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Top Headlines Today
President Trump revealed yesterday that he has authorized the CIA to carry out secret missions within Venezuela. He framed this move as part of a broader effort to combat the country’s drug trafficking. On Tuesday, the U.S. military intercepted a fifth vessel alleged by the administration to be transporting narcotics. Additionally, the U.S. has increased its military presence in the Caribbean, sparking speculation that the objective might extend beyond drug interdiction to potentially include regime change.
President Trump addresses the media during a press briefing in the White House Oval Office, Washington, D.C., on October 15.
Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images
- 🎧 Trump emphasizes that the Venezuela strategy is not solely focused on narcotics. He highlighted concerns over the surge of Venezuelan migrants entering the U.S. in recent years. The friction between Trump and Venezuela dates back to his first term, when he attempted to oust President Nicolás Maduro, NPR’s Franco Ordoñez explains on Up First. Despite significant political efforts, Maduro remains in power, leading some analysts to believe Trump views this as an unresolved issue. The White House defends these measures by pointing to Trump’s campaign pledge to dismantle drug cartels and curb drug inflows, Ordoñez adds.
A federal judge in San Francisco has issued a temporary injunction against the Trump administration’s latest round of federal workforce layoffs. This ruling comes as the government shutdown surpasses two weeks. U.S. District Judge Susan Illston, presiding over the case, indicated she suspects these layoffs may violate the law.
- 🎧 Federal employee unions contend the administration is unlawfully exploiting the shutdown to implement politically motivated job cuts. NPR’s Andrea Hsu reports that, amid an already challenging year, furloughed HR staff have left many federal workers unable to access critical services such as healthcare paperwork. Government attorney Elizabeth Hedges argued the court lacks jurisdiction, as personnel disputes for federal employees are typically handled by a specific agency currently closed due to the shutdown.
- ➡️ Find out how the shutdown is affecting your region and daily life.
Military personnel received their paychecks yesterday following a last-minute move by the Trump administration. Over the weekend, Trump announced reallocating $6.5 billion from unused research budgets to cover payroll. However, this temporary fix has not eased the ongoing financial uncertainty faced by military families as the shutdown drags on.
- 🎧 Unemployment remains a pressing concern for military spouses, who frequently relocate across the country, notes Steve Walsh from NPR affiliate WHRO. The Biden administration had encouraged spouses to seek federal jobs, including positions at local bases. Now, with federal paychecks delayed, these families face financial strain. Walsh points out that many observers feel this shutdown is distinct from previous ones, with military families particularly anxious about the next paycheck due at month’s end.
In-Depth Analysis
A crew in Wyncote, Pennsylvania, upgrades old gas pipelines that leak methane, a potent greenhouse gas. These infrastructure projects are driving up gas bills even though wholesale gas prices remain low.
Jeff Brady/NPR
Although wholesale natural gas prices are currently modest, residential gas utility rates are approaching historic highs nationwide. This increase stems largely from rising costs related to infrastructure upgrades, construction, utility operations, and taxes, rather than the fuel itself. These long-term investments come at a time when climate scientists advocate for a transition away from fossil fuels, including natural gas. Environmental advocates are now questioning the rationale behind gas utilities’ continued infrastructure spending.
- 💸 Gas companies typically earn revenue not from selling gas, but through infrastructure development such as pipeline construction. Regulators permit utilities to recoup these expenses plus profits via customer billing.
- 💸 Over the past four decades, pipeline replacement initiatives have significantly influenced customer bills. Last year, less than one-third of the average bill was for gas consumption, with the remainder covering other costs.
- 💸 Utilities argue that natural gas remains an affordable heating option, as confirmed by the Energy Information Administration, even as construction expenses climb.
- 💸 Activists urge state regulators to explore cost-effective alternatives to pipeline replacement, including repairing existing lines or decommissioning sections and transitioning homes to electric heating appliances.
Discover more about the factors driving changes in your monthly gas bill.
Photo Feature
Pedro Tolomeo Rojas, known as Monky, arrives at his studio in Lima on October 21, 2025. He was a trailblazer in creating posters advertising cumbia concerts, which have become iconic chicha art. These vivid posters brighten Lima’s urban landscape, inspired by the traditional attire of indigenous women.
Ivan Kashinsky
Cumbia Across Latin America is a visual exploration of the people, places, and cultures sustaining this musical genre across six countries.
In Peru, “chicha” refers both to a traditional fermented corn beverage and to Peruvian cumbia music. Historically, the term was sometimes used pejoratively to disparage immigrant cultures in Lima, especially during the large-scale migration of Indigenous Andean populations in the 20th century. Regarding music, “chicha” remains a complex and debated label. Alfredo Villar, an art historian and author, describes chicha as “the most intricate expression of Peruvian identity, blending deep-rooted traditions with diverse external influences. Its definition is elusive, and it continues to surprise.” Explore the rich evolution of cumbia in Peru and view a photo gallery showcasing its cultural impact. The article is also available in Spanish.
Three Highlights Before You Go
Natalie Grabow of the United States completes the 2025 Ironman World Championship Women’s Race on Oct. 11, 2025, in Kailua Kona, Hawaii.
Ezra Shaw/Getty Images for Ironman
- At 80 years old, Natalie Grabow has become the oldest woman to finish the demanding Ironman World Championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, inspiring many.
- LitBox, a book vending machine featuring works by local authors in the nation’s capital, is offering hope to writers facing cuts in arts funding.
- Greetings from the Rhône Glacier! NPR’s Far-Flung Postcards series visits the glacier where scientists are conducting experiments, including releasing bright pink dye to measure melting rates.
This newsletter was edited by Obed Manuel.
