Independent newsroom
Thursday, October 15, 2026
Every claim traces to a primary source. Uncertainty is labeled. Corrections are public.
Desk
Compiled Thursday, October 15, 2026, Eastern Time.
Thursday, October 15, 2026
about 11:00 a.m. ETNASA advisory M26-078, checked Oct. 12, 2026; coverage from 9:15 a.m. ET
International Space Station
Upcoming today. CRS-35 launched Tuesday. NASA is still targeting docking at about 11:00 a.m. Eastern. NASA+ lists coverage from 9:15 a.m. The 11:00 a.m. target is the Oct. 7 advisory, not a new clock.
Thursday, October 15, 2026
3:30 p.m. ETNASA release 26-083, Oct. 8, 2026
Johnson Space Center, Houston
Upcoming. Crew-12 news conference, Thursday, Oct. 15, 3:30 p.m. Eastern, at Johnson Space Center in Houston.
Thursday, October 15, 2026
4:00 p.m. ETNASA advisory M26-077, Oct. 8, 2026
Upcoming. NASA media teleconference on the agency's contributions to Japan's Martian Moons mission, Thursday, Oct. 15, 4 p.m. Eastern.
Friday, October 16, 2026
No clock time stated
Supreme Court Building
Upcoming. Friday, Oct. 16, is a conference day on the Court calendar. No public argument. No clock time.
Saturday–Thursday, October 17–22, 2026
No clock time stated
Upcoming. Oct. 17–22. Samarkand, Mumbai, and Jamnagar. The release names the C5+1 and a commercial delegation of over 200. No day-by-day clock.
Monday, October 19, 2026
3:41 p.m. ETJAXA press release, Aug. 20, 2026; checked Oct. 14, 2026
Tanegashima Space Center, Japan
Upcoming. Japan's Martian Moons mission is scheduled for 3:41 p.m. Eastern on Monday, Oct. 19, which is 4:41 a.m. on Oct. 20 in Japan, from Tanegashima.
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
2:00 p.m. ETNASA advisory M26-082
Johnson Space Center
Upcoming. Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2:00 p.m. Eastern, Johnson Space Center. A preview of U.S. spacewalks 100 and 101. The walks themselves are separate rows.
Friday, October 23, 2026
2:00 p.m. ETNASA advisory M26-081
Kennedy Space Center
Upcoming. Friday, Oct. 23, 2:00 p.m. Eastern, Kennedy Space Center. NASA’s advisory says Artemis III sends four astronauts to low Earth orbit next year and that Moon plans run through 2028. The briefing has not been held.
Thursday, October 29, 2026
No clock time stated
International Space Station
Upcoming. Thursday, Oct. 29. Anil Menon and Joshua Kutryk. Seventh roll-out solar array on the 2A channel. No clock time in the advisory.
Monday, November 2, 2026
No clock time stated
Legal instrument Members of the Federal Reserve Board serve 14-year terms and can be removed by the President only for cause.12 U.S.C. § 242
Upcoming, about Nov. 2. The memo says the written statement is due at least three days before the hearing. The word about stays. The removal standard is Legal instrument Members of the Federal Reserve Board serve 14-year terms and can be removed by the President only for cause..12 U.S.C. § 242
Tuesday, November 3, 2026
No clock time stated
United States
Thursday, November 5, 2026
No clock time stated
Legal instrument Members of the Federal Reserve Board serve 14-year terms and can be removed by the President only for cause.12 U.S.C. § 242
Upcoming. Thursday, Nov. 5. A closed, transcribed hearing, no longer than four hours, under Legal instrument Members of the Federal Reserve Board serve 14-year terms and can be removed by the President only for cause.. The allegations are unverified.12 U.S.C. § 242
Thursday, November 5, 2026
No clock time stated
International Space Station
Upcoming. Thursday, Nov. 5. Eighth and final roll-out solar array on the 3B channel. No clock time in the advisory. NASA says eight arrays raise station power by up to 30 percent, from 160 kilowatts to about 215.
Monday, November 9, 2026
No clock time stated
Legal instrument
A proposed rule, 91 FR 64566, that would make schools pay $70,000 per foreign student before recommending the student’s first Optional Practical Training work period, and $30,000 for each later one. It is not final. Comments must be received on or before November 9, 2026. Comments on the paperwork section are due December 7, 2026.
Upcoming. Monday, Nov. 9, 2026, is the comment deadline for Legal instrument A proposed rule, 91 FR 64566, that would make schools pay $70,000 per foreign student before recommending the student’s first Optional Practical Training work period, and $30,000 for each later one. It is not final. Comments must be received on or before November 9, 2026. Comments on the paperwork section are due December 7, 2026., the proposed $70,000 and $30,000 fees. Comments on the paperwork section are due December 7, 2026. The proposal is not final.Optional Practical Training Fees
Agency
Department of Homeland Security
Tuesday, November 10, 2026
No clock time stated
Upcoming. Tuesday, Nov. 10, is the deadline in the memo for Cook’s post-hearing written statement. The committee’s recommendation follows as soon as practicable.
Friday, November 20, 2026
No clock time stated
Legal instrument An executive order signed April 18, 2026. It tells the FDA and other agencies to speed research on psychedelic drugs, including ibogaine, for people whose serious mental illness has not gotten better with standard care. It also directs a path for some patients to get these drugs under the federal Right to Try law.Accelerating Medical Treatments for Serious Mental Illness
Upcoming. Comments on the FDA’s ibogaine trial-design request are due Friday, Nov. 20, 2026. The request follows the executive order Legal instrument An executive order signed April 18, 2026. It tells the FDA and other agencies to speed research on psychedelic drugs, including ibogaine, for people whose serious mental illness has not gotten better with standard care. It also directs a path for some patients to get these drugs under the federal Right to Try law.. It is not a rule and not an approval.Accelerating Medical Treatments for Serious Mental Illness
Agency
Food and Drug Administration
Tuesday, December 8, 2026
No clock time stated
Upcoming. Tuesday, Dec. 8. NASA says proposals for commercial space stations are due that day.
Wednesday, April 7, 2027
12:01 a.m. ETICC General License 13
Legal instrument
Treasury permissions that carve out some dealings with the court despite the sanctions. The main one lets the court keep running, and member countries keep paying it, until April 7, 2027.
Upcoming. The maintenance window in Legal instrument Treasury permissions that carve out some dealings with the court despite the sanctions. The main one lets the court keep running, and member countries keep paying it, until April 7, 2027. ends at 12:01 a.m. Eastern on Wednesday, April 7, 2027, unless it is adjusted.ICC General Licenses 13–16
These dates have passed in Eastern Time.
Wednesday, October 14, 2026
No clock time stated
Legal instrument The agreement the State Department cited on Oct. 3, 2026, when it urged Ethiopia and Eritrea to return to dialogue and cooperation. The statement calls it their 2018 peace framework and does not reprint the text.2018 Ethiopia–Eritrea peace framework
Past. Rubio spoke with Abiy on Wednesday about the Eritrea border, de-escalation, and the Legal instrument The agreement the State Department cited on Oct. 3, 2026, when it urged Ethiopia and Eritrea to return to dialogue and cooperation. The statement calls it their 2018 peace framework and does not reprint the text.. The readout does not say a next step was agreed.2018 Ethiopia–Eritrea peace framework
Official print
Call held Oct. 14. Readout only. No agreement announced.
State Department readout, Oct. 14, 2026Wednesday, October 14, 2026
10:00 a.m.Supreme Court argument calendar
Legal instrument A 1988 law, 18 U.S.C. § 2710, that bars a video provider from knowingly sharing records that show what a customer watched.Video Privacy Protection Act
Supreme Court of the United States
Past. Argument held Wednesday, Oct. 14, at 10 a.m. Salazar v. Paramount Global, No. 25-459, asks whether “consumer” in the Legal instrument A 1988 law, 18 U.S.C. § 2710, that bars a video provider from knowingly sharing records that show what a customer watched. Legal instrument A 1988 law, 18 U.S.C. § 2710, that bars a video provider from knowingly sharing records that show what a customer watched., Video Privacy Protection Act
, covers a newsletter subscriber. The same-day transcript is posted. This desk did not read it.Video Privacy Protection Act
Official print
Argument held Oct. 14. Same-day transcript posted. Transcript not read.
Argument transcript, No. 25-459Agency
Supreme Court of the United States
Tuesday, October 13, 2026
No clock time stated
Past. On Oct. 13 the department said Nicaragua denied agrément to Natasha Franceschi and that Chargé Elias Baumann is returning.
Official print
Agrément denied. Chargé Elias Baumann returns. Announced Oct. 13.
State Department release, Oct. 13, 2026Tuesday, October 13, 2026
3:30 p.m.Senate floor schedule
Upcoming. Pro forma session Tuesday, Oct. 13, at 3:30 p.m.
Tuesday, October 13, 2026
1:30 p.m.House Clerk site header, Monday morning, Oct. 12, 2026
Upcoming. Partially confirmed. On Monday morning the Clerk’s header said the next session is tomorrow at 1:30 p.m., which is Tuesday, Oct. 13. No page says that session is pro forma.
Tuesday, October 13, 2026
10:00 a.m.Supreme Court argument calendar
Legal instrument The U.S. Sentencing Guidelines are the rules judges use when they set a prison term. The official commentary is the Sentencing Commission’s notes explaining those rules.U.S. Sentencing Guidelines commentary
Supreme Court of the United States
Upcoming. Tuesday, Oct. 13, 10 a.m. The only question granted is whether a 1993 case, Stinson, still sets how much weight courts give the official commentary on the Legal instrument The U.S. Sentencing Guidelines are the rules judges use when they set a prison term. The official commentary is the Sentencing Commission’s notes explaining those rules.. The Court appointed Anthony J. Dick to defend Stinson. On Oct. 1 it let the solicitor general share argument time.U.S. Sentencing Guidelines commentary
Tuesday, October 13, 2026
9:30 a.m.Supreme Court home page, Friday, Oct. 9, 2026; not re-confirmed Monday
Legal instrument A one-page Supreme Court order on Oct. 13, 2026. It denies Kyle Wagner’s application for a stay against the United States. Justice Kavanaugh referred the application to the full Court. The order does not explain the case.No. 26A446
Past. The Court posted an order list on Tuesday, Oct. 13, and denied a stay in Legal instrument A one-page Supreme Court order on Oct. 13, 2026. It denies Kyle Wagner’s application for a stay against the United States. Justice Kavanaugh referred the application to the full Court. The order does not explain the case.. The political-ad applications are not on either document.No. 26A446
Official print
Order list posted. Stay denied in Legal instrument A one-page Supreme Court order on Oct. 13, 2026. It denies Kyle Wagner’s application for a stay against the United States. Justice Kavanaugh referred the application to the full Court. The order does not explain the case.. Nos. 26A476 and 26A477 are not on the list.No. 26A446
Tuesday, October 13, 2026
6:33 a.m. ETNASA advisory M26-078, checked Oct. 12, 2026; coverage from 6:15 a.m. ET
Space Launch Complex 40, Cape Canaveral
Past. CRS-35 lifted off at 6:33 a.m. Eastern on Tuesday, Oct. 13, with more than 6,300 pounds of cargo. NASA says the crew awaits arrival Thursday.
Official print
Liftoff 6:33 a.m. EDT, Oct. 13, with more than 6,300 pounds. Arrival still targeted Thursday.
