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Today’s top stories
– The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website now includes language saying a link between vaccines and autism “cannot be ruled out,” a reversal of the agency’s longstanding public position that vaccines do not cause autism. The new wording aligns with views expressed by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The CDC’s scientists say they did not make the change, and HHS declined to say who authorized the edit. Officials note there is no new scientific evidence supporting a causal link. A separate CDC page still carries the headline that vaccines don’t cause autism; an asterisk explains that line remains because of an agreement with Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy, whose vote helped confirm Kennedy as HHS secretary.
– President Trump’s chief negotiator has presented a new 28-point peace proposal to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The move signals continued U.S. engagement in seeking an end to the war, but the plan reportedly asks Ukraine to accept significant territorial concessions it has repeatedly rejected. Administration officials appear focused on securing Kyiv’s agreement; outside analysts say the president prioritizes an end to fighting even if detailed security arrangements receive less attention. Russia is seeking strategic territory, while Ukraine is pressing for binding security guarantees from Washington and its allies to deter future aggression.
– President Trump will meet New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani today in the Oval Office — their first in-person meeting. Mamdani, 34, a Democratic socialist who gained national attention after his primary victory, has been called a “communist” by the president on social media. The visit highlights Mamdani’s shift from activist to mayor-elect, balancing policy goals with political diplomacy. It also has practical stakes: Mr. Trump has threatened to cut federal funding to New York if Mamdani took office.
– State and local election officials from both parties are preparing for potential interference by the federal government in next year’s midterm elections. President Trump has repeatedly promoted false claims about U.S. voting and issued an executive order earlier this year that would have imposed major changes on election administration; courts have largely blocked that order. Election officials remain concerned the administration could pursue other executive actions or exert heavy influence over election processes.
Deep dive: warming, tipping points and COP30
The World Meteorological Organization says the planet has warmed about 1.3°C above preindustrial levels, increasing the frequency and severity of storms, floods and heat waves in many places. Scientists warn that surpassing 1.5°C could trigger major, self-reinforcing “tipping points” with long-term global consequences. Key risks include:
– Global coral reef collapse from heat stress, threatening food sources, livelihoods and marine biodiversity.
– Continued melting of Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets, driving sea-level rise that affects coastal communities worldwide.
– Thawing Arctic permafrost, which can damage infrastructure, release greenhouse gases and destabilize roads and pipelines.
NPR is providing curated coverage from COP30, the U.N. climate conference in Brazil.
Weekend picks
– Movies: Wicked: For Good — Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo return in the sequel; NPR reviews whether it matches the original.
– TV: The Beast In Me — a writer’s investigation into a neighbor who may have been involved in his wife’s death.
– Books: Three new poetry collections exploring 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 approaching, try NPR’s recommended roast turkey recipe and a viral TikTok mac and cheese from chef Tini.
– Quiz: Take NPR’s weekend news quiz.
3 things to know before you go
1. Infant formula maker ByHeart has recalled all of its products after items were linked to a botulism outbreak affecting infants in multiple states; recalled cans may still appear on some store shelves.
2. A delayed Labor Department report showed U.S. employers added 119,000 jobs in September, while 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 some marine animals — for an Atlantic puffin, less than three sugar-cube–sized pieces.
This newsletter was edited by Suzanne Nuyen.
