‘There could very well be consequences’: Trump’s team pressures wary GOP lawmakers to draw new maps

“President Donald Trump is ratcheting up pressure on Republicans to redraw congressional maps across the country, going as far as weighing a primary challenge to New Hampshire Gov. Kelly Ayotte if she continues avoiding a remapping effort in her state.”

https://www.politico.com/news/2025/09/30/redistricting-republican-loyalty-test-trump-00584932

Judge excoriates Trump in blistering decision calling efforts to deport pro-Palestinian academics illegal

Judge excoriates Trump in blistering decision calling efforts to deport pro-Palestinian academics illegal

https://www.politico.com/news/2025/09/30/judge-young-ruling-trump-deportation-free-speech-00588114

Trump, justifying domestic military action, tells Pentagon leaders to ‘handle’ the ‘enemy from within’

“The president suggested “dangerous” American cities should be used as Pentagon “training grounds” during a dark and winding 72-minute speech.”

https://www.politico.com/news/2025/09/30/trump-military-cities-training-ground-00587977

Pfizer, Trump strike drug pricing deal

“President Donald Trump has struck a multi-pronged deal with pharmaceutical giant Pfizer to lower the price of some of the company’s medicines, while clearing a path for the drugmaker to receive a three-year reprieve from certain tariffs.

The drugmaker will participate in a new direct purchasing platform named TrumpRx.gov that will let American patients buy a “large majority” of its primary care treatments and “some select specialty brands” at a discount. Those drugs will be offered at “savings that will range as high as 85% and on average 50%,” Pfizer said in a press release Tuesday.”

https://www.politico.com/news/2025/09/30/pfizer-trump-strike-drug-pricing-deal-00587993

Top US researchers rush to relocate to Europe

“It marks a win for European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who has personally driven efforts to attract U.S. researchers in a direct response to the Trump administration’s deep cuts to academic programs. Europe has positioned itself as a safe haven by emphasizing academic freedom and increasing the funds available for those who wish to relocate.”

https://www.politico.eu/article/european-research-council-funding-us-researchers-relocation-europe/

Trump’s approval holds steady despite unpopular policies, per new NYT poll

“Trump’s overall job approval held steady at 43 percent, with 54 percent of voters saying they disapprove of the president’s job. That’s almost identical to Trump’s figures from April, when 42 percent of voters approved of his job and 54 percent disapproved.”

https://www.politico.com/news/2025/09/30/trumps-approval-poll-nyt-00586394

How China Became a Tech Beacon | China Decode

China has been trying to attract top intellectual talent for years. Trump is discouraging such talent from working in the U.S. and China is encouraging them to live in China. This is hugely dumb policy that could make China the clear leader in world technology.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvuymfuJx9Y

Video gamer Electronic Arts to be bought in largest-ever private equity buyout valued at $55 billion

“Electronic Arts, the maker of video games like “Madden NFL,” “Battlefield,” and “The Sims,” is being acquired for $55 billion in what could become the largest private equity-funded buyout in history.

Silver Lake Partners, Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund PIF, and Affinity Partners will pay EA’s stockholders $210 per share. Affinity Partners is run by President Donald Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner.”

https://thehill.com/business/electronic-arts-ea-acquired/?tbref=hp