President Donald Trump has criticized New York City's new mayor-elect, Zohran Mamdani, labeling him a "communist" and threatening to cut federal funding to the city. Mamdani's ambitious plans for New York face challenges, especially if federal funds diminish as threatened by Trump.
Key Facts
Zohran Mamdani won the Democratic primary and is now the mayor-elect of New York City.
President Trump has publicly criticized Mamdani and threatened to reduce federal funding for New York.
Trump endorsed Andrew Cuomo, who ran as an independent in the mayoral election.
Mamdani aims to implement policies like free buses, rent freezes, and universal child care.
Since October 1, President Trump has already frozen $18 billion in federal funding for New York's infrastructure.
Mamdani plans to raise $10 billion in revenue by taxing wealthy corporations and high-income earners, pending state approval.
The federal funds at risk are used for critical city services, including housing, disaster response, and education.
New York Attorney General Letitia James has asked a federal judge to dismiss a mortgage fraud case against her, claiming it is politically motivated by President Donald Trump. James argues that the case is part of a pattern of retaliatory legal actions against Trump's critics. Her legal team has filed a motion stating that the case is an example of selective prosecution.
Key Facts
New York AG Letitia James faces a mortgage fraud case she wants dismissed.
She claims the prosecution is politically motivated by President Trump.
James pled not guilty to accusations of lying on mortgage papers for better loan terms.
She describes the case as part of a pattern of attacks on Trump's critics.
Two other critics of Trump, John Bolton and James Comey, also face charges.
Lindsey Halligan, appointed by Trump, is the lead prosecutor on the case.
James previously won a fraud lawsuit against Trump, but financial penalties were overturned.
Trump's social media posts have targeted James with derogatory terms.
The U.S. Senate is meeting over the weekend to try and end a government shutdown that has lasted more than a month. President Donald Trump is not willing to compromise on health care issues, while some senators are working on an agreement that could temporarily fund the government.
Key Facts
The government shutdown has lasted for 39 days.
Many federal workers are not receiving their pay.
Airlines have had to cancel many flights due to the shutdown.
SNAP benefits, which provide food assistance, have been delayed for millions of Americans.
President Trump opposes extending Affordable Care Act tax credits and suggests giving people money directly for insurance.
Some Senate Republicans are open to a proposal to end the shutdown in exchange for a future health care vote.
Moderate Democrats, led by Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, are negotiating with Republicans to extend government funding until December or January.
Democrats previously offered a plan to reopen the government with a year-long extension of health care subsidies, which Republicans rejected.
The Federal Reserve Bank of New York reported that U.S. household debt rose by $197 billion in the last quarter, reaching a total of $18.59 trillion. WalletHub's analysis showed that household debt increased differently across states, with the highest rise in Hawaii. The report indicates that credit card debt, student loan balances, and mortgage delinquency rates have changed, and economic concerns remain crucial for voters.
Key Facts
U.S. household debt increased by $197 billion, totaling $18.59 trillion.
The average household debt rise varied by state, with Hawaii seeing the largest increase of $975.
Mortgage balances grew by $137 billion, reaching $13.07 trillion.
Credit card balances rose by $24 billion, totaling $1.23 trillion.
Student loan balances increased by $15 billion, reaching a total of $1.65 trillion.
Student loan delinquency rates climbed to 9.4% by the end of the quarter.
The government shutdown delayed food assistance payments to 42 million Americans, potentially increasing reliance on credit cards.
America's national parks are open during a government shutdown, but the lack of supervision is leading to damage and illegal activities. President Trump decided to keep the parks open, despite concerns from conservationists about potential harm to wildlife and historic sites. Without staff, the parks face issues like vandalism, fires, and safety threats to visitors.
Key Facts
National parks remain open during the government shutdown, but with fewer staff.
Illegal activities, such as BASE jumping, are occurring due to a lack of supervision.
A historic wall at Gettysburg was damaged, and a fire burned more than 70 acres at Joshua Tree.
Fewer rangers lead to unresolved "bear jams" at Yellowstone, where bears cause traffic backups.
Conservationists worry about long-term damage and the lack of monitoring for environmental issues.
