President Donald Trump announced he will limit federal funds for New York City if Zohran Mamdani wins the mayoral election. Mamdani is leading in the polls against independent candidate Andrew Cuomo and Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa. The election has drawn significant attention, with a record number of early votes cast.
Key Facts
President Trump stated he would only provide the minimum required federal funds if Mamdani becomes mayor.
Zohran Mamdani is leading with 45.8% in the polls, followed by Andrew Cuomo with 31.1%, and Curtis Sliwa with 17.3%.
The election for New York City's mayor is set for Tuesday.
A record 735,317 early votes have been cast for this election, according to the city's Board of Elections.
Mamdani's campaign includes promises such as free buses, rent freezes, and universal childcare, funded by taxing wealthy residents.
Andrew Cuomo is running as an independent candidate after resigning as governor in 2021 amid allegations of sexual harassment.
The election has gained global attention due to its potential to change the political direction of New York City.
The U.S. Travel Association and several tourism organizations warn that a prolonged U.S. government shutdown could disrupt Thanksgiving travel. The shutdown may lead to longer airport lines, delays, and cancellations, affecting many travelers and hurting the travel economy.
Key Facts
Nearly 500 tourism organizations warn of possible travel disruptions for Thanksgiving due to the U.S. government shutdown.
Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel times, and a shutdown could worsen travel conditions.
The coalition sent a letter to Congress urging for the government to reopen to prevent economic losses.
TSA officers and air traffic controllers are working without pay, causing staffing problems.
The estimated loss to the U.S. travel economy is $4 billion so far.
Last Thanksgiving, 20 million passengers flew, highlighting the potential for travel chaos.
A majority of Americans (60%) are rethinking their travel plans due to the uncertainty.
U.S. Travel Association emphasizes that travel safety is a top priority, but warns of likely delays and cancellations.
A group of nearly two dozen attorneys general has sued the Education Department over a new rule for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF). The rule requires employers to avoid activities considered illegal by the Trump administration to qualify for loan forgiveness. The rule is set to start on July 1, 2026, and faces opposition for allegedly being used as a political tool.
Key Facts
The lawsuit involves attorneys general from various states challenging a new PSLF rule by the Education Department.
The rule requires employers not to engage in activities that have a "substantial illegal purpose" to qualify for PSLF.
PSLF forgives the remaining balance on student loans for eligible workers in public service after ten years.
New rule is part of broader measures against what the Trump administration terms "anti-American activists."
New York Attorney General Letitia James argues the rule is illegal and politicizes PSLF.
The PSLF program was signed into law in 2007 by former President George W. Bush.
Under Secretary of Education Nicholas Kent defended the rule as a measure against criminal activities.
The Trump administration previously changed federal student loan repayment options.
A bipartisan group of U.S. House Democrats and Republicans proposed a plan to end the government shutdown that has lasted over a month. Their proposal focuses on extending specific healthcare tax credits while introducing reforms to address fraud and transparency. Both parties appear open to discussions, indicating a possible end to the stalemate.
Key Facts
A bipartisan group of centrist House members introduced a proposal to end the government shutdown.
The government shutdown has lasted more than a month.
The proposal includes extending healthcare-related tax credits for two years.
Additional reforms include measures to prevent fraud and ensure transparency in tax credits.
Lawmakers from both parties express frustration over the ongoing shutdown.
The proposal has not been dismissed by Democratic leadership, suggesting willingness to consider it.
Discussions involve introducing income caps for tax credit eligibility between $200,000 and $400,000 annually.
Both parties highlight the importance of bipartisan cooperation to reduce healthcare costs.
President Trump's plan to fund SNAP benefits is causing delays for states in distributing the aid. The USDA said it would take time because of older systems and bureaucratic challenges. The USDA is working with states to determine new benefit amounts and distribution dates.
Key Facts
The USDA plans to use $4.65 billion in contingency funds to cover about half of the SNAP benefits.
States might take weeks or months to distribute SNAP benefits due to system and procedural delays.
The USDA filed in court that old state systems could slow down the process of implementing new benefit amounts.
Around 42 million Americans rely on SNAP for food assistance.
SNAP benefits are loaded onto EBT cards, similar to debit cards, every month.
The USDA noted transferring funds from other programs like Child Nutrition could risk children’s access to school meals.
SNAP benefits were frozen due to a government shutdown, prompting lawsuits that pushed for payments to resume.
Each state has different schedules for distributing SNAP benefits, which may affect when payments are made available.
A podcast episode on BBC 5 Live discusses U.S. elections, including races in New York, Virginia, and New Jersey. The episode also talks about potential releases of Epstein-related files and President Trump's rumored consideration of nuclear testing. Additionally, they explore polling about Trump's popularity and New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani's political stance.
Key Facts
The podcast episode focuses on recent elections in New York, Virginia, and New Jersey.
