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.
A mass shooting took place during a homecoming event at Lincoln University, a historically Black college in Pennsylvania. One person died, and six people were injured. Governor Josh Shapiro has assured the community of his support and urged people to stay away from the area.
Key Facts
The shooting happened at a homecoming event on Saturday night at Lincoln University.
Lincoln University is a historically Black college located in Pennsylvania.
One person died, and six people were injured in the shooting.
Governor Josh Shapiro offered support to the university and local police.
An individual with a gun was detained by authorities.
Officials are investigating the possibility of multiple shooters.
The Chester County District Attorney stated there is no active threat to the campus now.
The Sunday Puzzle featured on Weekend Edition Sunday invites listeners to solve a word game involving U.S. city names with altered first and last letters. Last week's puzzle involved rearranging drink names to reveal a prison and an escape method. This week's challenge asks participants to identify a singer and a related term based on their birthplace.
Key Facts
The segment is called the Sunday Puzzle and airs on Weekend Edition Sunday.
This week's puzzle involves naming U.S. cities with modified first and last letters.
Last week's puzzle required participants to think of a drink and rearrange its letters to find a prison and escape method.
The previous puzzle answer was "Singapore sling" rearranged to "Sing Sing" and "parole."
Tony Mangina of San Diego, Calif., won last week's challenge.
The new puzzle involves naming a singer based on a clue related to their birthplace.
Participants can submit answers by a specified date and time for a chance to play on-air.
The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that heating homes with electricity this winter is expected to cost more than last year, with an average increase of 4% between November 2023 and March 2024. In contrast, costs for heating with natural gas, propane, and oil are predicted to decrease. These estimates are based on the assumption that this winter will be slightly milder than the previous one.
Key Facts
Electric heating costs for homes in the U.S. may increase by 4% on average this winter.
Natural gas heating costs are expected to decrease by 1%.
Propane heating costs are predicted to drop by 9%.
Heating oil costs are expected to decrease by 8%.
Electricity is used for heating in 43% of U.S. homes, especially in the South.
This winter is forecasted to be slightly milder across most regions in the U.S.
The forecast may change if temperatures are significantly warmer or colder than expected.
The demand and cost of energy can be influenced by colder temperatures and increased energy use.
Former Vice-President Kamala Harris shared that she regrets not encouraging President Joe Biden to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race earlier. President Biden ended his re-election campaign in July 2024 after facing concerns about his health and performance. Harris also mentioned she might run for president again in the future.
Key Facts
Kamala Harris expressed concern about not discussing her doubts on Biden running again in the presidential race.
President Biden ended his re-election bid in July 2024 following a difficult debate against President Trump.
Harris replaced Biden as the Democratic nominee but lost to Trump.
In her book "107 Days," Harris reflects on whether she should have advised Biden not to run again.
Harris discussed the difference between Biden's ability to perform presidential duties and the demands of an election campaign.
Harris worried that discussing Biden's health might make it seem like she was promoting her own interests.
There have been discussions about why Biden's inner circle did not challenge his decision to run again more strongly.
Kamala Harris is considering running for president again but has ruled out a gubernatorial run in California.
A forecast from meteorologist Max Velocity predicts above-average snowfall this winter for certain parts of the United States due to La Niña conditions. These areas include the Midwest, Northeast, and the Rockies, while the western U.S. may see below-average snowfall.
Key Facts
La Niña conditions have been detected and are expected to last from December 2025 to February 2026.
La Niña is the cooler phase of a climate cycle that affects global weather patterns.
The Midwest, Northeast, Rockies, parts of the north central U.S., and Ohio Valley may see more snowfall than usual.
Up to 12 to 24 inches more snow than average could fall in parts of the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes regions.
Western U.S., especially areas west of the Sierra Nevada, might experience less snowfall.
The Southern Plains, Deep South, and Ohio Valley could have variable winter weather with one or two major storms possible.
Regional weather updates will be available from local branches of the National Weather Service.
Kamala Harris, the former Vice-President of the United States, hinted she might run for president in 2028. Meanwhile, the current U.S. President, Donald Trump, is making changes at the White House, including demolishing part of it to build a new ballroom. The ongoing government shutdown is causing financial difficulties for some federal workers.
Key Facts
Kamala Harris indicated she might try to run for the U.S. presidency again in 2028.
President Donald Trump is having the East Wing of the White House demolished to build a ballroom.
The new ballroom project at the White House is expected to cost $250 million.
The U.S. government is facing a shutdown, impacting federal workers' pay.
Some federal employees affected by the shutdown are using food banks.
The demolition of the White House East Wing has sparked mixed reactions among people nearby.
