A Look at the Big Stories Shaping Our World

The government shutdown continues, with President Trump showing little interest in negotiations. He's been spending time in Florida, making it one of his many trips since the shutdown began. Meanwhile, Democrats are being blamed for the ongoing situation. The House, controlled by Republicans, has passed a short-term funding bill, hoping to pressure Senate Democrats into voting for it. Food aid programs are in trouble. Two judges have ordered the Trump administration to use emergency funds to keep SNAP running. The program, which supports 42 million people, ran out of money. The administration argues that using these funds for regular benefits is against the law. Food banks are stepping up to help families in need. Election Day is tomorrow. Voters in Virginia and New Jersey will choose new governors. New York City, the biggest city in the U. S. , will also pick a new leader. The race between Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani and former governor Andrew Cuomo, running as an Independent, is making waves. Mamdani's embrace of the "socialist" label has caused some tension within the Democratic Party. His support is strong among younger voters, but some top Democrats are holding back their endorsements. Car insurance costs are rising. Premiums have gone up by 55% since February 2020. Higher car prices, repair costs, and medical bills are driving up insurance rates. Over half of drivers say insurance is a financial burden, and many have driven without it. Experts advise checking insurance costs before buying a car to avoid surprises. A photographer has been documenting life in Chicago Public Schools. Melissa Ann Pinney's series, "Becoming Themselves, " highlights students navigating identity and community. The project aims to showcase stories that are often overlooked. In other news, Benson Kipruto and Hellen Obiri from Kenya won the men's and women's races at the TCS New York City Marathon. Dictionary. com's word of the year for 2025 is "67, " a slang term popular among kids but confusing to many adults.