President Donald Trump has mentioned he may consider having the federal government pay him compensation for investigations carried out against him before his second term. A report suggests he is seeking $230 million from the Department of Justice, though Trump claims he has not talked to officials about it. He also hinted he might donate any compensation to charity or use it for a project at the White House.
Key Facts
President Trump wants the government to possibly pay him for investigations conducted before his second term.
A report suggests he might be seeking about $230 million from the Justice Department.
Trump has not confirmed the exact amount or had discussions about it with officials.
He mentioned simply knowing that the government would owe him money.
Trump suggested he might donate any received money to charity or use it for a new ballroom at the White House.
He stated he would be the one to ultimately decide if the government pays him.
The news about the compensation request is based on a report from The New York Times.
New Democratic polls show competitive races in two Republican-held congressional districts in Arizona and Wisconsin ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. President Trump's approval has declined, and Democrats aim to regain a House majority, although they face a smaller lead compared to past elections.
Key Facts
Democrats target Arizona’s 6th and Wisconsin’s 3rd Congressional Districts for the 2026 midterms.
In Arizona’s 6th District, Republican Juan Ciscomani faces Democratic challenger JoAnna Mendoza; polls show a near tie.
Wisconsin’s 3rd District is currently led by Republican Derrick Van Orden, with Democrat Rebecca Cooke slightly leading in polls.
President Donald Trump’s approval rating has dropped since his re-election.
Historically, the president’s party loses seats in midterm elections, adding pressure on Democrats.
Democratic polls show less lead over Republicans now compared to the 2018 midterms.
Generic ballot polls indicate Democrats have a narrower advantage than in 2017.
The Cook Political Report rates both district races as "toss-ups," meaning they could go to either party.
North Carolina Republicans have proposed a new congressional map that could give them one more U.S. House seat, following President Donald Trump's call for more GOP-led redistricting. Democrats oppose the map, saying it unfairly targets a Democratic lawmaker and involves racial gerrymandering, but they recognize they cannot stop it immediately. Republicans, who control the state legislature, are likely to pass the map soon, with possible legal challenges from Democrats citing unfairness.
Key Facts
North Carolina Republicans proposed a new map to add a GOP seat in the U.S. House.
The map aims to unseat Democratic Rep. Don Davis, who is one of three Black representatives in the state.
President Trump encouraged Republican-led states to redraw districts to favor Republicans.
The map would increase Republican-held seats from 10 to 11 out of the state's 14 districts.
Democratic Governor Josh Stein cannot veto the redistricting plan due to state law.
Democrats plan to challenge the map legally, alleging racial gerrymandering.
The map needs final approval from the Republican-majority state legislature.
Around 300 protesters and Democratic officials gathered to oppose the plan, claiming it would have long-term negative effects on the GOP.
Health care premiums are set to rise significantly for over 100,000 New Yorkers because existing enhanced tax credits are at risk of expiring. Democratic New York Governor Kathy Hochul criticizes congressional Republicans for not extending these tax credits, which help keep health care costs affordable. Without action from Congress, premiums may increase by nearly 40%, affecting many New Yorkers.
Key Facts
Health care premiums will increase for about 140,000 New Yorkers if tax credits expire.
The average premium increase is expected to be 38% next year.
This increase equates to an additional $1,400 annually for individuals and $3,000 for couples.
The tax credit extension is stalled due to a political standoff in Congress.
Without the tax credits, insurance costs will rise, affecting affordability and coverage.
Enhanced tax credits under the Affordable Care Act have helped many Americans afford insurance.
The New York State government urges Congress to extend the tax credits to prevent higher costs.
Jay Jones, the Democratic candidate for Virginia Attorney General, is now trailing the Republican incumbent, Jason Miyares, in recent polls. This shift follows reports of past text messages from Jones suggesting violence against former House Speaker Todd Gilbert. The Virginia Attorney General election will take place on November 4, 2025.
Key Facts
Jay Jones is the Democratic nominee for Virginia Attorney General.
Jason Miyares is the current Republican Attorney General of Virginia.
