Friday, November 7, 2025

MORNING NEWS UPDATE: NOVEMBER 7, 2025

 MORNING NEWS UPDATE: NOVEMBER 7, 2025

U.S. News
  • Government Shutdown Hits Record Length: The U.S. federal government shutdown has become the longest in history, causing widespread disruptions including delayed employment reports and reduced air traffic at major airports by up to 10% as ordered by the FAA.
  • Federal Judge Mandates SNAP Funding: A judge ruled that the Trump administration must fully restore food aid for 42 million low-income Americans via SNAP by November 7, amid shutdown-related delays.
  • U.S. Strikes Escalate Against Drug Vessels: The U.S. conducted its 17th lethal strike on an alleged drug boat, bringing the total deaths to at least 69 since September, targeting trafficking in international waters.
  • Dick Cheney Passes Away at 84: Former Vice President Dick Cheney died, remembered for his influential role in U.S. foreign policy and advocacy for aggressive national security measures.

  • Government Shutdown Impact: The ongoing federal government shutdown is directly affecting Americans, with a federal judge ordering the Trump administration to fully fund SNAP (food stamp) benefits for November, a decision the administration is appealing.

  • Flight Cancellations Begin: The FAA's order for a 10% reduction in commercial air traffic at 40 major airports due to the government shutdown has taken effect, causing significant flight cancellations and travel disruptions across the country.

  • Fatal Cargo Plane Crash: A UPS cargo plane crashed and exploded at an airport in Kentucky (Louisville), resulting in at least seven to twelve confirmed deaths.

  • Immigration Crackdown: The Trump administration issued new guidance that may allow for the denial of U.S. visas to foreigners with certain health conditions, including diabetes or obesity, on the grounds that they might rely on public benefits.

Politics
  • Trump Faces Multiple Setbacks: President Trump endured a tough week with losses at the ballot box, Supreme Court rulings against him, and congressional gridlock exacerbating the ongoing government shutdown.
  • Pelosi Announces Retirement: House Speaker Nancy Pelosi revealed plans to retire, marking a significant shift in Democratic leadership amid election fallout.
  • Democrats Triumph in Virginia Elections: Virginia Democrats secured historic wins, including milestones for Muslim representation, signaling a rejection of MAGA influence in key races.
  • California GOP Struggles Intensify: The state Republican Party faces disarray after likely losing five House seats, compounded by weak campaigns and Kevin McCarthy's exit.
  • Maryland Sues Trump Administration: The state and Prince George's County filed a lawsuit against the Justice Department and FBI over alleged overreach during the shutdown.

  • Democratic Election Successes: The 2025 off-year elections saw significant wins for Democrats, flipping several state and local Republican strongholds, including the gubernatorial races in New Jersey and Virginia.

  • Trump's Approval Rating Drops: Analysts link the Democratic "blue wave" in the off-year elections to President Trump's plunging approval rating, which has fallen to one of its lowest points (37%).

  • White House Meeting with Hungarian PM: President Trump is scheduled to meet with his ally, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, to discuss Hungary's reliance on Russian energy and potentially an exemption from new sanctions, with the situation in Ukraine a likely topic.

  • Elise Stefanik Runs for NY Governor: Republican Representative and staunch Trump supporter Elise Stefanik officially launched her campaign for New York governor, challenging the Democratic incumbent.

World Affairs
  • Typhoon Kalmaegi Devastates Vietnam: The powerful storm made landfall, killing at least five and causing widespread flooding and damage in central Vietnam.
  • China Launches Advanced Aircraft Carrier: Beijing commissioned its most sophisticated warship yet, expanding naval power projection far from its coast amid rising regional tensions.
  • Sudan Civil War Risks Genocide: Escalating atrocities in Darfur prompt warnings of potential genocide, as global powers remain largely silent on the crisis.
  • Hurricane Melissa Triggers Major Aid Payout: The storm activated a full $150 million World Bank catastrophe bond for Jamaica, providing critical recovery funds.

  • U.S. Troop Withdrawal in Europe: A bipartisan group of U.S. congressmen expressed concern over the Department of Defense's decision to withdraw 700 American soldiers from Romania, claiming it undermines U.S. commitments to NATO and the effort for peace in Ukraine.

  • Tensions over Taiwan: Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated that a Taiwan emergency could be a "survival-threatening situation" for Japan, suggesting the country could exercise the right of collective self-defense, a move that would provoke China.

  • North Korea Missile Launch: North Korea launched a ballistic missile toward the Sea of Japan, with the Japanese government warning of further potential provocations.