NASA station blog, Oct. 13, 2026Monday–Tuesday, October 12–13, 2026
No clock time stated
Legal instrument A rare court order telling a government official or agency to do something the law requires. In the political-ad case, the Fourth Circuit told the Federal Communications Commission to decide a review request. The government says the statute requires a decision but sets no deadline.Writ of mandamus
Past as a watch through Tuesday. Still no order on Wednesday morning. Dockets end Oct. 11. The Oct. 13 orders do not mention these applications. Roberts’s administrative stay of the Legal instrument A rare court order telling a government official or agency to do something the law requires. In the political-ad case, the Fourth Circuit told the Federal Communications Commission to decide a review request. The government says the statute requires a decision but sets no deadline. remains.Writ of mandamus
Agency
Supreme Court of the United States
Monday, October 12, 2026
No clock time stated
Listed, not read. The Oct. 12 press list names a second U.S.-Japan Free and Open Indo-Pacific dialogue. The note was not opened.
Monday, October 12, 2026
No clock time stated
Supreme Court of the United States
Past. Monday, Oct. 12, is a legal holiday. The Court home page says the building is closed on weekends and federal holidays. No arguments.
Official print
Legal holiday. The Court home page says the building is closed on weekends and federal holidays.
Supreme Court home page, Oct. 12, 2026Monday, October 12, 2026
No clock time stated
Listed, not read. The Oct. 12 press list names a Rubio call with Colombia’s president. The readout was not opened.
Monday, October 12, 2026
No clock time stated
Past. Rubio and Miliband spoke about the Strait of Hormuz and holding Iran to account. The readout does not say an agreement was reached.
Official print
Readout posted Oct. 12. Hormuz, Iran, and U.S. assets in Britain.
State Department readoutMonday, October 12, 2026
No clock time stated
Past. The United States and partner governments condemned Iran over the Sept. 27 incident at Royal Air Force Fairford. The State Department names 29 governments. Britain’s page adds Iceland, Italy, and Malta.
Official print
Statement posted Oct. 12. The two pages do not list the same capitals.
State Department, Oct. 12, 2026Monday, October 12, 2026
No clock time stated
Upcoming. Monday, Oct. 12. NASA will not provide coverage. No time is given.
Monday, October 12, 2026
5:45 a.m. ETchecked Oct. 12, 2026
Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences
Past. Robert E. Hall and Michael Woodford won the economics prize for microeconomic foundations of macroeconomic stabilisation. The prize is 12 million Swedish kronor, shared equally.
Official print
Awarded to Robert E. Hall and Michael Woodford for microeconomic foundations of macroeconomic stabilisation. 12 million Swedish kronor, shared equally.
Academy press release, Oct. 12, 2026Agency
Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences
Sunday, October 11, 2026
No clock time stated
Legal instrument In the 45 days before a primary and the 60 days before a general election, a broadcast station cannot charge a legally qualified candidate more than its lowest rate for the same kind of ad time. The rule is in the Communications Act. The government's application in FCC v. Brown quotes the text.Lowest unit charge, 47 U.S.C. § 315(b)
Supreme Court of the United States
Past. On Sunday, Oct. 11, the FCC replied in No. 26A476 and the NRCC and NRSC replied in No. 26A477. The fight is the Legal instrument In the 45 days before a primary and the 60 days before a general election, a broadcast station cannot charge a legally qualified candidate more than its lowest rate for the same kind of ad time. The rule is in the Communications Act. The government's application in FCC v. Brown quotes the text. Legal instrument In the 45 days before a primary and the 60 days before a general election, a broadcast station cannot charge a legally qualified candidate more than its lowest rate for the same kind of ad time. The rule is in the Communications Act. The government's application in FCC v. Brown quotes the text. Legal instrument A rare court order telling a government official or agency to do something the law requires. In the political-ad case, the Fourth Circuit told the Federal Communications Commission to decide a review request. The government says the statute requires a decision but sets no deadline. Legal instrument The part of the Communications Act that says the full Federal Communications Commission must rule on every request to review a decision by its staff. The candidates' brief quotes the line that every such application shall be passed upon by the commission. 47 U.S.C. § 155 (Cornell). This section was not opened for this edition. in Lowest unit charge, 47 U.S.C. § 315(b)
, a Lowest unit charge, 47 U.S.C. § 315(b)
, and Writ of mandamus
.47 U.S.C. § 155(c)(4)
Official print
Replies filed Oct. 11 in No. 26A476 and No. 26A477. No later order on either docket Monday morning.
Docket, No. 26A476Agency
Supreme Court of the United States
Saturday, October 10, 2026
5:00 p.m. ETChief Justice's order, Oct. 8, 2026
Legal instrument A rare court order telling a government official or agency to do something the law requires. In the political-ad case, the Fourth Circuit told the Federal Communications Commission to decide a review request. The government says the statute requires a decision but sets no deadline.Writ of mandamus
Past. The candidates filed a response on Saturday, Oct. 10, covering Nos. 26A476 and 26A477. They ask the Court to lift the stay of the Legal instrument A rare court order telling a government official or agency to do something the law requires. In the political-ad case, the Fourth Circuit told the Federal Communications Commission to decide a review request. The government says the statute requires a decision but sets no deadline. Legal instrument In the 45 days before a primary and the 60 days before a general election, a broadcast station cannot charge a legally qualified candidate more than its lowest rate for the same kind of ad time. The rule is in the Communications Act. The government's application in FCC v. Brown quotes the text. Legal instrument In the 45 days before a primary and the 60 days before a general election, a broadcast station cannot charge a legally qualified candidate more than its lowest rate for the same kind of ad time. The rule is in the Communications Act. The government's application in FCC v. Brown quotes the text. Legal instrument The part of the Communications Act that says the full Federal Communications Commission must rule on every request to review a decision by its staff. The candidates' brief quotes the line that every such application shall be passed upon by the commission. 47 U.S.C. § 155 (Cornell). This section was not opened for this edition. on the Writ of mandamus
in Lowest unit charge, 47 U.S.C. § 315(b)
. They also cite Lowest unit charge, 47 U.S.C. § 315(b)
. No ruling as of 6:09 a.m. Eastern on Oct. 11.47 U.S.C. § 155(c)(4)
Official print
Response filed Oct. 10 in Nos. 26A476 and 26A477. It asks the Court to lift the stay. No ruling as of Oct. 11, 6:09 a.m. Eastern.
Docket, No. 26A476Agency
Supreme Court of the United States
Friday, October 9, 2026
No clock time stated
Supreme Court Building
Past. The Court calendar marks Friday, Oct. 9, as a conference day. No order list from that conference yet.
Friday, October 9, 2026
No clock time stated
Legal instrument
Requires the Commerce Department to promote travel and tourism to U.S. places and events important to music.
Legal instrument
Requires the Commerce Department to promote travel and tourism to U.S. places and events important to music.
Past. Signed Oct. 9. Legal instrument Requires the Commerce Department to promote travel and tourism to U.S. places and events important to music. Legal instrument Requires the Commerce Department to promote travel and tourism to U.S. places and events important to music., the American Music Tourism Act of 2025 (S. 195)
, requires the Commerce Department to promote travel and tourism to U.S. places and events important to music.American Music Tourism Act of 2025 (S. 195)
Official print
Legal instrument Requires the Commerce Department to promote travel and tourism to U.S. places and events important to music. signed Oct. 9.American Music Tourism Act of 2025 (S. 195)
Friday, October 9, 2026
No clock time stated
Past. NASA released the final request on Friday, Oct. 9. Proposals are due Dec. 8.
Friday, October 9, 2026
No clock time stated
Legal instrument Lets the U.S. freeze the property of the International Criminal Court and of foreign people who help it investigate or prosecute Americans or certain U.S. allies without their country's consent, and bars Americans from dealing with them.Executive Order 14203
Past. The United States put the International Criminal Court on its sanctions list under Legal instrument Lets the U.S. freeze the property of the International Criminal Court and of foreign people who help it investigate or prosecute Americans or certain U.S. allies without their country's consent, and bars Americans from dealing with them. Legal instrument Treasury permissions that carve out some dealings with the court despite the sanctions. The main one lets the court keep running, and member countries keep paying it, until April 7, 2027. and issued Executive Order 14203
.ICC General Licenses 13–16
Official print
Court designated Oct. 9. Legal instrument Treasury permissions that carve out some dealings with the court despite the sanctions. The main one lets the court keep running, and member countries keep paying it, until April 7, 2027. issued the same day.ICC General Licenses 13–16
Agency
Treasury Department; State Department
Friday, October 9, 2026
1:30 p.m.Senate floor schedule
Past. The Senate convened at 1:30 p.m. for a pro forma session.
Friday, October 9, 2026
12:44 p.m. ETNASA station blog, Oct. 9, 2026
International Space Station
Past. Cygnus XL was released at 12:44 p.m. Eastern on Friday, Oct. 9. NASA says it will deorbit Monday, Oct. 12, with no NASA coverage.
Friday, October 9, 2026
12:30 p.m.House Clerk site header
Past. Partially confirmed. No floor votes found. The Oct. 9 floor text did not render.
Friday, October 9, 2026
5:00 a.m. ETNobel announcement dates: 11:00 CEST
Norwegian Nobel Institute, Oslo
Past. Navi Pillay, the South African judge, won the Nobel Peace Prize for her work on peace and international law.
Official print
Navanethem “Navi” Pillay, for her efforts to promote peace and international law.
Nobel Peace Prize announcement, Oct. 9, 2026Thursday, October 8, 2026
No clock time stated
Legal instrument A rare court order telling a government official or agency to do something the law requires. In the political-ad case, the Fourth Circuit told the Federal Communications Commission to decide a review request. The government says the statute requires a decision but sets no deadline.Writ of mandamus
Past. Chief Justice Roberts paused the Fourth Circuit's Oct. 7 Legal instrument A rare court order telling a government official or agency to do something the law requires. In the political-ad case, the Fourth Circuit told the Federal Communications Commission to decide a review request. The government says the statute requires a decision but sets no deadline. Legal instrument In the 45 days before a primary and the 60 days before a general election, a broadcast station cannot charge a legally qualified candidate more than its lowest rate for the same kind of ad time. The rule is in the Communications Act. The government's application in FCC v. Brown quotes the text. Legal instrument In the 45 days before a primary and the 60 days before a general election, a broadcast station cannot charge a legally qualified candidate more than its lowest rate for the same kind of ad time. The rule is in the Communications Act. The government's application in FCC v. Brown quotes the text., which would have forced a ruling on the Writ of mandamus
in Lowest unit charge, 47 U.S.C. § 315(b)
by noon Friday. The pause is not a decision on who is right.Lowest unit charge, 47 U.S.C. § 315(b)
Official print
Administrative stay of the Fourth Circuit's Oct. 7 Legal instrument A rare court order telling a government official or agency to do something the law requires. In the political-ad case, the Fourth Circuit told the Federal Communications Commission to decide a review request. The government says the statute requires a decision but sets no deadline. order. Response due Oct. 10, 5 p.m. Eastern.Writ of mandamus
Thursday, October 8, 2026
11:34 a.m. ETNASA station blog, Oct. 8, 2026
Off Los Angeles
Past. NASA confirms Crew-12 splashed down off Los Angeles at 11:34 a.m. Eastern on Thursday, Oct. 8, after 237 days. A news conference is set for Oct. 15.
Official print
Splashed down at 11:34 a.m. Eastern, Oct. 8, off Los Angeles. 237 days.
