Conservative justices and their liberal counterparts on the Supreme Court questioned President Trump's use of tariffs during a significant hearing. The discussions focused on whether President Trump had the legal authority to impose tariffs using an old law, the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). The case raises questions about how much power the president has over trade and tariffs compared to Congress.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court is reviewing President Trump's authority to impose tariffs based on IEEPA.
Chief Justice John Roberts and Justices Amy Coney Barrett and Neil Gorsuch questioned the extent of this presidential power.
The case examines if emergency powers can allow the president to bypass Congress in setting tariffs.
Trump's lawyers argue the tariffs address crises like drug trafficking and trade deficits.
Some justices expressed concern over Congress potentially giving up too much trade-regulating power to the president.
Challengers argue that IEEPA does not explicitly allow for tariff imposition, raising constitutional concerns.
The decision may have significant implications for future US trade policy and presidential authority over tariffs.
Recent election results show Americans are unhappy with high prices. Inflation rates have decreased from last year's peak, but essential items still cost much more than before. This suggests that voters are not convinced by the current strategies to handle inflation.
Key Facts
Americans showed concern about high prices in recent elections.
Inflation rates have decreased from their peak in 2022, but prices remain high.
Essential items, like grocery and energy prices, have increased significantly since 2020.
Inflation has held steady at a 3% increase over the past year.
In recent polls, the economy was the top issue for voters in New Jersey and Virginia elections.
President Trump claims to have addressed inflation, but voters remain skeptical.
The U.S. has experienced a decline in international tourists overall, but more people from Mexico are visiting despite higher tourist visa fees. The number of Canadian visitors has decreased significantly.
Key Facts
The overall number of international tourists visiting the U.S. has dropped by about 9 percent.
There is a significant decrease in Canadian tourists traveling to the U.S.
Despite higher visa fees, more tourists from Mexico are visiting the U.S.
Initially, there was a drop in visitors from Mexico before the numbers began to rise.
The trend shows an increase in Mexican travelers to the U.S. despite the higher costs.
More Mexicans are visiting the United States, even though the cost of tourist visas has gone up. Overall, the U.S. has seen a drop in international tourists this year, with fewer visitors from Canada.
Key Facts
The U.S. has raised the cost of tourist visas.
Despite the higher visa fees, more tourists from Mexico are now visiting the U.S.
The U.S. overall has experienced about a 9 percent decrease in tourists from around the world.
The number of Canadian visitors to the U.S. has significantly decreased.
The initial number of travelers from Mexico dropped but is now increasing again.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will reduce air traffic by 10% in 40 major U.S. areas starting Friday to maintain safety during an ongoing government shutdown. Due to staffing shortages and many air traffic controllers working without pay, there have been widespread flight delays. FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy will meet with airline leaders to discuss minimizing disruptions.
Key Facts
The FAA will cut air traffic by 10% in 40 major U.S. locations.
The reduction starts on Friday to keep flights safe amid a government shutdown.
Staffing shortages are affecting air traffic controllers, who are working without pay.
More air traffic controllers are calling out sick, causing flight delays.
FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford stated the action is to prevent compromising safety.
Bryan Bedford and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy will meet with airline executives.
They aim to implement the reduction safely and minimize disruptions for travelers.
NPR fact-checked claims by Kristi Noem, focusing on allegations that US citizens were detained by ICE. The investigation found that some US citizens were indeed held by ICE, which goes against previous government statements.
Key Facts
NPR investigated claims made by Kristi Noem about ICE detaining US citizens.
ICE stands for Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which is a U.S. government agency.
The investigation showed that some US citizens were restrained, questioned, and held briefly.
These actions conflicted with what the government had previously said publicly.
The article was part of a segment on NPR's program "All Things Considered."
The information was planned to be available in both written and audio format.
Zohran Mamdani won the New York City mayoral race against Andrew Cuomo and Curtis Sliwa with 50.4% of the vote. President Trump, who supported Cuomo, criticized Mamdani, calling him a "communist" and questioning his policies. Despite initial threats of federal funding cuts to New York City, President Trump later suggested he may offer some support.
Key Facts
Zohran Mamdani defeated Andrew Cuomo and Curtis Sliwa to become mayor of New York City.
Mamdani received 50.4% of the vote.
President Trump endorsed Andrew Cuomo during the race.
Trump criticized Mamdani, calling him a "100% Communist Lunatic."
Mamdani became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 2018, moving from Uganda as a child.
Trump has accused Mamdani of antisemitism, which Mamdani denies.
Trump suggested he might provide limited support to New York City under Mamdani.
New York City's 2026 budget plans to use $7.4 billion in federal funds.
Recently, Democrats achieved significant election wins, prompting party members and activists to urge Senate Democrats not to agree to a weak deal on the government shutdown. They emphasize the importance of protecting healthcare and maintaining their political momentum following the elections. Democrats warn that conceding to Republicans without gaining concessions would be detrimental.
Key Facts
Democrats had major election victories, including winning the governorships in Virginia and New Jersey.
They gained unexpected supermajorities in the Virginia House of Delegates and the New Jersey State Assembly.
