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.
Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy has issued a 30-day disaster declaration due to food shortages caused by the ongoing federal government shutdown. This declaration aims to ensure the distribution of SNAP benefits continues smoothly for Alaskans in need. The state will work with federal contractors and community organizations to provide necessary food support.
Key Facts
Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy issued a disaster declaration on Monday.
The declaration lasts for 30 days or until the federal government reopens.
It aims to address food insecurity during the federal government shutdown.
State agencies will work with federal contractors to distribute SNAP benefits.
About 66,000 Alaskans rely on these benefits.
The Alaska Department of Health will also work with food banks and community partners.
The goal is to prevent disruptions in access to food and nutrition support.
Two men in Michigan have been charged with planning a terrorist attack over Halloween weekend. The plan involved potential locations near Detroit and involved buying guns and ammunition.
Key Facts
Two men, Mohmed Ali and Majed Mahmoud, face charges in Michigan for plotting a mass shooting.
They are said to have supported the Islamic State group online.
A third person involved is a juvenile and is not named in court documents.
The group allegedly acquired semi-automatic guns and over 1,600 rounds of ammunition.
They trained in shooting at a gun range, according to prosecutors.
The U.S. Attorney General described it as a significant ISIS-linked terror plot.
The plan included using AR-15 rifles and tactical gear for an attack.
The suburb scouted for the attack has many bars and restaurants and is known to attract the LGBTQ+ community.
A new report suggests a plan to reduce gun violence in the U.S. by 2040. Experts from various fields have created an action plan focusing on prevention, highlighting community programs and stricter gun laws as key methods. The report emphasizes addressing broader issues like poverty and access to education as part of the solution.
Key Facts
Over the past 25 years, gun violence in the U.S. has resulted in more than 800,000 deaths and over 2 million injuries.
A report published in JAMA outlines strategies to lessen gun violence impacts by 2040.
Sixty experts from different fields contributed to this plan, which focuses on prevention over traditional criminal justice methods.
The plan calls for community-wide efforts that tackle socioeconomic issues like poverty and segregation.
Gun violence is currently the leading cause of death among children and teenagers in the U.S.
Nearly 60% of firearm deaths result from suicides.
Community programs like Create Real Economic Destiny in Chicago have reduced participants' involvement in violent crime by 73%.
Stricter state gun laws have been linked to fewer firearm-related deaths and injuries.
President Trump has significantly reduced the number of refugees allowed to enter the United States. This change has implications for people seeking safety in the U.S.
Key Facts
President Trump decided to cut the number of refugees who can enter the United States.
The change affects people who are looking to resettle in the U.S. for safety reasons.
This decision is part of President Trump's policies on immigration.
The information was discussed in a conversation with Sharif Aly from the International Refugee Assistance Project.
The news was shared on NPR's "All Things Considered" program.
A Colorado judge has rejected a plea deal for Carie Hallford, the owner of a funeral home accused of hiding nearly 190 decaying bodies in a building. The judge stated that the proposed 15- to 20-year sentence was too light, and Hallford's guilty plea was withdrawn, leading to a planned trial. Hallford and her husband both face charges related to corpse abuse and have admitted to defrauding the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Key Facts
A judge in Colorado declined a plea agreement for Carie Hallford regarding a case of 190 decaying bodies found in her funeral home's building.
The rejected plea deal included a 15- to 20-year prison sentence for Hallford.
Families of the deceased expressed dissatisfaction with the plea deal, saying it was too lenient.
Carie and Jon Hallford owned Return to Nature Funeral Home and are accused of improper treatment of bodies from 2019 to 2023.
Both Hallfords have pleaded guilty to 191 counts of corpse abuse.
Carie Hallford's trial is set to begin next year after her guilty plea was withdrawn.
The case spurred changes in Colorado's funeral home regulations, including mandatory inspections.
The Hallfords also admitted to fraudulently obtaining nearly $900,000 in federal aid and making personal luxury purchases.
The trial for Sean Charles Dunn, who threw a sandwich at a federal agent, is underway in Washington, D.C. Dunn is charged with assaulting a federal officer, and his case has attracted attention due to its ties to broader political issues in the city.
Key Facts
Sean Charles Dunn is accused of throwing a sandwich at a Customs and Border Protection agent.