During a shutdown in President Trump's first term, re-routing funds to keep parks open was ruled illegal.
The Department of the Interior keeps some park areas open but may close them for safety or resource protection.
Missing entrance fees due to the lack of staff affects park funding, especially during high-traffic seasons.
A car crash in Tampa, Florida, caused by an alleged street racer left four people dead and 11 injured. The suspect, 22-year-old Silas Sampson, was detained after the crash into an outdoor bar patio. Authorities are continuing to investigate the incident, focusing on street racing and public safety concerns.
Key Facts
The crash happened at Bradley's on 7th in Tampa’s Ybor City.
Four people died, and 11 others were hurt, with one person in critical condition.
Silas Sampson, 22, is the suspect and was taken into custody after the crash.
Police say the car was seen street racing earlier and was being watched by police air services.
Officers tried to stop the car but ended the pursuit for safety reasons before the crash.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating the crash, including reconstructing the events leading up to it.
Officials are waiting for toxicology results to see if substances played a role in the crash.
Sampson is likely to face multiple charges, including vehicular homicide.
Severe winter weather warnings are in place for eight states in the northern and central United States. The National Weather Service expects snow, ice, and very cold conditions to impact travel, work, and school over the weekend. Residents are cautioned to prepare for possible power outages and dangerous road conditions.
Key Facts
Eight states are under severe winter weather warnings due to snow and ice.
The National Weather Service has issued these warnings.
In Alaska, up to four inches of snow could fall, with strong winds reducing visibility.
Heavy snow is expected in the Upper Midwest, including northern Iowa, South Dakota, Nebraska, and Minnesota.
The Northern Black Hills could see 3 to 6 inches of snow with high winds.
Lake-effect snow from Lake Superior could bring 2 to 8 inches of snow to areas in Wisconsin and Michigan.
Michigan's Upper Peninsula might experience between 4 and 10 inches of snow.
Drivers are advised to be cautious due to potential hazardous road conditions.
Hundreds of flights in the U.S. are delayed or canceled due to an ongoing federal government shutdown. The disruption affects major airlines and airports, with significant impacts expected as Thanksgiving approaches. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is requiring airlines to reduce flights at several airports.
Key Facts
Over 8,100 flights are delayed globally, with 845 delays involving U.S. flights.
A total of 949 flights are canceled worldwide, of which 755 affect U.S. routes.
SkyWest Airlines canceled 180 flights, while Southwest Airlines and Envoy Air also reported numerous disruptions.
Chicago O’Hare leads in flight disruptions, with over 80 cancellations.
The FAA instructed airlines to cut flights by 4% at 40 U.S. airports, expanding to 10% by mid-November.
American Airlines and Alaska Airlines will each cancel numerous flights daily as part of FAA schedule reductions.
Weather and staffing issues also caused ground stops at airports like JFK and Charlotte Douglas.
Efforts to end the government shutdown have failed, prolonging its impact on air travel.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro criticized Vice President JD Vance for opposing a court order that required the full funding of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for November. Shapiro accused Vance of neglecting the needs of Appalachian communities, which he had previously highlighted in his memoir. The video of Shapiro's comments has gained significant attention online.
Key Facts
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro criticized Vice President JD Vance at a press conference.
Shapiro's remarks addressed Vance's objection to a court order supporting full SNAP funding in November.
Shapiro labeled Vance as a "phony" who neglected the communities featured in his book "Hillbilly Elegy."
The video of Shapiro's statement received over a million views online.
Shapiro expressed frustration over policies he believes keep people hungry.
Vance previously gained attention for his memoir about growing up in Appalachia.
Shapiro's comments are part of broader discussions about leadership and social welfare in the U.S.
American delivery firms UPS and FedEx have paused the use of some cargo planes after a plane crash in Kentucky involving a UPS aircraft. The crash resulted in at least 14 deaths and caused significant damage at Louisville International Airport. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the crash.
Key Facts
A UPS plane crashed in Kentucky, killing at least 14 people.
The crash happened during takeoff and started a large fire that damaged nearby buildings.
Louisville International Airport was closed after the incident.
UPS and FedEx have temporarily grounded some planes following advice from Boeing, the plane’s manufacturer.
