“The Anglican Church in North America — forged from the headline-grabbing conservative revolt against the Episcopal Church’s first openly gay bishop — is now confronting allegations by clergy and parishioners against two of its top leaders: One is accused of sexual misconduct, while the other allegedly abused his power by allowing men with troubling histories into the church,” the Washington Post reports.
Trump Wants Equity Stakes in Quantum Computing Firms
“Several quantum-computing companies are in talks to give the Commerce Department equity stakes in exchange for federal funding, a signal that the Trump administration is expanding its interventions in what it sees as critical segments of the economy,” the Wall Street Journal reports.
Congress Cedes Its Relevance
“By almost any measure, Congress is failing. And flailing,” the New York Times reports.
“The government is shut down for the 22nd day, with many federal workers not being paid, agencies and museums closed, and top lawmakers making no serious effort to resolve the disruptive impasse. Congressional staff members have begun referring to themselves as volunteers.”
Senate Democrats Hold the Line Despite No Exit Strategy
Punchbowl News: “It’s clear that Schumer has dramatically improved his standing within his caucus, especially after the March funding debacle. No Senate Democrats are publicly criticizing him. Plus, Democrats have elevated health care as a central issue for the 2026 midterms, an issue they feel exceedingly comfortable focusing on.”
“At the same time, some Democratic senators are anxious over the fact that there appears to be no clear escape hatch from this three-week-long shutdown. But in many ways, that’s not the point. Schumer deliberately hasn’t spelled out an endgame for Democrats, even in private. Instead, he’s letting the daily shutdown impacts plus public sentiment drive him, said sources close to the New York Democrat.”
Abandoned NASA Nominee May Find New Life
“Jared Isaacman’s bid to take the top job at NASA — once thought dead in the Senate — has found renewed life as Sen. Tim Sheehy and a handful of high-profile supporters seek to help the tech billionaire supplant the acting head of the space agency, Sean Duffy,” Politico reports.
‘A Lot to Reconcile at the Pearly Gates’
Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) suggested that President Trump’s allies are at risk of not getting into heaven, Politico reports.
Said Newsom: “To see people in positions of power and influence do absolutely nothing when they must know better — and I believe they do … Boy, they’re going to have a lot to reconcile at the pearly gates.”
Cuomo Attends Knicks Game with Eric Adams
Independent NYC mayoral candidate Andrew Cuomo rushed from Long Island City to Madison Square Garden after Wednesday night’s debate wrapped, to sit courtside with none other than incumbent mayor Eric Adams, who dropped out of the race last month, the New York Post reports.
Merkley Spoke for More Than 22 Hours
“Sen. Jeff Merkley yielded the Senate floor after more than 22 hours Wednesday, capping off an overnight protest against the Trump administration,” Politico reports.
“The speech surpassed his previous record of holding the Senate floor for more than 15 hours during the first Trump administration. It also surpassed the marathon speech delivered by fellow Oregonian Wayne Morse in 1953 and is now the third longest in the chamber’s history.”
NFL Commissioner Stands By Bad Bunny
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said the league remains committed to have Bad Bunny perform during the Super Bowl LX halftime show — despite complaints from President Trump, Fox News reports.
Said Goodell: “It’s carefully thought through. I’m not sure we’ve ever selected an artist where we didn’t have some blowback or criticism. It’s pretty hard to do when you have literally hundreds of millions of people that are watching.”
The Symbolism of Demolishing the East Wing
I spoke to the fantastic Julie Mason about racist group chats, Nazi tattoos and the symbolism of President Trump demolishing the East Wing of the White House.
Trump Tells Allies Mamdani Can’t Be Beat
“President Trump has privately told allies he believes Democrat Zohran Mamdani is unbeatable in the New York City mayor’s race,” the Wall Street Journal reports.
“Trump and his team are convinced the 34-year-old democratic socialist will defeat Republican Curtis Sliwa and independent Andrew Cuomo on Nov. 4.”
University of Virginia Makes Deal to Halt Investigations
“The University of Virginia, facing immense pressure from the White House, struck a deal with the Trump administration on Wednesday that removed, at least temporarily, the threat of a federal investigation,” the New York Times reports.
“The Justice Department announced the deal. It was the first time a public university had cut a far-reaching agreement with the Trump administration, which is carrying out an extraordinary campaign to shift the ideological tilt of the higher education system.”
Head Start Programs Flash Red Lights
“Head Start locations across the country are warning that their programs will be imperiled — potentially throwing tens of thousands of preschool children and their families into limbo — if the government shutdown stretches into November,” NBC News reports.
Booker Eyes Another Run for Senate in Kentucky
“Former Kentucky state legislator Charles Booker is considering running for the state’s open U.S. Senate seat in 2026,” NBC News reports.
“Booker’s entry would set up a clash in the Democratic primary with Amy McGrath, who recently launched her campaign in the deep-red state for the seat being vacated by retiring Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell.”
Jasmine Crockett Eyes Senate Run in Texas
Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) is “strongly” considering running for Senate, she said on Wednesday, raising the prospect of adding yet another marquee name to what is already a crowded Democratic primary, Politico reports.
Thune Begins Talks on Post-Shutdown Path
“Senate Majority Leader John Thune met with a group of GOP senators on Wednesday as Republicans quietly discuss possible paths forward on health care once the government reopens,” Politico reports.
“The group met to talk about ideas including what to do about soon-to-expire Affordable Care Act subsidies — the centerpiece of Democrats’ demands amid the three-week shutdown.”
Bessent Says New Russian Sanctions Are Coming
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the Trump administration was poised to announce “a substantial pickup in Russia sanctions” amid stalled efforts to end the war in Ukraine, The Hill reports.
Trump Wants to Boost Beef Purchases from Argentina
“The White House is looking to buy four times its typical quota of Argentine beef in an effort to lower consumer food prices — a move that risks alienating longtime farm-state allies of President Donald Trump,” Politico reports.
“The president seems to be moving forward with a proposed deal with Argentina, which he first suggested Sunday, despite fierce backlash from GOP lawmakers and cattle ranchers who have largely backed Trump’s trade agenda until now.”