The incident was captured in a viral video and occurred during a time when President Trump increased federal law enforcement presence in Washington, D.C.
Dunn was initially not indicted on a felony assault charge by a grand jury, leading to a misdemeanor charge instead.
His trial began in federal court and is expected to be brief, lasting about two days.
The judge presiding over the trial was nominated by President Trump.
Dunn's defense argues the prosecution is politically motivated, relating it to Dunn's political speech.
Prosecutors maintain that Dunn is being prosecuted for physically assaulting a federal officer, regardless of his political expressions.
Dunn was fired from his job at the Justice Department following his arrest.
President Trump's interview on CBS News' "60 Minutes" faced scrutiny for editing out certain parts, with segments about his family's crypto empire and pardon controversy missing from an extended online version. Democrats are calling for the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to investigate potential news distortion. The FCC chair and CBS had previously dealt with editing disputes involving Trump's interviews.
Key Facts
President Trump's interview with "60 Minutes" included discussions on his family's crypto empire and a controversial pardon.
Some parts of the interview were missing from the extended version released online, leading to calls for an investigation.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is urged to look into claims of news distortion.
Democrat leaders, like Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, are pushing for the FCC to review the situation.
CBS edited the interview extensively, releasing a full transcript on their website.
The FCC chair mentioned that the current government shutdown prevents processing complaints.
CBS parent company Paramount settled a $16 million legal dispute with Trump, without admitting fault.
CBS plans to release transcripts of presidential interviews after airing, which may omit parts for legal reasons.
President Donald Trump plans to greatly increase the amount of beef the U.S. imports from Argentina. Oren Lesmeister, a cattle rancher from South Dakota, shared his views on this decision.
Key Facts
President Trump wants to import more beef from Argentina.
The plan is to increase beef imports by four times the current amount.
Oren Lesmeister is a cattle rancher from South Dakota.
Lesmeister is also a former Democratic state lawmaker.
The rancher shared his thoughts on the U.S. government's beef import plan.
Senator John Thune expressed optimism that the Senate might vote to end the government shutdown by the week's end. He mentioned that progress needs to be seen by midweek for this to happen, while discussions continue among lawmakers about healthcare and potential compromises.
Key Facts
Senator John Thune is hopeful the Senate can vote to end the shutdown by the end of the week.
Thune says progress must be made by midweek to reach a vote by week’s end.
Democratic Senator Tim Kaine mentioned there are ongoing talks about healthcare issues.
Kaine also seeks assurances from Republicans about not laying off more federal workers.
It's unclear if these discussions will result in a compromise to end the shutdown.
The article is a breaking news story with updates expected.
President Donald Trump's administration is under pressure from judges to decide how to fund the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) during the government shutdown. Over 42 million Americans are affected as SNAP funding is uncertain because Congress has not agreed on a budget. Judges have given the administration a deadline to update their plan to use emergency funds.
Key Facts
Over 42 million Americans rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for food aid.
The federal government shutdown, which started on October 1, is causing SNAP funding issues.
Judges told the Trump administration to use $5.25 billion in emergency funds for SNAP.
SNAP costs about $8 billion a month to run.
The Trump administration needs court guidance to find legal ways to fund SNAP.
Some U.S. states and organizations sued the federal government to keep SNAP running.
States consider using state funds for SNAP due to federal funding uncertainty.
A family of four typically gets around $715 per month from SNAP to purchase food.
On Election Day, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens is running for reelection against three other candidates. Dickens has spent $350,000 on advertising and is currently the only candidate with commercials on air. Historically, Atlanta mayors often win a second term if they choose to run again.
Key Facts
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens is seeking reelection against three challengers.
His opponents are Kalema Jackson, Eddie Meredith, and Helmut “Love” Domagalski.
Dickens is spending $350,000 on advertisements for his campaign.
He was the only candidate airing ads in the week before the election.
Atlanta typically tends to reelect mayors who run for a second term unless they choose not to run.
Keisha Lance Bottoms was a previous mayor who did not seek reelection.
The election is nonpartisan, meaning candidates' political parties are not listed on the ballot.
