Washington desk

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

Science · 20 September 2026

Mice Now Think They’re Humans, Congress Debates Whether They Deserve Human Rights

Rita Knox, Washington desk

Scientists graft human neuronal tissue into mice, sparking a flurry of ethical and policy questions. A bipartisan caucus convenes to decide if these hybrid rodents qualify for the full spectrum of federal protections.

Entertainment · 20 September 2026

President Donald Trump's Press Cachetta: Journalists' Badges Banned and Access Banned - Only Fox News and Breitbart Allowed

Rita Knox, Washington desk

The White House has declared a 'No Press Tour' for news outlets CNN, MSNOW (MSNBC), and Politico, while embracing Fox News and Breitbart as the only reporters welcomed for press briefings. #PressBlacklist

Politics · 20 September 2026

U.S. and Denmark Ink Greenland Pact; Trump Declares Himself 'Island Sovereign'

Clyde Rook, Washington desk

A new security treaty gives the U.S. a permanent foothold in Greenland, while Denmark keeps the ceremonial flag. Trump, meanwhile, insists the island is now part of his personal real‑estate portfolio.

Environment · 20 September 2026

Citrus, CRISPR, and Corporate Laughter: The Gene‑Edited Boom That Won’t Bud

Rita Knox, Washington desk

When a new gene‑editing technique promises to save Florida’s orange groves, lawmakers and lobbyists line up for a hearing that feels more like a corporate party than a public debate.

Health · 20 September 2026

Pennsylvania Governor Requests CDC Rescue as Measles Count Reaches Fourth Fatality, Officials Cite 'Unprecedented' Public Health Drama

June Harrow, Washington desk

State officials have appealed to the CDC for emergency assistance amid a measles outbreak that has claimed four lives, prompting a chorus of solemn statements from Washington and Harrisburg alike.

Health · 19 September 2026

Country Club Medicaid Medley: Prescription Paraphernalia Policies

Rita Knox, Washington desk

Rethinking Reagan-era jargon, our satirical examination explores the perplexing Medicaid Medleys as President Trump seeks to lower drug prices ahead of the midterms.

Science · 19 September 2026

Washington Desk: Federal Officials Acknowledge First Orbital Weapon Deployment, Cite National Security Imperatives

June Harrow, Washington desk

Senior officials from the Department of Defense and the U.S. Space Command confirmed the existence of an offensive system in Earth orbit, invoking treaty language and civic duty as justification.

World · 19 September 2026

President Signs Graham‑Named Russia Sanctions Bill, Officials Claim It Will ‘Safeguard Peace‑Making’

June Harrow, Washington desk

The White House announced the enactment of a sweeping sanctions package named after Senator Graham, with senior officials insisting the measure will accelerate diplomatic overtures toward Moscow despite its punitive vene…

World · 19 September 2026

President Declares ‘No More Fiction’ as CNN, Politico and MS NOW Barred from Executive Hallways

June Harrow, Washington desk

The White House announced an unprecedented ban on three news outlets, officials said, to protect the nation from what they termed ‘fiction and lies.’