Jones has fallen behind Miyares in the polls after controversial text messages from him surfaced.
The text messages from 2022 suggested violence against Todd Gilbert and contained inflammatory remarks.
Jones apologized for the text messages, admitting he sent them.
In a recent Virginia Commonwealth University poll, Miyares received 45% of the vote, while Jones received 42%.
A previous poll in September had Jones leading with 47% compared to Miyares' 41%.
The attorney general election in Virginia is set for November 4, 2025.
Senate Republicans are opposing President Donald Trump's plan to import beef from Argentina. They worry it might negatively affect American cattle ranchers who are already facing market challenges. President Trump mentioned the imports as a way to reduce beef prices for consumers.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump is considering importing beef from Argentina.
The goal of the import plan is to lower beef prices for consumers in the U.S.
Some Senate Republicans oppose the plan, fearing it could harm U.S. cattle producers.
North Dakota Senator John Hoeven discussed the issue with Trump and other officials.
Montana Senator Steve Daines expressed concerns about Argentine beef affecting American cattle.
Nebraska Senator Deb Fischer also voiced concerns, describing the policy as harmful to ranchers.
President Donald Trump is constructing a new $250 million ballroom at the White House. There are ongoing questions about who is funding the project since some donations are coming from wealthy individuals and corporations. President Trump has stated he will cover some costs himself, while other donors remain unnamed.
Key Facts
President Trump is building a $250 million ballroom at the White House.
The ballroom will be 90,000 square feet in size.
President Trump claims he will pay for significant parts of the construction.
Some legal experts are worried the funding could be an "ethics nightmare."
Only one donor, YouTube, has been publicly identified, contributing $22 million as part of a settlement.
A recent dinner with potential donors included executives from major companies like Microsoft, Amazon, and Google.
The White House plans to reveal a complete list of donors.
Donations will be coordinated by the Trust for the National Mall, a non-profit group.
North Carolina Republicans plan to redraw the state's congressional districts, aiming to gain more seats for the Republican Party before the midterm elections. The proposed map changes focus on the 1st Congressional District, which could affect voter demographics. There are concerns that these changes may reduce the influence of Black voters in the state.
Key Facts
North Carolina is the first swing state to redraw congressional districts for the coming midterm elections.
Republicans want to win 11 out of the state's 14 congressional districts; they currently control 10.
The plan involves changing the 1st Congressional District, potentially making it more conservative.
The 1st District has been represented by Black lawmakers for decades.
The proportion of Black voters in the 1st District would drop from 40% to 32% under the new map.
Democrats argue that the new map unfairly targets Black voters' political power.
Republicans claim the redrawing is necessary to maintain control of the U.S. House and support President Trump's agenda.
Courts have previously ruled against changing maps solely for partisan reasons, but may consider racial gerrymandering.
Philadelphia is successfully solving more homicide cases due to a reduction in violent crime and the use of new technology. NPR's Ailsa Chang spoke with a crime reporter about these developments.
Key Facts
Philadelphia has increased its rate of solving homicide cases.
A decline in violent crime is contributing to this improvement.
New technology is being used to help solve these cases.
NPR's Ailsa Chang discussed this with Ellie Rushing, a crime reporter.
This interview was broadcast on the program "All Things Considered."
President Donald Trump has started demolishing part of the East Wing of the White House to build a new $250 million ballroom. The White House has seen many changes over the years, with various presidents making significant updates. These renovations are part of President Trump's plans to enhance the White House without affecting its existing structure.
Key Facts
President Trump plans to build a $250 million ballroom near the White House.
The demolition of part of the East Wing began on October 20.
The White House undergoes regular updates and renovations by different presidents.
President Roosevelt added the West Wing, and President F.D. Roosevelt added the East Wing.
President Truman renovated the White House interior due to structural risks.
President Nixon changed an indoor pool into the current press briefing room.
President Trump claims the new ballroom will not affect the current structure and is at no expense to taxpayers.
The White House welcomes about 500,000 visitors annually.
