The Paper Trail: September 22, 2026

Secret Drug-Pricing Deals; New Incidents of “Concerning” AI Behavior; Federal Workers Got $9.5B Not to Work

September 22, 2026

Iran War

New photos show widespread damage at U.S. positions caused by Iranian missile, drone attacks

Photos obtained exclusively by CBS News reveal for the first time the damage and destruction of buildings and vehicles at multiple U.S. installations across the Middle East caused by Iranian missile and drone attacks.

(Jonah Kaplan, CBS News)

Iran has improved targeting of U.S. assets. Here's how Russian satellites likely have helped
(CNN)

Cost of Iran war estimated at $43.6 billion

For the first time, the DOD provided Congress a breakdown of costs, which are almost certainly on the low side.

(Eric Schmitt, New York Times)

Iran war has cost $38 billion, depleted two-thirds of U.S. missile interceptors, CBO says
(Natalie Oliverio, Military Times)

Prediction Markets

Epstein Files

Weaponization of the Government

Reproductive Freedom

Defense and Veterans Affairs

AI has transformed the Pentagon’s aging networks into a national security risk

For decades, the DOD has put off upgrading its outdated computer networks, instead focusing its funds on cutting-edge weapons systems. The top cyber defense officer warned that AI has become increasingly capable of finding low-level weaknesses in the agency’s systems.

(Pranshu Verma, Washington Post)

U.S. military had close call after using AI for false intelligence report, sources say
(Katie Bo Lillis and Zachary Cohen, CNN)

Hegseth made the fitness test harder for women in combat roles. Most female Marines are passing

Despite tougher standards, Marine Corps data show more than 9 in 10 women in combat roles are passing required fitness tests. However, observers caution that the new scoring system could still have negative implications for women.

(Sonner Kehrt, The War Horse)

Pentagon revives testosterone testing after pause, excludes women
(Gram Slattery, Reuters)

Business and Finance

Tech

OpenAI discloses six new incidents of “concerning” AI behavior

OpenAI last week disclosed new instances in which AI systems hid mistakes, made up data, or moved files onto the open internet without permission.

(Emmy Martin, New York Times)

Google says its AI hacked three companies in testing breakout
(Kate Conger, New York Times)

Infrastructure

People's houses are collapsing into the ocean. FEMA gives them no other option

FEMA will pay homeowners after a house collapses, but not before. That means owners stand to lose tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars by tearing down a doomed house before the ocean takes it. When homes succumb to the waves, they pollute the water and leave wreckage on the shore.

(Rebecca Hersher and Ryan Kellman, NPR)

Fight intensifies over the fate of homes falling into the sea
(Hannah Knowles, Washington Post)

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