New York City has introduced a new rule requiring chain restaurants to place a pyramid-shaped warning symbol on menu items with more than 50 grams of added sugar. This aims to inform consumers about the health risks of high sugar intake and applies to about 4,000 restaurants in the city.
Key Facts
New York City now requires chain restaurants to display a warning symbol for items with over 50 grams of added sugar.
This rule targets restaurants that are part of chains with 15 or more locations nationwide.
The FDA suggests added sugars should not be more than 10% of total daily calories, which is 48 grams for a 2,000-calorie diet.
The average American consumes about 99 grams of sugar daily, according to a 2024 survey.
Obesity affects over 40% of U.S. adults, increasing risks for health issues like diabetes and heart disease.
The regulation, passed in 2023, covers prepackaged food items and their non-packaged equivalents.
New York's health officials hope the rule will help consumers make better dietary choices.
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is exploring changes to address obesity in the U.S.
President Trump and Vice President JD Vance claim that political violence is currently more of a problem among left-wing groups. A recent study says left-wing attacks in 2025 have outnumbered right-wing ones for the first time in over 30 years, but previous years showed higher levels of right-wing violence. The complexity of defining political violence and aligning it to specific ideologies makes it challenging to draw clear conclusions.
Key Facts
President Trump and Vice President Vance have blamed the left for political violence following Charlie Kirk's death.
A 2025 study by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) reported that left-wing attacks outnumbered right-wing ones for the first time in over 30 years.
For the 30 years before 2025, right-wing violence was more common according to research.
The federal government lacks a standard definition of "political violence."
Trump's administration has labeled antifa as a “terrorist threat” and plans to investigate left-wing groups they believe fund violence.
Political violence in the US is a small part of overall violent crime but has significant societal impacts.
The CSIS study analyzed 750 attacks and plots in the US from 1994 to 2025.
The study found that pinpointing the ideologies behind political violence can be difficult.
The article discusses debates among conservatives about whether to support all right-wing views or reject some based on moral principles. The author argues that conservatives should reject extreme or harmful views and maintain a morally principled stance.
Key Facts
Conservatives are discussing whether to accept all views on the right or to set boundaries.
The phrase "no enemies to the right" means accepting all right-wing views, no matter what they are.
The author believes true conservatism involves following principles and rejecting harmful trends.
Moral relativism is the idea that all beliefs are equally valid; the author disagrees with this.
Some right-wing individuals or views should be "canceled" for being harmful, according to the author.
Drawing lines between acceptable and unacceptable views can help keep the political movement strong.
The author mentions an example of refusing to associate with podcaster Nick Fuentes due to his extreme views.
The author believes monitoring right-wing views can keep the movement healthy and viable against the Left.
The court hearing for Decarlos Brown Jr., accused of killing Iryna Zarutska, has been postponed until April 2026. The delay has angered many online as Brown, charged with murder for the August incident in Charlotte, North Carolina, had a hearing initially set for October 2023 to decide if the death penalty would be pursued.
Key Facts
Decarlos Brown Jr., 34, is accused of murdering Iryna Zarutska, a 23-year-old woman from Ukraine.
The incident occurred on August 22, 2023, on the Lynx Blue Line in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Brown's court hearing to determine if the death penalty will be pursued was delayed until April 2026.
The delay has caused public outrage, emphasized by comments on social media platforms.
Brown was previously known to the police for having schizophrenia and for past arrests.
He is being held without bond and faces a maximum penalty of life in prison or execution.
Brown and his lawyer decided to postpone the hearing for undisclosed reasons, according to court documents.
President Donald Trump plans to demolish part of the White House East Wing to build a ballroom. The project costs $250 million and is funded privately. Critics, including some historical organizations, are concerned about its impact on the historic site.
Key Facts
President Trump is building a 90,000 square foot ballroom at the White House.
The renovation will cost $250 million and is being funded by private donations.
