MORNING NEWS UPDATE: NOVEMBER 17, 2025
- Trump Urges Release of Epstein Files: President Trump has shifted his stance, calling on Republicans to vote for the full release of Jeffrey Epstein's files amid growing pressure from his party, with a House vote scheduled for tomorrow.
- 'Donroe Doctrine' Targets Latin America: Trump is pushing aggressive policies to control the Western Hemisphere, including pledges to seize the Panama Canal, annex Greenland, and rename the Gulf of Mexico.
- Military Buildup in Venezuela: U.S. forces are increasing presence near Venezuela as Trump signals potential talks with the Maduro regime, raising tensions in the region.
- Government Shutdown Aftermath: Communities continue to recover from the record-long U.S. government shutdown, with ongoing impacts on federal services and local economies.
Epstein Files Controversy: President Trump made a surprising reversal, urging Republicans in the House of Representatives to vote for the full release of the Jeffrey Epstein files, stating, "we have nothing to hide."
This comes after an initial push to block the vote. Trump vs. Marjorie Taylor Greene: The feud between President Trump and Republican Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene continues over her public criticism of the party's handling of the Epstein files.
Greene has reported pipe bomb threats and "hoax pizza deliveries" in the wake of Trump's attacks. DOJ Investigation into Democrats: Attorney General Pam Bondi announced an investigation into Donald Trump's political adversaries' ties to Jeffrey Epstein, following a directive from the President.
Capitol Rioter Pardon: President Trump issued a second pardon to a militia member involved in the January 6th Capitol riots, who was still serving time for an illegal firearms conviction.
Immigration Crackdown: US Border Patrol officials reported arresting 81 people on the first day of a targeted immigration crackdown operation in Charlotte, North Carolina.
- Trump Backs Epstein Files Release: Facing internal party pushback, President Trump now supports Republicans voting to unseal the Epstein documents, marking a reversal from his earlier position.
- U.S.-Venezuela Dialogue Possible: Trump indicates the U.S. could engage in talks with Venezuela, coinciding with military escalations and diplomatic overtures.
- Justice Department Turmoil: Trump's second term has led to significant disruptions at the DOJ, including leadership changes and policy overhauls that have strained the agency's operations.
- Border Patrol Challenges in Charlotte: Heightened immigration enforcement is straining resources in key cities like Charlotte, amid broader policy shifts.
- Bangladesh's Hasina Sentenced to Death: A court in Bangladesh convicted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of murder and sentenced her to death, wrapping up a high-profile trial that has sparked international debate.
- Israeli Outrage Over Oct. 7 Inquiry: Prime Minister Netanyahu's announcement that his government will control the probe into the October 7 attacks has ignited widespread protests and criticism in Israel.
- Marburg Virus Outbreak in Ethiopia: At least three deaths confirmed from the Marburg virus, with health officials monitoring contacts and suspecting more cases in the affected regions.
- Kazakhstan-U.S. Deals Worth $17B: The two nations announced major agreements in energy and trade, boosting economic ties amid global geopolitical shifts.
Netanyahu on Palestinian Statehood: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to oppose any attempt to establish a Palestinian state, ahead of a U.N. Security Council vote on a U.S.-drafted resolution on Gaza that leaves the door open to Palestinian independence.
Bangladesh Security Ahead of Verdict: Bangladesh has stepped up security nationwide ahead of a tribunal verdict against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in a crimes-against-humanity case.
Gaza Planning: U.S. military planning documents reportedly show plans for the long-term division of Gaza into a "green zone" under Israeli and international control, and a "red zone" to be left in ruins.
Ukraine Prisoner Exchange: Ukraine is working to resume the exchange of prisoners with Russia, with President Zelenskyy seeking the release of 1,200 detainees.
- International Student Decline: New enrollments from abroad at U.S. colleges dropped sharply this fall, attributed to visa restrictions and economic factors, per a major survey.
- UT-Austin Faces Trump Policy Pressure: The University of Texas at Austin remains undecided on a federal "compact" from the Trump administration that could affect funding in exchange for policy alignments.
- Education Department Resumes Operations: After disruptions, the U.S. Education Department is restarting key activities, including support for special education and enrollment initiatives.
- Federal Threats to UC System: Ongoing disputes between federal officials and the University of California highlight tensions over research funding and institutional autonomy.
International Student Exchange Report: The Open Doors® 2025 Report announced that U.S. colleges and universities hosted 1.2 million international students in the 2024/2025 academic year.
