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Today’s top stories
– The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website now says a link between vaccines and autism cannot be ruled out, reversing the agency’s longstanding position that there is no link. The wording aligns with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s views that vaccines are dangerous. CDC scientists say they did not change the website, and the Department of Health and Human Services would not disclose who ordered the wording adjustment. There is no new scientific evidence supporting a link between vaccines and autism. Notably, a CDC webpage headline still states that vaccines don’t cause autism; an asterisk explains the agency will keep that line because of an agreement with Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy, who provided a key confirmation vote for Kennedy to become HHS secretary.
– President Trump’s chief negotiator has presented a new 28-point peace plan to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Observers are encouraged that Trump remains engaged in seeking an end to the war, but the proposal asks Ukraine for major territorial concessions it has repeatedly rejected. The administration appears focused on securing a yes from Kyiv; analysts say Trump prioritizes ending the fighting even if he pays less attention to detailed security arrangements. Russia seeks strategic territory, while Ukraine wants security guarantees from Washington and allies to prevent future invasions.
– Trump will meet New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani today in the Oval Office — their first face-to-face meeting. Mamdani, 34, a Democratic socialist who rose to national attention after his primary win, has been labeled a “communist” by the president on social media. The meeting underscores the transition Mamdani must make from activist to mayor, balancing policy priorities with political diplomacy. It also carries real stakes: the president has vowed to cut federal funding to New York if Mamdani took office.
– State and local voting officials from both parties are preparing for possible interference from the Trump administration in next year’s midterm elections. The president has spread false claims about U.S. voting and issued an executive order earlier this year to impose major changes to election systems; courts have largely blocked that order. Election officials remain worried that the administration will try other executive actions or exert heavy influence on election processes.
Deep dive
The planet has warmed about 1.3°C, according to the World Meteorological Organization. Communities already face more severe storms, flooding and heatwaves. Scientists warn that exceeding 1.5°C could trigger massive, self-reinforcing changes — climate tipping points — with long-lasting global impacts. Key well-studied changes include:
– Coral reefs dying globally from heat stress, threatening food, income and marine biodiversity.
– Melting ice sheets in Greenland and Antarctica, contributing to sea-level rise worldwide.
– Thawing Arctic permafrost, causing land subsidence, damaged infrastructure and affected pipelines and roads.
Stay updated on COP30 — the U.N. climate meeting in Brazil — with NPR’s curated coverage.
Weekend picks
– Movies: Wicked: For Good — Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo return in the sequel with new songs and spectacle. NPR’s review weighs whether it lives up to the original.
– TV: The Beast In Me — a writer uncovers secrets about a nefarious real estate tycoon neighbor suspected in his first wife’s death.
– Books: Three new poetry collections explore identity, suffering and hope.
– Music: Cabin In The Sky — De La Soul’s first full-length release since 2023, featuring Black Thought, Killer Mike, Q-Tip and Nas.
– Gaming: Kirby Air Riders — a racing game with simple controls and deep customization, compared favorably to Mario Kart World.
– Food: With Thanksgiving close, NPR recommends a roast turkey recipe and a viral mac and cheese from TikTok chef Tini.
– Quiz: Try NPR’s weekend news quiz.
3 things to know before you go
1. ByHeart has recalled all its infant formula after products were linked to a botulism outbreak affecting infants in multiple states; recalled items may still be on some shelves.
2. An overdue Labor Department report showed U.S. employers added 119,000 jobs in September, and the unemployment rate rose to 4.4%.
3. A new Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences study quantifies how little plastic can be lethal to marine animals — for an Atlantic puffin, less than three sugar-cube–sized pieces.
This newsletter was edited by Suzanne Nuyen.