia James on social media.
Legal experts have commented on the Justice Department’s persistent efforts to indict James.
Some House Republicans are trying to force a vote to extend Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits, which help people pay for health insurance. These credits are set to expire at the end of 2025. A group of Republicans has joined with Democrats to push for a vote because the credits impact millions of Americans.
Key Facts
ACA tax credits help about 24 million Americans pay for health insurance.
The tax credits are scheduled to expire at the end of 2025.
Without action, people could lose the financial help or receive less, leading to higher insurance costs.
The Senate rejected both Democratic and Republican bills to extend these credits.
Representative Brian Fitzpatrick, a Republican, introduced a discharge petition to force a vote in the House.
At least 6 Republicans and multiple Democrats support Fitzpatrick's petition for a two-year extension.
Discharge petitions are rare and need 218 House signatures to succeed.
If these credits end, millions might face higher premium costs they can't afford.
A U.S. judge has ordered the release of Kilmar Abrego Garcia from immigration detention. Abrego Garcia was previously deported by President Trump's administration to El Salvador but later returned to the U.S. after it was determined he faced danger there. The judge ruled that his detention was not lawful, and he is now seeking asylum in the U.S.
Key Facts
Kilmar Abrego Garcia is a resident of Maryland who entered the U.S. as a teenager without proper documentation.
A U.S. District Judge ordered his release from immigration detention.
Abrego Garcia was wrongfully deported to El Salvador in March by the Trump administration.
An immigration judge ruled in 2019 that he could not be deported to El Salvador due to gang threats against his family.
His deportation sparked criticism of President Trump's deportation policies.
Authorities attempted to deport him to various African countries after his return.
Abrego Garcia has filed a lawsuit claiming the Trump administration is using deportation as punishment due to the publicity of his case.
He faces charges of alleged human smuggling, which he denies, claiming the charges are unfair.
A federal agent was briefly kidnapped in Minnesota during a Homeland Security operation near Minneapolis. The incident took place amid increased immigration enforcement in the area, targeting the Somali community. Local police were not initially involved but helped rescue the agent.
Key Facts
A federal agent from Homeland Security was briefly kidnapped on Wednesday near Minneapolis.
The agent was held in a suspect's car for a short time.
Local police from New Hope and Plymouth arrived and resolved the situation.
The suspect fled the scene but was later detained.
The operation is part of heightened federal immigration enforcement in Minnesota.
DHS agents have reported increased threats and assaults during enforcement activities.
Local police stated they do not participate in federal immigration enforcement.
A U.S. judge has ordered the release of Kilmar Abrego Garcia from immigration custody, after he was wrongly deported to El Salvador and brought back to face charges. The judge stated that he was detained without legal authority and there is no current order allowing his deportation.
Key Facts
Kilmar Abrego Garcia was mistakenly deported to El Salvador in March.
He was brought back to the U.S. to face human smuggling charges.
Judge Paula Xinis ordered his release from immigration custody, stating there was no lawful authority for his detention.
The U.S. government admitted the mistake in deporting him to El Salvador.
Mr. Abrego Garcia denies being part of the MS-13 gang, which the Trump administration alleges.
A court previously prohibited Mr. Abrego Garcia's deportation to El Salvador.
He has pleaded not guilty to the smuggling charges, which are being tried in Tennessee.
Mr. Abrego Garcia must comply with release conditions following his release from a Tennessee jail.
Kristi Noem, the Secretary of Homeland Security, left a House Committee meeting early, saying she needed to attend another meeting about FEMA reform. Democratic lawmakers questioned her on deportation operations and criticized her leadership. Later, claims emerged that the FEMA meeting was canceled, leading to further criticism.
Key Facts
Kristi Noem is the Secretary of Homeland Security.
She left a House Committee meeting early, citing the need to attend another meeting about FEMA.
The meeting was focused on national security, deportation operations, and FEMA policy changes.
Democratic lawmakers criticized Noem and called for her resignation.
Some said Noem provided inadequate answers about deportation practices.
Protesters outside the meeting expressed disapproval of ongoing deportation actions.
It was reported that the FEMA meeting she left for was actually canceled.
Representative Bennie Thompson indicated plans to subpoena Noem to return to the committee.
During a House hearing, Democrats, including Rep. Seth Magaziner, questioned Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem about the deportation of a U.S. military veteran. The veteran, who received a Purple Heart, participated in the hearing through a Zoom call. Noem said she would look into the cases mentioned.
Key Facts
Democrats asked Secretary Kristi Noem about deportations during a House hearing.
Rep. Seth Magaziner from Rhode Island highlighted a deported combat veteran's case.
The deported veteran took part in the hearing via Zoom.
The veteran had received a Purple Heart, a military decoration for those wounded in combat.
Noem agreed to review several deportation cases brought up during the hearing.
