Day: November 15, 2025
Scramble to find replacement for George Tidmarsh shines light on dysfunction at US regulatory agency
After the dramatic ousting of the top drug regulator at the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) two weeks ago, officials have scrambled to find a replacement in a process that has revealed the agency’s internal cracks and tensions.
It’s troubling news for a regulatory agency that has previously enjoyed a reputation for stability and consistency.
Natalie Boucly says supplies are ready but only about half of what is needed is getting into territory
Israel is breaching international law by continuing to impose restrictions on aid flows into Gaza, where the population remains critically short of food and life-saving goods as winter sets in, a senior official at the UN agency for Palestinian refugees has said.
In an interview during a recent visit to Brussels, Natalie Boucly, an Unrwa deputy commissioner general, said the whole world – including the EU and US – needed to increase the pressure on Israel’s government to ensure the unrestricted flow of aid into Gaza.
share.google/aimode/KmxmGh3j…
news today
Today’s top news headlines include:
U.S. Politics and Legal Matters
Epstein Files Controversy Newly released documents from convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein’s estate show text messages that appear to show him influencing a House Democrat’s questions during a 2019 congressional hearing for Michael Cohen. In response, President Trump has ordered the Justice Department to investigate Democrats and other high-profile figures over alleged ties to Epstein, a move critics call a deflection from his own past association with Epstein.
Trump and Marjorie Taylor Greene President Trump has publicly withdrawn his support for Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, marking a significant political break. Greene, a former ally, accused the President of lying about her stance on the release of more Epstein files.
Tariffs and Economy Facing concerns about rising consumer prices, the Trump administration has rolled back import tariffs on several food items, including coffee, bananas, and beef.
Purdue Pharma Settlement A federal bankruptcy court judge is expected to approve a multi-billion dollar opioid settlement with OxyContin maker Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family, providing funds for thousands of victims of the opioid epidemic.
World News
Middle East Tensions Iran seized a tanker in the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil trade route, raising regional tensions. In the West Bank, dozens of Israeli settlers reportedly launched an arson attack on a mosque amid a surge in violence against Palestinians.
Ukraine and Russia Kyiv faced heavy drone and missile attacks from Russia, which has intensified its strikes on Ukraine’s rail network.
India Nine people were killed and 32 injured in an explosion at a police station in Indian-administered Kashmir, an incident linked to a terror module investigation.
Other News
Entertainment and Sports A deal was reached between Disney and YouTube TV, ending a two-week blackout and restoring access to channels like ESPN and ABC for YouTube TV subscribers.
Obituaries John Beam, the beloved former football coach featured in the Netflix series “Last Chance U,” died after a shooting at a college campus in Oakland, California.
For the latest updates, you can check reputable news sources like The Washington Post, CNN, NPR, or BBC News.— Michael Novakhov (@mikenov) Nov 15, 2025
Brandon Bell/Getty Images
- This post originally appeared in the BI Today newsletter.
- You can sign up for Business Insider’s daily newsletter here.
Welcome back! Would you “rough it in the woods” to find clarity? That’s what one millennial did when she went to a weekend sleepaway camp. The women she met there completely changed her perspective on aging.
On the agenda:
- These twins’ lives were identical until one got colon cancer at 21.
- The best skincare routine and products for men, according to two dermatologists.
- Gen Zers are leaving the white-collar world to work for billionaires.
- A neuroscientist is training to become a super-ager with six daily habits.
But first: You don’t have to fly this holiday season. There’s another way.
If this was forwarded to you, sign up here. Download Business Insider’s app here.
This week’s dispatch
All aboard!
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
If your family group chat is anything like mine, you’ve already considered just staying put this holiday season. With the airports reeling after mass delays and cancellations due to the government shutdown, it’s not looking pretty — even though the shutdown has lifted.
What if I reminded you that there’s another way? BI’s travel reporter, Joey Hadden, has spent more than 75 hours on Amtrak’s trains, including short- and long-distance routes and overnight trains, reviewing them for comfort, amenities, and even food.
With different rail lines crossing the country — whether you’re traveling north to south or east to west — you don’t have to compromise comfort (albeit a few bumps!) to avoid airport headaches.
In fact, one of Hadden’s favorite ways to travel is by overnight train in an Amtrak roomette or bedroom. Her $400 roomette ticket included “a private enclosed space with two chairs, two beds, and perks such as priority boarding, meals on board, a dedicated attendant, and access to lounges at select stations.” For an extra cost, a bedroom offers even more space.
Before you book — and yes, I checked, there are still rooms available — here are a few things to keep in mind. Hadden notes that WiFi can be spotty, so if you need to stay connected throughout, you may want to consider a backup plan. Also, train food isn’t as bad as it sounds, and some of Hadden’s meals came with three courses.
And a little tip from Hadden before you go: “If you can think of the train ride as part of the journey, you’ll find it much more enjoyable.”
When your identical twin gets cancer
Kim Raff for BI
Brinlee and Mariela Luster are identical twins who once shared everything. They went to the same college and studied the same major, and even their parents sometimes struggled to tell their voices apart.