NASA station blog, Oct. 8, 2026Thursday, October 8, 2026
7:00 a.m. ETNobel announcement dates: 13:00 CEST at the earliest
Swedish Academy, Stockholm
Past. Anne Carson, the Canadian author, won the Nobel Prize in Literature. The academy cited a bold and inventive body of work in dialogue with the classical tradition. Announced after Thursday's edition locked.
Official print
Anne Carson, for a bold and inventive body of work in dialogue with the classical tradition.
Nobel Prize press release, Oct. 8, 2026Wednesday, October 7, 2026
No clock time stated
Legal instrument Members of the Federal Reserve Board serve 14-year terms and can be removed by the President only for cause.12 U.S.C. § 242
Past. Dated Oct. 7; posted later. A White House memorandum sets up a committee under Legal instrument Members of the Federal Reserve Board serve 14-year terms and can be removed by the President only for cause. Legal instrument A 2026 Supreme Court decision that the White House memo cites for what cause means when a president removes a Fed governor. This desk did not read the opinion and does not describe the holding. The memo cites 146 S. Ct. 2234 (2026). The opinion was not opened. and 12 U.S.C. § 242
to look at allegations against Fed Governor Lisa Cook. The allegations are unverified.Trump v. Cook
Official print
Memorandum dated Oct. 7 and posted later. Allegations unverified. Hearing set for Nov. 5.
White House memorandumWednesday, October 7, 2026
No clock time stated
Legal instrument The law that asks the President to proclaim the second Monday of October as Columbus Day.36 U.S.C. § 107
Past. A proclamation dated Oct. 7 names Monday, Oct. 12, as Columbus Day, under Legal instrument The law that asks the President to proclaim the second Monday of October as Columbus Day..36 U.S.C. § 107
Official print
Proclaimed Monday, Oct. 12, 2026, as Columbus Day, under Legal instrument The law that asks the President to proclaim the second Monday of October as Columbus Day..36 U.S.C. § 107
Wednesday, October 7, 2026
10:04 a.m. to 11:20 a.m.Official argument transcript, Oct. 7, 2026
Legal instrument The federal hazardous-waste law. It regulates waste from creation to disposal and lets the Environmental Protection Agency hand permit programs to states and territories.Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
Supreme Court of the United States
Past. Argued Wednesday, Oct. 7, from 10:04 a.m. to 11:20 a.m. Joshi for the Air Force, Flynn for Prutehi Guahan. The laws named are the Legal instrument The federal hazardous-waste law. It regulates waste from creation to disposal and lets the Environmental Protection Agency hand permit programs to states and territories. Legal instrument People can sue over a government agency’s final actions. They generally cannot sue yet over a step that is still preliminary. Legal instrument This law requires federal agencies to study the environmental effects of major actions before they act., the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
, and the Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. § 704)
. No ruling yet.National Environmental Policy Act
Agency
Supreme Court of the United States
Wednesday, October 7, 2026
8:05 a.m. ETNASA station blog, Oct. 7, 2026; undocking confirmed
International Space Station
Past. NASA confirms Crew-12 undocked at 8:05 a.m. Eastern on Wednesday, Oct. 7. The hatch closed at 6:05 a.m. Splashdown is a separate row and is still a plan.
Official print
Undocked at 8:05 a.m. Eastern, Oct. 7, NASA station blog.
NASA station blog, Oct. 7, 2026Wednesday, October 7, 2026
5:45 a.m. ETNobel announcement dates: 11:45 CEST at the earliest
Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences
Past. Henri B. Kagan and Kenso Soai won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for work on how a chemical reaction can come to favor one of a molecule’s two mirror-image forms.
Official print
Henri B. Kagan and Kenso Soai, for non-linear effects and autocatalysis in asymmetric organic synthesis.
Nobel Prize press release, Oct. 7, 2026Agency
Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences
Tuesday, October 6, 2026
4:00 p.m.House Clerk site header
Past by date. Partially confirmed. The House Clerk’s header on Oct. 6 said the House was in session and convened at 4:00 p.m. The floor summary did not render, so whether and when it convened is not confirmed. No page says the session was pro forma.
Tuesday, October 6, 2026
1:31 p.m.Senate floor activity
Past. The Senate convened at 1:31 p.m. for a pro forma session.
Tuesday, October 6, 2026
10:03 a.m. to 11:04 a.m.Official transcript, Oct. 6, 2026
Legal instrument The Employee Retirement Income Security Act requires the people who run a retirement plan to invest with the care a careful, knowledgeable person would use. The Oct. 6 argument asked what workers must claim when they say the plan’s investments lagged.ERISA duty of prudence (29 U.S.C. § 1104)
Supreme Court of the United States
Past. Argued Oct. 6, 10:03 a.m. to 11:04 a.m. Workers who say a retirement plan lagged asked what they must show. The United States argued for Intel. The duty is in Legal instrument The Employee Retirement Income Security Act requires the people who run a retirement plan to invest with the care a careful, knowledgeable person would use. The Oct. 6 argument asked what workers must claim when they say the plan’s investments lagged.. Questions are not votes.ERISA duty of prudence (29 U.S.C. § 1104)
Official print
Argued. Transcript posted, Official – Subject to Final Review. The United States supported Intel.
Transcript, No. 25-498, Oct. 6, 2026Agency
Supreme Court of the United States
Tuesday, October 6, 2026
5:45 a.m. ETNobel announcement dates: 11:45 CEST at the earliest
Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences
Past. Francis Halzen won the Nobel Prize in Physics for IceCube, the detector built into the ice under the South Pole that catches particles from deep space. He was born in Tienen, Belgium, in 1944, and the prize is his alone.
Agency
Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences
Monday, October 5, 2026
4:30 p.m.House Clerk site header
U.S. House of Representatives
Past. Partially confirmed. The House Clerk’s header on Oct. 5 said the House was in session and convened at 4:30 p.m. The House calendar marks Oct. 5, and weekdays through Nov. 6, as district work. No page says that convening was a pro forma session. No floor summary was fetched.
Monday, October 5, 2026
4:00 p.m.Senate floor schedule
U.S. Senate
Past. Confirmed. The Senate convened Monday, Oct. 5, at 4:00 p.m. for a pro forma session.
Monday, October 5, 2026
9:30 a.m.Supreme Court home page, Oct. 5, 2026
Legal instrument Lets the homeland security secretary allow people from countries hit by war or disaster to stay and work in the United States for a set time. The statute bars courts from reviewing many of those decisions.Temporary Protected Status (8 U.S.C. § 1254a)
Past. The first order list of the term added no new cases for a full argument. It sent a Legal instrument Lets the homeland security secretary allow people from countries hit by war or disaster to stay and work in the United States for a set time. The statute bars courts from reviewing many of those decisions. Legal instrument Lets the homeland security secretary allow people from countries hit by war or disaster to stay and work in the United States for a set time. The statute bars courts from reviewing many of those decisions. Legal instrument The main federal law that bars racial discrimination in voting. Section 2, 52 U.S.C. § 10301, bans voting rules and district maps that deny or weaken any citizen’s vote because of race. The Court’s summary of Louisiana v. Callais says that section did not require Louisiana’s extra majority-minority district. Legal instrument The main federal law that bars racial discrimination in voting. Section 2, 52 U.S.C. § 10301, bans voting rules and district maps that deny or weaken any citizen’s vote because of race. The Court’s summary of Louisiana v. Callais says that section did not require Louisiana’s extra majority-minority district. case back under Temporary Protected Status (8 U.S.C. § 1254a)
, and two suits against Washington’s top election official back in light of a Temporary Protected Status (8 U.S.C. § 1254a)
case, Voting Rights Act
. It also asked the solicitor general for the government’s view in seven pending appeals, without saying what those appeals are about.Voting Rights Act
Official print
No new grants for argument. TPS and Washington voting cases remanded. Seven calls for the solicitor general’s views.
Order list, Oct. 5, 2026Monday, October 5, 2026
9:30 a.m. order list; 10 a.m. sessionSupreme Court home page, Oct. 5, 2026
Legal instrument The main federal law on air pollution. It lets the Environmental Protection Agency set national limits on pollutants. In the Boulder climate case, the Colorado court said that once Congress passed this law, state law could still reach emissions from other states.Clean Air Act
First Monday in October · Washington
Past. The term opened Monday. The 9:30 a.m. order list is a separate row. The Court then heard Boulder’s climate suit, which asks whether the Legal instrument The main federal law on air pollution. It lets the Environmental Protection Agency set national limits on pollutants. In the Boulder climate case, the Colorado court said that once Congress passed this law, state law could still reach emissions from other states. Legal instrument A 1988 law that opened a special court path for some veterans’ benefit decisions. It keeps a rule that the VA secretary’s decisions on benefits cannot be reviewed by other courts outside that path. The public-law number was not re-checked, so it is left off. Legal instrument This law limits disability pay for a veteran who is in jail or prison for more than 60 days after a felony conviction. blocks the cities’ state-law claims, and Johnson v. United States Congress, on the Clean Air Act
and the prison cap in Veterans' Judicial Review Act (38 U.S.C. § 511)
. Justice Alito did not take part in the climate argument. The Sept. 28 docket entry gives no reason.38 U.S.C. § 5313
Official print
Term opened. Both Oct. 5 arguments were heard. Transcripts posted, subject to final review.
Transcript, Suncor v. Boulder County, No. 25-170Monday, October 5, 2026
5:30 a.m. ETNobel announcement dates: 11:30 CEST at the earliest
Nobel Assembly at Karolinska Institutet
Past. Karl Deisseroth, Peter Hegemann, and Georg Nagel won for optogenetics, a way to switch nerve cells on and off with light. They share 12 million Swedish kronor. The sight-restoration use described in the release is research, not an approved treatment.
Official print
Karl Deisseroth, Peter Hegemann, and Georg Nagel, for optogenetics.
Nobel Prize press release, Oct. 5, 2026Agency
Nobel Assembly at Karolinska Institutet
Sunday, October 4, 2026
No clock time stated
Legal instrument
A joint declaration the United States and 16 other countries endorsed on Oct. 4, 2026, at the Science and Technology in Society Forum in Kyoto. The White House says it calls for new ways to fund labs, wider use of super intelligence in research, and more training.
Kyoto
Past. The United States and 16 countries endorsed the Legal instrument A joint declaration the United States and 16 other countries endorsed on Oct. 4, 2026, at the Science and Technology in Society Forum in Kyoto. The White House says it calls for new ways to fund labs, wider use of super intelligence in research, and more training..Kyoto Vision for a Golden Age of Science
Official print
The United States and 16 countries endorsed the Legal instrument A joint declaration the United States and 16 other countries endorsed on Oct. 4, 2026, at the Science and Technology in Society Forum in Kyoto. The White House says it calls for new ways to fund labs, wider use of super intelligence in research, and more training..Kyoto Vision for a Golden Age of Science
Sunday, October 4, 2026
No clock time stated
Past. Confirmed. NASA says Pyotr Dubrov took command of the station from Jessica Meir on Sunday, Oct. 4. An earlier row had left that ceremony unconfirmed.
Official print
Pyotr Dubrov accepted command from Jessica Meir on Oct. 4.