Democrats stress the importance of defending healthcare services, particularly the Affordable Care Act subsidies.
House Democrats caution against making weak deals with Republicans during the government shutdown.
President Trump commented that the government shutdown was negatively impacting Republicans in the elections.
Messaging within the Democratic party warns that yielding without concessions would undermine party momentum.
Liberal grassroots groups are also urging Democrats not to concede to President Trump's agenda.
Democrats are discussing the terms of a potential deal, with some opposing any agreement that doesn't ensure healthcare protections.
The FDA has warned companies against selling unapproved Botox products because they are linked to a rare but serious illness called botulism. The agency has sent warning letters to 18 websites selling these potentially dangerous products, which have caused illnesses in at least 22 individuals.
Key Facts
The FDA issued warnings to 18 websites for selling unapproved Botox.
Unapproved Botox can cause botulism, a serious illness that can be deadly.
Botulism symptoms include muscle weakness, trouble swallowing, and breathing difficulties.
22 people reported botulism-related illnesses in 11 states from November 2023 to March 2024.
The illnesses mainly affected women aged 25 to 59 who received injections outside licensed facilities.
11 individuals required hospitalization due to the conditions.
The FDA advises consumers to use only FDA-approved Botox products and seek treatment from licensed professionals.
If symptoms of botulism appear after an injection, immediate medical attention is recommended.
Federal immigration agents in Chicago detained a teacher from a daycare center, sparking concern and criticism from local officials. The woman has a pending asylum case and work permit, but authorities claim she is in the U.S. illegally. The event is part of a broader operation by the Trump administration that has faced scrutiny for its methods.
Key Facts
Agents detained a female teacher at a Chicago daycare in front of children.
The woman has an asylum case pending and possesses a work permit.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) claims she is in the U.S. illegally.
The incident is linked to Operation Midway Blitz, a federal effort targeting unauthorized immigrants.
Local leaders criticized the operation, noting it involved entering a daycare without a warrant.
DHS Assistant Secretary stated the woman was arrested following a traffic stop incident.
There are concerns from community members and officials about the raid's impact on children.
More than 3,000 alleged criminals or individuals with pending charges were arrested as part of the operation.
President Trump met with Republican senators to urge them to end the filibuster, a rule needing 60 votes to pass most laws. He believes removing it will help Republicans be more effective and solve the ongoing government shutdown.
Key Facts
President Trump urged Republican senators to end the filibuster, a Senate rule.
The filibuster requires 60 votes for most legislation to pass.
Trump warned that if they don't end the filibuster, Republicans would face negative consequences.
He argued that the ongoing government shutdown is harming the Republican Party more than Democrats.
Trump dismissed a suggestion to use the reconciliation process as they did with a past bill.
Senators, including Senate Majority Leader John Thune, expressed that ending the filibuster is unlikely.
Trump believes ending the filibuster would quickly end the government shutdown.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth briefed Congress about U.S. military strikes against alleged drug boats in the Caribbean and Pacific Ocean. These strikes, ordered by President Trump, have raised legal concerns because Congress did not authorize them. There are efforts in Congress to block further military actions related to these strikes.
Key Facts
Marco Rubio and Pete Hegseth briefed Congress following President Trump's order for military strikes.
The strikes target alleged drug boats and could lead to more conflict.
Legal experts call the strikes illegal since Congress didn't approve them.
The U.S. launched 16 strikes since September, resulting in 66 deaths.
President Trump approved more covert operations and increased naval presence near South America.
Congress received limited information, with some lawmakers pushing for more transparency.
A group of lawmakers is trying to stop Trump from using military force against Venezuela.
Congress has constitutional power to declare war, as emphasized by some senators.
The U.S. federal government shutdown has now become the longest in history, surpassing the previous record. The shutdown began because Democrats and Republicans could not agree on a funding bill, impacting millions who rely on federal services. Talks are ongoing to reach a solution and reopen the government.
Key Facts
The shutdown started on October 1 and has now broken the record for the longest in U.S. history.
It started because Democrats and Republicans could not agree on a budget, mainly over healthcare tax credits and Medicaid cuts.
More than 42 million Americans did not receive new SNAP benefits on October 1.
Federal judges ruled that SNAP funding must continue, but the process is delayed.
President Trump stated on social media that SNAP benefits would resume only when Democrats open the government.
President Trump suggested ending the filibuster to pass bills without a 60-vote requirement in the Senate, but Republican senators opposed this idea.
A poll found 50% of Americans blame Republicans for the shutdown, while 43% blame Democrats.
Negotiations continue as both political parties aim to reach a compromise to end the shutdown.
President Donald Trump has changed his stance on cutting funding to New York City, following the election of democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani as mayor. Trump initially threatened to defund the city and take strong actions against Mamdani if he won, but he has now expressed a willingness to support New York.
Key Facts
President Trump initially threatened to cut funding to New York City if Zohran Mamdani was elected.
Trump also suggested the possibility of arresting and deporting Mamdani.
Zohran Mamdani has been elected as the mayor of New York City.
Trump referred to Mamdani as a "communist."