President Donald Trump said he would find it difficult to provide federal funding to New York City if Zohran Mamdani wins the mayoral election. President Trump criticized Mamdani, calling him a "Communist" and endorsing Andrew Cuomo instead. Mamdani, a democratic socialist, won the Democratic primary against Cuomo.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump might not send federal funds to New York City if Zohran Mamdani becomes mayor.
Zohran Mamdani is leading in opinion polls to win the mayoral race against Andrew Cuomo.
President Trump criticized Mamdani, labeling him as a "Communist."
Trump endorsed Andrew Cuomo over Mamdani despite both being Democrats.
New York City received $7.4 billion in federal funding this fiscal year.
Mamdani describes himself as a democratic socialist, not a Communist.
Mamdani won the Democratic mayoral primary, defeating Cuomo.
Cuomo was the governor of New York during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The U.S. government shutdown has continued for over a month due to disagreements between Democrats and Republicans over health care subsidies. The Senate needs at least five more Democratic votes to end the shutdown by passing a funding bill. Some Democratic senators have been meeting to negotiate a deal to reopen the government.
Key Facts
The government shutdown has lasted more than a month, the second-longest in U.S. history.
Democrats and Republicans are divided over a funding bill tied to health care subsidies.
The Senate needs 60 votes to pass the bill, requiring support from at least seven Democrats.
So far, Democrats John Fetterman, Catherine Cortez-Masto, and Independent Angus King have supported the bill.
GOP Senator Rand Paul voted against the bill, meaning more Democratic votes are needed.
Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan from New Hampshire, and Gary Peters from Michigan, are crucial votes, having previously supported similar measures.
Michigan Democrat Elissa Slotkin is involved in negotiations but opposed the bill in March.
Georgia Democrat Jon Ossoff is engaged in bipartisan talks, expressing his constituents' concerns over health insurance and the need to reopen the government.
President Donald Trump appeared on CBS's 60 Minutes after settling a legal dispute with the network over a previous interview. During this new interview, he discussed topics like the government shutdown, immigration policies, restarting nuclear tests, and trade relations with China. Trump also mentioned resolving issues around rare-earth metals with China following a recent meeting with President Xi Jinping.
Key Facts
President Trump appeared on CBS's 60 Minutes after a $16 million settlement with the network over alleged misleading editing of a past interview.
The interview was filmed at Trump's Mar-a-Lago residence and covered a range of issues like the government shutdown and immigration.
Trump discussed the US decision to restart nuclear testing and the ongoing trade war with China.
Trump claimed to have reached a favorable trade agreement with China, addressing concerns over rare-earth metals.
Trump had previously sued CBS for "mental anguish" related to a 2020 interview with Kamala Harris, alleging unfair editing.
Paramount settled the lawsuit by donating $16 million to a planned Trump presidential library.
CBS maintained that editing was for time constraints and did not apologize, but settled to conclude the dispute.
Trump said his relationship with Chinese President Xi Jinping was stable despite trade tensions.
An emergency alert was issued at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville warning of a person with a gun near the Shannon Library. People in the area were advised to protect themselves by running, hiding, or fighting. Police are investigating the situation.
Key Facts
An emergency alert notified people of an active attacker with a gun at the University of Virginia.
The location of the alert was near the Shannon Library in Charlottesville.
People were urged to take safety measures such as running, hiding, or fighting.
There were no immediate reports of injuries or fatalities.
University police are on the scene to investigate the situation.
Academic buildings on campus are now under special access control.
Detroit voters will elect a new mayor, City Council President Mary Sheffield and Pastor Solomon Kinloch, both running for the position. This election is taking place because outgoing Mayor Mike Duggan is pursuing a gubernatorial run. Detroit's financial and safety situation has improved significantly since 2013.
Key Facts
Detroit residents are voting for a new mayor.
City Council President Mary Sheffield and Pastor Solomon Kinloch are the candidates.
Current Mayor Mike Duggan, who has served three terms, is running for governor.
This is Detroit’s first open-seat mayoral race in 12 years.
Detroit filed for bankruptcy in 2013, which was the largest in U.S. city history.
The city now has a budget surplus after 12 years of balanced budgets.
Homicides and violent crimes in Detroit have decreased.
Detroit's population has grown for the second year in a row, based on U.S. Census Bureau data.