NASA station blog, Oct. 5, 2026Saturday, October 3, 2026
No clock time stated
Legal instrument The agreement the State Department cited on Oct. 3, 2026, when it urged Ethiopia and Eritrea to return to dialogue and cooperation. The statement calls it their 2018 peace framework and does not reprint the text.2018 Ethiopia–Eritrea peace framework
Past. The United States urged Ethiopia and Eritrea to hold back and return to their Legal instrument The agreement the State Department cited on Oct. 3, 2026, when it urged Ethiopia and Eritrea to return to dialogue and cooperation. The statement calls it their 2018 peace framework and does not reprint the text..2018 Ethiopia–Eritrea peace framework
Official print
The State Department urged maximum restraint and a return to the Legal instrument The agreement the State Department cited on Oct. 3, 2026, when it urged Ethiopia and Eritrea to return to dialogue and cooperation. The statement calls it their 2018 peace framework and does not reprint the text..2018 Ethiopia–Eritrea peace framework
Friday–Monday, October 2–5, 2026
No clock time stated
Legal instrument This law lets a federal judge set aside an agency action found to be arbitrary, capricious, an abuse of discretion, or otherwise not in accordance with law. The states suing over the childhood vaccine schedule say the change fits that test, including a claim that required public input was skipped.5 U.S.C. § 706
U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California
Past. Filed Oct. 2 as a first amended complaint; New York announced on Oct. 5 that it had joined. The case itself dates to Feb. 24, 2026. The states rely on Legal instrument This law lets a federal judge set aside an agency action found to be arbitrary, capricious, an abuse of discretion, or otherwise not in accordance with law. The states suing over the childhood vaccine schedule say the change fits that test, including a claim that required public input was skipped.. No hearing date.5 U.S.C. § 706
Official print
Amended complaint filed Oct. 2. New York announced Oct. 5 that it had joined. No hearing date.
New York Attorney General, Oct. 5, 2026Agency
New York Attorney General; U.S. District Court
Thursday, October 1, 2026
No clock time stated
Past. A Council of Economic Advisers analysis, not a Congressional Budget Office score, put seven pillars above $49 trillion.
Official print
Above $49 trillion for 2027–2036. About $355,000 per household. Not a CBO score.
White House, Oct. 1, 2026Thursday, October 1, 2026
No clock time stated
Legal instrument A part of the immigration law. If an officer finds that a person seeking admission is not clearly entitled to be admitted, the person shall be detained while a deportation case runs. The new Supreme Court case asks whether that covers people already living here who were never admitted.8 U.S.C. § 1225(b)(2)(A)
Supreme Court of the United States
Past. On Oct. 1 the Court agreed to hear three cases and did not set argument dates. One asks whether Legal instrument A part of the immigration law. If an officer finds that a person seeking admission is not clearly entitled to be admitted, the person shall be detained while a deportation case runs. The new Supreme Court case asks whether that covers people already living here who were never admitted. Legal instrument A federal law that bars zoning and land-use rules that put a substantial burden on religious exercise, unless the government shows a compelling reason and uses the least restrictive means. Legal instrument This law lets state divorce courts divide a service member’s regular retirement pay as marital property. Retirement pay given up in order to receive disability pay stays off limits. requires detention of people living here who were never admitted. One, limited to question 1, is about the 8 U.S.C. § 1225(b)(2)(A)
and a church group’s building. One asks whether the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act
bars a divorce promise about military retirement pay.Uniformed Services Former Spouses' Protection Act
Official print
Review granted in Nos. 26-104, 25-1131 (question 1 only), and 25-1349. Argument dates not set.
Order list, Oct. 1, 2026Agency
Supreme Court of the United States
Thursday, October 1, 2026
No clock time stated
Past. Partners in the Shield of the Americas backed Bolivia’s anti-corruption and anti-drug work.
Official print
Joint statement posted. Support for Bolivia on corruption and drug trafficking.
State Department, Oct. 1, 2026Thursday, October 1, 2026
No clock time stated
Legal instrument A Prince George’s County code section the Justice Department says restricts federal officers’ masks or identification. The lawsuit’s merits are not decided.Prince George’s County Code § 18-124
Maryland; Prince George’s County; Montgomery County
Past as a filing. The Justice Department sued over mask and identification rules for federal officers. The court has not ruled.
Thursday, October 1, 2026
11:10 a.m. ETNASA commercial crew blogs, Sept. 30, 2026 (no earlier than)
Space Launch Complex 40, Cape Canaveral
Past. Crew-13 launched at 11:10 a.m. Eastern, docked at 7:05 p.m., and the crew entered the station at 9:19 p.m. to join Expedition 75.
Official print
Launched 11:10 a.m. Docked 7:05 p.m. Hatch 9:19 p.m. Joined Expedition 75.
NASA, Oct. 1, 2026Wednesday, September 30, 2026
No clock time stated
Legal instrument
Extends through fiscal year 2030 CDC programs that fight diseases carried by ticks and mosquitoes, including a national strategy, regional research centers, and support for state, local, and tribal health departments.
Legal instrument
Extends through fiscal year 2030 CDC programs that fight diseases carried by ticks and mosquitoes, including a national strategy, regional research centers, and support for state, local, and tribal health departments.
Past. Legal instrument Extends through fiscal year 2030 CDC programs that fight diseases carried by ticks and mosquitoes, including a national strategy, regional research centers, and support for state, local, and tribal health departments. Legal instrument Extends through fiscal year 2030 CDC programs that fight diseases carried by ticks and mosquitoes, including a national strategy, regional research centers, and support for state, local, and tribal health departments., the Kay Hagan Tick Reauthorization Act (S. 2398)
, was signed on Sept. 30. It extends tick- and mosquito-disease programs through fiscal year 2030.Kay Hagan Tick Reauthorization Act (S. 2398)
Official print
Signed. Legal instrument Extends through fiscal year 2030 CDC programs that fight diseases carried by ticks and mosquitoes, including a national strategy, regional research centers, and support for state, local, and tribal health departments. reauthorizes tick- and mosquito-disease programs through fiscal year 2030.Kay Hagan Tick Reauthorization Act (S. 2398)
Wednesday, September 30, 2026
No clock time stated
Past. OpenAI said it broke up a campaign to extract model reasoning and tied a core cluster to people associated with Moonshot AI.
Official print
Campaign disrupted. Core cluster attributed to people associated with Moonshot AI.
OpenAI, Sept. 30, 2026Wednesday, September 30, 2026
No clock time stated
District of Minnesota
Past as a filing. The Justice Department filed a misconduct complaint against Chief Judge Patrick J. Schiltz, Judge John R. Tunheim, and other anonymous Minnesota federal judges. The outcome is unknown.
Wednesday, September 30, 2026
No clock time stated
Past. Google announced Gemini 4 Argon and limited the first release to trusted cyber defenders in the Fairwind Program.
Tuesday, September 29, 2026
No clock time stated
Legal instrument A U.S. sanctions authority aimed at certain people involved in Iran’s conventional arms activities.Executive Order 13949
Past. State and Treasury sanctioned networks they say help Iran buy and move weapons. State cites Legal instrument A U.S. sanctions authority aimed at certain people involved in Iran’s conventional arms activities. Legal instrument A U.S. sanctions authority aimed at proliferators of weapons of mass destruction and their supporters. Treasury cites it for the Economic Outcast designations.. Treasury cites Executive Order 13949
. A rewards offer of up to $15 million is aimed at Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps financial networks.Executive Order 13382
Official print
State: eight entities and five individuals. Treasury: 10 individuals and entities. Rewards offer up to $15 million.
State Department, Sept. 29, 2026Agency
U.S. Department of State and Treasury
Tuesday, September 29, 2026
No clock time stated
Legal instrument A federal immigration statute that limits lower courts’ power to enjoin or restrain the operation of certain removal provisions on a classwide basis.8 U.S.C. §1252(f)(1)
Past as an order, not a final ruling. The Court stayed a Massachusetts order on third-country removals and agreed to hear the case, with questions under Legal instrument A federal immigration statute that limits lower courts’ power to enjoin or restrain the operation of certain removal provisions on a classwide basis. Legal instrument The statute that sets rules for where the government may remove a noncitizen, including in some cases to a country other than the person’s home country. and 8 U.S.C. §1252(f)(1)
. Argument is aimed at December 2026. Three justices would have denied the stay.8 U.S.C. §1231(b)
Official print
Stay granted. Certiorari granted. December 2026 argument. Sotomayor, Kagan, and Jackson would deny the stay.
Supreme Court order, Sept. 29, 2026Agency
Supreme Court of the United States
Tuesday, September 29, 2026
No clock time stated
Past. OpenAI shipped GPT-6.1 Sol and published a system-card addendum. The company says it nearly matches GPT-6 Astra on coding and computer-use work at about one-fifth of Astra’s token price.
Official print
Shipped. Model ID gpt-6.1-sol. Addendum published Sept. 29, 2026.
OpenAI, Sept. 29, 2026Tuesday, September 29, 2026
No clock time stated
Past. OpenAI launched dots, always-on agents powered by GPT-6 Astra, for Pro, Business Premium, and Enterprise users.
Official print
Launched. Powered by GPT-6 Astra. Pro, Business Premium, and Enterprise rollout.
OpenAI, Sept. 29, 2026Tuesday, September 29, 2026
No clock time stated
Past. Meta posted Muse for Small Business, with connectors to tools such as Shopify, QuickBooks, and Slack. Nothing publishes, sends, or spends without approval.
Official print
Announced. Small-business connectors. Approval required before publish, send, or spend.
Meta, Sept. 29, 2026Tuesday, September 29, 2026
No clock time stated
Legal instrument
Orders the General Services Administration to build America.gov as a single online entry point for large public federal services, tied to Login.gov, while keeping older ways to reach government open.
Past. Legal instrument Orders the General Services Administration to build America.gov as a single online entry point for large public federal services, tied to Login.gov, while keeping older ways to reach government open. orders America.gov as one online front door for large public federal services, tied to Login.gov. Tax filing, the Department of War, and intelligence services are left out. Older ways to reach government stay open.Executive Order — Streamlining Access to Government Services Through America.gov (Sept. 29, 2026)
Official print
Signed. America.gov ordered. Implementation memo due in 90 days. No public launch date in the order.
White House, Sept. 29, 2026Tuesday, September 29, 2026
No clock time stated
Legal instrument
Directs federal agencies, as far as the law allows, to use “Super Intelligence” and “SI” instead of “Artificial Intelligence” and “AI” in new official writing, and asks the White House science office to propose a formal legal definition within 60 days.
Past. Legal instrument Directs federal agencies, as far as the law allows, to use “Super Intelligence” and “SI” instead of “Artificial Intelligence” and “AI” in new official writing, and asks the White House science office to propose a formal legal definition within 60 days. Legal instrument The existing federal statute definition of “artificial intelligence” that the Sept. 29, 2026 terminology order uses as the temporary meaning of Super Intelligence until a new definition is set. tells agencies to say “Super Intelligence” in new official writing. For now the word means artificial intelligence as defined in Executive Order — Inaugurating The Era Of Super Intelligence (Sept. 29, 2026)
. Old documents stay as they are. This is not the Sept. 25 dialogue fact sheet.15 U.S.C. §9401(3)
Official print
Signed. Terminology order. Temporary meaning is Legal instrument The existing federal statute definition of “artificial intelligence” that the Sept. 29, 2026 terminology order uses as the temporary meaning of Super Intelligence until a new definition is set.. Definition proposal due in 60 days.15 U.S.C. §9401(3)
Tuesday, September 29, 2026
No clock time stated
Space Launch Complex 40, Cape Canaveral
Past. The Crew-13 astronauts finished a dry dress rehearsal. Weather is 60 percent favorable for a Thursday try. The launch itself is still upcoming.
