In New York City, a progressive candidate for mayor has become a political and cultural lightning rod. Zohran Mamdani is a Ugandan-born, New York-raised Social Democrat, who burst onto the political scene during a time of a global shift rightward.

New York

Zohran Mamdani is currently leading the race for New York City's mayor, and if elected, would be the first Muslim to hold the office. His campaign has energized voters in neighborhoods like Bay Ridge, where community members are urging each other to participate in the election. Mamdani has faced attacks and threats, including from prominent Republicans, due to his outspoken support for Palestinian rights and his primary victory.

Despite these challenges, Mamdani has received endorsements from diverse groups, including the city's Jewish comptroller, and is seen by many as a candidate focused on making the city more affordable and responsive to everyday residents. Supporters emphasize that his popularity is driven more by his policies and character than by his religious background.

Zohran Mamdani could make history as New York’s first Muslim mayor

In New York's Bay Ridge neighborhood, the call to prayer is followed by a call to action. Local elections are less than a month away. And the young man leading the mayor's race, if elected, will be the first ever Muslim to hold the office. Voters here are enthusiastic, but they aren't taking anything for granted. Well, I go to them one by one, please, this is our chance. Don't miss it. Don't miss it. You have to go out to vote. You have to go out to vote for him. It is our responsibility to stop this genocide. 33-year-old Zoran Mamdani's unapologetic backing of Palestinian rights and unexpected victory in the Democratic primary prompted a rash of attacks from prominent Republicans, including a congressman who referred to him as Little Muhammad, and called on the attorney general to strip him of citizenship and deport him. I get messages that say the only good Muslim is a dead Muslim. I get threats on my life, on the people that I love. He's been attacked as anti-Semitic, despite vowing to fight hate crimes and earning the endorsement of the city's Jewish comptroller, Brad Lander. What Mamdani is showing is that for a long time there's been a growing disconnect between the policies, the international policies of our elected leaders and actually what voters really want on a grassroots level. The excitement for Zoran Mamdani and the Muslim community is palpable. Making history, this newspaper says on the cover in Arabic, you see his photograph hanging in businesses. But when you speak to people, they say the fact that he's Muslim really has little to do with his popularity. Many are attracted to his plans to make the city more affordable. We hope, as a small business owner, I hope he will do better for us, because really we're struggling. He's thinking what we need for us, like regular people, not the corporate people, not the rich people. And belief in his character, not his religion, is appealing to supporters of many faiths. Kristen Salumi, Al Jazeera, Bayridge, New York.

NATO is increasing its capabilities on its eastern flank after recent Russian drone incursions. At the same time the EU has announced a major defence policy roadmap aimed at deterring threats from Russia.

Šiauliai

NATO, EU step up defences to deter Russia

The U.S. military flew three B-52 bombers on missions near the coast of Venezuela, according to a Global Strike Command spokesperson and a U.S. official, as the Trump administration continues to exert pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro's government.

Caracas

U.S. flies B-52 bombers off the coast of Venezuela

President Trump's former national security adviser John Bolton was indicted in Maryland on charges of mishandling classified information.

Washington

Ex-U.S. national security adviser Bolton indicted over classified info

A federal judge overturned a Homeland Security decision to cut anti-terrorism funding for New York City. The ruling comes as the Trump administration faces lawsuits from Democratic governors over similar cuts.

Judge blocks Trump cuts to New York City's anti-terrorism funds

China has accused the U.S. of stoking panic over its rare earth controls and said Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent had made "grossly distorted" remarks about a top Chinese trade negotiator, rejecting a White House call to roll back the curbs.

Beijing

Global Tariffs

China blames U.S. for global panic over rare earths controls

U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday said he had a "productive" phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin and announced plans for a meeting with Putin in Hungary.

Ukraine Invasion

Trump says he plans to meet with Putin in Hungary

Israel said it was preparing for the reopening of Gaza's Rafah crossing with Egypt but set no date as it traded blame with Hamas over violations of the ceasefire. A row over the return of bodies of hostages from Gaza retains the potential to upend the truce.

Jerusalem

Middle East Conflict

Netanyahu says fight with Hamas 'not over yet'

Tumultuous scenes unfolded during the public viewing of late Kenyan Prime Minister Ralia Odinga's body. The 80-year-old's coffin was on its way to a Nairobi stadium when security forces fired tear gas and gunshots into the crowds. At least two people have reportedly been killed.

Nairobi

Kenyan police open fire at mourners at Odinga public viewing

Pakistan and Afghanistan agreed to a temporary ceasefire on Wednesday after airstrikes and ground fighting ramped up tensions between the South Asian neighbors, leaving more than a dozen civilians dead and 100 wounded.