India remained the top-sending country, with a 10% increase, while the total number of new students decreased by 7%. West Bengal's First Private Vet College: The first private veterinary college in West Bengal, India, has opened in Hooghly's Mogra, with admissions through the NEET exam.
Research Breakthroughs: Clemson scientists are pioneering breakthroughs in cotton transformation and developing eco-friendly fiber coloring techniques.
- Stock Futures Waver Ahead of Nvidia Earnings: U.S. indices like Nasdaq and S&P 500 futures are mixed as investors await Nvidia's results and upcoming jobs data, with calm returning after recent volatility.
- Trump Softens on Tariffs Amid Affordability Concerns: Voter backlash over rising prices has prompted Trump to dial back aggressive tariff plans, disrupting his economic narrative.
- Berkshire's $4.9B Bet on Alphabet: Warren Buffett's firm quietly amassed a massive stake in Google parent Alphabet, boosting shares and signaling confidence in Big Tech.
- Swiss GDP Slump Pressures Rate Cuts: Switzerland's economy contracted 0.5% in Q3 due to U.S. tariffs, increasing calls for negative interest rates from the central bank.
ndia's Data Protection Rules: The Ministry of Electronics and IT notified the long-awaited data protection rules, paving the way for India to have a functional privacy law.
Trump's Tariff-Funded Payments: President Donald Trump claimed that tariff earnings will create a surplus that will enable $2,000 direct payments to citizens "sometime next year," a plan analysts say faces legal and budgetary hurdles.
Saudi Firms Scaling Back: Saudi Arabian firms are reportedly scaling back the generous salary premiums that were once used to attract top foreign talent.
- Berkshire Hathaway's Alphabet Stake: The investment giant revealed a $4.9 billion position in Alphabet, driving up shares and highlighting continued faith in AI-driven tech giants.
- Sakana AI Secures $135M Funding: The Japanese startup raised funds to develop sovereign AI models, aiming to reduce reliance on U.S. and Chinese tech dominance.
- Google's NotebookLM Gets Major Upgrades: New features include Deep Research tools and support for documents, images, and spreadsheets, enhancing AI-assisted productivity.
- Rivian Explores Tech Spin-Offs: The EV maker is leveraging its engineering talent to launch new ventures beyond cars, betting on broader applications for its innovations.
- No prominent dedicated global news story is available for today on technology. (However, the Indian data protection news story under Economy is a significant technology-related policy development.)
- J&J Acquires Cancer Therapy Firm: Johnson & Johnson bought Halda Therapeutics to advance novel cancer treatments, potentially transforming oncology with targeted innovations.
- Postpartum Depression Autism Link: New research ties parental postpartum depression to increased autism risk in children, urging earlier mental health interventions.
- Physician Retention Strategies Succeed: Seven major U.S. health systems report gains in recruiting and keeping doctors through flexible policies and wellness programs.
- Push for IVF Alternatives Grows: Anti-abortion groups promote "restorative" fertility options over IVF, raising concerns about access to mainstream reproductive tech.
Gastroenteritis Outbreak: The death toll from a gastroenteritis outbreak has risen to 6 in Mizoram's Lawngtlai region.
African Swine Fever: An alarming rise in African swine fever has prompted a pork sale ban in seven districts of Assam, India.
"Zombie Cigarettes" Crisis: Japanese authorities are cracking down on a drug crisis involving illicit "zombie cigarettes" laced with the drug etomidate among youth.
- Bears Secure Key Victory: The Chicago Bears pulled off a win against the Broncos, boosting their playoff hopes in a gritty NFL matchup.
- Thunder Aim for Sixth Straight Win: Oklahoma City faces the Pelicans tonight, looking to extend their hot streak in the NBA.
- SEC Shakeup in Rankings: Alabama drops after an SEC loss, while Georgia rises following a big win over Texas; Ohio State holds the top spot in the AP poll.
- College Basketball Slate Heats Up: A full Monday lineup features key men's games, including early tests for top-ranked teams.
Cricket - India Test Loss: India lost a home Test match against South Africa at Eden Gardens, with spinner Simon Harmer leading South Africa to the win.
Ronaldo's World Cup Record: Cristiano Ronaldo is set to play in a record 6th World Cup after Portugal defeated Armenia to qualify.
ATP Finals: Carlos Alcaraz advanced to the ATP Finals title match against Jannik Sinner after reaching his 11th final of the year.