In a recent statement, Trump indicated he might help New York City under Mamdani's leadership.
Trump made these comments while speaking to business leaders and athletes in Miami.
President Trump called on Republican Senators to end the filibuster, a Senate rule that makes passing some laws harder, so they could quickly reopen the government, which is experiencing the longest shutdown in history. Many Republican Senators, including their leader John Thune, resist this idea. President Trump also criticized other Senate traditions and suggested they should change to make passing his proposals easier.
Key Facts
President Trump has asked Republican Senators to end the filibuster to expedite government actions.
Ending the filibuster would allow measures to pass with a simple majority.
The U.S. government is experiencing its longest shutdown in history.
Some Republican leaders, like John Thune, do not support ending the filibuster.
President Trump also wants to eliminate the "blue slip" process, which lets senators block certain nominations.
He believes these changes would help pass his agenda without needing Democratic support.
A recent election resulted in significant Democratic victories, emboldening the party.
Despite Trump's wishes, there is not enough support among Republicans to change the filibuster rule.
President Donald Trump has renominated Jared Isaacman, a billionaire investor and friend of Elon Musk, to lead NASA after previously withdrawing his nomination. Isaacman is known for his involvement with SpaceX and being the first non-professional astronaut to walk in space. His nomination requires Senate approval where Republicans hold a majority.
Key Facts
Jared Isaacman is a billionaire and has strong ties with SpaceX and its founder, Elon Musk.
President Trump withdrew Isaacman's initial nomination in May due to concerns about his past associations.
Isaacman has experience in space as an amateur astronaut and has funded a SpaceX mission.
The Senate, which can still confirm appointments despite a government shutdown, must approve Isaacman's nomination.
Isaacman previously faced questions about potential conflicts of interest and his focus on Mars instead of the Moon mission.
He founded the payment processing company Shift4 Payments and is a skilled pilot.
Despite skepticism, Isaacman expressed his commitment to NASA's missions on social media.
Nearly five million Americans might not get their food assistance benefits in November due to changes by the Agriculture Department. These changes come amid a U.S. government shutdown, and despite court orders to continue benefits, the Trump administration has announced new rules that could cut benefits by about 61% for some recipients.
Key Facts
Roughly 42 million Americans rely on SNAP, a program that provides grocery funds to low-income people.
President Donald Trump had suggested not paying SNAP benefits during the shutdown but later agreed to follow court orders.
New rules require states to recalculate SNAP benefits, potentially reducing them significantly.
SNAP helps low-income families, children, and seniors buy groceries using an electronic card.
The Trump administration decided not to use federal contingency funds initially but later agreed to fund SNAP partially during the shutdown.
Experts say even partial SNAP benefits provide economic support to local communities.
Progressive-backed candidates won three school board seats in the Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District near Houston, Texas. This shift reduced the conservative majority on the board and occurred during elections that showed Democratic gains in various areas of the country.
Key Facts
Three progressive candidates won seats on the Cypress-Fairbanks ISD school board in Texas.
The district is the third-largest school district in Texas.
Before the election, conservatives held a 6-1 majority on the board; now, they have a 4-3 minority.
The school board races became partisan, though the board is technically nonpartisan.
The recently elected candidates had participated in Democratic primaries.
The election results were part of broader Democratic gains in various elections nationwide.
There is ongoing debate in Texas about religion in schools, with recent bills requiring the display of the Ten Commandments in classrooms.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton instructed schools to comply with this bill.
Zohran Mamdani, known for his work as a state assemblyman, has been elected as New York City's 111th mayor. He is the first Muslim mayor of the city and has plans to make New York more affordable for working-class residents. Mamdani is a member of the Democratic Socialists of America, an organization that supports progressive policies.
Key Facts
Zohran Mamdani was elected as the 111th mayor of New York City.
He is the first Muslim and the first mayor of South Asian descent in the city's history.
Mamdani is a member of the Democratic Socialists of America since 2017.
The Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) is the largest socialist group in the US with nearly 100,000 members.
The DSA wants to make the economy more equal and advocates for universal healthcare and affordable housing.
Mamdani's election marks a push for progressive policies in New York City.
He is the youngest person to become mayor of New York in more than 100 years.
The DSA operates as a network of local groups across the US, pushing for policies like stronger unions and climate action.
Democrats won several key elections, including governor races and the New York City mayor election, boosting their spirits after losses in 2024. Jay Jones won as Virginia’s attorney general despite a controversy over old text messages. His win suggests voters might overlook scandals, which could help Graham Platner in his Maine Senate run.
Key Facts
Democrats won multiple elections, including governors' races and the New York City mayoral election.
California's new redistricting map was also approved.
Jay Jones, elected as Virginia’s attorney general, faced backlash due to past controversial text messages.
The public and politicians from both parties criticized the content of these texts.
Despite the controversy, Jones won against the incumbent, Jason Miyares.
Graham Platner, running for the Senate in Maine, also faces backlash over past social media posts and a tattoo.
Platner is supported by progressive leaders and has raised significant campaign funds.
Both Jones and Platner's situations highlight changing voter attitudes toward candidates' personal controversies.
