Today’s Lead News Stories

US lawmakers spar over bill giving Trump more power to sanction Russia

Proponents say sanctions would help Ukraine, but some Democrats say Trump shouldn’t have more tariff authority

The Guardian - US · Sep 15

US military says it destroyed 2 small Iranian boats trying to steal a drone

The U.S. military says it opened fire and destroyed two small Iranian boats this week trying to steal a drone ship in the waters off Iran

The Independent UK · Sep 15

Anna Paulina Luna dismisses Cabinet member’s attempt to smack her butt at Trump’s midterm convention

Florida congresswoman shrugs off Housing Secretary Scott Turner’s gesture, pointing out he is a former NFL player and ‘maybe went for a high five’ as they passed each other on stage

The Independent UK · Sep 15

Top Democrat on House oversight panel investigating Trump Jr wedding party bankrolled by Russian oligarch

Robert Garcia expresses concern over ‘any possible foreign entanglement’ between White House and Umar Kremlev

The Guardian - US · Sep 15

'Abhorrent and Heartbreaking': Couple Sentenced After Abuse of 7-Year-Old Niece

A California couple received 25-year prison sentences after pleading guilty to 15 felony counts involving the abuse of their seven-year-old niece.

International Business Times UK · Sep 15

Kennedy Center to close as Trump threatens to block repairs over name dispute

President says he will block renovation project unless court decision to bar his name from being added is overturned

The Guardian - US · Sep 15

Judge Pauses Pediatricians' Lawsuit Over Kennedy's Vaccine Changes as Families Await October 6 Appeals Court Argument

A federal judge paused the AAP vaccine lawsuit ahead of an Oct. 6 appeals argument. What the March order still blocks and what families can do now.

Medical Daily · Sep 15

Religious Vaccine Exemption Petitions Keep Reaching the Supreme Court After Justices Reject a New York Mother's Emergency Request

More than half a dozen religious vaccine exemption petitions have reached the Supreme Court since May. What the latest denial did and did not decide.

Medical Daily · Sep 15

Miami Republicans Challenge ICE Detention of Nicaraguan Journalist Luis Galeano as Exile Community Sounds Alarm

The detention of exiled Nicaraguan journalist Luis Galeano by U.S. immigration authorities is provoking an unusual backlash from South Florida Republicans, press-freedom organizations and members of Miami's Nicaraguan community, who warn that deportation could place his life in danger.

Latin Times · Sep 15

Sen. McConnell Allegedly 'Brain Dead' and Wheeled Around Like a 'Corpse' in First Appearance After Three Months

Mitch McConnell returned to the Senate after 92 days away, appearing thinner and using a wheelchair, as Laura Loomer made unsubstantiated claims about his health.

International Business Times UK · Sep 15