Wertheimer Political Report, September 24, 2026
TRUMPWATCH 2.0
Todd Blanche Fights Judge’s Order for Unredacted FBI Notes as Deadline Looms.
“Attorney General Todd Blanche is appealing a federal judge’s latest order in journalist and attorney Katie Phang’s lawsuit over the Justice Department’s handling of the Epstein files, escalating the legal battle just days before Blanche faces a series of court-ordered deadlines.” — Meidas Touch News
The FBI Anti-Corruption Squad Was Circling Susan Collins — Until Trump Got in the Way.
“After the FBI caught a defense contractor’s CEO making illegal campaign contributions, it sought to launch a sweeping political bribery probe involving Collins and others. Then the second Trump administration dismantled the unit handling the inquiry.” — ProPublica
CNN, MS NOW and Politico allowed back at the White House after judge blocked Trump’s ban.
“All three outlets had been turned away earlier Thursday despite a judge’s order that the White House temporarily reinstate their access.” — NBC News
Iowa Judge Dismisses Trump’s Lawsuit Against The Des Moines Register.
“The suit challenged a poll that showed Trump trailing Kamala Harris in the final weeks of the 2024 race. A judge warned that similar legal challenges could have a chilling effect on news reporting.” — New York Times
What happens to CNN when Paramount and Warner Bros. merge?
“Journalists say an oversight board may not be enough to maintain the network’s independence under David Ellison.” — Washington Post
How Trump Has Cracked Down on Dissent Since the Killing of Charlie Kirk.
“The White House has labeled critics terrorists, attributed violence to a left-wing conspiracy and investigated unions, nonprofits and other groups in a battle over free speech.” – New York Times
We’re not in a new Gilded Age in America: inequality is now far worse.
“Today’s wealth gap is much bigger, and the country’s richest have much more power than they once did. It’s an Age of Oligarchy.” — The Guardian
David Petraeus: The race to make Putin’s aggression unaffordable.
“The Ukrainian theory of victory: Demonstrate military genius on an industrial scale and show Russia that time isn’t on its side.” — Washington Post
MEANWHILE, ON CAPITOL HILL
Not a “toaster”: GOP senator urges Judiciary panel to probe Don Jr. wedding party. A private-island party paid for by a Putin-connected oligarch is something else,’ Curtis writes. — Roll Call
Golden breaks Democratic ranks to support Lawler’s reelection bid. Retiring Maine lawmaker touts GOP colleague’s help on lobster measure. — Roll Call
Estimate comes as the conflict weighs down GOP midterms outlook. — Roll Call
GOP breaks ranks on Iran as voters fume over war’s costs. — The Hill
MONEY IN POLITICS, VOTING, ELECTION & OTHER RELATED INFO
California Supreme Court orders GOP sheriff to return 650,000 seized ballots. The court ruled that the move from Riverside County Sheriff Chad Biacno, who ran unsuccessfully for governor this year, was “unlawful.” — NBC News
From 15,000 to 185 to zero: Trump’s claims of illegal voting in Nevada fizzle. It was the Trump administration’s latest stumble in its effort to find proof of widespread noncitizen voting, despite decades of evidence that it is extremely rare. — New York Times
How much money are candidates raising for the 2026 midterm? — USA Facts
Millions pour into races that will determine who holds power at Minnesota Capitol. — MPR News
Party committee fundraising, 2025-2026. — BallotPedia
Montana has a clever solution to a real problem with elections. There’s just one catch. Voters in Montana will weigh in on a new ballot initiative that will help decide whether corporations are allowed to spend money on elections in their state. — MS Now