The United States conducted strikes near Venezuela to target drug gangs. President Trump says this aims to address the country's drug problem. There is some disagreement about this approach, but the action has highlighted the issue of illegal drugs.
Key Facts
The U.S. carried out military actions near Venezuela.
President Trump states these actions target drug gangs.
The focus is on addressing illegal drug problems in the U.S.
Some experts dispute the effectiveness of this strategy.
The strikes have brought more attention to the issue of narcotics in America.
President Donald Trump has started the demolition of the White House Family Theater, part of the East Wing, to make room for a new ballroom. The theater, which began as a cloakroom in 1942, was a spot for entertainment and significant events for over 80 years.
Key Facts
The White House Family Theater was originally a cloakroom, converted by President Franklin Roosevelt in 1942.
It seated approximately 40 people and showed a variety of films, including newsreels and westerns.
The theater has undergone several renovations, with the last one in 2004 by First Lady Laura Bush.
Presidents from Bill Clinton to Jimmy Carter have used the theater for movie screenings.
President Trump is demolishing the theater as part of plans for a new $300 million ballroom.
The demolition marks the end of an 80-year era for the theater at the White House.
The White House did not confirm if a new theater will be built.
Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran national involved in immigration issues, may be deported to Liberia by October 31. He faces charges of human smuggling in the U.S., which he denies, and cannot return to El Salvador due to a court order. The Trump administration previously planned to send him to Uganda, but this was blocked by a judge.
Key Facts
Kilmar Abrego Garcia is from El Salvador and entered the U.S. illegally in his teens.
He faces human smuggling charges in the U.S., which he denies.
A court order prevents his deportation back to El Salvador.
Abrego Garcia was mistakenly deported to El Salvador earlier in 2023.
The Trump administration is considering deporting him to Liberia by October 31.
A U.S. judge blocked his previous planned deportation to Uganda.
He is married to a U.S. citizen and lives in Maryland.
The Trump administration claims Abrego Garcia is linked to the MS-13 gang, which he denies.
A recent survey found that many Black and Latino Americans report feeling excluded in the U.S. under President Trump's administration. The study shows that these groups, along with a majority of Americans, believe the country is moving in the wrong direction, largely due to concerns about civil rights and economic conditions. Black and Latino communities are expressing increased dissatisfaction with their economic situation and feelings of alienation.
Key Facts
A poll by PRRI and the Brookings Institution shows that many Black and Latino Americans feel alienated in the U.S.
84% of Black Americans and 70% of Latinos believe the country is heading in the wrong direction.
Over half of Black (53%) and Latino (56%) participants feel like strangers in their own country, the highest rate in 16 years.
Only 16% of Black Americans and 30% of Latinos have a favorable view of President Trump.
In contrast, 48% of white Americans view President Trump favorably.
Concerns for Black Americans include health care, racial inequality, and the health of democracy.
Latinos prioritize immigration, jobs, and economic stability.
Both groups largely disapprove of how Trump is handling immigration raids and deportations.
An unnamed donor gave $130 million to the U.S. military to help pay service members during a government shutdown. President Donald Trump confirmed the donation, stating it will cover troop salaries as lawmakers have not agreed on a funding plan. The Pentagon accepted the gift under its "general gift acceptance authority."
Key Facts
An anonymous donor gave $130 million to the Pentagon for troop salaries.
The donation was made to cover pay shortfalls during a U.S. government shutdown.
President Trump stated the donor is a U.S. citizen and a supporter of his.
The U.S. government has been shut down for over 25 days due to funding disagreements.
The Pentagon can accept such gifts under "general gift acceptance authority."
Questions have been raised about the ethics and transparency of accepting anonymous donations.
The donation is intended specifically for troop salaries and benefits.
Defense rules require donations over $10,000 to undergo an ethics review.
President Donald Trump has denied reports that he plans to name a new White House ballroom after himself, calling the claims "fake news." The ballroom project involves the demolition of the East Wing of the White House to make space for a new, larger venue. Concerns have been raised about the project's impact on the historic structure and costs, although President Trump stated the project is funded by private donations.
Key Facts
President Trump denied plans to name the new White House ballroom after himself.
The East Wing of the White House is being demolished to make room for a new ballroom that can seat 650 people.
The initial cost estimate for the new ballroom was $200 million, now increased to over $300 million.
President Trump stated that private donors, not taxpayers, are funding the project.
The ballroom project has faced criticism from some lawmakers and the National Trust for Historic Preservation due to concerns about its impact on the White House and lack of public consultation.
The new ballroom is part of a modernization effort and renovation of the historic site.
