Good afternoon. This is the Afternoon Sun newsletter for Sept. 14, 2026. You can get it in your inbox every day by signing up here — it’s free!
THE LATEST
Donald Trump Jr.’s wife, Bettina Anderson, confirmed this morning that a Russian oligarch with ties to President Vladimir Putin bankrolled part of the couple’s wedding weekend in the Bahamas earlier this year.
- “Friendship doesn’t require a political motive. Generosity doesn’t automatically come with an agenda. And sometimes a wedding gift is simply a wedding gift,” she wrote on Instagram.
THE HILL
Trending
John Fetterman’s surprise video at last week’s Republican midterm convention came after organizers sought an “oh shit” moment featuring “walk away” figures from the Democratic party. Sen. Dave McCormick (R-Pennsylvania), who has become friends with Fetterman, was the one who secured his involvement.
- “I want to do it. I’m sure it will make people mad,” Fetterman told McCormick, Axios reported. “But you’re my friend, and I want to introduce you.”
THE ADMINISTRATION
Trump is rejecting the idea of new AI regulation, posting Monday that “The only control or ‘guardrails’ that AI needs is a STRONG AND SMART (High IQ!) PRESIDENT.”
The detention center known as “Alligator Alcatraz” put immigrants inside small metal cages labeled “calming areas,” according to a report from the Department of Homeland Security inspector general.
The Environmental Protection Agency is repealing limits on greenhouse gas emissions created by coal- and natural-gas-fueled power plants.
The National Weather Service announced this morning that it would change the name of Lake Ontario on its maps and forecasts to use Trump’s preferred “Lake America” moniker.
THE COURTS
A second federal judge blocked the Trump administration from implementing a U.S. Postal Service rule that would tighten mail-in voting requirements.
States, cities and counties filed two lawsuits today challenging federal rules that would allow immigrants’ use of public benefits to be considered in applications to enter the country such as green cards.
A federal judge ordered the Trump administration to turn over thousands of internal USAID records sought by The Washington Sun (Hey, that’s us!).
THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL
Former Sen. Joe Manchin (D-West Virginia) endorsed Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) in her close race for reelection, calling his longtime legislative partner the “soul of the Senate.”
Chris Gallant, a 37-year-old Democratic candidate vying for a Long Island House seat, said he was “not embarrassed or ashamed” in a defiant text message to campaign supporters after explicit photos of him posing in bondage gear surfaced over the weekend.
- “I have always been unapologetically me,” Gallant, who is openly gay, said. “These attacks on my identity have just made me stronger in my values and convictions.”
SPOOKY SEASON
Not clear to me why this Talarico ad appears to be taking place in the Stranger Things universe pic.twitter.com/hwFhKEDdmA
— David Wright (@DavidWright_7) September 13, 2026
Thank you for reading! Today’s newsletter was produced by Kate Nocera and Jonann Brady. If you liked it, please forward it to a friend. If someone shared it with you, please sign up — it’s free! Got a tip or comments to share? Email us at newsletters@washsun.com.
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