Trump talks about shutdown; SCOTUS on rates: NPR

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Today’s best stories

The government shutdown is now in its 37th day, and President Trump has urged Republicans to end it by eliminating the Senate filibuster. Earlier this week, some Democrats expressed interest in finding a way to resolve the shutdown, but their victories at the polls Tuesday encouraged many to hold on. Meanwhile, the president acknowledged that the shutdown hurt Republicans on election night.

• 🎧 Most Republicans do not support abandoning the filibusteras Trump sought, but some bipartisan discussions appear to have gained momentum this week, said NPR’s Sam Gringlas. First. The solution Senate Democrats and Republicans could discuss is a short-term funding measure through December or later, accompanied by votes on a small package of regular appropriations bills. Republicans would need eight Democrats to sign a deal to reopen the government. However, the expiration of health care subsidies remains a sticking point in these negotiations.

The Supreme Court has heard arguments in a case over Trump’s tariffs, but has yet to issue a major ruling. Trump used a 1977 law, known as the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, to impose these tariffs. The central question in the case is whether the law gives the president the power to impose tariffs on products from countries around the world. The justices’ opinions are not yet known, but their questions yesterday indicated they were skeptical of Trump’s position.

• 🎧 If the court rules against Trump, the ultimate impact on the tariffs is unclear. NPR’s Danielle Kurtzleben says the ruling would make a number of its tariffs illegal. Tariffs like those he imposed on products like steel and aluminum, however, would remain in place. The president said it was the most important case ever brought before the Supreme Court. If the high court rules against the president, it would be the first time it has attempted to curb his power.

This week in Chicago, the Trump administration was taken to court by city residents. who oppose the aggressive immigration campaign there. Judge Sara Ellis listened to hours of citizen testimony about jarring encounters with federal agents. Another judge, Robert Gettleman, presided over a hearing Tuesday on conditions at an immigration detention center in suburban Chicago.

• 🎧 Ellis prepares to issue ruling today on preliminary injunctionaccording to Jon Seidel of Chicago Public Media and the Chicago Sun-Times. It would essentially extend the order she issued last month limiting federal agents’ use of force against protesters. During yesterday’s eight-hour hearing, Ellis heard from a woman who found herself staring down the barrel of a gun for filming the arrest of day laborers. She also listened to video testimony from U.S. Border Patrol Commander Greg Bovino, who said the use of force was “more than exemplary.”

Deep dive

Natalia Kosarevich/Getty Images

Tax season is coming. The tax breaks provided under President Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” primarily benefit wealthy individuals and high-income earners. Although middle-income households may receive some small relief, the majority of benefits will go to those with substantial income, investment income or large estates. Here are some provisions of the bill that favor higher-income individuals and families:

• 💰 Starting next year, Americans will enjoy a permanent, lifetime exemption from estate and gift taxes set at $15 million per individual and $30 million per married couple, up from $13.99 million and $27.98 million.
• 💰 The capital gains exclusion on qualified small business shares sold issued after July 4, 2025 increased from $10 million to $15 million for companies with assets up to $75 million.
• 💰 Bonus amortization has been extended. This tax incentive allows businesses to immediately deduct 100% of the cost of eligible assets, such as machinery and vehicles, rather than spreading the deduction over several years.

Discover three other tax changes that will benefit the wealthy here.

Listening of the day

Misty Copeland was the first black principal dancer in the history of American Ballet Theater. She bowed out at Lincoln Center on October 22, 2025

Taylor Jewell/Invision/AP

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Taylor Jewell/Invision/AP

Misty Copeland, who made history as the first black woman to become a principal dancer at American Ballet Theater, bowed out last month. For Copeland, it had been more than five years since she last performed on stage. To prepare for her farewell performance with ABT, she started getting her body into shape a year ago. She says the show was a way to express gratitude to the communities who supported her along her journey. At the end of her dance, Copeland was greeted with a 15-minute standing ovation. NPR Fresh air caught up with Copeland to discuss the farewell show and what’s next for her. Listen to what she had to say or read highlights from the interview.

3 things to know before you leave

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt answers questions from reporters during a press briefing at the White House in June 2025.

Puce Somodevilla/Getty Images

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Puce Somodevilla/Getty Images

1. A federal judge has ordered the White House to immediately begin providing American Sign Language interpretation during its briefings hosted by the press secretary or the president.
2. In October, Johannesburg, South Africa is full of purple Jacaranda flowers for the country’s spring. This week, NPR’s Far-Flung Postcard series gives a look at the magnificent plant.
3. From whether brain rot is real to why female politicians might be underperforming in elections, check out these five recent economic articles that Planet Money said are worth looking into.

This newsletter was published by Yvonne Dennis.