Good morning. It’s Wednesday, Sept. 23, and we are intrigued by the curious case of a college professor who has co-written 200 papers and 14 books this year. Now let’s get to the news.
President Donald Trump told world leaders he might “annihilate” Iran.
Speaking at the United Nations: Trump threatened to eliminate the entire country if its leaders don’t make a deal. He is increasingly frustrated that his war in Iran has lasted so long.
During Trump’s visit to the UN: The president berated CNN’s Kaitlan Collins, telling her she should not be covering him. The exchange came after he banned CNN from the White House.
Trump clashed with the first architect of his White House ballroom over safety issues.
A note for architect James McCrery II appears to show Trump stating his preference for Corinthian-style columns. (Obtained by The Post)
Before he resigned last year: James McCrery II repeatedly warned that Trump was insisting on a design that didn’t provide adequate emergency exits or fire-containment measures.
According to people familiar with the clash: Trump brushed off McCrery’s concerns, saying building codes don’t apply to White House construction. “I am the code,” Trump said.
JD Vance announced plans to cut Affordable Care Act coverage for about 760,000 people.
Why? The vice president said the people were fraudulently enrolled in the government health program. He added that a further 419,000 people may face “additional verification.”
Zooming out: About 19 million people are enrolled in plans offered through the ACA’s exchanges. But Trump has long criticized the ACA, which was signed into law by Barack Obama.
Several Democrats are dropping clues that they plan to run for president in 2028.
Former transportation secretary Pete Buttigieg has been more clear about his intentions than other Democrats. (Seth Wenig/AP)
No, you first: Governors, former Cabinet officials and members of Congress are all making moves in the party’s shadow primary. Some are being more subtle than others.
Ahead of the midterms: Republican officials are growing anxious about North Carolina. Privately, they concede their party seems set to lose the state’s crucial Senate seat.
A powerful nor’easter could make it a rough weekend for eastern states.
What’s happening? A slow-moving and rare September nor’easter is tracking closer to the coast. The severity of its effects will depend on just how close it gets.
Age-related vision changes can be signs of underlying eye conditions.
Some vision issues are a normal part of aging: But others may signal a problem. From trouble reading up close to sudden floaters, find a list of seven changes you shouldn’t ignore here.
What experts recommend: All adults over 40 should get an eye disease screening every five to 10 years. Older adults and those with certain health issues should go more frequently.
A woman fleeing the Nazis left behind this painting. Her family just got it back.
“Evening Sounds” depicts a playful scene of music, recreation and plenty. (Valerie Plesch for The Post)
In 1938: Sofie Heilbronner fled Germany weeks before Kristallnacht and most of her belongings were seized by the Nazis. The painting was identified by Bavarian officials as looted.
This summer: Sofie’s family was reunited with the painting, called “Evening Sounds,” after an eight-year process. It was unveiled in D.C. yesterday at the German Embassy.
Before you go ... from our columnists: Monica Hesse on why each generation gives Lizzie Borden a new reason to kill. Plus: Michelle Singletary explains a better way to lend money to friends and family.
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