MORNING NEWS UPDATE: NOVEMBER 15, 2025
- President Trump has severed ties with Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, marking a significant rift with one of his former top MAGA allies, amid escalating public attacks from both sides.
- Acting Attorney General Pam Bondi announced an investigation into Trump's political adversaries' connections to Jeffrey Epstein, following direct urging from the president, intensifying scrutiny over the released files.
- A man wielding a bat who allegedly confronted Trump's lawyer Alina Habba and vandalized an office has been arrested by authorities in Florida.
- The BBC's Director General and CEO have both resigned amid internal turmoil, with ripple effects felt in U.S. media partnerships and coverage of transatlantic stories.
US Government Shutdown Ends: The longest federal government shutdown in US history (43 days) has ended after the House of Representatives passed a spending bill negotiated by Republicans and a splinter group of Democrats.
The bill restarts federal operations but does not include the healthcare funding demanded by the Democratic minority. Epstein Investigation Updates: Newly released emails and documents related to Jeffrey Epstein's estate have fueled political controversy.
President Donald Trump has publicly stated he will ask the Justice Department to investigate alleged ties between Epstein and prominent Democratic figures, including former President Bill Clinton. Contraceptives Stockpile in Belgium Spoils: A significant stockpile of U.S.-purchased contraceptives intended for sub-Saharan Africa has reportedly gone bad in a Belgian warehouse due to improper storage, after being stuck there since the Trump administration scaled back foreign aid and threatened to incinerate the non-abortion-related products.
Utah Redistricting Win for Democrats: A Utah judge ordered a new voting map that creates a House seat in a Democratic-leaning area (consolidating Salt Lake County), in a state where Republicans currently hold all four positions.
Purdue Pharma Opioid Settlement Approved: A federal bankruptcy court judge approved OxyContin-maker Purdue Pharma's latest deal to settle thousands of lawsuits over the opioid epidemic, which includes some money for victims.
- The feud between President Trump and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene boiled over with mutual public attacks, as Trump dismisses her as a liability while she vows to fight back within the GOP.
- At Trump's direction, AG Bondi launched a probe into Epstein's ties to Democratic figures and other foes, framing it as a pursuit of justice in the ongoing files saga.
- Michael Cohen described Trump's handling of the Epstein files as a "vengeance" play, predicting further political fallout as more documents surface.
- Newly revealed texts show Steve Bannon advising Jeffrey Epstein on reputation rehab for years, raising questions about Trumpworld's past associations.
Trump to Sue the BBC Despite Apology: President Donald Trump announced plans to take legal action against the BBC, seeking between $1 billion and $5 billion in damages, despite receiving an apology from the broadcaster over a "misleading edit" of one of his speeches related to the 2021 Capitol riot.
Renewed SNAP Benefit Uncertainty: The Supreme Court has extended an administrative stay, enabling the Trump administration to continue withholding $4 billion in funds for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP/food stamps) nationwide.
New House Vote on Epstein Files: Congressional pressure is mounting on the White House to publish the full "Epstein files" from the federal investigation. A crucial and long-awaited House vote on legislation to force the full release of the files is expected next week, with new Congresswoman Adelita Grijalva signing a petition to force the vote.
Trump Splits with Marjorie Taylor Greene: Reports indicate President Trump has cut ties with Republican Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, who in turn accused the president of lying about her due to her public stance on releasing more Epstein files.
- The Vatican returned 62 artifacts to Indigenous peoples from Canada in a landmark restitution effort, part of broader Catholic Church reconciliation initiatives.
- Israeli actions in Gaza have led to widespread forced displacement of Palestinians, described by Reuters as constituting war crimes in scale and impact.
- Japan urged China to reverse measures discouraging travel to Japan, amid escalating diplomatic tensions over tourism and economic ties.
- A Lahore High Court judge in Pakistan resigned in protest over a controversial constitutional amendment, highlighting judicial unrest in the region.
US Military Planning for Divided Gaza: US military planning documents suggest a long-term division of Gaza into a "green zone" (under Israeli and international military control for reconstruction) and a "red zone" (left in ruins), raising questions about commitment to a full political settlement.
Israel Rejects Gaza Aid Requests: The UN has reported that Israel has rejected 23 humanitarian aid requests since the Gaza ceasefire began, leaving critical relief supplies blocked for millions of Palestinians.
Japan-China Tensions Over Taiwan Remarks: Japan lodged a protest with China after Beijing advised its citizens to avoid visiting Japan following recent remarks on Taiwan by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, urging a calm response and stable bilateral ties.
Sudan and Diplomatic Efforts: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is pressing the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on the need for a "humanitarian ceasefire" in Sudan, amid growing global outrage over the UAE's alleged support for paramilitary groups there.
- Federal oversight of special education in New Orleans is set to end after a decade-long legal battle, potentially shifting more responsibility to local districts.
- Applications from underrepresented groups to U.S. colleges have surged, while international enrollments dipped, signaling shifts in higher ed demographics.
