News Above the Noise—Week of October 26, 2025
1. The Rot Creeping Into Our Minds
In this opinion piece, David Brooks explains how people and politicians have lost their moral compass, leading to a breakdown of American democracy. He unpacks how both Democrats and Republicans care more about keeping power than doing what’s right or good for the public. Brooks points to government shutdowns, unfair election maps, corruption, and education focusing on seeking power over truth. He explains that cynicism, apathy, and an “anything goes” mentality are rotting our minds and ruining democracy. Read more.
2. Food Aid At Risk
Nearly 42 million Americans risk losing federal food assistance within days because the ongoing government shutdown has frozen the federal funding that keeps the program running. About 1 in 8 U.S. residents depend on SNAP, which is the nation’s largest anti-hunger program, providing crucial support for children, older adults, veterans, and people with disabilities. While states and food banks are preparing to help, local resources nowhere near make up for the loss of billions in federal funding. Find out more here.
3. Which Grandparent Has The Biggest Impact On Kids?
A study from the University of Turku in Finland finds that maternal grandmothers can help shield children from long-term effects of trauma. Children who received support, like child care, emotional presence, or financial help from their maternal grandmother were less likely to experience lasting negative impacts from adverse childhood experiences. Researchers found this protective “buffering” effect only applied to maternal grandmothers. Learn more.
Editor's Note: Every week, The Sunday Paper's team of journalists sift through the news to find what Rises Above the Noise, makes sense of what's happening in the world, and provides hope for your week to come. While we do our best to provide our own informative summary of each piece, some publications require their own subscriptions beyond our control.
Please note that we may receive affiliate commissions from the sales of linked products.