The grounded planes are MD-11 models, a type of aircraft that has been in service for many years.
Authorities are still looking for what caused the crash.
The plane was carrying 38,000 gallons of fuel, which increased the fire's size.
UPS has contingency plans to continue deliveries during the grounding.
The U.S. Supreme Court has allowed President Donald Trump's administration to temporarily stop the distribution of $4 billion in food aid for November. This affects 42 million people who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as food stamps, amid a prolonged government shutdown. The decision provides time for a lower court to review the case.
Key Facts
The U.S. Supreme Court allowed the administration to withhold $4 billion in SNAP benefits.
42 million low-income Americans rely on SNAP, which provides food aid.
Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson issued a stay, delaying a lower court's ruling to release the full funding.
SNAP costs between $8.5 billion to $9 billion monthly.
The Trump administration had planned to provide $4.65 billion in emergency funding, which is half the needed amount.
The temporary withholding is due to the longest-ever U.S. government shutdown.
SNAP benefits lapsed for the first time in its history as of November.
A federal judge had accused the administration of withholding funds for "political reasons."
UPS has temporarily grounded some of its planes after a crash in Kentucky killed at least 14 people. The crash involved a UPS MD-11 aircraft, and UPS made this decision as a safety measure. The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the incident.
Key Facts
A UPS cargo plane crashed in Kentucky, killing at least 14 people.
UPS grounded its MD-11 fleet, which is about 9% of its planes, as a safety measure.
The crash happened after the plane's wing caught fire, and an engine detached.
The Federal Aviation Administration and NTSB are investigating the crash.
FedEx also grounded its fleet of 28 MD-11s out of caution.
A lawsuit was filed against UPS, Boeing, and General Electric, claiming negligence.
The lawsuit mentions a history of safety issues with the MD-11 model and its engines.
Singer Olivia Rodrigo criticized the Trump administration for using her song in a video about deportations. The video, posted by Department of Homeland Security and the White House, showed Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents making arrests with Rodrigo's song playing in the background. Rodrigo called the use of her music "racist, hateful propaganda."
Key Facts
Olivia Rodrigo is a singer who spoke out against the Trump administration.
The Trump administration used Rodrigo's song in a social media video.
The video was posted by the Department of Homeland Security and the White House.
The video showed Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents arresting and deporting people.
Rodrigo's song "all american b****" was used in the video.
Rodrigo criticized the video, calling it "racist, hateful propaganda."
Rodrigo's comment on the video was later deleted.
A spokesperson from DHS suggested that Rodrigo should respect law enforcement's efforts.
Senate Republicans rejected a Democratic proposal to reopen the government and extend health care subsidies. The shutdown is the longest in U.S. history and affects many, including unpaid government workers. Democrats want health care subsidies extended as part of the government funding bill, but Republicans demand the government reopen first.
Key Facts
Republicans declined an offer to extend health care subsidies for a year and reopen the government.
The government shutdown is the longest in U.S. history.
President Trump encouraged Republicans to end the shutdown and consider changing Senate rules to bypass Democrats.
Democrats proposed extending Affordable Care Act subsidies to avoid sudden increases in health insurance costs.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune stated that Republicans would negotiate health care after reopening the government.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer suggested forming a bipartisan committee to address changes to the Affordable Care Act.
Negotiations are ongoing, with moderate Democrats working on a compromise proposal.
Obesity rates in the U.S. have been slowly declining from a high of nearly 40% in 2022 to 37% recently. While some believe that new weight loss drugs may contribute to this trend, experts disagree on their overall impact. Drug use and other factors like physical activity and diet changes are thought to affect obesity rates.
Key Facts
Obesity in the U.S. decreased from nearly 40% in 2022 to 37% recently.
The rate of diabetes diagnoses is now at an all-time high of 13.8%.
Obesity is measured using Body Mass Index (BMI) and a BMI over 30 is considered obese by the CDC.
Factors like lack of exercise, poor diet, genetics, and stress contribute to obesity risk.
Gallup data indicates an increase in the use of weight loss drugs, like GLP-1s, by 7 percentage points between 2024 and 2025.
Use of these drugs is higher among women, and obesity rates have dropped slightly more for women than men since 2022.