Official print
Dry dress complete. Weather 60 percent favorable. Launch try is a separate row.
NASA commercial crew blog, Sept. 29, 2026Monday, September 28, 2026
No clock time stated
Legal instrument
A Senate bill that would set federal rules for college athletes’ name, image, or likeness agreements and give schools and conferences a limited antitrust exemption to pool and sell certain college sports media rights. Congress.gov’s CRS summary says athletes must report NIL compensation over $600 to their schools. As of the White House push on Sept. 28, 2026, S. 4668 is pending. It is not law.
Past as advocacy. The White House on Sept. 28 urged Congress to pass the Legal instrument A Senate bill that would set federal rules for college athletes’ name, image, or likeness agreements and give schools and conferences a limited antitrust exemption to pool and sell certain college sports media rights. Congress.gov’s CRS summary says athletes must report NIL compensation over $600 to their schools. As of the White House push on Sept. 28, 2026, S. 4668 is pending. It is not law. Legal instrument A Senate bill that would set federal rules for college athletes’ name, image, or likeness agreements and give schools and conferences a limited antitrust exemption to pool and sell certain college sports media rights. Congress.gov’s CRS summary says athletes must report NIL compensation over $600 to their schools. As of the White House push on Sept. 28, 2026, S. 4668 is pending. It is not law., S. 4668 — Protect College Sports Act of 2026
. The bill is pending. It is not law.S. 4668 — Protect College Sports Act of 2026
Official print
Advocacy posted. Legal instrument A Senate bill that would set federal rules for college athletes’ name, image, or likeness agreements and give schools and conferences a limited antitrust exemption to pool and sell certain college sports media rights. Congress.gov’s CRS summary says athletes must report NIL compensation over $600 to their schools. As of the White House push on Sept. 28, 2026, S. 4668 is pending. It is not law. is pending. It is not law.S. 4668 — Protect College Sports Act of 2026
Monday, September 28, 2026
No clock time stated
Legal instrument Lets the Secretary of State keep someone out of the United States when entry would seriously hurt U.S. foreign-policy interests, including by denying or revoking visas.Immigration and Nationality Act §212(a)(3)(C)
Past. State announced visa restrictions under Legal instrument Lets the Secretary of State keep someone out of the United States when entry would seriously hurt U.S. foreign-policy interests, including by denying or revoking visas. Legal instrument Requires designation of foreign officials, and often their families, when there is credible information of significant corruption or a gross human-rights abuse. Those designations generally bar U.S. entry. Legal instrument Requires designation of foreign officials, and often their families, when there is credible information of significant corruption or a gross human-rights abuse. Those designations generally bar U.S. entry. for officials in Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru, and a public Immigration and Nationality Act §212(a)(3)(C)
designation of Bolivia’s Attorney General Roger Mariaca. Section 7031(c), National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2026
generally bars designated officials and their immediate family from entering the United States.Section 7031(c), National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2026
Official print
Visa restrictions posted. Mariaca designated under Legal instrument Requires designation of foreign officials, and often their families, when there is credible information of significant corruption or a gross human-rights abuse. Those designations generally bar U.S. entry.. Ecuadorian names not listed.Section 7031(c), National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2026
Monday, September 28, 2026
No clock time stated
Legal instrument Lets the Secretary of State keep someone out of the United States when entry would seriously hurt U.S. foreign-policy interests, including by denying or revoking visas.Immigration and Nationality Act §212(a)(3)(C)
Past. Secretary Marco Rubio announced a visa policy, under Legal instrument Lets the Secretary of State keep someone out of the United States when entry would seriously hurt U.S. foreign-policy interests, including by denying or revoking visas., for people who impede the return of abducted American children. The release names no one. It is a visa tool, not a new criminal statute.Immigration and Nationality Act §212(a)(3)(C)
Monday, September 28, 2026
No clock time stated
Past. NASA said the Swift Boost servicing demo ended without raising the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory’s orbit. NASA ended its involvement Sept. 3. The LINK spacecraft re-entered Sept. 25.
Official print
Orbit not raised. NASA involvement ended Sept. 3. LINK re-entered Sept. 25.
NASA Science, Sept. 28, 2026Monday, September 28, 2026
No clock time stated
Past. NASA’s Earth Observatory mapped 1,943 valleys under the Greenland Ice Sheet. About one third are newly identified. About half of the valleys already in BedMachine Greenland now run farther inland, in some cases by hundreds of kilometers. The paper is Chartrand et al., Geophysical Research Letters, 2026.
Official print
Image of the Day. 1,943 subglacial valleys mapped; about one third newly identified.
NASA Earth Observatory, Sept. 28, 2026Monday, September 28, 2026
No clock time stated
Space Launch Complex 40, Cape Canaveral
Past. NASA said the Crew-13 Falcon 9 and Dragon were raised vertical at Space Launch Complex 40 on Sept. 28 after a Sept. 27 rollout. The crew is Jessica Watkins, Luke Delaney, Joshua Kutryk, and Sergey Teteryatnikov.
Official print
Rocket vertical at Space Launch Complex 40. Static fire done. Launch try is a separate row.
NASA commercial crew blog, Sept. 28, 2026Monday, September 28, 2026
3:00 p.m. ETNASA media advisory M26-073, Sept. 25, 2026
Past as a schedule. NASA’s advisory set a news conference at 3 p.m. Eastern on Monday, Sept. 28, on Starliner development. This desk did not retrieve a transcript of what was said.
Sunday, September 27, 2026
9:59 p.m. ETWhite House release datetime 2026-09-27T21:59:36-04:00
Legal instrument Sets how a joint U.S.–China Board of Trade will work — improve two-way trade, who leads it, and how often deputies meet (at least every quarter). First job is a proposal on selected goods that could get lower tariffs on both sides, under each country’s own laws.Working Procedures for the U.S.-China Board of Trade (Sept. 27, 2026)
Past. Late Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026, the White House posted Legal instrument Sets how a joint U.S.–China Board of Trade will work — improve two-way trade, who leads it, and how often deputies meet (at least every quarter). First job is a proposal on selected goods that could get lower tariffs on both sides, under each country’s own laws. Legal instrument Both sides agree to talk about import lists worth about $30 billion each way and have approved matching product lists based on 2024 trade. Any actual tariff cuts still go through each country’s normal legal steps; lists may be reviewed about once a year. and Working Procedures for the U.S.-China Board of Trade (Sept. 27, 2026)
, plus product lists. The two sides will consider lower tariffs, each way, on lists worth about $30 billion, using 2024 trade. Cuts still have to clear each country’s own legal process. The U.S. list has 77 Harmonized Tariff Schedule lines, opening with fireworks. The China list has 1,619 rows, opening with livestock and meat. This is the first procedures-and-lists package after Friday’s state visit. It is not a retelling of that visit.Terms of Reference for the “30-for-30” Framework (Sept. 27, 2026)
Official print
Posted. Working procedures, “30-for-30” terms, and both product lists. Cuts are not automatic.
White House, Sept. 27, 2026, 9:59 p.m. ETSaturday, September 26, 2026
about 1:00 p.m. ETNASA Commercial Crew blog, Sept. 25, 2026
Kennedy Space Center
Past as a schedule. NASA said Crew-13 was set to arrive at Kennedy about 1 p.m. Eastern on Saturday, Sept. 26. The Friday post is a plan. Touchdown was not confirmed in a later post opened by this desk.
Official print
Arrival planned for about 1 p.m. Eastern Saturday. No later NASA post confirming touchdown was opened.
NASA Commercial Crew blog, Sept. 25, 2026Friday, September 25, 2026
No clock time stated
White House
Past. The White House said the state visit with President Xi Jinping and Madame Peng Liyuan had ended. The fact sheet lists tariff recommendations, coal purchases, fentanyl steps, and a Super Intelligence dialogue. The tariff items are described as recommendations.
Official print
Visit concluded. Fact sheet: tariff recommendations on $30 billion each way, at least 10 million metric tons of U.S. coal in 2027 and 2028, a Super Intelligence dialogue, and an incident channel.
White House, Sept. 25, 2026Friday, September 25, 2026
No clock time stated
Legal instrument A long-standing federal tool that lets agencies check a noncitizen’s immigration status for benefits. The Supreme Court’s Sept. 25, 2026 opinion says 2025 modifications added Social Security data matches and bulk queries.SAVE (Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements)
Supreme Court
Past. The Supreme Court paused a district-court order that had wiped out changes to the Legal instrument A long-standing federal tool that lets agencies check a noncitizen’s immigration status for benefits. The Supreme Court’s Sept. 25, 2026 opinion says 2025 modifications added Social Security data matches and bulk queries. Legal instrument A March 2025 presidential order that directed the Department of Homeland Security to put systems in place so state and local authorities can verify the citizenship of registered voters and people registering to vote, and directed the Social Security Administration to make records available to the department for that purpose. The Supreme Court’s Sept. 25, 2026 opinion cites 90 Fed. Reg. 14006 (2025).. The stay runs through the appeal. Justices Jackson, Sotomayor, and Kagan dissented. SAVE (Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements)
is a March 2025 order on voter citizenship checks and Social Security records for the Department of Homeland Security.Executive Order 14248 (Mar. 2025; 90 Fed. Reg. 14006)
Official print
Stay granted pending appeal. June 22, 2026 district-court order paused. Jackson, Sotomayor, and Kagan dissented.
Supreme Court opinion, 26A308, Sept. 25, 2026Agency
Supreme Court of the United States
Friday, September 25, 2026
No clock time stated
Supreme Court
Past. The Supreme Court kept Missouri on its 2022 U.S. House map for the 2026 election and blocked orders that would have required the 2025 map.
Official print
Stay granted. Missouri keeps the 2022 House map for the 2026 election. The 2025 map is not required.
Supreme Court opinion, 26A388, Sept. 25, 2026Agency
Supreme Court of the United States
Friday, September 25, 2026
No clock time stated
Legal instrument
Signed into law on Sept. 25, 2026. It makes the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission send Congress a yearly report on hydropower license applications still waiting.
Legal instrument
Signed into law on Sept. 25, 2026. It reauthorizes money for the Fort Peck Reservation Rural Water System, including, through fiscal year 2028, planning, design, and construction of the Assiniboine and Sioux Rural Water System and the Dry Prairie Rural Water System in Montana.
Legal instrument
Signed into law on Sept. 25, 2026. It lets the U.S. Court of Federal Claims hear certain Miami Tribe of Oklahoma land claims under a named treaty.
Legal instrument
Signed into law on Sept. 25, 2026. It names the General George C. Marshall House in Virginia an affiliated area of the National Park System.
Legal instrument
Signed into law on Sept. 25, 2026. It requires the Commerce Department to post public map data of U.S. exclusive economic zone areas where rules limit fishing, boating, or other recreation.
Legal instrument
Signed into law on Sept. 25, 2026. It renames the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center in Casper, Wyoming, for Barbara L. Cubin.
White House
Past. Six narrow bills became law on Sept. 25: hydropower-license reports, Fort Peck water-system money, Miami Tribe land claims, the Marshall House, a public oceans map, and a renamed Wyoming trails center.
