Republicans are trying to gain an edge in next year's midterm elections.

As construction on the new White House ballroom began this week, portions of the East Wing have been demolished. The East Wing has historically been the home of the First Lady's office.

Vice President JD Vance is in Israel to address challenges in the Gaza ceasefire. And, the demolition of the East Wing of the White House has drawn criticism and raised questions about ethics.

As we enter another week of the government shutdown, the Trump administration continues to apply political pressures to Democrats by threatening to cut their priorities, but so far that has not swayed them to end the standoff.

As we enter another week of the government shutdown, the Trump administration continues to apply political pressures to Democrats by threatening to cut their priorities, but so far that has not swayed them to end the standoff.

Congressman Jeff Hurd, R-Colo., talks about the ongoing government shutdown and how it's affecting federal workers in his state.

Congressman Jeff Hurd, R-Colo., talks about the ongoing government shutdown and how it's affecting federal workers in his state.

The federal government remains shut down. The NPR Network is following the ways the shutdown is affecting services across the country.

Newcomer Zohran Mamdani, age 34, has used social media and big progressive ideas to shoulder past Andrew Cuomo, who's 67 and long a member of Democratic Party royalty.

The phrase appeals more to several demographics that strongly align with Trump, says Republican strategist Frank Luntz, including older voters, for whom he suggests it signals "a more simple past."