President Donald Trump has started the construction of a new ballroom at the White House by demolishing part of the East Wing. The project has sparked a debate over whether it is a valuable public service or a vanity project that affects America's national heritage.
Key Facts
President Trump ordered the demolition of the East Wing of the White House to build a new ballroom.
The purpose of the ballroom is to host large groups of guests, including foreign dignitaries.
The project is funded by private donations and not by public money.
Opinions differ on whether the project is beneficial or damaging to national heritage.
Some argue that similar renovations have historical precedents.
Critics are concerned about the extravagant cost and potential impact on the White House's historical significance.
NPR is collecting stories from people about their experiences with chain restaurants like Red Lobster and Applebee's. They aim to understand why these restaurants continue to be popular despite rising food prices and competition. The stories gathered could influence NPR’s reporting on the role chain restaurants play in American culture.
Key Facts
NPR wants stories about people's experiences with chain restaurants.
Examples of chain restaurants mentioned include Red Lobster, Chili's, and Cracker Barrel.
Despite high food prices and competition, chain restaurants remain popular.
NPR's reporters are traveling to learn more about the cultural role of these restaurants.
People's personal stories may shape NPR's news reports.
NPR's submission guidelines indicate stories may be used under journalistic activities or freedom of expression laws.
Immigration agents in the U.S. are using tactics like camouflaging their vehicles and swapping license plates during immigration arrests. This strategy is part of President Trump's efforts to increase arrests and deportations. Some lawmakers and officials are raising concerns about these practices and their legality.
Key Facts
Federal immigration agents are using unmarked cars and swapping license plates during arrests.
These tactics are part of efforts led by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to increase arrests and deportations.
Videos show agents in tactical gear, often with masked faces, which is said to prevent the publishing of their personal information online.
Some states have proposals to ban federal agents from wearing masks in public.
The Illinois Secretary of State called the swapping of license plates illegal in the state.
NPR requested comments from ICE on the specific cases of vehicle and license plate manipulation but received no response.
Concerns arise that these methods may prevent people from recognizing legitimate law enforcement and defending their legal rights.
Videos shared on social media platforms document these tactics across several states, including Illinois, California, and Washington.
Starting November 1, over 65,000 children may lose access to the Head Start program due to a government shutdown. Head Start provides early education and support to low-income families but cannot operate without federal funding. Several local programs risk closing if the shutdown continues.
Key Facts
More than 65,000 children could lose Head Start services starting November 1 if the government remains shut down.
Head Start is a federal program that supports low-income families with early education, meals, health screenings, and family support.
134 local Head Start programs, along with others whose funding lapsed on October 1, may close soon without federal funds.
Florida, Georgia, Missouri, and Ohio are among the most affected states.
Head Start currently serves about 750,000 infants and young children across the U.S.
Programs receive funding at different times, with some scheduled for October 1 and others for November 1.
If the shutdown lasts into December, more programs will face funding issues.
Some centers, like those in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, have plans to stay open until mid-November by using reserve funds.
The article examines the use of SNAP benefits by non-citizens in the United States. It highlights that non-citizens are a small portion of SNAP recipients and generally receive less in welfare benefits compared to U.S.-born citizens. Recent data shows that in fiscal year 2023, non-citizens made up about 4% of SNAP recipients.
Key Facts
SNAP stands for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which offers food benefits to eligible low-income individuals and families.
In 2019, 50% of poor households with U.S.-born members participated in SNAP, compared to 47% of eligible poor immigrant households.
In fiscal year 2023, about 1.764 million non-citizens received SNAP benefits, costing $5.7 billion.
Non-citizens make up 4% of SNAP recipients but about 6.5% of the U.S. population.
Most non-citizens who can receive SNAP have some form of legal status, such as temporary protection or parole.
In fiscal year 2024, SNAP assisted about 41.7 million people monthly, with federal spending reaching $99.8 billion.
The average SNAP benefit in 2024 was $187.20 per person each month.
A government shutdown could impact millions of Americans' access to SNAP.
Texas food banks are getting ready for more people needing help because SNAP benefits in the state will stop on November 1. This change is happening due to the current government shutdown.
Key Facts
About 3.5 million people in Texas depend on SNAP benefits.
SNAP benefits are a type of government assistance to help people buy food.
The benefits will stop on November 1.
This stop is due to the ongoing government shutdown.
Food banks in Texas expect more people will need their services when the benefits stop.
Food banks are preparing to handle more people needing food assistance.
A government shutdown has led a federal worker, previously employed at the IRS, to start a street food business in Washington, DC, called Shyster's Dogs.
Key Facts
There is a current government shutdown.
The shutdown has affected federal workers, including those from the IRS.
An IRS employee has started a new job selling street food.
The street food business is located in Northeast Washington, DC.
President Donald Trump stated that his administration might find a solution to fund the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) during the government shutdown. He mentioned this during a trip to Asia but did not give specific details on how. The payments for SNAP are halted due to a lack of agreement in the Senate over funding, affecting 42 million low-income Americans.
