Shrinking Friend Circles, Pre-Holiday Flight Risks & the IPO Mirage

Five fast, factual stories, built for listening, not shouting. Why Americans now average fewer than four close friends, and how to rebuild real-world connections. Government shutdown fallout: why controller shortages could snarl Thanksgiving travel even if the weather cooperates. The S.E.C.’s Paul Atkins vows to “make IPOs great again.” We pressure-test that against 15 years of Big Tech buyouts that swallowed would-be IPOs. NYC mayoral poll: Zohran Mamdani’s lead narrows as Andrew Cuomo gains, plus a reminder that city power is diffuse, no matter who wins. “Deciding to Win”: data-driven guidance on how Democrats regain working-class trust, focus on costs, safety, and credible borders without abandoning values. Grab Bag: Trump vs. Seth Meyers, the late-night flame war over carrier catapults.