Official print
Signed: Legal instrument Signed into law on Sept. 25, 2026. It makes the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission send Congress a yearly report on hydropower license applications still waiting. Legal instrument Signed into law on Sept. 25, 2026. It reauthorizes money for the Fort Peck Reservation Rural Water System, including, through fiscal year 2028, planning, design, and construction of the Assiniboine and Sioux Rural Water System and the Dry Prairie Rural Water System in Montana. Legal instrument Signed into law on Sept. 25, 2026. It lets the U.S. Court of Federal Claims hear certain Miami Tribe of Oklahoma land claims under a named treaty. Legal instrument Signed into law on Sept. 25, 2026. It names the General George C. Marshall House in Virginia an affiliated area of the National Park System. Legal instrument Signed into law on Sept. 25, 2026. It requires the Commerce Department to post public map data of U.S. exclusive economic zone areas where rules limit fishing, boating, or other recreation. Legal instrument Signed into law on Sept. 25, 2026. It renames the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center in Casper, Wyoming, for Barbara L. Cubin., H.R. 3657 — Hydropower Licensing Transparency Act
, H.R. 7250 — Fort Peck Reservation Rural Water System reauthorization
, S. 550 — Miami Tribe of Oklahoma land claims
, S. 603 — General George C. Marshall House
, and S. 759 — Modernizing Access to Our Public Oceans Act
.S. 790 — Barbara L. Cubin trails center
Friday, September 25, 2026
No clock time stated
Legal instrument
A non-binding set of principles, started by NASA and the State Department with founding partners in 2020, that commits signatory countries to peaceful, transparent, and cooperative civil space exploration and to sharing scientific data. San Marino became the 76th signatory on Sept. 25, 2026, in Rimini.
Rimini
Past. San Marino signed Legal instrument A non-binding set of principles, started by NASA and the State Department with founding partners in 2020, that commits signatory countries to peaceful, transparent, and cooperative civil space exploration and to sharing scientific data. San Marino became the 76th signatory on Sept. 25, 2026, in Rimini. on Sept. 25, 2026, in Rimini, becoming the 76th signatory. The Accords are non-binding principles for peaceful civil space exploration.Artemis Accords
Official print
San Marino signed. 76th Legal instrument A non-binding set of principles, started by NASA and the State Department with founding partners in 2020, that commits signatory countries to peaceful, transparent, and cooperative civil space exploration and to sharing scientific data. San Marino became the 76th signatory on Sept. 25, 2026, in Rimini. signatory.Artemis Accords
Friday, September 25, 2026
No clock time stated
Past. The National Science Foundation put the Open Knowledge Network online at okn.us, linking 43 knowledge graphs. It is a public data layer, not a new inflation or jobs print.
Official print
Open Knowledge Network live at okn.us. 43 linked knowledge graphs.
National Science Foundation, Sept. 25, 2026Friday, September 25, 2026
No clock time stated
The White House and the National Archives
Upcoming. From the Sept. 21 First Lady schedule: Friday tea in the Red Room, a National Archives visit, and farewell.
Thursday, September 24, 2026
No clock time stated
East Room, the White House
Past. The White House said President Trump and the First Lady would welcome Xi Jinping and Peng Liyuan for a State Dinner in the East Room on the evening of Sept. 24. The First Lady’s office posted menu, entertainment, and décor details. No joint readout was on the news hub in this desk pass.
Official print
State Dinner in the East Room, evening of Sept. 24, per the First Lady’s release. No joint readout on the White House news hub in this desk pass.
White House / First Lady, Sept. 24, 2026Thursday, September 24, 2026
No clock time stated
Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art, Washington
Past. The White House said Melania Trump and Peng Liyuan visited the Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art the same day as the State Dinner.
Official print
Museum visit confirmed on a White House page dated Sept. 24, 2026.
White House / First Lady, Sept. 24, 2026Thursday, September 24, 2026
No clock time stated
Legal instrument A statute that sets up grant money for states and localities. The Justice Department says ANGEL awards must be used for listed purposes such as finding and arresting noncitizens who also committed other crimes, trafficking cases, related court work, short-term detention, and transport. The department cites the BIDEN Reimbursement Fund at 34 U.S.C. § 61101.One Big Beautiful Bill Act, Public Law 119-21
Past. The Justice Department opened $25 million in ANGEL grants for state, local, and tribal agencies. The department cites the Legal instrument A statute that sets up grant money for states and localities. The Justice Department says ANGEL awards must be used for listed purposes such as finding and arresting noncitizens who also committed other crimes, trafficking cases, related court work, short-term detention, and transport. The department cites the BIDEN Reimbursement Fund at 34 U.S.C. § 61101. Legal instrument A statute that sets up grant money for states and localities. The Justice Department says ANGEL awards must be used for listed purposes such as finding and arresting noncitizens who also committed other crimes, trafficking cases, related court work, short-term detention, and transport. The department cites the BIDEN Reimbursement Fund at 34 U.S.C. § 61101., and One Big Beautiful Bill Act, Public Law 119-21
.One Big Beautiful Bill Act, Public Law 119-21
Official print
$25 million competitive grant announcement. Not a charging document.
Justice Department, Sept. 24, 2026Thursday, September 24, 2026
No clock time stated
Legal instrument
Senate bill introduced Sept. 24, 2026, that would create a Commerce Department Artificial Intelligence Safety Board, require advanced AI developers to share models with the Board at least 45 days before public release and follow Model Safety Plans, and set civil penalties and incident-reporting rules. The PDF number line reads “S. ll.”
U.S. Senate
Past. Sens. Warner, Schatz, and Kim introduced the Legal instrument Senate bill introduced Sept. 24, 2026, that would create a Commerce Department Artificial Intelligence Safety Board, require advanced AI developers to share models with the Board at least 45 days before public release and follow Model Safety Plans, and set civil penalties and incident-reporting rules. The PDF number line reads “S. ll.”. It would create an Artificial Intelligence Safety Board in the Commerce Department, require model access at least 45 days before public release, and set Model Safety Plans, incident reporting, and civil penalties. The bill number on the PDF is unfilled.Artificial Intelligence Risk Management and Security Act of 2026
Official print
Introduced. Senate number on the PDF is “S. ll.” Not a passed law.
Bill PDF, Sept. 24, 2026Thursday, September 24, 2026
No clock time stated
Legal instrument
Federal law that sets who may issue payment stablecoins and requires permitted issuers to keep reserves that match coins outstanding, using cash, short-term Treasuries, and similar high-quality assets. The Fed’s Sept. 24, 2026 proposals would implement parts of that framework for Board-supervised issuers.
Past. Cross-listed from the economy calendar. The Federal Reserve asked for comment on reserve and bank-application rules under the Legal instrument Federal law that sets who may issue payment stablecoins and requires permitted issuers to keep reserves that match coins outstanding, using cash, short-term Treasuries, and similar high-quality assets. The Fed’s Sept. 24, 2026 proposals would implement parts of that framework for Board-supervised issuers. Legal instrument Federal law that sets who may issue payment stablecoins and requires permitted issuers to keep reserves that match coins outstanding, using cash, short-term Treasuries, and similar high-quality assets. The Fed’s Sept. 24, 2026 proposals would implement parts of that framework for Board-supervised issuers., GENIUS Act (Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for U.S. Stablecoins Act), Public Law 119-27
. Not a final rule.GENIUS Act (Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for U.S. Stablecoins Act), Public Law 119-27
Official print
Comment requested under the Legal instrument Federal law that sets who may issue payment stablecoins and requires permitted issuers to keep reserves that match coins outstanding, using cash, short-term Treasuries, and similar high-quality assets. The Fed’s Sept. 24, 2026 proposals would implement parts of that framework for Board-supervised issuers.. Not a final rule.GENIUS Act (Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for U.S. Stablecoins Act), Public Law 119-27
Agency
Federal Reserve Board
Wednesday, September 23, 2026
No clock time stated
Legal instrument Lets the Secretary of State keep someone out of the United States when entry would seriously hurt U.S. foreign-policy interests, including by denying or revoking visas.Immigration and Nationality Act §212(a)(3)(C)
Past. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the United States will restrict visas for owners, operators, visa coaches, and foreign medical providers who knowingly sell or enable commercial birth tourism. The policy uses Legal instrument Lets the Secretary of State keep someone out of the United States when entry would seriously hurt U.S. foreign-policy interests, including by denying or revoking visas.. Certain family members may also be covered. The statement does not say how many visas will be denied.Immigration and Nationality Act §212(a)(3)(C)
Official print
Visa restriction policy under Legal instrument Lets the Secretary of State keep someone out of the United States when entry would seriously hurt U.S. foreign-policy interests, including by denying or revoking visas. for commercial birth tourism.Immigration and Nationality Act §212(a)(3)(C)
Agency
U.S. Department of State
Wednesday, September 23, 2026
No clock time stated
Past. The State Department announced $267 million more for the Ebola response in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It says U.S. government aid for this outbreak now totals $887 million.
Official print
Additional $267 million. Release says the U.S. total for this outbreak is now $887 million.
State Department, Sept. 23, 2026Wednesday, September 23, 2026
No clock time stated
New York
Past. The United States and Argentina launched the Andes-Atlantic Corridor, a joint statement on ports, energy, minerals, and digital links. It is not a ratified treaty. Binding project financing would come through later deals.
Official print
Joint statement launching the Andes-Atlantic Corridor. Not a treaty.
State Department joint statement, Sept. 23, 2026Wednesday, September 23, 2026
No clock time stated
New York
Past. The United States, Japan, and South Korea announced an implementation plan for a July memorandum on small modular reactors abroad. An industry framework names GE Vernova, Hitachi, Samsung C&T, and SGE for BWRX-300 reactors in Europe. Not a Senate-ratified treaty.
Official print
Implementation plan for the July small-modular-reactor memorandum. Not a treaty.
State Department, Sept. 23, 2026Wednesday, September 23, 2026
No clock time stated
Past. The State Department opened a public tip portal for suspected visa fraud and misuse, including birth tourism.
Wednesday, September 23, 2026
No clock time stated
New York
Past. Secretary Rubio met Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. The readout says they discussed the Russia-Ukraine war and the bilateral relationship. No further outcome is in the note.
Official print
Readout only: Russia-Ukraine war and the U.S.-Russia relationship.
State Department readout, Sept. 23, 2026Wednesday, September 23, 2026
No clock time stated
New York
Past. Secretary Rubio and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar reaffirmed the U.S.–India partnership and discussed the Middle East and sanctions pressure related to Russia and Iran. The readout does not say a new sanctions package was agreed.
Official print
Readout: Indo-Pacific partnership; sanctions that could hit states doing business with Russia and Iran.
State Department readout, Sept. 23, 2026Wednesday, September 23, 2026
No clock time stated
Joint Base Andrews
Schedule only. The Sept. 21 First Lady schedule listed a greeting for Xi Jinping and Peng Liyuan at Joint Base Andrews on Wednesday, Sept. 23. No newer White House or State Department primary confirmed that greeting as of Thursday morning lock.
Tuesday, September 22, 2026
No clock time stated
Legal instrument
A NATO-linked defense pact that updates U.S. basing and access in Greenland, allows new Defense Areas by agreement, bars non-NATO military bases unless the parties agree, and screens sensitive non-allied investment. It has no end date and needs Danish and Greenlandic parliamentary steps before it takes effect.
New York
Past. The United States, Denmark, and Greenland signed a supplement to the Legal instrument A NATO-linked defense pact that updates U.S. basing and access in Greenland, allows new Defense Areas by agreement, bars non-NATO military bases unless the parties agree, and screens sensitive non-allied investment. It has no end date and needs Danish and Greenlandic parliamentary steps before it takes effect. in New York. It expands U.S. work at Pituffik Space Base, allows Defense Areas at Narsarsuaq and Mestersvig by agreement, bars non-NATO military bases unless the parties agree, and screens sensitive non-allied investment. It is not in force until parliamentary steps and a diplomatic note.1951 Defense of Greenland Agreement as amended and supplemented Sept. 22, 2026
Official print
Signed in New York, Sept. 22, 2026. Not in force until Danish and Greenlandic parliamentary steps and a diplomatic note.