Key Facts
President Trump mentioned finding a way to fund SNAP during the government shutdown.
SNAP provides food aid to 42 million low-income Americans.
The government shutdown has lasted 29 days, starting from October 1.
SNAP funds come from federal government appropriations.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture stated they cannot pay SNAP benefits due to no funding agreement.
President Trump blamed Democrats for not supporting a funding bill.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer is pushing for a plan to partially reopen the government without including Affordable Care Act subsidies. The plan aims to provide relief during the government shutdown by introducing a bill to keep food assistance programs running. This move seeks to apply pressure on Republicans to alleviate the shutdown's impact.
Key Facts
Schumer wants to open parts of the government without ACA subsidies.
Democrats plan to introduce a bill to keep SNAP benefits active.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Republicans considered but dropped funding specific areas due to strategic concerns.
Vice President Vance opposed the "rifle shot" funding approach.
Schumer and Democrats aim to pressure Republicans with targeted funding efforts.
Sen. Cory Booker supports the SNAP funding bill for immediate needs.
Sen. Chris Murphy emphasized the urgency and availability of funds for SNAP.
Schumer criticized a Republican bill to fund the military and some workers, calling it a political maneuver.
The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals will re-examine a case about President Donald Trump's decision to send National Guard troops to Portland, Oregon. This comes after a previous ruling allowed the deployment, which was challenged due to ongoing protests in the city.
Key Facts
The court is reconsidering an appeal about sending National Guard troops to Portland.
The original order allowed the deployment of 200 troops.
The decision to reevaluate was made by an en banc hearing, which involves 11 judges.
A prior ruling in favor of the Trump administration has been vacated.
The deployment was in response to protests at a federal facility in Portland.
The issue involves presidential authority to deploy troops within the U.S.
People who receive SNAP benefits won't get new funds in November due to a government shutdown. However, if there is leftover money on their EBT cards from previous months, they can still use it. Many recipients spend their benefits quickly, so this leftover option may not help everyone.
Key Facts
About 42 million Americans use SNAP benefits to buy food.
EBT cards won't stop working even when new SNAP funds aren't added.
Benefits from previous months can still be used in November.
SNAP benefits usually don't expire for a year.
Many people use their benefits shortly after they are issued, which means leftover funds might be limited.
The government shutdown has stopped new SNAP payments from being distributed.
Some states offer guidance to use existing funds and are making plans to help affected families.
The United States has canceled the visa of Wole Soyinka, a Nigerian Nobel Prize-winning author. The move follows a pattern under President Donald Trump's administration of revoking visas from those perceived as misaligned with his policies. Soyinka's visa was initially granted during President Joe Biden's administration.
Key Facts
Wole Soyinka is a Nigerian author who won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1986.
The U.S. has revoked Soyinka's visa, preventing future visits to the country for cultural events.
Soyinka received a notice from the U.S. consulate to bring his passport for visa cancellation.
President Donald Trump's administration is currently in its second term and focusing on stricter immigration controls.
Soyinka made light of the cancellation, joking about writing a play on President Trump.
This is part of a trend where other Nobel laureates, like Costa Rica's former President Oscar Arias, also had their visas revoked.
Arias suspects his visa revocation was due to past ties with China, though the exact reasons were not specified by U.S. officials.
The Senate voted to stop President Trump's tariffs on Brazil, which he put in place using emergency powers. The measure passed with a 52 to 48 vote, showing some Republican disagreement with the President's trade policies. However, it is unlikely to move forward in the House, and President Trump is expected to veto it even if it does.
Key Facts
The Senate voted 52 to 48 to end the 50% tariffs on Brazil set by President Trump.
Five Republican senators joined Democrats to pass the measure.
The vote shows some Republicans are uneasy with the economic impact of the tariffs on the U.S.
Speaker Mike Johnson is not expected to bring the measure to a House vote.
President Trump has the power to veto the measure if it reaches him.
This vote was part of a series of planned votes to challenge the President's tariff policies.
The Supreme Court will soon hear a case regarding the President's authority to use emergency powers for tariffs.
Vice President JD Vance argued that the tariffs give President Trump important negotiating power internationally.
Five Senate Republicans joined Democrats to vote against President Donald Trump's emergency tariffs on Brazilian goods. The vote was meant to block the president's tariffs, which use emergency powers, but it is not expected to lead to changes because the measure is likely to fail in the House and Trump may veto it.
Key Facts
Five Republican Senators voted with Democrats to stop President Trump's tariffs on Brazil.
The tariffs are on Brazilian goods like oil, coffee, and orange juice.
The Senate passed a resolution against the tariffs, but it is unlikely to be voted on in the House.
The tariffs have been criticized for potentially raising costs for American consumers.
President Trump's administration argues the tariffs are needed for better trade deals.
The tariffs are also said to punish Brazil regarding its treatment of its former president.
