President Trump's administration has slowed the implementation pace of Project 2025, a set of conservative policy proposals. An online tracker indicates that the number of implemented policies has decreased recently. The project was initially controversial, with President Trump showing partial disagreement with it before his election victory.
Key Facts
Project 2025 is a policy document with 900 pages of proposals, led by the Heritage Foundation.
The tracker reports a decrease in policy implementation since August, from 13 to about 1 objective per month.
President Trump has implemented 48% of Project 2025, including budget cuts at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).
The document outlines 318 objectives, with 119 completed and 66 in progress.
The latest approved plan is for a road project to aid mine development.
President Trump is more involved with Project 2025 now, frequently meeting with supporters of the plan.
Critics, like California Governor Gavin Newsom, say Trump is increasingly embracing the plan's cuts and divisive policies.
Zohran Mamdani is likely to become the next New York City mayor and has promised to freeze rents to make the city more affordable for renters. Experts warn that rising home insurance costs could offset the savings from the rent freeze. Rent costs in New York City are significantly higher than the national average, creating an affordability crisis for many residents.
Key Facts
Zohran Mamdani is expected to win the New York City mayoral election.
Mamdani has promised to implement a rent freeze to help make NYC more affordable.
Experts are concerned that rising home insurance costs might reduce the benefits of a rent freeze.
The average rent in New York City is $3,595, much higher than the national average of $2,000.
NYC renters have seen costs rise faster than incomes over the past five years.
A typical NYC household spends 56.7% of monthly income on rent, above the advised 30% benchmark.
Rent-stabilized apartments in NYC have a median rent of $1,620.
Polls show strong support for Mamdani's policies among NYC residents.
Social Security disability payments, known as Supplemental Security Income (SSI), will be sent to millions of Americans this week. These payments, usually made on the first day of the month, will go out on October 31 because the first falls on a weekend. The maximum SSI payment for 2025 is $967 for an individual and $1,450 for a couple.
Key Facts
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) helps people in the U.S. with low income who are 65 or older, blind, or disabled.
Around 7.4 million Americans receive SSI benefits as of August 2025.
SSI payments for November will be made on October 31, earlier than usual, because November 1 is a weekend.
The maximum SSI payment for 2025 is $967 for a single person and $1,450 for a couple.
Social Security recipients should allow up to three business days for payments to arrive before contacting the Social Security Administration (SSA) about delays.
SSI benefits are not affected by the current government shutdown.
Starting January 2026, SSI benefits will increase by 2.8% due to the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA).
The COLA will raise the maximum SSI benefit to $994 for an individual and $1,491 for a couple.
President Donald Trump had an MRI scan and described the results as perfect. He shared that the doctors gave very positive feedback on his health and promised to disclose any negative findings.
Key Facts
President Trump had an MRI scan during a health check.
He stated the results of the scan were "perfect."
The health update was provided to reporters on Air Force One.
Trump said the doctors gave a very positive report on his health.
He assured the public that he would inform them if there were any negative health results.
The update occurred while President Trump was traveling to Japan.
President Donald Trump has said he will not run for vice president in 2028 as part of a strategy to hold a third presidential term. He mentioned that it wouldn't be appropriate and that people might not like the idea.
Key Facts
President Trump announced he will not seek the vice presidency in 2028.
This decision was discussed on Air Force One while traveling to Japan.
There is a constitutional rule that limits U.S. presidents to two terms.
Trump mentioned that running for vice president would be "too cute."
He suggested that the public might not support such an action.
Over 10,000 people gathered in Queens, New York, to support Zohran Mamdani, a candidate for mayor of New York City. Prominent figures like Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez endorsed him, and his campaign focuses on making New York affordable. The event highlighted Mamdani’s rise from a little-known assemblyman to a significant political figure.
Key Facts
Over 10,000 people attended a rally in Queens, New York, for mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani.
Supporters at the rally included Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries endorsed Mamdani.
Mamdani emphasizes creating affordable living in New York City as his central campaign message.
The rally showcased Mamdani's journey from low initial polling to becoming a leader in the Democratic Party.
Attendees expressed interest in Mamdani as a candidate who could address economic priorities and offer different political solutions.
Opponents at the rally included supporters of former Governor Andrew Cuomo and critics of Mamdani’s stance on Palestine.
Some attendees demonstrated against President Donald Trump with signs and chants during the event.
The U.S. government announced that it will stop paying for the SNAP food aid program starting November 1 due to a government shutdown. More than 40 million Americans use SNAP benefits to help buy groceries. The government shutdown is causing a shortfall in funds for this program.
Key Facts
SNAP, also known as food stamps, assists over 40 million Americans.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture stated SNAP benefits will stop on November 1.
The government shutdown is the reason the funds are running out.
President Trump declined to use a contingency fund for SNAP, citing it needs to be saved for emergencies like natural disasters.
SNAP provides a family of four an average of $715 per month for groceries.