Balochistan

Pakistan, Afghanistan agree temporary truce after fresh fighting

U.S. President Trump confirmed CIA covert operations in Venezuela during a press conference in the Oval Office on Wednesday. CBS News' Ed O'Keefe asked Trump about what that means for Nicolás Maduro.

Trump authorizes CIA covert operations in Venezuela

Israel is still limiting the number of aid trucks allowed to enter Gaza nearly a week after a ceasefire deal was agreed. It’s told the United Nations will only allow 300 per day - that's half the minimum number agreed under the truce.
The UN says even 600 trucks entering daily would not be enough to meet the needs of the population.

Tel Aviv-Yafo

Gaza ceasefire fears as Israel limits aid trucks to less than agreed

President Trump confirmed that he has authorised the CIA to go into Venezuela and conduct covert operations.

Trump says he authorised covert CIA operations in Venezuela

Hamas is back on the streets of Gaza in an attempt, it says, to restore law and order -- and to send a message.

Hamas executes Palestinians accused of collaborating with Israel

A federal judge in Oregon has extended temporary restraining orders that block the Trump administration from deploying National Guard troops to Portland. Meanwhile, federal agents in Chicago used tear gas to disperse a crowd after a car chase ended in a crash.

Chicago

Federal agents deploy tear gas in Chicago despite court order

A federal judge on Wednesday temporarily ordered the Trump administration to halt the firing of workers during the government shutdown.

Judge temporarily blocks Trump from firing workers during shutdown

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is traveling to the U.S. to meet with President Trump. The two leaders are expected to discuss the possibility of the U.S. supplying Ukraine with long-range missiles.

Trump to meet with Zelenskyy about long-range missiles

The U.S. military struck a fifth apparent Venezuelan boat allegedly carrying drugs, U.S. President Donald Trump announced on social media Tuesday. CBS News' Natalie Brand has more details.

Trump says U.S. struck another alleged Venezuelan boat

News organizations including The New York Times, The Associated Press and Newsmax as well as ABC, CBS, NBC, CNN and Fox News say they will not sign new press rules as laid out in a Defense Department document. This could mean the Trump administration will evict reporters from the Pentagon.

Major U.S. news media outlets refusing to sign new Pentagon rules

Madagascar’s president ousted in a military takeover — Youth-led protests and parliament’s impeachment vote spark political turmoil.

Antananarivo

Madagascar's military seizes power, president ousted

Thousands of messages shared in a group chat of Young Republicans are revealing some racist thoughts that even they worried about being leaked. The exchanges obtained by Politico are part of a Telegram chat among Young Republican leaders in New York, Kansas, Arizona and Vermont. Jason Beeferman, New York state politics reporter for Politico, joins with more.

Politico exposes racist messages sent by Young Republican leaders

The U.S. stock market rebounded on Monday (October 13) after President Trump appeared to walk back imposing new tariffs on Chinese goods.

Markets rebound after Trump softens tone on China tariffs

U.S. President Donald Trump is heading back to the U.S. after his whirlwind trip to the Middle East, where he celebrated the first phase of a peace plan between Israel and Hamas.

Sharm El-Sheikh

Trump, world leaders sign Gaza peace plan and discuss next steps

The government shutdown entered its third week on Monday as the Senate is set to reconvene on Tuesday. CBS News' Nikole Killion has more from Capitol Hill.

Shutdown drags into third week as Senate set to reconvene

U.S. President Donald Trump was greeted in Tel Aviv with cheers and a military ceremony as he met families of hostages held in Gaza and addressed Israel's parliament. He now travels to Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, to join world leaders in discussions on Gaza's future.

Trump meets with Israeli leaders and hostage families

Twenty living hostages were released by Hamas after more than two years in captivity as a ceasefire continues to hold. Families in Israel describe emotional reunions while others continue to await confirmation about missing relatives.

Families reunite as ceasefire brings hostages, prisoners home

Israeli officials have confirmed that all 20 living captives have been released in Gaza.

Israel confirms all 20 living captives in Gaza have been released

The carefully choreographed Israel-Hamas exchange is underway, with Israel set to release around 2,000 Palestinian prisoners following the release of remaining hostages held in Gaza. Noga Tarnopolsky reports from Tel Aviv’s Hostage Square.

Israel-Hamas swap begins as 2,000 Palestinian prisoners set for release

Following his visit to Israel, President Trump will stop in Egypt to co-host a major summit in Sharm el-Sheikh alongside Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi. The meeting will bring together leaders from more than 20 countries to discuss efforts toward peace in Gaza and the wider Middle East.

Donald Trump to co-host chair Gaza peace summit in Egypt

The French presidency announced Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu's new cabinet line-up on Sunday (October 12), with most top jobs remaining unchanged at a time when opponents are demanding a political shift to win their support for urgent budget talks.

Breakdown