Washington desk

Filed from the Washington desk — including multi-city pieces that also ran elsewhere.

Environment · 25 September 2026

White House Cites ‘Decorative Curtain’ Policy to Keep Press Out Despite Judge’s Order

June Harrow, Washington desk

Despite a federal judge’s immediate order to restore access, the White House continues to bar CNN, MS Now and Politico reporters, invoking an obscure ‘decorative curtain’ policy and vague security concerns.

Technology · 25 September 2026

Committee on Orbital Zoning Denies Google’s Permit to Run the Clouds in Low Earth Orbit... For Now

Rita Knox, Washington desk

Regulators in Washington are studying a filing to put data centers in space, citing concerns about orbital debris and the sudden lack of window seats for internships.

Entertainment · 24 September 2026

Filipino Mythology Gets a Hollywood Makeover in 'Forgotten Island'—Manananggal Takes the Lead, the World Gets Lost

Candy Voss, Washington desk

In a bold cinematic experiment, 'Forgotten Island' throws Filipino myth into the mainstream, with actress Lea Salonga lending her voice to a blood‑sucking monster and two hapless friends trapped in a portal to a land o…

Politics · 24 September 2026

Federal Judge Restores Press Access, Declares White House 'Open House' for CNN, MSNBC, Politico

June Harrow, Washington desk

A federal judge ordered the Trump administration to reverse its ban on CNN, MSNBC and Politico, restoring their ability to cover White House events.

Technology · 24 September 2026

Meta’s Camera‑Free Glasses Face Regulatory Hearing—Lobbyists Wear Sunglasses

Rita Knox, Washington desk

At Meta Connect, the tech titan revealed camera‑free smart glasses paired with the Muse AI. Regulators are now debating whether the absence of a lens equates to a privacy upgrade, while lobbyists promise a future where…

Business · 24 September 2026

Federal Judge Weighs Whether Press Passes Are a Human Right or Just a Really Good Parking Permit

Rita Knox, Washington desk

In a hearing that smelled faintly of toner and existential dread, attorneys for major news outlets argued that access to the White House lawn is vital for democracy, while the administration insisted that kicking people…

World · 24 September 2026

Trump Extends G20 Invitation to Putin, Citing “Diplomacy Over Drama” Amid Global Tensions

June Harrow, Washington desk

President Trump has invited Russian President Putin to the G20 summit in Miami, with Secretary of State Rubio framing it as a chance for dialogue, while many allies express reservations over the war in Ukraine.

Entertainment · 24 September 2026

Musk to the Rescue? Ellison Seeks Billionaire Backer as Paramount‑Warner Merger Takes Off

Candy Voss, Washington desk

As Paramount inches closer to a Warner Bros. takeover, David Ellison is reportedly eyeing Elon Musk for a stake in the merged studio, turning Hollywood into a space‑faring business drama.

Entertainment · 24 September 2026

Regulators Eye Kacey Musgraves’ Dolly Parton Tribute at 2026 VMAs: A Hearing, Not a Song

Rita Knox, Washington desk

A congressional subcommittee has called a special hearing to scrutinize Kacey Musgraves’ planned tribute to Dolly Parton at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards, raising questions about licensing, innovation, and the future…