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What Happened Today – November 17, 2025

Don’t get distracted from our crumbling healthcare infrastructure.

CDC scientists linked measles outbreaks across multiple states today. If transmission continues through January, the U.S. loses measles elimination status after 25 years. NIH cuts halted treatment for 74,000 people mid-clinical trial. And tens of millions face health insurance increases of 25% or more as ACA subsidies expire.

Federal employees aren’t incompetent. The Trump administration doesn’t let them do their job. Just like Trump and COVID, it’s costing lives.

Hit the phones and messages. Tell your reps they must cut an ACA subsidy deal. More than 4 million are projected to lose insurance and go without care. Don’t let them take us backwards.

Notice you’re seeing less news on social media? We track the data – you’re right. Social media networks are suppressing news stories more every day. Want to stop missing what matters? Get every brief in your inbox, 7 nights a week. Data, images, searchable archive. Free and private at govbrief.today.

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🔴 GovBrief Intensity Score 148
High intensity. Big news cycle.
Previous 5 Days
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Today's Quote
I just had a great call with President Trump! I told him I remain committed to standing with him on the critical issue of passing fair maps in Indiana to ensure the MAGA agenda is successful in Congress. Indiana’s State Legislators must show up for work and take a public vote for fair maps to counter the gerrymandering in California and Illinois. But the Indiana State Senate is hiding behind closed doors and refusing to even bring redistricting to a vote. Hoosiers deserve to know where their legislators stand and expect them to show up for work, not walk out and hide in the dark.
Indiana Governor Mike Braun posting on X on November 17, 2025, the day after a GOP senator named by Trump was swatted in his state.
Yesterday's Most Read

Indiana State Sen. Greg Goode swatted hours after Trump names him on Truth Social for refusing to advance redistricting Trump says would help House Republican majority.

Today’s GovBrief News


Disaster Relief 1 of 18

Acting FEMA chief David Richardson resigns after 7-month tenure overseeing removal of more than third of agency staff.

2nd acting administrator in 2025 leaves

Source: USA Today

November 17, 2025

Foreign Relations 2 of 18

Trump approves F-35 fighter jet sale to Saudi Arabia despite Pentagon intelligence warning China could acquire technology and questions over Israel's military edge requirement.

$600 billion sale

Source: The Hill

November 17, 2025

Foreign Relations 3 of 18

UN Security Council approves Trump's Gaza plan creating force to disarm Hamas over group's objections, while resolution references Palestinian statehood Israel firmly opposes.

69,483 Palestinians killed since war began

Source: BBC

November 17, 2025

Health 4 of 18

CDC links Texas measles outbreak with Utah and Arizona cases for first time, transmission through January would end U.S. elimination designation held for 25 years.

1,723 cases nationwide, 92% unvaccinated

Source: The New York Times

November 17, 2025

Health 5 of 18

Trump administration cancelled 383 active clinical trials after March funding cuts, abandoning 74,000 participants mid-treatment without follow-up in what researchers call ethics violations.

$1.8 billion NIH grants terminated

Source: Ars Technica

November 17, 2025

Environment 6 of 18

Trump administration proposes redefining wetlands to exclude seasonal streams and wetlands from Clean Water Act protection, potentially eliminating pollution safeguards for 85% of U.S. wetlands.

55 million wetland acres could lose protection

Source: UPI

November 17, 2025

Military 7 of 18

Tennessee judge blocks National Guard deployment in Memphis ruling Gov. Lee exceeded authority, issues 5-day hold allowing appeal.

Fed agents still operating citywide

Source: ABC News

November 17, 2025

Criminal Justice 8 of 18

Former Arizona GOP Rep. Austin Smith pleads guilty to forging over 100 signatures on reelection petitions after previously calling charges "ludicrous" and spreading false 2020 election fraud claims.

$5,500 fine, 5 year election ban

Source: The Arizona Mirror

November 17, 2025

Criminal Justice 9 of 18

Judge orders prosecutors to hand over 30 additional videos by Nov. 26 in Rep. McIver assault case, frustrated by "piecemeal" evidence delivery months after indictment.

7 videos provided, 30 more outstanding

Source: The New Jersey Monitor

November 17, 2025

Criminal Justice 10 of 18

South Dakota opens seventh prison death investigation since February as inmate dies from suspected overdose, two previous cases resulted in charges against alleged drug suppliers.

Drug ring broke up in May

Source: The South Dakota Searchlight

November 17, 2025

Immigration 11 of 18

Federal prosecutors charge alleged panga captain after Friday boat capsizing off California coast killed four migrants, survivors say he refused to turn back.

490 detected maritime smuggling events this year

Source: The San Diego Union-Tribune

November 17, 2025

Immigration 12 of 18

North Carolina Gov. Stein warns Border Patrol planning Raleigh operation following Charlotte sweep where agents detained at least one U.S. citizen, mayor confirms federal presence.

130+ arrests in Charlotte

Source: WFMY Greensboro

November 17, 2025

Immigration 13 of 18

Trump administration names Charlotte immigration sweep "Operation Charlotte's Web," drawing objection from E.B. White's granddaughter who says book about freedom contradicts mass arrests.

130 arrests in first 2 days

Source: The Associated Press

November 17, 2025

Immigration 14 of 18

Trump administration sues California over "No Secret Police Act" banning federal agents from covering faces during immigration raids.

Law takes effect January 1, 2026

Source: KSBW Monterey

November 17, 2025

Immigration 15 of 18

Trump creates priority visa access for 2026 World Cup ticket holders while maintaining strict immigration restrictions for asylum seekers and family reunification applicants.

5 million visitors expected

Source: Fox 5 DC

November 17, 2025

Congress 16 of 18

Trump says he would sign bill releasing Epstein files after Sunday reversal, claims "it is really a Democrat problem" while attempting to shift attention to Clinton and Summers.

Senate may not vote on House bill

Source: Politico

November 17, 2025

Data 17 of 18

44% of Americans believe Trump involved in Epstein crimes according to YouGov poll published as House prepares vote on releasing all Justice Department files.

41% say Trump knew "a lot" beforehand

Source: Statista

November 17, 2025

Fighting Back 18 of 18

Federal judge orders DOJ to turn over all grand jury materials to Comey defense citing "disturbing pattern" of missteps including potential Fourth Amendment violations.

24 opinion about prosecutorial problems

Source: Newsweek

November 17, 2025