“Can anyone hear me?”

 Top U.S. Headlines — Week of Nov 23, 2025

Politics & Government

• Trump signed a bill requiring release of the Jeffrey Epstein files.
• Trump reversed course and urged Republicans to vote for the file release.
• Senate passed a bipartisan package intended to end the longest government shutdown in U.S. history.
• Progressive Democrats criticized party leadership for concessions in the shutdown deal.

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Military & Foreign Affairs

• U.S. increased military presence in the Caribbean, including deployment of the USS Gerald R. Ford.
• Tensions rose with Venezuela as the administration simultaneously pursued diplomacy and military posturing.
• Concerns emerged about the administration blending military operations with political goals.

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Immigration & Domestic Enforcement

• ICE raids and immigration crackdowns intensified, especially in cities like Charlotte.
• Community groups and activists organized pushback against aggressive enforcement actions.

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Environment & Disasters

• A major atmospheric river storm struck California, raising risks of flooding and mudslides.
• FEMA’s acting director resigned after criticism over the agency’s response to Texas flooding.
• Proposed regulatory changes would narrow the definition of protected wetlands under the Clean Water Act.

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Science, Health & Ethics

• Hundreds of federally funded clinical trials were canceled due to funding cuts, leaving many participants without follow-up.
• Ethical and scientific concerns grew over the abrupt termination of ongoing research programs.