A recent AP-NORC poll shows that many Americans are worried about increasing health care costs. The concern spans across different age groups and people with or without health insurance. The ongoing government shutdown has left future health care costs uncertain.
Key Facts
About 60% of Americans are very worried about health care costs rising next year.
40% are worried about paying for needed health care or medications.
Open enrollment for many health plans starts soon, affecting costs and coverage.
A government shutdown has added uncertainty to health insurance costs.
President Trump's recent bill includes large cuts to federal health care funding.
These cuts could lead to millions losing health insurance according to estimates.
Health care is a top concern for many Americans, comparable to economic issues.
Political debates are ongoing about funding extensions for Affordable Care Act subsidies.
Christopher Moynihan, who received a pardon from President Trump after participating in the Jan. 6 Capitol riot, was arrested for allegedly planning to assassinate House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. He faces charges related to making a terroristic threat in connection with this plot. Moynihan pleaded not guilty in court.
Key Facts
Christopher Moynihan, a participant in the Jan. 6 riot, received a pardon from President Trump.
He is accused of planning to kill House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
An anonymous source reported his intentions to the FBI, leading to his arrest.
Moynihan faces charges for making a terroristic threat and pleaded not guilty.
He was previously sentenced in 2023 for obstruction related to the Capitol riot.
President Trump issued a blanket pardon for many Jan. 6 rioters, including Moynihan.
House Speaker Mike Johnson denounced the threat and commented on political violence.
The U.S. Capitol Police reported an increase in threats against lawmakers.
A man named Christopher Moynihan, who was previously pardoned by President Trump for his role in the 2021 U.S. Capitol riot, has been arrested. He faces charges for allegedly threatening to kill Hakeem Jeffries, a top Democratic leader in the House of Representatives. Moynihan was arrested in New York and is charged with making a terroristic threat.
Key Facts
Christopher Moynihan was pardoned by President Trump for taking part in the 2021 U.S. Capitol riot.
He has been arrested for allegedly threatening to kill House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
The New York State Police arrested Moynihan based on information from the FBI.
Moynihan allegedly sent a text stating his intention to harm Hakeem Jeffries.
He is charged with a felony for making a terroristic threat and remains in jail unless bail is paid.
Moynihan had been previously sentenced to prison time but was pardoned after Trump took office for a second term.
Moynihan's arrest is part of a larger trend of increasing threats against lawmakers, with significant case numbers being handled by Capitol Police.
Michael Ray Sigmon, a candidate for the West Virginia House of Delegates, has been charged with making threats against President Donald Trump. Sigmon, who is associated with the Mountain Party of West Virginia, faces accusations of using a computer to make these threats.
Key Facts
Michael Ray Sigmon is a candidate for the West Virginia House of Delegates.
He is running as a member of the Mountain Party of West Virginia.
Sigmon has been charged with making "terroristic threats" against President Donald Trump.
The charges include harassing and threatening communications via a computer.
The accusations are reported by local media and involve a criminal complaint in Kanawha County Magistrate Court.
Sigmon is 66 years old and from Charleston, West Virginia.
This incident is part of a developing story, with updates expected as more information becomes available.
President Donald Trump stated that Social Security and Medicare could be at risk if Democrats do not approve funding measures. A disagreement over the funding bill, partly related to health care provisions for undocumented immigrants, has led to a government shutdown. No changes have been made to Social Security, Medicare, or Medicaid during this time.
Key Facts
President Trump warned about risks to Social Security and Medicare without Democrats' approval of funding.
The government shutdown continues, now in its third week, due to disagreements over the budget.
Trump criticized Democrats for not supporting a funding bill that allegedly cuts health care for undocumented immigrants.
Social Security currently supports about 53 million Americans, which is nearly 16% of the U.S. population.
Federal funding gaps have happened more often in recent decades due to political budget disagreements.
There are no current changes to Social Security, Medicare, or Medicaid despite the shutdown.
Americans can work and get Social Security benefits simultaneously, with some limits before reaching retirement age.