When Brinlee got colon cancer at 21, Mariela was the first to notice that something was wrong. As Brinlee’s diagnosis changed the trajectory of her early 20s, Mariela’s life stayed on track — but she shouldered the guilt of moving forward.
Skincare, simplified
Getty Images
More men are opting for cosmetic procedures, like fillers and eyelid lifts, while overlooking something simpler: a daily skincare routine. Because most skincare products are aimed at women, many men are overwhelmed by the options, Dr. Peter Bittar told BI.
Bittar and Dr. Corey L. Hartman, who are both board-certified dermatologists, shared the best routine for men, keeping it as simple as possible to achieve clear, soft, and youthful skin.
Gen Z’s hottest new gig
Getty Images; Alyssa Powell/BI
As layoffs rip through the white-collar world, many young people are turning to “private staffing.” The jobs are about making the fabulous lives of the wealthy more lavish — think nannies, personal chefs, personal assistants, and the like.
Working for the superrich is a more attractive alternative to climbing the increasingly wobbly corporate ladder. But working for a billionaire can also be nerve-racking.
If you can’t beat ’em, pamper ’em.
Super habits for super-agers
Getty Images
It’s a popular misconception that the brain is like an old computer that inevitably runs down as we age, Johns Hopkins neuroscientist Dr. Majid Fotuhi told BI. He says it’s a living organ that can grow or shrink in response to our daily choices.
He keeps his brain healthy and youthful by engaging in a mix of physical and mental exercises. Those include turning off GPS, forgoing donuts, and taking weekly dancing lessons with his wife.
The goal is to be as sharp at 90 as he is today.
What we’re watching this weekend
saravuth-photohut/Getty, Tyler Le/BI
- “Freakier Friday”: Now available on Disney+, Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan return for another body-swapping comedy.
- “Madame Web”: On Disney+, you can see the Spider-Woman origin story starring Dakota Johnson and Sydney Sweeney that Marvel wishes it had never made.
- “Nouvelle Vague”: This Netflix movie starring Zoey Deutch is a fictional look at the making of the New French Wave classic “Breathless.”
iStock; Rebecca Zisser/BI
What to shop
- 25 days of tiny joy: Turn the holiday countdown into a daily treat with one of our favorite Advent calendars. From beauty minis to gourmet bites and quirky gifts for kids or pets, this year’s best options are already selling out.
- Soft sweater, softer price tag: Quince’s viral $50‑ish cashmere sweater blew up for a reason: it’s soft, warm, and for the most part, still shocks the price tag. While it’s not flawless, for the value it hits.
- Rare discount alert: Our favorite joggers from Vuori are on major sale ahead of Black Friday, as are a ton of other bestsellers and styles we love. Our style editors scoured the sale to find the best deals on athleisure and workout gear.
James Berry
The true cost of colon cancer as a millennial
Five young adults share how early-onset colon cancer reshaped their lives, careers, and finances.
More of this week’s top reads:
- Hollywood is running out of movie stars. With “The Running Man,” Glen Powell could be the next Tom Cruise.
- Gut health is the secret to glowing skin, says a pharmacist in her 40s with a Ph.D in skincare. Follow her three simple diet tips.
- Everything a sports dietitian — and busy mom of two — eats to build muscle and fuel for workouts.
- I trusted AI instead of an agent to buy a home. I saved around $7,000 in fees.
- What in the world is going on with Miss Universe? Here’s everything to know about the 2025 pageant drama.
- Edgar Wright is always all-in.
The BI Today team: Dan DeFrancesco, deputy editor and anchor, in New York. Akin Oyedele, deputy editor, in New York. Grace Lett, editor, in New York. Amanda Yen, associate editor, in New York.
Vladimir Putin is a repressed homosexual and the state of the gay rights in Russia
There is no credible evidence to support the claim that Vladimir Putin is a “repressed homosexual”. Such claims are largely based on speculation and satirical or critical imagery, which the Russian government has actively suppressed. [1, 2]
The current state of gay rights in Russia is dire, with extensive legal and social persecution of the LGBTQ+ community. [3]
Vladimir Putin’s Stance and Actions Vladimir Putin has consistently aligned himself with the Russian Orthodox Church and promoted “traditional family values,” explicitly opposing same-sex marriage and what he calls Western “gender fluidity” ideas. His administration has implemented a series of escalating anti-LGBTQ+ laws as a cornerstone of his rule, often linking the crackdown to the war in Ukraine and a perceived ideological battle with the West. [3, 4, 5, 6]
The State of Gay Rights in Russia (as of late 2024/2025) Russia has become one of Europe’s most dangerous places for LGBTQ+ people due to a series of escalating laws and Supreme Court rulings. Key measures include:• “Gay Propaganda” Laws: A 2013 law initially banned the “propaganda of non-traditional sexual relationships” among minors; this was expanded in late 2022 to cover all age groups, effectively banning any public expression or information suggesting support for LGBTQ+ identities or relationships.
• “Extremist” Designation: In November 2023, the Russian Supreme Court officially designated the “international public LGBT movement” as an “extremist” organization, a ruling that effectively outlawed all LGBTQ+ activism in the country.
