Veteran journalist Jim Avila, who once said he had traveled to every continent except Antarctica, underwent a kidney transplant in 2020 after his brother donated a kidney to save his life.
By Gina Hill | Alaska Headline Living | November 2025
A sweeping day in national and international news brought developments in Washington, revelations from long-sealed documents, and the passing of a respected voice in journalism.
Government Shutdown Ends After 43 Days
The longest federal shutdown in U.S. history has officially ended after 43 days, with President Donald Trump signing a bipartisan funding bill late Wednesday night.
The measure, approved earlier by both chambers of Congress, extends federal funding through January 30, 2026, and includes full-year appropriations for several key agencies.
The shutdown, which furloughed more than 670,000 federal employees, caused weeks of disruption, including delayed air travel, suspended museum operations, and interruptions to food assistance programs.
At the signing ceremony, Trump criticized the standoff, saying, “This is no way to run a country.” While funding has been restored, many agencies are expected to reopen gradually as employees return to work and systems restart.
New “Epstein Files” Raise Questions About Monitoring, Influence, and Oversight
The House Oversight Committee on Wednesday released a new tranche of records from the estate of Jeffrey Epstein, shedding fresh light on his network of contacts and activities.
Among the revelations, The Guardian reported that Epstein continued to track Donald Trump’s air travel even after their relationship reportedly deteriorated. Documents include emails, flight logs, contact lists, and correspondence spanning several years.
An Axios summary noted that Republican members of the Oversight Committee are now pressing the Department of Justice for a full disclosure of remaining records.
Lawmakers from both parties say the new material could intensify calls for transparency in the investigation of Epstein’s connections and the institutional failures surrounding his case.
Rubio Rebukes Europe in State Department Statement
In a pointed message on foreign policy, Secretary of State Marco Rubio rejected European criticism of U.S. actions in Latin America.
Posting from the official State Department account on X, Rubio stated:
“I don’t think the European Union gets to determine what international law is. What they certainly don’t get to determine is how the United States defends its national security. The United States is under attack from organized criminal narco-terrorists in our hemisphere and @POTUS is responding in the defense of our country.”
The statement highlights a sharp tone in current U.S. diplomacy and a broader effort to define narcotics trafficking as “narco-terrorism” within national security doctrine.
Remembering Jim Avila (1956 – 2025)
Jim Avila, the award-winning journalist and longtime ABC News correspondent known for his thoughtful reporting and investigative rigor, died Wednesday at his home in San Diego after a long illness. He was 69.
Avila’s brother, journalist Tom Simon, announced his passing on Williston Trending Topics News Radio Live, writing, “Dear Jim, see you on Resurrection Day!”
Over a career spanning more than four decades, Avila covered the White House, law and justice, and major national events for ABC News, including the O.J. Simpson, Michael Jackson, and Duke lacrosse trials. He also broke consumer and environmental stories—most notably an investigation into “pink slime” in processed beef—that earned him multiple Emmy and Edward R. Murrow Awards.
After receiving a kidney transplant in 2020, Avila returned briefly to broadcast work before joining KGTV San Diego in 2023. He is survived by his mother, Eve Simon; siblings Karie, Tom, and Jaie Avila; and his three children. A public memorial service will be announced.
Trump Defends H-1B Visas, Sparks Labor Debate
In a Fox News interview this week, former President Donald Trump defended the continuation of the H-1B visa program, asserting that the United States “doesn’t have certain talents” needed in critical industries.
When challenged by the host, who suggested that “America has plenty of talented people”, Trump responded, “No, you don’t.”
The remarks reignited debate about labor shortages and the balance between immigration policy and domestic workforce development.
Economists note that while shortages persist in fields like technology and health care, many skilled American workers remain underemployed, reflecting issues of training and wage structures rather than an absolute lack of talent.
The Final Penny: End of an Era at the U.S. Mint
The U.S. Mint in Philadelphia has struck the final batch of one-cent coins for general circulation, ending more than two centuries of penny production.
Roughly 300 billion pennies remain in circulation, and the coin will continue as legal tender, but Business Insider and Yahoo Finance report that future cash transactions may soon be rounded to the nearest nickel.
Officials cite rising production costs and limited consumer use as reasons for the change. Collectors, however, are already holding onto the final 2025-minted coins as keepsakes.
Alaska Airlines Opens Rome Route – A First for the Pacific Northwest
In a move expanding its international network, Alaska Airlines has announced new nonstop service between Seattle and Rome beginning April 28, 2026.
According to the carrier’s website, Alaska will be the only airline offering direct flights from the Pacific Northwest to Italy, marking a milestone in the company’s global reach and offering travelers a fresh gateway to Europe.
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