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Zohran Mamdani, a 34-year-old state assemblyman and staunch democratic socialist, has achieved a remarkable milestone in his political career by being elected as the mayor of New York City. His journey began in Uganda, where he was born into an immigrant family, and has now culminated in one of the most prestigious political positions in the United States. Mamdani’s rise to prominence is a testament to his dedication to progressive policies and his ability to connect with diverse communities. His election marks a significant shift in the political landscape of New York City, reflecting a growing appetite for socialist ideals in urban governance. As mayor-elect, Mamdani faces the challenge of addressing pressing issues such as housing affordability, public transportation, and social inequality, all while navigating the complexities of leading one of the world’s most dynamic cities.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is navigating a pivotal moment in his political career as he seeks to pass his first federal budget. With his Liberal Party just two seats short of a majority, the defection of Conservative MP Chris d’Entremont to the Liberal camp has provided a significant boost. d’Entremont, representing Nova Scotia, announced his decision to switch parties shortly after Carney unveiled his fiscal plan, citing a lack of alignment with Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre’s leadership and policies. This move has brought the Liberals closer to securing a majority, a crucial step in ensuring the budget’s passage. d’Entremont expressed his support for the Liberal budget, stating it aligns with the priorities of his constituents and offers a ‘better path forward’ for Canada. The Conservative Party, however, criticized his defection, accusing him of abandoning his electoral promises and acting on ‘personal grievances.’ The political landscape in Ottawa remains tense as Carney appeals for broader support to avoid the risk of another election. The budget, dubbed an ‘investment budget,’ aims to attract capital to Canada and mitigate the impact of US tariffs. However, it has drawn criticism for increasing the deficit to C$78 billion, the second largest in Canadian history, while proposing cuts such as reducing the federal workforce by 10%. Opposition parties, including the Conservatives and the Bloc Québécois, have signaled their intent to oppose the budget, with Poilievre condemning it for prioritizing debt interest over healthcare. The New Democratic Party, holding seven seats, has yet to decide its stance. A vote on the budget is expected in mid-November, with Carney’s leadership and political strategy under intense scrutiny.

The U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday engaged in intense scrutiny of former President Donald Trump’s expansive use of tariffs during the first nine months of his second term. The case, which centers on the constitutionality of unilateral tariff impositions, saw Chief Justice John Roberts and Justices Amy Coney Barrett and Neil Gorsuch—conservative jurists considered pivotal in this matter—question U.S. Solicitor General John Sauer, who defended the administration’s stance. The court’s liberal justices also expressed skepticism, challenging whether federal law and the Constitution grant the president such sweeping authority. The debate hinges on the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), which Trump’s legal team argues empowers the president to impose tariffs during emergencies. Critics, however, contend that the Constitution explicitly reserves tariff authority for Congress. Sauer argued that the nation faced ‘country-killing’ crises necessitating emergency action, warning that a ruling against Trump could expose the U.S. to ‘ruthless trade retaliation’ and severe economic consequences. The case has significant implications for $90 billion in import taxes already collected, with potential ramifications for U.S. trade policy and presidential powers. A decision is expected by June, with the administration reportedly preparing alternative strategies should the court rule unfavorably.