- New Jersey is considering its biggest charter school rule overhaul in 30 years, aiming to expand access while addressing accountability concerns.
- Nebraska Gov. Pillen proposes expanding a federal tax credit to benefit both public and private school students, boosting education funding options.
AI's Impact on Higher Education: Key issues for higher education in November 2025 include navigating the impact of generative AI on academic integrity and pedagogy, rebuilding trust in digital learning systems, and addressing the digital equity gap.
EdTech Trends for 2025: Significant trends in education technology include the expansion of AI-Driven Personalised Learning Systems, greater use of Gamification and Immersive Learning (VR/AR), and the growing adoption of Microcredentials and Digital Badges.
- Economists warn that volatile financial markets could trigger a broader U.S. economic downturn, with interconnected risks amplifying instability.
- Global economies are pivoting away from 'America First' isolationism, with emerging markets gaining ground in inflation control and job creation.
- Debate intensifies over trillions in AI investments to avert existential risks, as one economist questions the cost-benefit of such spending.
- Pandemic-era policies have rendered housing unaffordable for an entire generation, per experts, exacerbating wealth gaps and urban migration challenges.
Tariff Rollback on Food Products: President Trump abruptly signed an executive order cutting tariffs on a variety of agricultural products, including beef, coffee, and bananas, in what is seen as a pivot toward addressing rising grocery prices and falling opinion poll numbers on affordability.
Swiss Tariffs Reduced: Switzerland announced an agreement with the US to reduce American tariffs on Swiss goods to 15% from 39%, following constructive discussions with the US government.
Stablecoin Market Analysis: A new analysis is challenging claims that the growing stablecoin market will create significant new channels for US consumer and business credit, arguing that current regulations limit their impact on replicating traditional bank lending.
Japan Doubles Winter Subsidies: The Japanese government plans to double monthly electricity and gas subsidies for households to about 2,000 yen ($13) this winter to combat the impact of prolonged inflation.
- Chinese state-sponsored hackers exploited Anthropic's AI tools for automated cyberattacks, marking a new era of AI-assisted espionage.
- A Bristol startup unveiled dry coating technology for batteries, promising to cut carbon emissions in EV manufacturing and create 100 UK jobs.
- Coinbase and Robinhood seek SEC approval for blockchain-based tokenized stocks, potentially revolutionizing retail investing.
- Abu Dhabi is investing heavily in AI and autonomous tech to diversify beyond oil, positioning itself as a post-fossil fuel innovation hub.
AI Drug Development Tool: Researchers at the University of Illinois created an AI model named EZSpecificity, which can test how well certain enzymes and substrates bind to each other, a development they hope will significantly advance drug development and synthetic biology.
FAA Restores Flights: Trump administration officials, citing safety data, said airlines can increase the number of flights they operate at 40 airports across the country after a previous pullback.
- A USAID shipment of U.S.-funded birth control pills, destined for sub-Saharan Africa, spoiled in Belgian storage, disrupting aid to millions.
- Bird flu has decimated the world's largest elephant seal colony, with scientists linking it to climate-driven wildlife vulnerabilities.
- Infant botulism cases linked to recalled ByHeart formula have climbed to 23 across 13 states, prompting urgent FDA recalls and investigations.
- Researchers report growing optimism for ending the global organ shortage through advanced bioengineering and transplant tech breakthroughs.
Brain Scientist Funding Crisis: Leaders in neuroscience warn that ongoing disruptions in federal funding (specifically cuts and grant delays at the NIH and NSF since the Trump administration took office) are causing young brain scientists to rethink their research careers, which could negatively impact research into Alzheimer's and autism.
Bird Flu Case in Washington State: The first U.S. case of human bird flu in nine months was confirmed in Washington state.
Risks of Short-Term Health Plans: Reports highlight the financial risks for patients who purchased cheaper, short-term health insurance plans promoted by the Trump administration, noting that coverage can often be "skimpy" when major surgery or illness is required.
- Stephen Curry erupted for 49 points to lead the Golden State Warriors to a thrilling 109-108 victory over the San Antonio Spurs.
- No. 7 Oregon Ducks cruised to a 42-13 win over Minnesota, powered by QB Dante Moore's two TD passes and RB Jordon Davison's two scores.
- No. 5 Arizona Wildcats staged a comeback to defeat No. 15 UCLA 69-65 in the Hall of Fame Series, boosting their early-season momentum.
- Iowa Hawkeyes women's soccer advanced in the NCAA Tournament with a 1-0 shutout of South Dakota State, setting up a tough next matchup.
Deaflympics Open in Tokyo: The Deaflympics officially opened in Tokyo, marking the first time Japan has hosted the international sporting event for the deaf or hard of hearing.
College Soccer - NCAA Tournament: The No. 6 Texas Tech Women's Soccer team defeated UTSA 2-1 in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament with a late goal from Taylor Zdrojewski, advancing to face UNC.