GOP concerns are growing over Trump's use of emergency powers for trade.
An economic report said Trump's tariffs could lead to inflation and job losses.
Half of the U.S. states filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration because it plans to stop funding a food assistance program called SNAP, which helps over 40 million low-income Americans. The states want to force the administration to use a $6 billion emergency fund for this program. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) stated it would not use these funds, as they might be needed for other emergencies like natural disasters.
Key Facts
25 states and Washington, D.C. are suing the Trump administration for stopping SNAP funding.
SNAP, or food stamps, helps over 40 million low-income Americans buy groceries.
The states want the administration to use a $6 billion emergency fund to keep SNAP going.
The USDA has decided not to use the emergency fund, citing possible future emergencies.
States claim it is the first time in SNAP's history that this fund would not be used.
Some states plan to use their own money to help cover the funding shortfall, although they will not be reimbursed.
The ongoing government shutdown is affecting SNAP's funding, leading to this lawsuit.
The USDA blames Democrats for the funding issue and urges a resolution to reopen the government.
President Donald Trump’s net approval rating has reached a low point during his second term, according to a new poll by The Economist and YouGov. The poll shows a 39% approval and 58% disapproval rating. This decline in approval comes as the 2026 midterm elections approach.
Key Facts
President Trump’s net approval rating is -19 points, with 39% approval and 58% disapproval.
The poll was conducted by The Economist and YouGov from October 24 to October 27.
The poll surveyed 1,623 people and has a margin of error of 3.4%.
Trump's approval was also 39% in the previous week, with his disapproval slightly lower at 56%.
A separate poll by Quinnipiac University showed similar results, with Trump at 37% approval and 55% disapproval in August.
The poll results could impact the Republican Party’s position in the upcoming 2026 midterm elections.
Some political analysts and professors see the low ratings as a potential challenge for Republicans.
Despite the low ratings, Trump has not seen a boost from recent international successes, like the ceasefire in Gaza.
President Donald Trump has appealed his conviction for falsifying business records in a case concerning hush-money payments. He argues that he is shielded by presidential immunity and seeks to overturn the conviction. This appeal follows his May 2024 conviction related to payments during the 2016 election.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump was convicted in May 2024 of 34 counts of falsifying business records.
The conviction relates to a hush-money payment made before the 2016 election.
Trump's legal team claims that presidential immunity should protect him from this conviction.
In December, a judge gave Trump an unconditional discharge, meaning no jail time or fines.
The Manhattan District Attorney’s office prosecuted the case.
Trump’s lawyers argue that the case is politically charged and should not have resulted in a conviction.
A New York appellate court will review the appeal.
In a separate case, the court recently overturned a $500 million civil fraud penalty against Trump.
Senator John Kennedy urged Vice President Vance to persuade President Trump to stop pushing the Senate to remove certain traditional rules, known as the filibuster and "blue slips", related to judicial nominations. Vice President Vance acknowledged that changing these rules might not have enough support and also expressed frustration about Congress's current state.
Key Facts
Senator John Kennedy spoke to Vice President Vance at a private meeting.
Kennedy wants Vance to help convince President Trump to stop pushing for rule changes in the Senate.
President Trump is calling for an end to the "blue slip" rule, which lets senators block judicial nominations.
Vice President Vance noted that there might not be enough support to change these rules.
Vance mentioned concerns over the current confusion in Congress.
He suggested not passing limited funding bills, but instead letting Democrats handle the shutdown situation.
There was also discussion among senators about importing beef from Argentina and its implications.
Federal funding for programs that help many Americans, like early education and food assistance, has stopped. This is because the government shutdown has lasted for four weeks. The shutdown is affecting people beyond just government workers, causing financial difficulties for many families.
Key Facts
The government shutdown is in its fourth week, affecting more than just federal employees.
Federal funding cuts are impacting various programs like early education, food aid, and utility bill assistance.
About 22 million people may see a big increase in their health insurance premiums if tax credits related to the Affordable Care Act are not extended.
Approximately 42 million Americans who rely on SNAP, a federal food assistance program, may lose their benefits as of November 1.
65,000 children who attend Head Start programs might not be able to go to their classrooms, affecting nearly 140 programs in 41 states and Puerto Rico.
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program funding, $3.6 billion, is delayed, impacting around 5 million households just as winter approaches.
Many households are already behind on their energy bills, which could become a bigger problem due to this delay.
The ongoing government shutdown might cause millions of Americans to lose access to SNAP, which provides food assistance. The Trump administration states it cannot use emergency funds to keep SNAP running, despite what some food aid groups believe.
Key Facts
The government shutdown is still happening with no clear end.
Millions of Americans may lose access to SNAP, a food assistance program.
SNAP stands for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
Some food aid groups think the government must keep funding SNAP.
The Trump administration says it can't use emergency funds for SNAP during the shutdown.
Amna Nawaz spoke with Sharon Parrott about the situation.
