Chapter 1: What is the main topic discussed in this episode?
Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Corva Coleman.
Chapter 2: What updates are there on the federal government shutdown?
The federal government shutdown is now 38 days old, the longest in U.S. history. It's interrupted federal funding for the depression program known as SNAP. A federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to fully fund the SNAP program this month. The Trump administration has appealed this ruling. The shutdown is starting to affect air travel across the country.
The Federal Aviation Administration is gradually reducing air traffic by up to 10 percent, largely due to staffing shortages. NPR's Windsor Johnston reports this could lead to longer waits.
United and Delta Airlines are both allowing travelers to rebook flights without penalty, hoping to ease frustration if delays or cancellations spread. Aviation experts warn that even minor staffing gaps can ripple across the national air system, affecting everything from flight paths to baggage handling.
TRAVEL ANALYSTS SAY MORNING DEPARTURES ARE GENERALLY LESS LIKELY TO BE DISRUPTED SINCE DELAYS TEND TO BUILD LATER IN THE DAY. FOR NOW, AIRLINES ARE URGING PASSENGERS TO PLAN AHEAD, ARRIVE EARLY, AND KEEP A CLOSE EYE ON THEIR FLIGHT STATUS. WINZER JOHNSTON, NPR NEWS, WASHINGTON.
TYPICALLY, THE LABOR DEPARTMENT RELEASES ITS JOBS REPORTS TODAY, BUT IT WON'T BECAUSE OF THE SHUTDOWN. A MAJOR OUTPLACEMENT FIRM IS WARNING THAT LAST MONTH WAS THE WORST OCTOBER FOR JOB LAYOFF NOTICES Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth says the U.S. military has attacked another boat in the Caribbean Sea. Three people were killed.
Writing online last night, Hegseth alleged the boat was involved in drug trafficking, but he offered no evidence of his claim. President Trump says that Kazakhstan will join the Abraham Accords.
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Chapter 3: How is the government shutdown affecting air travel?
These normalized diplomatic ties between Israel and several Muslim countries during Trump's first term in the White House. But NPR's Franco Ordonez reports Kazakhstan already has full diplomatic ties with Israel.
The president declared the move as a major step toward building bridges across the world. At a dinner with Central Asian leaders, including Kazakhstan, Trump posted that the administration is negotiating with other foreign leaders about joining.
The Abraham Accords are very sought after right now. We're going to be announcing some very important countries that are joining.
It's a largely symbolic move. The White House described it as a signal that the accords are alive and well in the second administration. Regional concerns over the war in Gaza has been a major impediment to attracting more signers to the agreement, including Saudi Arabia. Franco Ordonez, NPR News.
Republican Congresswoman Elise Stefanik says she'll run for governor of New York. Stefanik announced the news this morning by criticizing incumbent Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul as the worst governor in the country. Hochul returned the criticism and said, quote, bring it on. You're listening to NPR News. The Congressional Budget Office says it's been hacked.
It's possible saboteurs could have accessed important government information. A spokeswoman says the CBO identified the security incident and has taken immediate action to contain it. The Congressional Budget Office offers nonpartisan analysis to congressional lawmakers during the budget process.
Brazil's Congress has voted to exempt tens of millions of poor and middle-class workers from paying income tax. NPR's Carrie Khan reports the bill also increases taxes on more wealthy people in Brazil.
The bill allows Brazilians an exemption from taxes, raising the limit the poor and middle class can make to the equivalent of about 900 U.S. dollars a month. Previously, only those making less than about 500 dollars a month were exempt. To make up the difference in lost income, the government will increase taxes on Brazil's top earners and their dividends.
Supporters say it's common sense legislation. Those who have less pay less. Those who have more pay more. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is set to sign the bill, handing him a major political victory. as he plans to run for re-election next year. Congress is still also looking to tax new outlets, including fintech companies and betting operators. Carrie Conn, NPR News, Rio de Janeiro.
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