Overview of Shutdown Ends and Government Opens, Geomagnetic Storm Danger, JFK Grandson Running: AM Update 11/13
Host: Emily Jashinski (SiriusXM) — AM update for Thursday, November 13, 2025. Rapid rundown of three main newslines: the end of a record 43-day federal shutdown and passage of a short-term spending bill; a major geomagnetic (space weather) storm that produced power-grid warnings across 11 U.S. states; and Jack Schlossberg (JFK’s grandson) announcing a run for New York’s 12th Congressional District. The show also covers polling on President Trump’s economic approval, intra‑Republican debate over H‑1B visas, and contains several sponsor spots.
Key stories
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Government reopens after a record 43-day shutdown
- House passed a Senate-backed spending bill 222–209; President Trump signed it into law.
- Most federal funding extended through January 30, 2026; Agriculture, FDA, and Veterans Affairs funded through September 30, 2026.
- SNAP (food assistance) remains funded through September under the deal.
- Democrats pushed the shutdown fight to try to extend Obamacare subsidies; Senate GOP plans a vote next month (would need 60 votes to pass in Senate).
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Geomagnetic storm warning (solar activity)
- NOAA reported the storm peaked at G4 (very severe) intensity; most intense phase has passed but impacts were widespread.
- Potential impacts: GPS disruptions, radio blackouts, voltage spikes in power grids; also strong auroras visible unusually far south (reports as far south as Texas, Georgia, and Mexico).
- Grid warnings issued for 11 states: Oregon, Idaho, Montana, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine.
- Cause: a strong coronal mass ejection (CME) — described as the strongest solar flare of 2025 so far. Forecasters expect the storm to weaken across the following day(s).
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Jack Schlossberg (JFK’s grandson) announces run for Congress (NY-12)
- Schlossberg (32) announced candidacy for New York’s 12th Congressional District; incumbent Jerry Nadler is retiring.
- Background: Harvard law/business degrees; brief post‑college work in Japan; former Vogue political correspondent; social media presence described as “bizarre” with past controversial posts mocking relatives and making provocative comments.
- Primary is in June; Schlossberg will face at least three other declared candidates.
Notable details & quotes
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Shutdown and signing
- Trump on signing the bill: called the shutdown a $1.5 trillion “excursion” and urged voters not to forget what “they” did to the country.
- Final House vote: 222–209, with two GOP no votes and six Democrats voting yes.
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Polling / economy
- AP/CNN reporting: Trump’s approval for managing the federal government fell from 43% (March) to 33%; economic approval also down (40% → 33%).
- Polls find 75% of Americans say Trump is not paying enough attention to lowering costs; major concerns about grocery price increases.
- CNN analyst Harry Enten warned that downplaying affordability could be a “ginormous error” politically.
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H‑1B visa controversy
- Trump’s comments on limiting H‑1B inflamed divisions between populist “America First” supporters and tech/industry advocates (who argue H‑1B is essential for specialized skills).
- Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent framed a compromise view: bring in skilled overseas workers to rebuild domestic industries and train Americans over years.
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Geomagnetic storm experts
- Space weather scale noted: G1–G5, with G4 “very severe” and just below the most extreme G5 level.
- Meteorologist Max Schuster (Max Velocity) explained likely technological impacts and unusually southern visibility of auroras.
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Jack Schlossberg
- Campaign line: “I’m running for Congress… I’m not running because I have all the answers… I want to listen to your struggles… politics should be personal.”
- Past controversies highlighted: mocking a relative’s degenerative voice condition and other provocative social posts.
Implications & recommended actions
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For readers in affected states:
- Monitor NOAA/Space Weather Prediction Center updates and local utility advisories for potential grid issues.
- Expect GPS/radio disruptions; critical infrastructure operators and travelers should be aware of temporary outages.
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For political watchers:
- The spending deal is temporary — funding cliff in late January remains a key deadline.
- Watch the proposed vote on Obamacare subsidy extension (Senate needs 60 votes).
- Track Trump’s messaging adjustments on affordability ahead of midterms and the developing H‑1B debate.
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For local constituents in NY-12:
- Note Schlossberg’s entry to the Democratic primary; primary scheduled for June — follow local coverage for campaign developments.
Sponsors / promotions mentioned
- Electronic Payments Coalition ad opposing Senator Dick Durbin’s proposed credit card regulations (guardyourcard.com referenced).
- Riverbend Ranch (steak promotion; promo code MEGAN).
- Salt Lake Family Christmas Gift Show (Nov 13–15 event; ticket promo noted).
Bottom line
This AM update covers the end of the longest U.S. shutdown in history with a temporary funding package, a rare and powerful geomagnetic storm that triggered state-level grid warnings and widespread aurora sightings, and Jack Schlossberg’s congressional bid amid questions about his public persona. The funding deal buys time but leaves key political fights — health subsidy extensions and budget negotiations — unresolved; the geomagnetic event underscores persistent risks from space weather and the importance of monitoring NOAA advisories.