Education
  • Rise of Nondegree Credentials Over College: As traditional college enrollment declines, most students are paying out-of-pocket for booming certificate and license programs, raising questions about ROI.
  • Trump's Policies Reshape Higher Education: New administration initiatives are altering campus culture, with calls for faculty input on changes to universities and colleges.
  • Record AP Success in North Carolina: Student participation and performance on Advanced Placement exams hit all-time highs in the 2024-25 school year.
  • Ongoing School Shootings Tracked: Education Week reports continued K-12 gun violence incidents in 2025, with injuries and deaths prompting renewed safety debates.
  • Colorado Governor Urged to Fund Promises: Advocates press Gov. Polis to deliver on education investments for students amid budget pressures.

  • D.C. Academic Recovery Outperforms: D.C. testified that its academic recovery from the pandemic, in terms of math and reading gains on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), outperforms other states and districts.

  • Macklemore Backs Climate Education: GRAMMY-winning artist Macklemore has endorsed an international campaign pushing for climate education for millions of students worldwide, highlighting education as a critical tool for climate action.

  • Universal School Meals in Colorado: Colorado voters approved a ballot measure (Proposition MM) to fund universal free meals in public schools statewide by increasing taxes on high-earning households.

Economy
  • Tech Stocks Drag Markets Lower: U.S. indexes fell sharply due to resurfacing valuation concerns over AI hype, with global markets facing similar pressures.
  • Dollar Gains Amid Fed Uncertainty: The U.S. dollar rose modestly for the week, influenced by mixed jobs data and debates over Federal Reserve rate decisions.
  • Mortgage Rates Tick Up Slightly: The 30-year fixed rate eased to 6.29%, but 15-year loans rose to 5.42%, impacting homebuyers in a volatile economy.
  • Shutdown Delays Key Economic Data: The longest government shutdown has postponed critical employment reports, heightening recession fears and short-term market strains.

  • Global Markets Retreat: Global markets, including Asia and Europe, are retreating after tech-heavy sectors pulled Wall Street lower due to investor concerns over high tech valuations and economic uncertainty.

  • China's Export Contraction: China reported that its exports contracted by 1.1% in October, with a significant drop in shipments to the United States.

  • Airline Stocks Hit by Shutdown: Major airline stocks are declining as the companies feel the impact of the government shutdown and the FAA's order for flight reductions at major airports.

TechnologyHealth
  • CDC Reviews Childhood Vaccine Schedule Under RFK Jr.: The new director is scrutinizing the standard immunization timeline, sparking debates on safety and public health policy.
  • Breakthrough in Bowel Cancer Immune Evasion: Researchers identified a "Big Bang" moment when cancer cells dodge the immune system, offering new treatment targets.
  • EU Fast-Tracks Cancer Drug Approvals: ESMO reforms aim to accelerate access to oncology therapies, while studies link OTC sleep aids to heart failure risks.
  • Combination Therapy Overcomes Melanoma Resistance: Phase 2 trial data shows immunotherapy combos activating strong immune responses in resistant patients.

  • Lower Prices for Weight-Loss Drugs: The Trump administration announced a deal with pharmaceutical giants Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk to offer their popular GLP-1 weight-loss medications (like Ozempic and Wegovy) at steep discounts for certain Medicare/Medicaid patients and cash-paying consumers.

  • Medicaid Drug Pricing Pilot: The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) launched the GENEROUS model, a pilot program to allow participating state Medicaid programs to purchase certain drugs at prices that align with what is paid in other countries.

Sports
  • Olivier Rioux: Tallest Player in College Hoops History: The 7-foot-7 freshman became the tallest ever in NCAA basketball, drawing massive attention to his debut.
  • LSU Women's Basketball Dominates: No. 5 Tigers routed Southeastern Louisiana 115-26, led by Flau'Jae Johnson's 17 points in a blowout win.
  • Tragic Death of Australian Cricket Teen: 17-year-old Ben Austin died from a neck injury during practice, prompting safety reviews in youth sports.
  • NFL Injury Woes for Saints: New concerns emerge for wide receiver Chris Olave after concussion issues, ahead of their matchup.
  • Chicago Bears Prep for Giants Clash: Injury returns boost the Bears as they gear up for Thursday Night Football against New York.

  • Ex-NFL Star Arrested: Former NFL star Antonio Brown was arrested on an attempted murder charge in Miami following a shooting incident.

  • High School Playoffs: Local sports news focuses on the IHSA 2A Benton Sectional Volleyball Championship where the Carmi-White County team won their third consecutive title, and Wyoming High School Football and Volleyball semi-finals and tournaments taking place.



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