Democrats criticized the administration for not using available reserve funds.
Some states will use their own funds to help cover the shortfall but may not be reimbursed.
The U.S. shutdown has lasted 26 days, making it the second longest in history.
The U.S. government shutdown that started on October 1 is halting the release of important data about jobs, public health, and agriculture. This data helps businesses, policymakers, and local governments make informed decisions. As a result of the shutdown, uncertainty is growing in the economy and other sectors.
Key Facts
The government stopped collecting and sharing data on jobs, health, and agriculture due to the shutdown.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics didn't release the September jobs report and hasn't collected October data.
Public health data for flu, RSV, and COVID-19 cases are not being updated.
The USDA is not releasing its usual reports on crop sales and agriculture trends.
Important demographic data such as the American Community Survey is delayed.
Some critical data, like inflation figures tied to Social Security, have still been released.
The GDP report, which shows economic growth, is delayed as long as the shutdown continues.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced that federal food aid through the SNAP program will not be distributed on November 1 due to a government shutdown that began on October 1. This will affect many Americans, as SNAP helps about 1 in 8 people buy groceries. The situation is part of a political disagreement between Republicans and Democrats over government funding and healthcare subsidies.
Key Facts
The USDA posted a notice stating no federal food aid will go out on November 1.
The shutdown started on October 1 and is the second-longest in U.S. history.
SNAP benefits help 1 in 8 Americans with food purchases.
The administration will not use $5 billion in contingency funds for SNAP in November.
Contingency funds are reserved for emergencies like natural disasters.
Some states may continue SNAP benefits temporarily but won’t be reimbursed by the federal government.
The shutdown involves a standoff over healthcare subsidies and government funding negotiations between Republicans and Democrats.
The U.S. transportation secretary warned that flight delays in the United States could worsen because air traffic controllers are working without pay due to a government shutdown. Many controllers are looking for second jobs and some have called in sick, leading to staffing shortages and flight delays. On Sunday, over 3,000 flights were delayed, particularly affecting airports in California and New Jersey.
Key Facts
Air traffic controllers in the U.S. are working without pay because of a government shutdown that started on October 1.
The transportation secretary, Sean Duffy, said the situation is getting worse due to staffing shortages.
On Sunday, more than 3,000 flights were delayed, with major effects seen in California and New Jersey.
A ground stop occurred at Los Angeles International Airport due to the shortage, impacting flights as far as Oakland.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued alerts about delays at various airports, warning passengers to check with airlines for updates.
The government shutdown has lasted 26 days, making it the second-longest in U.S. history.
Duffy expressed concern that controllers might focus more on their personal finances rather than airspace safety.
Flight operations are under strain as increased delays come before the busy Thanksgiving travel period.
A Pew Research Center study revealed that fewer men turn to friends for emotional support compared to women. Experts discuss the challenges men face in keeping close friendships as they age.
Key Facts
A recent study by Pew Research Center found differences in how men and women seek emotional support.
54% of women said they ask friends for emotional support.
Only 38% of men said they do the same.
Sam Graham-Felsen and Richard Reeves discussed this issue on a news program.
They explored reasons why men might struggle with maintaining deep friendships.
The focus was on social connections and how they change later in life.
Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy has announced plans to withhold $160 million in federal funds from California. This decision comes after concerns about California issuing Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs) to non-citizens. The Department of Transportation (DOT) has also required states to stop issuing licenses to non-citizens until they comply with federal standards.
Key Facts
Sean Duffy is the Department of Transportation Secretary.
Duffy plans to withhold $160 million from California over CDL licensing issues.
The DOT issued emergency rules in late September about CDLs for non-citizens.
California is required to stop issuing CDLs to non-citizens under the new rules.
A crash involving a non-domiciled driver led to increased scrutiny.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has had disagreements with the federal government on immigration and other issues.
A nationwide audit found non-compliance issues with CDL issuance, particularly in California.
Republican lawmakers proposed a law for a standardized English test for commercial drivers.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced that it revoked the visa of British journalist Sam Hamdi for allegedly supporting terrorism and trying to harm U.S. national security. Hamdi is currently in custody and awaiting removal from the United States, while a legal group is working on his case. The Council on American-Islamic Relations argues that his arrest infringes on free speech.
Key Facts
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security revoked Sam Hamdi's visa.
Hamdi is accused of supporting terrorism and undermining U.S. national security.
Tricia McLaughlin, a DHS spokesperson, confirmed the visa revocation.
Sam Hamdi is currently in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations is advocating for Hamdi, stating that his arrest violates free speech.
President Trump’s administration asserts that those threatening national security will not be allowed entry into the U.S.
The situation is still developing, and updates are expected.
California Governor Gavin Newsom and former Vice President Kamala Harris both hinted they might run for president in 2028 during recent interviews. Both are well-known Democratic figures and have not competed directly in elections before. Newsom mentioned that he would consider a run after the 2026 midterm elections, while Harris said she might run in the future but has not made a firm decision.