There is discussion about how developments in the royal family may influence the release of Epstein-related files in the U.S.
The episode mentions rumors that President Trump is considering testing nuclear weapons for the first time since the 1990s.
Zohran Mamdani is noted as the frontrunner in the New York City mayoral elections.
There is a discussion about Mamdani's political views and how they might be perceived in the UK.
New polling data indicates a drop in President Trump's popularity with voters in several areas.
President Donald Trump's administration will use contingency funds to continue part of the SNAP food benefits during the ongoing U.S. government shutdown. Two federal judges ruled that stopping these benefits would be unlawful, prompting the government to release up to $5 billion from contingency funds. The SNAP program helps about one in eight Americans by offering food assistance.
Key Facts
President Trump's administration will use contingency funds to continue SNAP benefits during the U.S. government shutdown.
The SNAP program, also known as food stamps, provides food aid to low-income Americans.
The program benefits around one in eight Americans each month.
SNAP costs over $8 billion monthly and provides up to $356 per household for groceries.
Federal judges in Massachusetts and Rhode Island ruled that the benefits must continue.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture agreed to use $5 billion in contingency funds but not sufficient to fully cover SNAP.
It is unclear when beneficiaries will receive the funds or the total amount they will get.
Court rulings stated that halting SNAP during the shutdown would cause irreparable harm.
On Monday, President Donald Trump urged Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy to consider ending New York City's congestion pricing program. This program charges drivers a fee to enter Manhattan's central business district to reduce traffic and pollution. It has sparked a disagreement between federal and New York officials.
Key Facts
President Trump asked Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy to review New York City's congestion pricing program.
The congestion pricing program charges a fee for vehicles entering Manhattan's central business district during peak hours.
New York officials, including Governor Kathy Hochul, support the program, saying it funds crucial transportation repairs.
The program is contested in court but is still operating as of now.
The Federal Highway Administration instructed New York to stop collecting these tolls, but the city continues the program.
Tolls initially started as a $15 fee, reduced to $9 for many cars.
The idea for congestion pricing in New York was first proposed in 2007 by then-Mayor Michael Bloomberg.
President Donald Trump advised New York City voters not to support Republican mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa, suggesting that it would benefit Democrat Zohran Mamdani. Instead, Trump endorsed independent candidate Andrew Cuomo, who was previously a Democrat.
Key Facts
President Trump spoke out against voting for Curtis Sliwa in the New York City mayoral election.
Trump claimed that voting for Sliwa would inadvertently help Democrat Zohran Mamdani.
Trump endorsed independent candidate Andrew Cuomo for the mayoral race.
Trump expressed concern over New York City's future under Mamdani, describing it as potentially disastrous.
Trump made his comments on Truth Social, a social media platform.
Trump stated he would only provide minimal federal funds to New York City if Mamdani wins.
Trump criticized Mamdani's lack of experience and record.
A train in Shertz, Texas, collided with a truck carrying vehicles. No one was hurt, and the train did not go off the tracks. This is the second incident of its kind in the area in a week.
Key Facts
A train hit a truck carrying vehicles in Shertz, Texas.
No injuries were reported from the collision.
The train remained on the tracks and did not derail.
The 18-wheeler truck was stopped on the tracks at the time.
The incident is currently being investigated.
A similar train and truck collision happened earlier in the week in the same city.
In the previous incident, an Amtrak train hit a truck carrying rocks, with no injuries and only minor damage reported.
Scott Adams, creator of the Dilbert comic strip, asked President Trump for help with a health insurance issue to get a cancer treatment. President Trump and others intervened, and Adams got a necessary appointment for treatment. Many people face similar challenges with the U.S. healthcare system, but few have access to powerful contacts to assist them.
Key Facts
Scott Adams has metastatic prostate cancer and needed a drug called Pluvicto.
Adams faced delays with his health insurance provider, Kaiser of Northern California, in scheduling his treatment.
He posted about his issue on social media, specifically on the platform X, tagging President Trump for help.
Donald Trump Jr. and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who is also a Health and Human Services Secretary, responded to Adams' post.
President Trump promised to assist, and Adams secured his drug appointment for Tuesday.
Adams acknowledged waiting months for the drug and speculated his files might have been misplaced.
Criticism arose about the U.S. healthcare system's complexity and reliance on influential connections for help.
Kaiser Permanente stated they are working closely with Adams and have significant experience with the specific cancer treatment.
The White House announced that some food aid payments will restart despite the ongoing government shutdown. Two judges have ordered that the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) must continue. Many people still face difficulties in getting these benefits.
Key Facts
The federal government shutdown has lasted for 34 days.
The Trump administration plans to restart food aid payments.
Two judges ruled that the government must keep SNAP running.
SNAP stands for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, providing food support to those in need.
Millions of Americans are facing challenges in accessing these benefits.
The announcement was made by the White House during the shutdown.
