House Democrats are starting an investigation into President Trump's demand for $230 million from the Justice Department. They want to look into claims related to investigations of Trump, even though they can't force him to respond. The investigation is led by Representatives Jamie Raskin and Robert Garcia.
Key Facts
President Trump has asked the Justice Department for $230 million in damages.
House Democrats are launching an investigation into this demand.
They cannot compel Trump to respond because they lack subpoena power.
Representatives Jamie Raskin and Robert Garcia are leading the investigation.
The New York Times reported that Trump brought up the issue during his current term.
Democrats want various documents, including those related to Trump's legal claims against the DOJ.
There has been no immediate comment from the White House on this matter.
The Supreme Court has decided to allow more time for oral arguments in upcoming cases about President Donald Trump's tariffs. These cases will examine the president's authority to set tariffs under laws related to national emergencies and trade issues.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court will extend oral argument time for two cases about Trump's tariffs.
Arguments will happen on November 5.
The first case is "Learning Resources, Inc., ET AL. V. Trump, President of U.S., ET AL."
The second case is "Trump, President of U.S., ET AL. V. V.O.S. Selections, Inc., ET AL."
The Solicitor General will have 40 minutes to present their side.
Each advocate for private and state parties will have 20 minutes.
The cases will explore the president's power under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.
They will also consider the Trade Act of 1974, which limits import surcharges to 15% for 150 days.
The National Weather Service issued freeze warnings for 10 states in the Central and Eastern U.S. due to overnight cold temperatures. These freeze warnings signal potential risks to crops, plants, and outdoor plumbing. The affected areas include parts of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, and more, with temperatures expected to dip below freezing.
Key Facts
Freeze warnings are in effect for 10 states, including Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Indiana.
Cold temperatures are expected overnight into Friday morning.
A hard freeze can damage crops and sensitive plants.
Temperatures could drop as low as 25°F in Wisconsin and Virginia.
Frost advisories reach into Maryland, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.
The National Weather Service suggests protecting plants and pipes from the cold.
Freeze warnings may be reissued if low temperatures persist.
President Donald Trump plans to demolish the White House East Wing to build a new ballroom. Although the White House is exempt from certain historic preservation rules, past presidents often followed these guidelines voluntarily. Some groups and individuals have expressed concern over the demolition and its impact on the historical structure.
Key Facts
President Trump wants to demolish the East Wing of the White House to build a new ballroom.
The White House is exempt from certain historic preservation rules because of a nearly 60-year-old law.
Some previous presidents chose to follow these historic preservation rules voluntarily.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation wrote a letter urging President Trump to hold a public review process.
Renovations to the White House have occurred under many presidents, adding features like a bowling alley and swimming pool.
Section 107 of the National Historic Preservation Act exempts the White House, US Capitol, and US Supreme Court building from the review process.
Trump officials have stated they plan to submit renovation plans to the National Capital Planning Commission, though work has already started.
Four family members of Illinois gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey died in a helicopter crash in Montana. Among those killed were Bailey’s son, Zachary, his daughter-in-law, Kelsey, and two of his grandchildren, Vada Rose and Samuel.
Key Facts
The crash happened in Ekalaka, Montana.
Darren Bailey is running for governor of Illinois as a Republican.
Bailey's son, Zachary, and his wife, Kelsey, were killed in the crash.
Two of Bailey's grandchildren, Vada Rose (12) and Samuel (7), also died.
The family's third child, a 10-year-old boy, was not on the helicopter.
Darren Bailey previously ran for governor in 2022 but lost.
Bailey has served in both houses of the Illinois state legislature.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker expressed condolences for Bailey's loss.
President Donald Trump decided not to go ahead with sending more federal agents to San Francisco after the city's mayor, Daniel Lurie, informed him about the city's progress in reducing crime. Trump had initially planned this deployment to address illegal immigration but backed down after discussions. This decision comes amid ongoing federal efforts to support immigration enforcement in California.
Key Facts
President Trump planned to send federal agents to San Francisco.
Mayor Daniel Lurie spoke with Trump and explained the city's crime reduction progress.
After their conversation, Trump canceled the agent surge plan.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents had started arriving in Alameda, California.
Protesters gathered at the Coast Guard base where agents were stationed.
San Francisco's Mayor Lurie and California's Governor Newsom opposed the agent deployment.
The federal efforts were part of a broader strategy to combat illegal immigration.
Federal agents are still engaging in immigration enforcement in the area.
A poll shows Graham Platner leading Governor Janet Mills in the 2026 Maine Democratic primary for U.S. Senate, despite controversies surrounding his past Reddit posts and a tattoo resembling a Nazi symbol. The poll was taken before some of these controversies came to light, and Platner benefits from strong support among progressive groups. Maine presents a key opportunity for Democrats to gain a Senate seat, which adds significance to this primary race.
Key Facts
Graham Platner is leading in a poll of Maine Democratic primary voters against Governor Janet Mills for a U.S. Senate seat in 2026.
The poll found 58% of respondents supporting Platner, while 24% supported Mills.