The White House began demolishing part of the East Wing to build a new ballroom, funded privately by President Trump and others. This project has sparked criticism, with opponents calling it unnecessary, while the administration sees it as an important enhancement. The ballroom aims to increase the White House's event-hosting capacity.
Key Facts
The White House is demolishing a portion of its East Wing to make space for a new ballroom.
The project is privately funded by President Trump, business executives, and corporate sponsors.
Critics argue that this construction is unnecessary and politically motivated.
The new ballroom will be 90,000 square feet, costing $250 million.
It will expand the White House’s ability to host events, with a seating capacity for 999 guests.
The demolition began without formal approval from the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC), although certain aspects do not need approval.
The Trump administration states that presidents have historically renovated the White House to meet evolving needs.
Completion of the renovations is expected before President Trump’s term ends in January 2029.
A deputy U.S. Marshal and a suspect were injured in a shooting in South Los Angeles during an immigration enforcement operation. The incident occurred when the suspect reportedly tried to escape by ramming a law enforcement vehicle with his car. Both local and federal authorities are investigating the incident.
Key Facts
The incident took place on Tuesday morning in South Los Angeles.
A deputy U.S. Marshal and a suspect were both injured.
The shooting happened around 8:52 a.m. near the 10 Freeway.
The event occurred during an immigration enforcement operation.
The suspect reportedly used his vehicle to hit a law enforcement vehicle while trying to flee.
Both the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) and federal agencies are investigating.
The Department of Homeland Security reported the details of the suspect's actions.
President Donald Trump pardoned Christopher Moynihan, a Capitol rioter from 2021. Moynihan was recently arrested in New York for allegedly threatening to kill Hakeem Jeffries, a Democratic leader in the House of Representatives. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Key Facts
Christopher Moynihan is accused of threatening to kill Hakeem Jeffries, a top Democrat.
Moynihan was pardoned by President Trump on his first day back in office for his role in the 2021 Capitol riot.
He allegedly sent messages saying Jeffries "must be eliminated."
Moynihan was arrested in Clinton, New York, and has pleaded not guilty.
He had previously been sentenced to 21 months in prison for his actions during the Capitol riot.
President Trump pardoned over 1,000 individuals involved in the Capitol riot.
Moynihan is held in Poughkeepsie and will appear in court next on Thursday.
A recent Gallup poll shows that Americans' trust in the Republican Party to maintain U.S. prosperity has decreased to the lowest level in over a decade. In this poll, 43% of Americans trust Republicans more to keep the country prosperous, while 47% trust Democrats more. This decline in trust comes as the 2026 midterm elections approach.
Key Facts
A Gallup poll shows only 43% of Americans believe Republicans will maintain prosperity, while 47% believe Democrats will.
Trust in Republicans is at its lowest point since 2013.
In 2024 and 2023, more people trusted Republicans over Democrats for prosperity.
The Gallup poll was conducted from September 2 to September 16, 2025.
Another poll by The Economist/YouGov found that 57% of Americans feel the economy is worsening.
An AP-NORC poll shows President Trump's approval rating improved regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict.
The polling shift suggests a change from preferences during Joe Biden's presidency.
The 2026 midterm elections are seen as critical for Republicans, who may face challenges due to current economic perceptions.
President Trump's nominee for the Office of Special Counsel, Paul Ingrassia, faces difficulties in getting Senate approval after reports surfaced about controversial text messages he sent. These messages included references to having a "Nazi streak" and dismissing Martin Luther King Jr.'s holiday. Some Republican senators have expressed their reluctance to support his nomination.
Key Facts
Paul Ingrassia is nominated by President Trump to lead the Office of Special Counsel.
Ingrassia reportedly sent text messages claiming to have a "Nazi streak" and criticizing Martin Luther King Jr.'s holiday.
Several Republican senators, including Senate Majority Leader John Thune, are against or doubt his confirmation.
Senate committee, where Ingrassia will appear, has a slight Republican majority.
Ingrassia has ties to controversial figures known for bigoted views.
House Democrats have called for Ingrassia's nomination to be withdrawn.
The American Federation of Government Employees opposes his nomination, fearing it might endanger protections for civil servants.