Critics are concerned that the size of the new ballroom will disrupt the White House's historical design.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation expressed concerns and asked for a review of the project.
The White House claims that the project does not require approval from the National Capital Planning Commission.
Some critics, including former presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, disagree with the changes to the historic building.
Renovations to the White House have occurred before, but Trump's project is seen as one of the largest in decades.
A group of U.S. lawmakers from both major political parties asked President Donald Trump to reconsider a $100,000 fee for new H-1B visa applications. They believe this fee could hurt small companies and harm America's ability to compete globally. The fee has also led to a lawsuit by the Chamber of Commerce, which claims it might be illegal.
Key Facts
A $100,000 fee for new H-1B visa applications was introduced by President Trump's administration in September.
This fee applies only to new visa petitions and not to those who already have the visa.
The H-1B visa is for high-skilled workers that U.S. companies need to fill certain jobs.
Seven U.S. lawmakers from both parties wrote to President Trump, urging him to reconsider the fee.
They believe the fee could negatively impact small and startup companies.
The Chamber of Commerce has sued, arguing the fee may be illegal and exceeds executive authority.
The lawmakers warned that the fee could push skilled workers to leave for other countries, impacting U.S. competition.
The Trump administration defends the fee as a necessary reform of the H-1B program.
North Carolina Republicans are redrawing the state's U.S. House districts to possibly gain another seat for the GOP, aiding President Donald Trump's efforts ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. The state Senate approved the new district plan, and a vote in the state House is upcoming, with no veto power from the Governor. Democrats may challenge the plan in court, claiming it could be a racial gerrymander impacting African American voters.
Key Facts
North Carolina Republicans aim to gain an additional U.S. House seat for the GOP with a new district map.
The state Senate has already approved the new map; the House is debating it.
Governor Josh Stein cannot veto redistricting plans under state law.
The proposed map may affect the reelection of Democratic Representative Don Davis.
Filing for 2026 elections is set to begin on December 1.
Critics argue the map might violate laws against racial gerrymandering.
Republicans claim no racial data was used and that the focus was on political party advantages.
The final decision might be influenced by ongoing legal challenges and related Supreme Court cases.
Senator John Fetterman warned Democrats about the impact of the government shutdown on SNAP benefits. The shutdown started after the Senate couldn’t agree on funding, affecting many federal programs. Without new funding, SNAP won't be able to provide food assistance starting November 1.
Key Facts
Senator John Fetterman warned about the effects of the government shutdown on SNAP benefits.
SNAP provides food help to about 42 million people in the USA.
The government shutdown started because the Senate couldn’t agree on a budget.
Essential services are allowed to continue during the shutdown.
Some Democrats and one independent senator are voting with Republicans to try to end the shutdown.
Without new funding, SNAP benefits can’t be distributed to states starting November 1.
Missouri Senator Josh Hawley proposed a bill to restore SNAP funding during the shutdown.
Fetterman emphasizes putting country needs over party politics.
Mehmet Oz, head of the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services, warned seniors that their Medicare plans might change next year, making their experience potentially worse. He advised them to review their plans during the annual enrollment period to avoid unexpected changes in coverage and costs.
Key Facts
Mehmet Oz leads the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
Seniors are advised to check their Medicare plans for potential changes.
Medicare Part B costs might increase, while Part D costs for drugs may decrease.
Medicare Advantage and other private plans may offer extra benefits.
Insurance companies can change coverage options year to year.
A significant number of American seniors rely on Medicare for healthcare.
Experts say checking plan details is crucial during enrollment to avoid surprises.
Rising healthcare costs could impact seniors' finances, especially regarding Social Security adjustments.
Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner has covered up a tattoo on his chest that was linked to a Nazi symbol. He got the tattoo in 2007 while serving in the Marine Corps and only recently learned of its association. Platner, facing other controversies, continues his campaign against Republican Senator Susan Collins.