White House agreement text, Sept. 22, 2026Tuesday, September 22, 2026
No clock time stated
Legal instrument A Western Hemisphere mutual-defense pact. The Sept. 22, 2026, joint statement says participants intend to ask the Organization of American States to convene consultations under Articles 6 and 13. That is a stated intention, not a finished resolution.Inter-American Treaty on Reciprocal Assistance (Rio Treaty)
Past. The United States and 14 partners said they intend to pressure 24 listed groups and to seek consultations under the Legal instrument A Western Hemisphere mutual-defense pact. The Sept. 22, 2026, joint statement says participants intend to ask the Organization of American States to convene consultations under Articles 6 and 13. That is a stated intention, not a finished resolution.. That is a stated intention. No Organization of American States date is set in the statement.Inter-American Treaty on Reciprocal Assistance (Rio Treaty)
Official print
Joint statement posted. Intention to pressure 24 listed groups and to seek Legal instrument A Western Hemisphere mutual-defense pact. The Sept. 22, 2026, joint statement says participants intend to ask the Organization of American States to convene consultations under Articles 6 and 13. That is a stated intention, not a finished resolution. consultations. No meeting date.Inter-American Treaty on Reciprocal Assistance (Rio Treaty)
Monday, September 21, 2026
No clock time stated
Legal instrument Lets the Secretary of State keep someone out of the United States when entry would seriously hurt U.S. foreign-policy interests, including by denying or revoking visas.Immigration and Nationality Act §212(a)(3)(C)
Past. The State Department announced steps to impose visa restrictions on 32 people it links to cybercrime and scam networks, most tied to the Prince Group. Valid visas for those named have been revoked. The statement cites Legal instrument Lets the Secretary of State keep someone out of the United States when entry would seriously hurt U.S. foreign-policy interests, including by denying or revoking visas.. It says Southeast Asian scam networks like Prince Group defrauded Americans of at least $18.2 billion in 2025.Immigration and Nationality Act §212(a)(3)(C)
Official print
Steps announced to impose visa restrictions on 32 people; valid visas for those named revoked. Most affiliated with Prince Group.
State Department, Sept. 21, 2026Agency
U.S. Department of State
Monday, September 21, 2026
12:00 p.m. EDTNASA article, Sept. 21, 2026
Legal instrument
A non-binding set of principles, started by NASA and the State Department with founding partners in 2020, that commits signatory countries to peaceful, transparent, and cooperative civil space exploration and to sharing scientific data. San Marino became the 76th signatory on Sept. 25, 2026, in Rimini.
NASA Headquarters, Washington
Past. Albania signed Legal instrument A non-binding set of principles, started by NASA and the State Department with founding partners in 2020, that commits signatory countries to peaceful, transparent, and cooperative civil space exploration and to sharing scientific data. San Marino became the 76th signatory on Sept. 25, 2026, in Rimini. Legal instrument A non-binding set of principles, started by NASA and the State Department with founding partners in 2020, that commits signatory countries to peaceful, transparent, and cooperative civil space exploration and to sharing scientific data. San Marino became the 76th signatory on Sept. 25, 2026, in Rimini. on Monday, Sept. 21, 2026, at NASA Headquarters in Washington, becoming the 73rd country to join. Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha signed for Albania. Artemis Accords
are a non-binding set of principles for peaceful, transparent, and cooperative civil space exploration.Artemis Accords
Official print
Albania signed; 73rd Legal instrument A non-binding set of principles, started by NASA and the State Department with founding partners in 2020, that commits signatory countries to peaceful, transparent, and cooperative civil space exploration and to sharing scientific data. San Marino became the 76th signatory on Sept. 25, 2026, in Rimini. signatory. Ceremony completed Sept. 21, 2026, at NASA Headquarters.Artemis Accords
Monday, September 21, 2026
12:01 a.m. ETWhite House proclamation, Sept. 18, 2026
Legal instrument
Extends the 2025 H-1B entry restriction for another year so most H-1B specialty workers outside the United States need a $100,000 payment with the petition, with limited national-interest exceptions, starting Sept. 21, 2026.
White House: Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers
The Legal instrument Extends the 2025 H-1B entry restriction for another year so most H-1B specialty workers outside the United States need a $100,000 payment with the petition, with limited national-interest exceptions, starting Sept. 21, 2026. White House: Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers Legal instrument A presidential order that steers State, Labor, and Homeland Security to check H-1B filings more tightly with other agencies and to factor employer layoffs of similar U.S. workers into petition and visa decisions. took effect at 12:01 a.m. Eastern on Sept. 21, 2026. For 12 months, through Sept. 21, 2027 unless extended, most H-1B specialty-occupation workers outside the United States need a $100,000 payment with the petition, with limited national-interest exceptions. Proclamation — Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers (Sept. 18, 2026)
, signed Sept. 18, remains in force.Executive Order — Enhancing Program Integrity and Interagency Coordination in the Administration of the H-1B Nonimmigrant Visa Program (Sept. 18, 2026)
Official print
In effect 12:01 a.m. Eastern Sept. 21, 2026. $100,000 payment with most H-1B petitions for workers outside the United States; limited national-interest exceptions. Expires Sept. 21, 2027, absent extension.
White House proclamation, Sept. 18, 2026 (effective Sept. 21)Friday, September 18, 2026
No clock time stated
Legal instrument
Extends the 2025 H-1B entry restriction for another year so most H-1B specialty workers outside the United States need a $100,000 payment with the petition, with limited national-interest exceptions, starting Sept. 21, 2026.
White House: Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers
President Trump signed Legal instrument Extends the 2025 H-1B entry restriction for another year so most H-1B specialty workers outside the United States need a $100,000 payment with the petition, with limited national-interest exceptions, starting Sept. 21, 2026. White House: Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers on Sept. 18. It extends the 2025 H-1B entry restriction for another year so most H-1B specialty workers outside the United States need a $100,000 payment with the petition, with limited national-interest exceptions, starting 12:01 a.m. Eastern Sept. 21, 2026, through Sept. 21, 2027.Proclamation — Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers (Sept. 18, 2026)
Official print
Signed Sept. 18. Extends the Legal instrument Extends the 2025 H-1B entry restriction for another year so most H-1B specialty workers outside the United States need a $100,000 payment with the petition, with limited national-interest exceptions, starting Sept. 21, 2026. White House: Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers through Sept. 21, 2027, with limited national-interest exceptions.Proclamation — Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers (Sept. 18, 2026)
Friday, September 18, 2026
No clock time stated
Legal instrument
A new statute that expands Russia-related sanctions, tariffs, and investment and energy limits, and extends the Iran Sanctions Act sunset from 2026 to 2031. It also lets early-childhood educators claim the teacher expense deduction.
Legal instrument
A new statute that expands Russia-related sanctions, tariffs, and investment and energy limits, and extends the Iran Sanctions Act sunset from 2026 to 2031. It also lets early-childhood educators claim the teacher expense deduction.
President Trump signed Legal instrument A new statute that expands Russia-related sanctions, tariffs, and investment and energy limits, and extends the Iran Sanctions Act sunset from 2026 to 2031. It also lets early-childhood educators claim the teacher expense deduction. Legal instrument A new statute that expands Russia-related sanctions, tariffs, and investment and energy limits, and extends the Iran Sanctions Act sunset from 2026 to 2031. It also lets early-childhood educators claim the teacher expense deduction. Legal instrument A 1996 law that authorizes U.S. sanctions on Iran. The enrolled text of H.R. 5334, signed Sept. 18, 2026, extends its sunset from 2026 to 2031., the H.R. 5334 — Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026
, on Sept. 18. The White House says the law authorizes and expands statutory sanctions, tariffs, and prohibitions on Russia and extends existing sanctions on Iran. The enrolled text extends the H.R. 5334 — Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026
sunset from 2026 to 2031. Division B also lets early-childhood educators use the educator expense deduction.Iran Sanctions Act of 1996
Official print
Signed Sept. 18. Expands Russia sanctions, tariffs, and prohibitions and extends Legal instrument A 1996 law that authorizes U.S. sanctions on Iran. The enrolled text of H.R. 5334, signed Sept. 18, 2026, extends its sunset from 2026 to 2031. sunset to 2031.Iran Sanctions Act of 1996
Agency
The White House / Congress
Friday, September 18, 2026
No clock time stated
Legal instrument
A presidential order that steers State, Labor, and Homeland Security to check H-1B filings more tightly with other agencies and to factor employer layoffs of similar U.S. workers into petition and visa decisions.
President Trump signed Legal instrument A presidential order that steers State, Labor, and Homeland Security to check H-1B filings more tightly with other agencies and to factor employer layoffs of similar U.S. workers into petition and visa decisions. on Sept. 18. The order tells State, Labor, and Homeland Security to coordinate with Commerce, Education, and the Small Business Administration on H-1B petitions, labor paperwork, and visas, and to weigh whether the sponsoring employer laid off similar U.S. workers in the past year or plans to.Executive Order — Enhancing Program Integrity and Interagency Coordination in the Administration of the H-1B Nonimmigrant Visa Program (Sept. 18, 2026)
Official print
Signed Sept. 18. Directs interagency H-1B coordination and consideration of recent or planned layoffs of similar U.S. workers.
White House, Sept. 18, 2026Thursday, September 17, 2026
No clock time stated
The White House withdrew five pending Senate nominations on Sept. 17: Jeffrey Anderson (International Civil Aviation Organization Council); John Grunewald II (Farm Credit Administration Board); Richard Schroyer (assistant secretary of Homeland Security); Heidi Semann (inspector general, Education); Robert Stebbins (deputy chief executive, U.S. International Development Finance Corporation).
Thursday, September 17, 2026
No clock time stated
Legal instrument
A presidential order that steers federal ocean agencies to treat recreational saltwater fishing as a priority, fix weak catch-and-effort data, ease permits and boating rules, and turn some retired offshore oil and gas platforms into artificial reefs — subject to later agency rules and existing fisheries law.
White House: Restoring American Saltwater Angling and Recreation
President Trump signed Legal instrument A presidential order that steers federal ocean agencies to treat recreational saltwater fishing as a priority, fix weak catch-and-effort data, ease permits and boating rules, and turn some retired offshore oil and gas platforms into artificial reefs — subject to later agency rules and existing fisheries law. White House: Restoring American Saltwater Angling and Recreation on Sept. 17. The order tells the Commerce Department’s ocean agency to review recreational fishing rules under the Magnuson-Stevens Act, modernize catch data, ease boating and permit burdens, and start a federal Outer Continental Shelf reef-in-place program for retired oil and gas platforms.Executive Order — Restoring American Saltwater Angling and Recreation (Sept. 17, 2026)
Official print
Signed Sept. 17. Directs a review of recreational fishing rules, catch-data modernization, permit and boating relief, and a reef-in-place program for retired offshore platforms.
White House, Sept. 17, 2026Thursday, September 17, 2026
No clock time stated
Legal instrument
A presidential order that directs Interior to open hunting of non–Endangered Species Act–listed animals in two named national monuments within 90 days and steers several agencies to propose wider hunting access on public lands within 180 days, while keeping national parks off that general presumption.