Platner, an oyster farmer and newcomer to politics, has faced backlash due to past Reddit posts and a controversial tattoo.
The poll was taken before details about the tattoo controversy were widely known.
Platner has gained support from progressive groups and politicians, including Bernie Sanders.
The poll included 1,094 Maine residents and has a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percentage points.
Maine uses ranked-choice voting, which could influence the primary outcome.
The Senate could not pass two different proposals to pay federal workers during an ongoing government shutdown. One plan, supported by Republicans, aimed to pay essential workers like troops and TSA agents. The other plan, supported by Democrats, proposed paying all federal workers and preventing further layoffs, but neither plan succeeded.
Key Facts
The U.S. Senate failed to pass two bills regarding payment during a government shutdown.
One bill, supported by Republicans, aimed to pay only essential workers such as troops and federal law enforcement.
The other bill, supported by Democrats, aimed to pay all federal workers and stop more layoffs.
More than a million federal employees are affected by the shutdown.
The government shutdown has lasted for 23 days, making it the second-longest in U.S. history.
The Republican-backed bill did not get the 60 votes needed to pass.
Democrats prevented a vote on the Republican measure by blocking it.
The divided Senate has held 12 votes on the Republican-supported funding bill.
President Donald Trump plans to build a new ballroom at the White House, which will be the largest addition since the 1940s. Some people are upset because this change involves tearing down part of the East Wing, but the administration defends the decision. Changes to the White House have happened many times in the past, usually affecting the inside of the building.
Key Facts
President Trump is constructing a new 90,000 square-foot ballroom at the White House.
The project costs $300 million and involves demolishing part of the East Wing.
Historical preservation groups are concerned about the lack of federal approval for the changes.
The Trump administration released a fact sheet defending the renovations.
The White House has undergone many renovations since it was first built in 1792.
The last major addition of this size was during the 1940s.
The White House's original design was by architect James Hoban, with builds starting in 1792.
National Guard troops have been in Washington, D.C., since President Donald Trump ordered their deployment for law enforcement purposes. The soldiers have been involved in community projects like cleaning parks and schools, which some residents appreciate. Others, however, are concerned about the federal control over local resources and have legal challenges against it.
Key Facts
President Trump deployed National Guard troops to Washington, D.C., for law enforcement in August.
The Guard has taken part in community projects like cleaning and refurbishing spaces.
Some residents support the community improvement efforts of the Guard.
There is concern over federal overreach and the presence of armed troops.
The D.C. attorney general has filed a lawsuit challenging the deployment.
Despite the official end of the order, about 2,000 troops remain, expected to leave by November.
The deployment is part of a broader crime-fighting initiative claimed to reduce crime.
D.C.'s mayor has expressed appreciation for the effects on crime but criticized the resource use.
The East Wing of the White House might be demolished soon to make way for a new ballroom as part of President Trump's plans. Preservationists are concerned about the project's impact and want a pause until it undergoes public review. The White House assures that security features and modernized offices will be included, while critics question the process.
Key Facts
The White House plans to demolish the East Wing for a 90,000 square foot ballroom.
President Trump said that demolishing the existing structure is necessary for the project.
Preservationists call for a pause to ensure public review and preservation of the site's historical design.
The East Wing contains important spaces like the East Garden Room and Family Theater.
The Presidential Emergency Operations Center, an underground security bunker, is located in the East Wing.
The White House has created a historic record of the East Wing through digital scans before demolition.
The National Capital Planning Commission has not received the construction plans needed for approval.
Some have criticized the project as politically motivated, while the White House defends it as a "visionary addition."
The Senate voted on a bill to pay U.S. military personnel during the government shutdown, but it didn't pass because most Democrats voted against it. The bill needed more votes to become law, and only three Democrats supported it.
Key Facts
The proposed bill aimed to pay military personnel and essential workers during the shutdown.
The vote result was 54 in favor and 45 against, which was not enough to pass the bill.
Most Democrats in the Senate voted against the bill, except for three: John Fetterman, Jon Ossoff, and Rafael Warnock.
Republicans had earlier blocked a Democratic bill that would pay all federal workers and prevent layoffs by President Trump.
This government shutdown has lasted four weeks and is the second longest in U.S. history.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune switched his vote to "no" to allow a reconsideration of the bill later.
A U.S. Republican commentator, Chet Love, discussed the recent federal government shutdown. He believes that the political party in charge usually gets blamed for such shutdowns. Love also mentioned that voters have the power to influence changes in the U.S. political system.
Key Facts
The article talks about a federal government shutdown in the United States.
Chet Love is a Republican commentator who provided insights on the issue.
Love states that the party in power often gets blamed for government shutdowns.
The term "government shutdown" refers to when non-essential government services stop due to lack of funding.
Love suggests that the U.S. political system is "broken."
He believes that voters can impact the direction of U.S. politics by voting for change.
Many Americans can expect larger tax refunds in 2026 due to President Donald Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). The law modifies tax withholding tables and allows for increased deductions, especially benefiting higher-income households.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) aims to increase tax refunds in 2026.