Key Facts
Graham Platner is a candidate for the U.S. Senate from Maine.
He had a tattoo resembling a Nazi symbol, which he covered with a new tattoo.
Platner first got the tattoo in 2007 during a night out as a Marine.
He was unaware of its Nazi association until recently.
Platner faces controversy over past online statements and comments.
He continues to campaign against long-term Senator Susan Collins.
Platner receives support from independent Senator Bernie Sanders.
He passed military and security checks despite the tattoo.
The U.S. Department of Education is evaluating how to move some of its education programs to other government agencies. This is part of President Donald Trump's broader plan to close the Education Department, which requires approval from Congress. Some programs, like student loans and adult education, are already in the process of being shifted to other departments.
Key Facts
The U.S. Department of Education is considering shifting some education programs to other federal agencies.
Layoffs have occurred in the Education Department’s Office of Special Education Programs.
Closing the Department of Education requires an act of Congress.
The department is already moving adult education and workforce programs to the Department of Labor.
There are negotiations to transfer a $1.6-trillion student-loan portfolio to the Treasury Department.
No formal agreements have been signed for these changes.
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) program could move to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
A federal judge has temporarily stopped layoffs as a legal challenge progresses.
President Donald Trump has had nearly 50 of his nominees for government positions withdraw their nominations since he returned to office in January. The withdrawals include Paul Ingrassia, who stepped back following backlash over controversial text messages. These withdrawals often occur due to lack of support needed for confirmation from Republican senators.
Key Facts
Paul Ingrassia withdrew his nomination for the Office of Special Counsel after his controversial text messages became public.
Ingrassia's texts included offensive remarks about Martin Luther King Jr. Day and having a "Nazi streak."
Republican senators criticized Ingrassia's texts, leading to his withdrawal.
President Trump has had about 50 nominations withdrawn since January.
To secure a nomination, a majority vote from the Senate is needed, and the Republicans hold a 53-47 majority.
Some nominees withdraw without giving a specific reason for their decision.
A woman in Indiana, Preslie Stewart, broke her piggy bank but realized later that she could have simply opened it using a stopper at the bottom. She shared the moment on her Instagram with the aim to entertain viewers, despite feeling a bit silly afterward.
Key Facts
Preslie Stewart lives in Indiana and works as a full-time content creator.
She decided to smash her piggy bank because it was full of cash and to create content for her Instagram account.
The piggy bank, named Schmebulock, had a plastic stopper at the bottom that she overlooked.
Stewart realized her mistake of not checking the piggy bank's bottom after smashing it.
The piggy bank was personal to her; she painted it herself to resemble a character from the show Gravity Falls.
Stewart enjoyed the experience of smashing the piggy bank and aimed to make people laugh with her video.
A survey highlighted that over half of U.S. adults do nothing with their spare change, unlike Stewart, who saved hers.
The Department of the Treasury and the IRS announced temporary relief measures to help businesses and lenders adjust to new car loan interest reporting requirements under President Donald Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill Act. These measures include allowing taxpayers to deduct interest on certain car loans and providing simplified reporting options.
Key Facts
The IRS is offering temporary relief for businesses and lenders required to report car loan interest payments.
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act allows taxpayers to deduct interest on qualified new car loans.
To qualify, vehicles must be assembled in the U.S. and loans must start between December 31, 2024, and January 1, 2029.
Lenders can meet reporting requirements using online portals or statements without facing penalties in 2025.
The rule applies to lenders who receive at least $600 per year in interest from a borrower.
Borrowers should keep vehicle identification numbers (VINs) and proof of U.S. assembly for eligibility claims from 2025 to 2028.
There might be a delay in SNAP benefits for nearly 3 million people in Florida due to a government shutdown. The delay is caused by the lack of a budget or funding measure from Congress. SNAP benefits help low- and no-income Americans buy groceries.
Key Facts
SNAP benefits, which help people buy groceries, may be delayed in Florida for November.