President Trump signed Legal instrument A presidential order that directs Interior to open hunting of non–Endangered Species Act–listed animals in two named national monuments within 90 days and steers several agencies to propose wider hunting access on public lands within 180 days, while keeping national parks off that general presumption. on Sept. 17. Interior is directed to allow hunting of animals not listed under the Endangered Species Act in Castle Mountains National Monument and Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve within 90 days. War, Interior, Agriculture, and Commerce are to propose broader public-land hunting access within 180 days, generally allowing hunting unless a local closure is justified, except in national parks.Executive Order — Reinvigorating America’s Hunting Heritage (Sept. 17, 2026)
Official print
Signed Sept. 17. Monument hunting access for non–Endangered Species Act–listed animals within 90 days; broader public-land proposal within 180 days; national parks excepted.
White House, Sept. 17, 2026Thursday, September 17, 2026
No clock time stated
Legal instrument
It lets State and Treasury freeze U.S.-touching assets of foreign people tied to Cuba’s government or to energy, defense, mining, finance, or security work in Cuba, and can hit foreign banks that do significant business with those targets.
The State Department designated eight Cuban entities and three Revolutionary Armed Forces officers on Sept. 17 under Legal instrument It lets State and Treasury freeze U.S.-touching assets of foreign people tied to Cuba’s government or to energy, defense, mining, finance, or security work in Cuba, and can hit foreign banks that do significant business with those targets. for defense-related research and nickel work. OFAC listed the same names. U.S.-jurisdiction property is blocked.Executive Order 14404 — Imposing Sanctions on Those Responsible for Repression in Cuba
Official print
Eight Cuban entities and three FAR officers designated under Legal instrument It lets State and Treasury freeze U.S.-touching assets of foreign people tied to Cuba’s government or to energy, defense, mining, finance, or security work in Cuba, and can hit foreign banks that do significant business with those targets.. U.S.-jurisdiction property blocked.Executive Order 14404 — Imposing Sanctions on Those Responsible for Repression in Cuba
Agency
U.S. Department of State / OFAC
Thursday, September 17, 2026
11:45 a.m. and 1:45 p.m.Senate Daily Press home, checked Sept. 17, 2026
Legal instrument
A Senate bill that would set federal rules for college athletes’ name, image, or likeness agreements and give schools and conferences a limited antitrust exemption to pool and sell certain college sports media rights. Congress.gov’s CRS summary says athletes must report NIL compensation over $600 to their schools. As of the White House push on Sept. 28, 2026, S. 4668 is pending. It is not law.
U.S. Senate
The Senate was scheduled to resume post-cloture consideration of the motion to proceed to Legal instrument A Senate bill that would set federal rules for college athletes’ name, image, or likeness agreements and give schools and conferences a limited antitrust exemption to pool and sell certain college sports media rights. Congress.gov’s CRS summary says athletes must report NIL compensation over $600 to their schools. As of the White House push on Sept. 28, 2026, S. 4668 is pending. It is not law. Legal instrument A Senate bill that would set federal rules for college athletes’ name, image, or likeness agreements and give schools and conferences a limited antitrust exemption to pool and sell certain college sports media rights. Congress.gov’s CRS summary says athletes must report NIL compensation over $600 to their schools. As of the White House push on Sept. 28, 2026, S. 4668 is pending. It is not law., the S. 4668 — Protect College Sports Act of 2026
, on Thursday. Thursday vote outcomes are not confirmed from the pages this desk opened Friday morning.S. 4668 — Protect College Sports Act of 2026
Wednesday, September 16, 2026
10:00 a.m.Senate Daily Press wrap, Sept. 15, 2026
Legal instrument
A Senate bill that would set federal rules for college athletes’ name, image, or likeness agreements and give schools and conferences a limited antitrust exemption to pool and sell certain college sports media rights. Congress.gov’s CRS summary says athletes must report NIL compensation over $600 to their schools. As of the White House push on Sept. 28, 2026, S. 4668 is pending. It is not law.
U.S. Senate
The Senate continued post-cloture consideration of the motion to proceed to Legal instrument A Senate bill that would set federal rules for college athletes’ name, image, or likeness agreements and give schools and conferences a limited antitrust exemption to pool and sell certain college sports media rights. Congress.gov’s CRS summary says athletes must report NIL compensation over $600 to their schools. As of the White House push on Sept. 28, 2026, S. 4668 is pending. It is not law. Legal instrument A Senate bill that would set federal rules for college athletes’ name, image, or likeness agreements and give schools and conferences a limited antitrust exemption to pool and sell certain college sports media rights. Congress.gov’s CRS summary says athletes must report NIL compensation over $600 to their schools. As of the White House push on Sept. 28, 2026, S. 4668 is pending. It is not law., the S. 4668 — Protect College Sports Act of 2026
, on Wednesday. It adjourned until 10 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 17, with votes scheduled that day. Thursday outcomes are not confirmed from Friday morning fetches.S. 4668 — Protect College Sports Act of 2026
Official print
Post-cloture debate continued. Adjourned until 10 a.m. Thursday. Legal instrument Signed into law on Sept. 25, 2026. It reauthorizes money for the Fort Peck Reservation Rural Water System, including, through fiscal year 2028, planning, design, and construction of the Assiniboine and Sioux Rural Water System and the Dry Prairie Rural Water System in Montana. Legal instrument Signed into law on Sept. 25, 2026. It makes the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission send Congress a yearly report on hydropower license applications still waiting. passed by voice vote; H.R. 7250 — Fort Peck Reservation Rural Water System reauthorization
passed by unanimous consent.H.R. 3657 — Hydropower Licensing Transparency Act
Tuesday, September 15, 2026
5:00 p.m.U.S. Senate Roll Call Vote 235
Legal instrument
A Senate bill that would set federal rules for college athletes’ name, image, or likeness agreements and give schools and conferences a limited antitrust exemption to pool and sell certain college sports media rights. Congress.gov’s CRS summary says athletes must report NIL compensation over $600 to their schools. As of the White House push on Sept. 28, 2026, S. 4668 is pending. It is not law.
U.S. Senate
Cloture on the motion to proceed to Legal instrument A Senate bill that would set federal rules for college athletes’ name, image, or likeness agreements and give schools and conferences a limited antitrust exemption to pool and sell certain college sports media rights. Congress.gov’s CRS summary says athletes must report NIL compensation over $600 to their schools. As of the White House push on Sept. 28, 2026, S. 4668 is pending. It is not law. Legal instrument A Senate bill that would set federal rules for college athletes’ name, image, or likeness agreements and give schools and conferences a limited antitrust exemption to pool and sell certain college sports media rights. Congress.gov’s CRS summary says athletes must report NIL compensation over $600 to their schools. As of the White House push on Sept. 28, 2026, S. 4668 is pending. It is not law., the S. 4668 — Protect College Sports Act of 2026
, was invoked 74–24 on Sept. 15. Floor continued. Thursday, Sept. 17 vote outcomes are not confirmed from pages opened Friday morning.S. 4668 — Protect College Sports Act of 2026
Tuesday, September 15, 2026
2:19 p.m.U.S. Senate Roll Call Vote 234
Legal instrument
A House-passed bill that would set federal rules for trading digital commodities and divide oversight between the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and the Securities and Exchange Commission. Congress.gov’s CRS summary says it establishes a regulatory framework for digital commodities.
U.S. Senate
Cloture on the motion to proceed to Legal instrument A House-passed bill that would set federal rules for trading digital commodities and divide oversight between the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and the Securities and Exchange Commission. Congress.gov’s CRS summary says it establishes a regulatory framework for digital commodities. Legal instrument A House-passed bill that would set federal rules for trading digital commodities and divide oversight between the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and the Securities and Exchange Commission. Congress.gov’s CRS summary says it establishes a regulatory framework for digital commodities., the H.R. 3633 — Digital Asset Market Clarity Act of 2025 (CLARITY Act)
, was rejected 49–50 on Sept. 15. The bill does not move to full floor debate on this vote.H.R. 3633 — Digital Asset Market Clarity Act of 2025 (CLARITY Act)
Official print
Cloture on the motion to proceed rejected 49–50 (1 not voting). Senator Tillis moved to reconsider.
Senate Vote 234, Sept. 15, 2026Wednesday, September 9, 2026
4:00 p.m. EDTJustice Jackson order on docket 26A305
Legal instrument
This Postal Service final rule sets envelope-design and data-reporting standards for mail-in and absentee ballots in federal elections, including a Federal Ballot Mail Portal. A Massachusetts federal judge has blocked mandatory parts for the Nov. 3, 2026 midterms pending further court action.
Supreme Court of the United States
Justice Jackson set 4 p.m. Eastern, Wednesday, Sept. 9, for any response to the Postal Service stay application. The Sept. 4 injunction blocks mandatory parts of Legal instrument This Postal Service final rule sets envelope-design and data-reporting standards for mail-in and absentee ballots in federal elections, including a Federal Ballot Mail Portal. A Massachusetts federal judge has blocked mandatory parts for the Nov. 3, 2026 midterms pending further court action. for the Nov. 3, 2026 midterms pending further court action.Ballot Mail for Federal Elections (U.S. Postal Service final rule)
Agency
Supreme Court of the United States
Tuesday–Monday, September 8–28, 2026
No clock time stated
Opening September 8; general debate September 22–26 and 28 · New York
Tuesday–Thursday, September 8–10, 2026
No clock time stated
Legal instrument Written deals between the United States and Colombia on civil nuclear cooperation and a framework for critical minerals. The State Department’s Sept. 8, 2026, public schedule names the signing in Barranquilla. This desk did not fetch the full memorandum texts in this pass.Strategic Civil Nuclear Cooperation and Critical Minerals Framework Memorandums of Understanding (Colombia)
Colombia, Ecuador, Peru
Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the road Sept. 8–10. On Sept. 8 in Barranquilla he met President De La Espriella and signed Legal instrument Written deals between the United States and Colombia on civil nuclear cooperation and a framework for critical minerals. The State Department’s Sept. 8, 2026, public schedule names the signing in Barranquilla. This desk did not fetch the full memorandum texts in this pass.. Ecuador and Peru still on the itinerary through Sept. 10.Strategic Civil Nuclear Cooperation and Critical Minerals Framework Memorandums of Understanding (Colombia)
Tuesday, September 1, 2026
No clock time stated
Bishkek
Tuesday, September 1, 2026
2:03 p.m.Clerk Roll Call 286
Legal instrument
This law keeps most federal agencies funded at current levels through Dec. 11, 2026, while Congress finishes full-year spending bills. It also extends authorities for programs including surface transportation and veteran programs.
Legal instrument
This law keeps most federal agencies funded at current levels through Dec. 11, 2026, while Congress finishes full-year spending bills. It also extends authorities for programs including surface transportation and veteran programs.
U.S. House of Representatives
House concurrence 370–48. Signed into law Sept. 2, 2026. EAS/White House CR date is Dec. 11, 2026.
Official print
Signed into law Sept. 2, 2026 (White House briefing). House had concurred 370–48 on Sept. 1. CR through December 11, 2026.
White House briefings, Sept. 2, 2026Monday, August 31 – Tuesday, September 1, 2026
No clock time stated
Asheville
Official print
Treasury posted a G20 Chair’s Statement. Footnote 1: agreed by all G20 members present except China, which objected to paragraphs 4, 10, 11, and 13.
U.S. Treasury sb0620, Sept. 1, 2026