• Criminal Penalties: Since the “extremist” ruling, individuals can face up to 10 years in prison for participating in or financing the “movement”. At least 101 penalties have been imposed for alleged participation or displaying symbols like the rainbow flag, with some individuals receiving prison sentences.
• Bans on Gender Affirming Care: A July 2023 law banned gender-affirming medical care and changing gender markers on official documents, also revoking transgender people’s marriage and parental rights.
• Raids and Censorship: Police have conducted numerous raids on establishments popular with LGBTQ+ people, and courts have issued large fines to media outlets, publishers, and businesses for content deemed “propaganda”.
• Impact on the Community: The laws have driven the LGBTQ+ community underground, with many activists and individuals fleeing the country to seek asylum due to fear of persecution and imprisonment. [3, 6, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15]Human Rights Watch and other international bodies have documented the severe human rights violations, including arbitrary prosecutions and a rise in requests for emergency evacuation from the country
.AI responses may include mistakes.
[1] time.com/4728422/russia-puti…
[2] rferl.org/a/russia-bans-imag…
[3] apnews.com/article/russia-lg…
[4] time.com/6236822/russia-gay-…
[5] nbcnews.com/feature/nbc-out/…
[6] aljazeera.com/news/2023/11/3…
[7] themoscowtimes.com/2025/06/1…
[8] youtube.com/watch?v=SU2y08D2…
[9] carnegieendowment.org/russia…
[10] thebody.com/article/russia-l…
[11] commondreams.org/news/russia…
[12] hrw.org/news/2025/06/30/russ…
[13] hrw.org/world-report/2025/co…
[14] hrw.org/news/2025/08/20/huma…
[15] time.com/6342383/russias-cou…– Google Search google.com/search?q=Vladimir…
— Michael Novakhov (@mikenov) Nov 15, 2025
Vladimir Putin is a repressed homosexual and the state of the gay rights in Russia
There is no credible evidence to support the claim that Vladimir Putin is a “repressed homosexual”. Such claims are largely based on speculation and satirical or critical imagery, which the Russian government has actively suppressed. [1, 2]
The current state of gay rights in Russia is dire, with extensive legal and social persecution of the LGBTQ+ community. [3]
Vladimir Putin’s Stance and Actions Vladimir Putin has consistently aligned himself with the Russian Orthodox Church and promoted “traditional family values,” explicitly opposing same-sex marriage and what he calls Western “gender fluidity” ideas. His administration has implemented a series of escalating anti-LGBTQ+ laws as a cornerstone of his rule, often linking the crackdown to the war in Ukraine and a perceived ideological battle with the West. [3, 4, 5, 6]
The State of Gay Rights in Russia (as of late 2024/2025) Russia has become one of Europe’s most dangerous places for LGBTQ+ people due to a series of escalating laws and Supreme Court rulings. Key measures include:• “Gay Propaganda” Laws: A 2013 law initially banned the “propaganda of non-traditional sexual relationships” among minors; this was expanded in late 2022 to cover all age groups, effectively banning any public expression or information suggesting support for LGBTQ+ identities or relationships.
• “Extremist” Designation: In November 2023, the Russian Supreme Court officially designated the “international public LGBT movement” as an “extremist” organization, a ruling that effectively outlawed all LGBTQ+ activism in the country.
• Criminal Penalties: Since the “extremist” ruling, individuals can face up to 10 years in prison for participating in or financing the “movement”. At least 101 penalties have been imposed for alleged participation or displaying symbols like the rainbow flag, with some individuals receiving prison sentences.
• Bans on Gender Affirming Care: A July 2023 law banned gender-affirming medical care and changing gender markers on official documents, also revoking transgender people’s marriage and parental rights.
• Raids and Censorship: Police have conducted numerous raids on establishments popular with LGBTQ+ people, and courts have issued large fines to media outlets, publishers, and businesses for content deemed “propaganda”.
• Impact on the Community: The laws have driven the LGBTQ+ community underground, with many activists and individuals fleeing the country to seek asylum due to fear of persecution and imprisonment. [3, 6, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15]Human Rights Watch and other international bodies have documented the severe human rights violations, including arbitrary prosecutions and a rise in requests for emergency evacuation from the country
.AI responses may include mistakes.
[1] time.com/4728422/russia-puti…
[2] rferl.org/a/russia-bans-imag…
[3] apnews.com/article/russia-lg…
[4] time.com/6236822/russia-gay-…
[5] nbcnews.com/feature/nbc-out/…
[6] aljazeera.com/news/2023/11/3…
[7] themoscowtimes.com/2025/06/1…
[8] youtube.com/watch?v=SU2y08D2…
[9] carnegieendowment.org/russia…
[10] thebody.com/article/russia-l…
[11] commondreams.org/news/russia…
[12] hrw.org/news/2025/06/30/russ…
[13] hrw.org/world-report/2025/co…
[14] hrw.org/news/2025/08/20/huma…
[15] time.com/6342383/russias-cou…– Google Search google.com/search?q=Vladimir…
— Michael Novakhov (@mikenov) Nov 15, 2025
