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Today's top stories
President Trump has appointed Stephen Miller as his new chief of staff, replacing Susie Wiles. It's Trump's first major personnel change since the Republicans' defeat in the midterms. Miller, who was deputy chief of staff, has been key in shaping many of Trump's controversial policies, particularly on immigration. Voter data indicates that the Democrats gained support partly due to Trump's immigration enforcement.
White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles (R) waves while walking to board Air Force One with White House communications aide Danielle Alvarez (L) and White House Deputy Chief of Staff and Homeland Security Advisor Stephen Miller on October 23, 2026 at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland. Alex Wong/Getty Images hide caption
The 119th Congress is reaching its final weeks before a new Democrat-controlled House and Senate step in. Lawmakers' key agenda item is keeping the federal government open, as funding runs out on Dec. 11. They will likely use a short-term continuing resolution to extend funding, because they lack the time and political will to negotiate the typical 12 appropriations bills.
Massive artificial intelligence chip maker Nvidia is launching an internal investigation after reports that its CEO was involved in a close relationship with a woman accused of being a Chinese spy. The New York Times reported that a Chinese intelligence operation targeted Jensen Huang to send advanced Nvidia AI chips to China. NPR reached out to the Chinese Embassy in Washington, D.C., for comment but has not received a response. China denied the allegations on Monday in a press briefing.
Deep dive
Climate change is transforming the vibrant colors of nature, from Arctic landscapes to coral reefs. The effects of these color shifts are complex, and scientists are racing to understand them. Here's how climate change is altering the colors of the world:
Picture show
A field of colorful wildflowers blankets the Atacama Desert in northern Chile, transforming the world's driest non-polar desert into a vibrant landscape during the rare flowering desert phenomenon, known locally as the Desierto Florido. This extraordinary event occurs when unusually heavy rainfall awakens seeds that have remained dormant beneath the desert soil for years, sometimes decades. Within weeks, thousands of flowers emerge, covering vast stretches of the desert in shades of pink, purple, yellow, and white. The blooms last only a few weeks before the flowers dry out and release their seeds, which remain in the soil until the next rainfall brings the desert back to life. Huasco, Chile, on Wednesday October 21, 2026. Tamara Merino for NPR. Tamera Merino for NPR hide caption
The Atacama Desert in Chile has transformed into a vibrant patchwork of pinks, yellows, lilacs and purples, thanks to the El Niño super cycle. This floral bloom has been the largest and most colorful in at least 30 years. The phenomenon followed unprecedented rainfall that caused flash floods, damaging homes and forcing evacuations. The rain reached deep into the parched ground, awakening millions of dormant seeds, bulbs and tubers. Now, more than 200 species have burst into color, creating a breathtaking spectacle where every crevice is streaked with hues.
3 things to know before you go
Comedian and actor Russell Brand leaves Southwark Crown Court in London, Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026. Alastair Grant/AP hide caption
This newsletter was edited by Suzanne Nuyen.
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