The Trump administration announced that during the government shutdown, it would offer half of the usual food stamp benefits. This decision comes after a court order, and it has implications for those receiving SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
Key Facts
The Trump administration will give half of the normal food stamp benefits.
This decision is due to a court order.
The government shutdown is affecting the distribution of SNAP benefits.
SNAP stands for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
Amna Nawaz discussed the impact of this decision with Cindy Long.
Cindy Long is a former deputy undersecretary of the USDA's SNAP program.
A reduction in SNAP, a government assistance program for food, is affecting local food banks. Geoff Bennett talked with Elizabeth Keever from Harvesters food bank in Kansas City about the impact during a government shutdown.
Key Facts
SNAP stands for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, a government food aid program.
There is a government shutdown affecting government services.
SNAP reductions mean less food assistance for people in need.
Elizabeth Keever works at Harvesters, a food bank in Kansas City.
Harvesters is seeing increased demand for food due to SNAP cuts.
Food banks help provide food to people when government aid falls short.
Geoff Bennett is covering the story about these impacts.
More than 730,000 New Yorkers have voted early in the mayoral election. Zohran Mamdani, a Democratic Socialist, is a leading candidate in this election to become the mayor of New York City. His victory could have significant effects on both the city and the Democratic Party.
Key Facts
Over 730,000 New Yorkers have voted early in the mayoral election.
The election will decide the mayor of New York City, the largest city in the United States.
Zohran Mamdani is a Democratic Socialist and state legislator.
Mamdani has become a frontrunner in the race to be New York City's mayor.
A Mamdani win could impact New York City's future politics and policies.
His potential victory may also influence the direction of the Democratic Party.
The Trump administration announced a plan to partially fund SNAP benefits after judges ruled that the funds must be released. Up to 42 million Americans are affected, and the administration will use contingency funds to provide 50% of the benefits for November.
Key Facts
The Trump administration plans to fund SNAP benefits using contingency funds.
Two judges ruled that SNAP funds must be released.
42 million Americans did not receive their SNAP benefits at the start of the month.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture will meet court orders to release funds.
Funding will cover 50% of eligible households in November.
Initially, the administration considered using Child Nutrition funds but decided against it.
The issue arose during a government shutdown where usual funding sources were unavailable.
Legal challenges from various states and organizations pushed for the release of these funds.
NPR’s Tamara Keith and Amy Walter discussed upcoming major elections and political events. They also talked about President Trump's interview with CBS News and the ongoing government shutdown, which may become the longest in U.S. history.
Key Facts
NPR's Tamara Keith and Amy Walter from the Cook Political Report reviewed political developments.
Tuesday’s elections include important races to watch.
President Trump had a long interview with CBS News.
The U.S. government is experiencing a prolonged shutdown.
This shutdown might soon be the longest in U.S. history.
Discussions focused on political impacts and future expectations.
November SNAP payments will be issued after initially being canceled because of a government shutdown, but the payments will be only half of what recipients usually receive. The Trump administration is using a contingency fund from the Agriculture Department to cover these payments. State systems need updates to process the benefits, which may cause delays in payments reaching recipients.
Key Facts
November SNAP payments were initially canceled due to a government shutdown.
Payments will be only half of what they would usually be.
The Trump administration is using a $5 billion contingency fund from the Agriculture Department to fund the payments.
Normally, SNAP costs about $8 billion monthly, so the contingency fund covers only part of it.
The court ruled that stopping November payments was illegal, leading to partial reinstatement.
SNAP serves 42 million Americans, providing them with access to food.
Payments might still be delayed because state systems need to update eligibility information.
The government shutdown causes uncertainty about when payments will be distributed.
The Trump administration announced it would restart SNAP benefits, but at a reduced amount. Other resources have been made available to help families needing food assistance.
Key Facts
SNAP benefits provide food assistance to families in need.
The Trump administration is restarting SNAP benefits.
The benefits will be at half the normal amount.
Additional resources from private and public sources are available.
SNAP stands for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
This change impacts families who rely on food assistance.
The announcement was part of a broader discussion on food assistance programs.
New York City's mayoral election is in its final stages, with residents preparing to vote on November 4. Democratic candidate Zohran Mamdani is leading in polls, ahead of independent Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa. The election features a straightforward voting method, where the candidate with the most votes wins.
Key Facts
New York City's mayoral election will take place on November 4.
Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic nominee, is leading in the polls with 45.8% support.
Andrew Cuomo, running as an independent, and Curtis Sliwa, the Republican candidate, are trailing Mamdani.
The current voting system for this election is a first-past-the-post method, meaning the candidate with the most votes will win.
Early voting saw 734,317 votes cast, four times more than the 2021 mayoral election.
There are approximately 5.1 million registered voters in New York City, with 65% registered as Democrats.
The last mayoral election had a turnout of a little over 1.1 million voters, around 21% of those registered.
Polling stations will be open on November 4 from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. local time.