Criticisms focused on distinguishing between who should stay and who should be deported.
On Thursday, 23 House Democrats joined Republicans to stop a resolution to impeach President Donald Trump. The resolution, introduced by Representative Al Green, accused Trump of abusing power and threatening judicial independence. The majority of House Democrats did not support moving forward with the impeachment effort.
Key Facts
23 House Democrats voted to table an impeachment resolution against President Trump.
214 House Republicans also voted to table the resolution.
The resolution was submitted by Representative Al Green, a Democrat from Texas.
The impeachment articles accused Trump of abusing power and threatening judicial independence.
47 Democrats voted "present" rather than for or against the resolution.
The majority of Democrats, 140 in total, did not want to table the resolution.
Democratic leaders stated that thorough investigations were necessary before considering impeachment.
Al Green has introduced similar resolutions in the past, which were also unsuccessful.
Tyler Robinson, a 22-year-old man from Utah, is accused of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk and appeared in court for the first time. His defense team wants to limit media access to ensure a fair trial, while media organizations argue for transparency and the public's right to observe court proceedings.
Key Facts
Tyler Robinson is charged with aggravated murder in the death of Charlie Kirk, which occurred on September 10 at Utah Valley University.
Prosecutors plan to seek the death penalty for Robinson.
Robinson attended his court hearing in person, wearing a dress shirt and tie, and was physically restrained.
His legal team wants to ban cameras from future court hearings to avoid media bias.
A group of news organizations opposes this request, advocating for public access and transparency.
Judge Tony Graf is considering requests related to media access and court protocols but has not made a final decision.
Defense claims have pointed to a highly politicized environment and potential jury bias stemming from public commentary, including remarks from President Trump.
Representative Delia Ramirez is asking the House Judiciary Committee to start impeachment hearings against Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. Ramirez accuses Noem of unethical behavior, including financial misconduct and giving false statements to Congress. Republicans are unlikely to agree with the impeachment request.
A federal judge named Emil Bove is accused of ignoring judicial ethics by attending a speech by President Trump that was similar to a campaign rally. A watchdog group claims that Bove's attendance at the event could lead to disciplinary measures. The judge has not commented on the allegations.
Key Facts
Emil Bove is a federal appeals court judge and used to be a personal attorney for President Trump.
A watchdog group filed a complaint saying Bove broke judicial ethics by attending a political event.
The speech by President Trump was described as celebratory but turned political.
The group argues that federal judges should avoid political activities to maintain impartiality.
Bove reportedly attended the event as a regular citizen to listen to the president.
Critics have questioned Bove's impartiality on the bench due to his connections with Trump.
Bove was involved in past controversies at the Justice Department.
President Trump had praised Bove's past efforts as aligning with his political goals.
President Donald Trump's administration is investigating Representative Ilhan Omar for possible immigration fraud. Tom Homan, a key figure in Trump's border management team, announced the investigation on Newsmax, mentioning the involvement of Homeland Security Investigations. Omar has denied claims related to the alleged immigration fraud, including the accusation that she married her brother.
Key Facts
The Trump administration is looking into claims of immigration fraud against Representative Ilhan Omar.
Tom Homan, a border management official, discussed the investigation on Newsmax.
Accusations include a claim that Omar married her brother, which she denies.
Omar's family fled Somalia during a civil war, later gaining asylum in the U.S.
Omar became a U.S. citizen at 17 years old in 2000.
The Department of Homeland Security warns against marriage fraud with severe penalties.
The Trump administration focuses heavily on immigration enforcement.
Democratic Congresswoman Valerie Foushee from North Carolina is facing a primary challenge from Nida Allam, who is supported by progressive groups and Senator Bernie Sanders. This is part of a larger attempt by progressives to replace moderate Democrats with more left-leaning candidates.
Key Facts
Representative Valerie Foushee is a Democrat from North Carolina.
Nida Allam, who ran against Foushee in 2022, is challenging her again in the next primary.
Allam has backing from Senator Bernie Sanders and progressive groups like Justice Democrats.
The challenge is part of a broader push by progressives to change the Democratic Party.
New York City Comptroller Brad Lander is also challenging another moderate Democrat, Rep. Dan Goldman, with similar support.
Progressive groups involved include Sunrise Movement and the Working Families Party.
Allam emphasizes the need for leaders who want change and a better future.
Foushee's campaign has not yet commented on the challenge.
The White House explained that President Donald Trump has bandages on his hand due to frequent handshakes. A spokesperson also mentioned that Trump's aspirin use may cause bruising. The timing of Trump's cognitive tests is not yet shared, but will be provided later.
Key Facts
President Trump has bandages on his hand.
The bandages are from "constantly shaking hands."
Trump's aspirin use might also cause bruise-like marks.
Trump meets with many people daily.
Details of Trump's recent cognitive tests will be shared later.