Almost 3 million Floridians depend on SNAP benefits.
The delay is due to a government shutdown after Congress did not pass a budget.
SNAP funding requires congressional approval, even though it is a mandatory program.
Florida's Department of Children and Families confirmed benefits might not be on time if the shutdown continues.
Other states, like California, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and North Carolina, have issued similar warnings.
Around 42 million Americans rely on SNAP benefits nationwide.
A government shutdown means many agencies cannot operate as usual due to lack of funding.
A recent poll shows that a majority of Americans are worried about rising health care costs. There is also concern about the ongoing government shutdown affecting health care access and costs.
Key Facts
6 out of 10 Americans are very worried about rising health care costs.
4 out of 10 Americans fear they might not be able to pay for medication or health insurance.
81% of U.S. adults consider health care very important.
Only 30% of people approve of President Trump's handling of health care.
The government shutdown could impact Affordable Care Act tax credits.
Some health care workers are striking over wages and staffing issues.
A study links health care lobbying to rising consumer costs.
There is a call for state regulation to prevent health care monopolies.
A teenager used skills from a short "life" course to prevent his family's eviction. After learning about debt and grants, he successfully applied for an emergency grant and showed it to his mother's landlord, stopping the eviction process.
Key Facts
A teacher shared the story on social media about a teenager in her "life" course.
The course lasted four weeks and included topics like debt management.
The teenager applied for an emergency grant to help his family.
The grant was awarded, and the teenager used it to stop an eviction.
The act received widespread praise online, with the post liked over 46,000 times.
The course covered various life skills such as conflict resolution and mental health.
Social media users praised both the student and the teacher for their actions.
A financial aid package of $20 billion was provided by President Donald Trump to Argentina, leading to concerns among U.S. soya bean farmers. They are worried because Argentina's soya bean farmers are taking market share from American producers. This aid is part of efforts to stabilize Argentina's economy but has sparked debate about its impact on American farmers.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump provided Argentina with a $20 billion financial aid package.
U.S. soya bean farmers are upset because they are losing market shares to Argentina.
Senator Chuck Grassley and others criticized the aid, questioning its impact on U.S. farmers.
President Trump justified the aid by highlighting Argentina's severe economic struggles.
Trump’s trade war with China has already negatively impacted U.S. soya bean farmers.
The aid package occurred shortly before key legislative elections in Argentina.
Critics argue that the U.S. might buy Argentinian bonds at high prices, risking financial losses.
The aid agreement between the U.S. and Argentina was signed on October 20.
The U.S. Senate is experiencing a deadlock as the government shutdown extends into its 22nd day. Democratic Senator Jeff Merkley spoke on the Senate floor for over 15 hours to protest President Donald Trump during this shutdown.
Key Facts
Senator Jeff Merkley from Oregon spoke for over 15 hours in the Senate.
Merkley is protesting against President Trump's actions during the government shutdown.
The government shutdown has lasted since October 1.
Democrats want federal health care subsidies extended as part of ending the shutdown.
Republicans want the government reopened before discussing health care subsidies.
Merkley’s speech came after Senator Cory Booker set the record for the longest continuous floor speech in April.
Senate staff, security, and support workers, who are currently unpaid, had to work overtime due to Merkley’s speech.
Missouri Senator Josh Hawley has proposed a bill to restore funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) during the ongoing government shutdown. The disagreement between political parties on government spending could affect SNAP benefits, which help about 42 million Americans buy food.
Key Facts
Senator Josh Hawley, a Republican from Missouri, introduced a bill to fund SNAP during the government shutdown.
SNAP, also known as food stamps, helps nearly one in eight Americans with food purchases.
The current government shutdown is the second-longest in U.S. history.
Without new funding from Congress, several states like Texas and New York may not distribute SNAP benefits in November.
Political disagreements over spending are halting progress on restoring funding.
Approximately 42 million people depend on SNAP benefits each month.