GLP-1 drugs, mainly used for diabetes, are now popular for weight loss.
Experts are divided about the extent to which these drugs affect the overall obesity trend.
New federal data shows a decrease in the number of people receiving SNAP benefits across the United States in early 2025. This decline happens during an ongoing federal government shutdown, which has delayed food assistance for millions of Americans.
Key Facts
Over 645,000 people stopped receiving SNAP benefits between January and May 2025.
The total number of SNAP recipients decreased from 42,380,525 to 41,735,210 during this period.
A prolonged trend of declining SNAP enrollment started in October 2024.
The government shutdown that began on October 1, 2025, is delaying food assistance.
Georgia saw the largest SNAP recipient drop at 10.5 percent, while North Carolina saw a 9.5 percent drop.
Alaska and Hawaii experienced small increases in SNAP beneficiaries.
During former President Joe Biden's administration, SNAP participation increased from about 37 million to over 42 million.
President Trump commented on the drop but did not cite a specific reason for it.
A new map from Child Care Aware of America shows how much families in different states spend on child care. The average cost for caring for an infant and a 4-year-old is about $29,000 a year, with some states reporting much higher expenses. In many places, child care costs as much as or even more than housing expenses.
Key Facts
Child Care Aware of America released a map showing child care costs across the U.S.
The national average annual cost for child care for two children is roughly $29,000.
The District of Columbia has the highest costs at $47,174 per year for two children.
Mississippi, Alabama, and South Dakota have the lowest costs, still above $14,500 annually.
In many states, child care expenses are equal to or higher than housing costs.
In 33 states and D.C., child care costs more than the average rent.
In 14 states, child care costs are similar to or more than mortgage payments.
Child care costs in high-cost states like Hawaii and New York exceed $37,000 annually.
President Donald Trump is urging Senate Republicans to remove the filibuster to end the government shutdown. The filibuster requires 60 votes to pass most legislation, and Trump believes removing it can help Republicans advance their priorities. However, some Republicans worry that this change could reduce their power if Democrats gain a majority in the future.
Key Facts
President Trump is frustrated with the ongoing government shutdown.
He is pushing Republicans to remove the filibuster rule in the Senate.
The filibuster requires 60 votes to end debate on a bill and move it forward.
Senate Republicans currently hold a 53-47 majority.
Removing the filibuster could allow Republicans to pass legislation more easily.
Some Republicans fear losing power if the Democrats take control of the Senate later.
The government shutdown is currently the longest in U.S. history.
The Trump administration has decided to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for South Sudan, stating that conditions have improved enough for the approximately 230 South Sudanese immigrants to return home. TPS has been revoked or is under review for several other countries as well, affecting hundreds of thousands of immigrants and their ability to stay and work in the U.S. Challenges to these changes, including lawsuits, highlight the complexity and impact of this decision.
Key Facts
The Trump administration ended TPS for South Sudan, saying conditions have improved.
TPS is a program for immigrants from countries with conflicts or disasters.
Immigrants with TPS can stay and work in the U.S. temporarily.
President Trump opposes how the previous administration used TPS extensions.
Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem has decided not to renew TPS for several countries.
Legal challenges are ongoing against the removal of TPS for countries like Venezuela and Haiti.
Employers are affected by the uncertainty surrounding TPS terminations.
South Sudan's situation remains unstable, according to a U.N. official.
A U.S. judge has permanently blocked President Donald Trump from sending National Guard troops to Portland, Oregon. The court decision states that President Trump did not have the legal authority to deploy troops to the city, suggesting a violation of the 10th amendment. The administration plans to appeal the ruling.
Key Facts
A judge stopped President Trump from deploying the National Guard to Portland permanently.
The decision follows a court battle over the legality of sending troops despite local government objections.
The judge ruled that there was no rebellion or immediate danger warranting troop deployment.
The ruling states President Trump violated the 10th amendment, which reserves certain powers to the states.
The Trump administration argues troops are needed to protect federal assets amid protests.
The judge clarified the president could use the National Guard lawfully in other contexts.
The administration is expected to appeal the decision, possibly reaching the Supreme Court.
Local officials and residents dispute the claim of widespread violence in Portland.