Key Facts
Gavin Newsom and Kamala Harris are considering runs for the presidency in 2028.
Newsom mentioned his potential candidacy in an interview on CBS News.
Harris said in a BBC interview she might run for president "possibly" but hasn't decided.
Newsom and Harris both have strong political backgrounds in California.
Harris is currently promoting her book, which discusses her political experiences.
Newsom is known for his opposition to President Trump's policies and communication style.
The 2028 Democratic primary is expected to have many candidates.
A poll found that most young Democrats still support Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner despite controversy over a tattoo resembling a Nazi symbol. Platner, who plans to remove the tattoo, is running in the Democratic primary against incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins for the 2026 elections. The poll showed that while overall support for Platner decreased after the tattoo revelation, he maintained strong backing among voters aged 18-29.
Key Facts
A video showed Platner with a tattoo that looks similar to a Nazi symbol used by the SS.
Platner is a Democratic Senate candidate in Maine aiming to challenge Senator Susan Collins in 2026.
Platner claimed he was unaware of the tattoo's Nazi associations and plans to have it removed.
The poll showed Mills initially leading Platner, but her lead widened after voters learned about the tattoo.
Despite the controversy, Platner maintained significant support among young voters aged 18-29.
The poll surveyed 500 likely Democratic primary voters in Maine using an online platform.
Platner is a first-time candidate, veteran, oyster farmer, and critic of the Democratic establishment.
The number of Ph.D. spots at U.S. universities is decreasing quickly. Universities are cutting admissions due to costs and other countries are filling the gap by attracting more international students. There is a worry that this trend could harm the U.S.'s position in science and technology.
Key Facts
U.S. universities are reducing Ph.D. slots in several departments due to budget constraints and shifting priorities.
Harvard has decreased Ph.D. admissions by 75% in sciences and 60% in humanities.
MIT and the University of Washington are also limiting Ph.D. admissions, while Brown University is pausing admissions in some fields.
International students are choosing countries like Australia, China, and the U.K. over the U.S. for their studies.
Approximately 70% of Americans believe higher education is not heading in the right direction.
President Trump's administration cut federal research funding and has imposed stricter visa policies that impact international student enrollment.
These changes raise concerns about losing U.S. leadership in graduate education and innovation.
Early voting in the New York City mayoral race has significantly increased compared to 2021. This high turnout could affect independent candidate Andrew Cuomo's chances because the most active boroughs were won by his rival, Democrat Zohran Mamdani, in the primaries.
Key Facts
Early voting turnout for the NYC mayoral race was five times higher than in 2021.
79,409 people voted on the first day, with high numbers in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens.
Zohran Mamdani, the Democrat candidate, won the primaries in these highly active boroughs.
Andrew Cuomo, the independent candidate, won the Bronx and Staten Island in the primaries, which had lower turnout.
Mamdani has a double-digit lead in the polls and high-profile endorsements.
The election date is set for November 4.
If elected, Mamdani would be the first Muslim mayor of New York City.
Immigration raids in California's Coachella Valley are causing fear among farmworkers, leading many to stay home from work and children to skip school. This situation is affecting the region's agriculture, impacting food supply and the local community's well-being.
Key Facts
The Coachella Valley is important for U.S. agriculture, producing fruits and vegetables during the winter.
Immigration raids are creating fear, leading farmworkers to avoid going to work.
Some families are facing food shortages and mental stress because of the raids.
Farmworkers are so scared that many choose to keep their U.S.-born children home from school.
Overcrowding is an issue, with multiple families living in one home to pool resources.
The Trump administration attributes the need for raids to wanting to deport undocumented immigrants.
The Coachella Valley is a notable area for its farms as well as events like the Coachella music festival.
Community and religious groups are helping by organizing food banks and support for affected families.
California Governor Gavin Newsom is thinking about running for President after the 2026 midterm elections. He recently mentioned his interest in a national office in an interview with CBS News. Newsom has been critical of President Donald Trump's policies, including tariffs that he believes negatively affect California.
Key Facts
Gavin Newsom is the Governor of California.
Newsom said he might run for President after the 2026 midterms.
He discussed this possibility during an interview with CBS News.
Newsom has expressed opposition to President Trump's policies.
He filed a legal brief against tariffs imposed by President Trump.
Newsom argues these tariffs harm Californian families and businesses.
NPR spoke with Leslie B. Jones, a former director from the White House Historical Association, about renovations happening to the East Wing of the White House. The conversation focused on the demolition involved in the renovation process.
Key Facts
NPR's Ayesha Rascoe interviewed Leslie B. Jones.
Leslie B. Jones is a former Director of Historical Resources & Programming at the White House Historical Association.
The interview discussed the East Wing renovation at the White House.
The East Wing is undergoing a demolition as part of the renovation.
The conversation was part of NPR's Weekend Edition Sunday.