The changes to the tax withholding tables take effect in 2026, although some aspects are retroactive to 2025.
The Congressional Budget Office predicts a $24 billion tax cut for the fiscal year 2025 under the new act.
The Oxford Economics report estimates the refund increase could be as much as $50 billion in 2026.
High-income individuals benefit the most due to higher limits on state and local tax (SALT) deductions.
Tax savings vary by income, with high earners saving significantly more compared to lower-income earners.
Retirees may see higher tax refunds due to an enhanced senior deduction ranging from $6,000 to $12,000.
The act revives the 100 percent bonus depreciation for business owners, allowing full deduction of eligible purchases.
President Donald Trump has proposed importing beef from Argentina to lower beef prices in the United States. Some American cattle ranchers and politicians, including Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, criticize the plan, saying it could harm domestic cattle farmers.
Key Facts
President Trump announced a plan to import Argentine beef to lower U.S. beef prices.
The proposal has faced criticism from American cattle ranchers who worry it will affect their business.
Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene opposed the plan, describing it as harmful to American cattle ranchers.
U.S. beef prices have reached an all-time high of $6.32 per pound.
Factors such as strong demand and a reduced cattle herd have contributed to high beef prices.
Trump imposed a 50% tariff on Brazilian beef, affecting beef imports.
Agricultural experts say Argentine beef makes up only about 2% of U.S. beef imports.
Some critics believe that economic aid should focus on supporting the U.S. economy instead of foreign countries.
A man named Sam O’Hara sued the District of Columbia, claiming police violated his rights by detaining him for playing the "Star Wars" theme during a peaceful protest against National Guard troops in Washington, D.C. O’Hara accuses officers and a National Guard member of breaching his First and Fourth Amendment rights. This incident ties into broader tensions over President Trump's deployment of troops in the city.
Key Facts
Sam O’Hara was detained after playing a "Star Wars" song during a protest against National Guard troops in D.C.
He filed a lawsuit claiming his First Amendment right to free speech was violated.
O’Hara also asserts his Fourth Amendment protection against unreasonable seizure was breached.
The police held him in handcuffs for 15 to 20 minutes without charging him.
The American Civil Liberties Union is representing O’Hara in the lawsuit.
The suit follows President Trump's deployment of National Guard troops in the city, which has sparked controversy.
O’Hara seeks damages for his detention and aims to hold officials accountable for their actions.
Tensions have risen in D.C. due to the presence of federal agents and National Guard troops under President Trump's directive.
President Donald Trump announced he will not send the National Guard or federal law enforcement to San Francisco this weekend. He decided to hold off on this plan after speaking with the city's mayor, Daniel Lurie, who is working on tackling local crime.
Key Facts
President Trump was planning to send federal forces to San Francisco.
Friends in San Francisco asked him not to proceed with the plan.
Mayor Daniel Lurie is making progress in addressing crime in the city.
President Trump discussed the situation with Mayor Lurie and decided to give the mayor a chance to handle it.
President Trump expressed confidence that federal intervention could address the issue more quickly.
Local influential figures, such as Jensen Huang and Marc Benioff, support letting locals attempt to manage the situation.
President Trump emphasized the community's efforts in fighting crime.
President Donald Trump's administration plans to deport 600,000 immigrants in 2025. Tom Homan, President Trump's border czar, stated that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is on track to meet this goal despite challenges in detention space and resources. The administration has not released recent public data on deportations.
Key Facts
President Trump aims to deport 600,000 immigrants in 2025.
Tom Homan, the border czar, says ICE is on track to reach this number.
Over 548,000 people have been deported so far this year.
ICE increased enforcement activities, but deportation logistics remain challenging.
ICE received additional financial support to enhance operations.
The Department of Homeland Security has not published detailed deportation data since January.
Trump’s administration focuses on high deportation rates compared to previous U.S. presidents.
ICE practices and the conduct of its agents have faced scrutiny lately.
Photos show that the East Wing of the White House has been demolished. President Donald Trump plans to build a $300 million ballroom in its place. The demolition started before receiving formal approval from federal agencies.
Key Facts
The East Wing of the White House has been torn down.
Photos released by the Associated Press confirm the demolition.
President Trump plans to replace it with a ballroom costing $300 million.
The new ballroom will be nearly twice the size of the White House.
President Trump stated that private funding would cover the cost, not taxpayer money.
Federal agencies have not yet formally approved the project.
The East Wing previously housed first ladies' offices and was used for state events.
The White House East Wing has been demolished to build a new ballroom under President Donald Trump's directive. The construction is moving forward, even though government permission hasn't been fully secured yet.
Key Facts
The White House East Wing has been demolished.
The demolition is for the construction of a new ballroom.
President Donald Trump is overseeing this construction project.
The ballroom is expected to cost $300 million.
The new ballroom will be almost twice the size of the White House.
President Trump and his friends plan to cover the costs.
The demolition began without full approval from government agencies responsible for such projects.
