Nova Newsletter
November 12, 2025
☕ Good morning. 1,812 words for you today - 10 minute read.
The Spotlight
1. 18 Injured After People Carrier Crashes at Dulles Airport
People carriers, also known as mobile lounges, have been used at Dulles airport since 1959
A people carrier crashed into a dock at Washington Dulles International Airport, injuring 18 passengers on Monday afternoon, according to airport officials.
Takeaways
The mobile lounge struck a dock at 4:30 p.m. EST, damaging part of the terminal.
All injuries were non-life-threatening, and victims exited using stairs before being taken to hospitals.
Dulles operates 19 mobile lounges, each carrying up to 102 people — a system in use since 1959.
Critics have called the vehicles “relics of the past”, citing 16 previous accidents between 2007 and 2017.
Airport spokeswoman Crystal Nosal said the facility remains open and operating normally. The crash comes as the government shutdown continues to disrupt U.S. airports, with Dulles among those facing 10% air traffic cuts due to staffing shortages.
The incident renews scrutiny of Dulles’ outdated transport system amid ongoing federal disruptions. Read More
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2. Families sue Camp Mystic after Deadly Texas floods
Families of nine victims are filing lawsuits against Camp Mystic and its owners after 27 campers and counselors died in July flash floods in Hunt, Texas.
Takeaways
Three lawsuits allege gross negligence, claiming the camp ignored flood risks and failed to evacuate cabins in danger zones.
Each lawsuit seeks more than $1 million in damages and demands a jury trial in Travis County.
Defendants include Camp Mystic and the Eastland family, longtime owners of the century-old camp.
The camp disputes negligence, calling the flood a once-in-a-thousand-year event and highlighting partial evacuation efforts.
The lawsuits cite ignored warnings, unsafe cabin locations, and delayed evacuation plans. Families argue for-profit priorities contributed to preventable deaths. Camp Mystic’s attorneys contend they followed reasonable protocols under extreme conditions. The tragedy has prompted tougher Texas camp safety laws and ongoing debates about evacuation protocols.
Camp Mystic plans a partial reopening for its 100th anniversary, keeping flood-prone areas closed. Read More
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3. Wendy’s To Close Hundreds of U.S. Restaurants
Meritage operates a network of 353 restaurants across the US. Credit: Nheyob/commons.wikipedia.org.
Wendy’s plans to shutter hundreds of U.S. locations this quarter to boost profitability and modernize its remaining stores.
Takeaways
Closures could affect roughly 5% of 6,011 U.S. restaurants, or about 300 locations.
The move follows 240 closures in 2024, as older and underperforming stores are phased out.
Interim CEO Ken Cook says closing or upgrading struggling restaurants will improve traffic and franchisee performance.
Wendy’s same-store sales fell 4% in the first nine months, with revenue down 2% and net income down 6%.
Some underperforming restaurants will be upgraded with technology or new operators; others will close. The chain is refocusing marketing on value and ingredient freshness amid ongoing pressure on lower-income consumers. Shares fell 7% on Friday and 5% Monday after the announcement.
Wendy’s aims to strengthen remaining stores and attract new customers in a challenging fast-food market. Read More
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Quick Headlines
Security officials and rescue workers gather at the site following a suicide bombing outside the gates of a district court, in Islamabad, Pakistan, Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Mohammad Yousuf)
A suicide bomber attacked outside a district court in Islamabad on Tuesday, killing 12 people and wounding 27, officials said. The blast targeted a police vehicle and was claimed then denied by a Taliban faction. Prime Minister Sharif condemned the attack and vowed accountability amid rising militant violence. Read More
Donald Trump has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn a $5 million civil judgment finding him liable for sexually abusing and defaming writer E. Jean Carroll. The 2023 jury ruled in Carroll’s favor, and a federal appeals court upheld the verdict last year. It’s unclear if the Court will hear the case. Read More
U.S. President Donald Trump hosted Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa at the White House a first in history marking a dramatic shift in U.S.–Syria relations. Once labeled a terrorist, Sharaa now leads Syria’s post-Assad government and joined the U.S. coalition against ISIS. Sanctions have been lifted amid hopes for regional stability. Read More
A father and daughter, Alexander and Serena Wurm, were killed when their small plane crashed in Coral Springs, Florida, shortly after takeoff. The aircraft was carrying hurricane relief supplies to Jamaica for victims of Hurricane Melissa. Authorities are investigating the crash; no one on the ground was hurt. Read More
The UK has suspended sharing intelligence with the U.S. on suspected drug boats in the Caribbean over concerns that U.S. military strikes—believed to have killed 76 people—violate international law. Britain and Canada both oppose using shared intelligence for lethal operations, calling the strikes “extrajudicial killings.” Read More
A powerful car explosion near Delhi’s Red Fort killed at least eight people and injured over 20 on Monday evening. The blast, which melted nearby vehicles and shook homes, sparked panic across the city. Police are investigating the cause as families search for missing loved ones amid tightened security. Read More
Deep Dive
4. Trump Downplays 50-Year Mortgages as Solution to Housing Costs
Andrew Harnik/Getty Images
President Donald Trump dismissed concerns over 50-year mortgages, saying longer-term loans would make only a modest difference for homebuyers, even as critics warn such loans could increase interest costs and delay equity building.
Takeaways
FHFA exploring 50-year loans: Federal Housing Finance Agency is evaluating half-century mortgages alongside relief for 5-, 10-, and 15-year loans.
Critics call them “lifetime mortgages”: Conservatives and economists warn homeowners may be trapped in debt longer despite lower monthly payments.
Supply-side issues remain key: Experts emphasize that increasing housing inventory is a more sustainable solution than extending loan terms.
Mixed political optics: Trump blamed the Federal Reserve and Democrats for rising housing costs while downplaying public polling that shows concern over affordability.
FHFA Director Bill Pulte described the 50-year mortgage proposal as a “complete game-changer” on social media and said the agency is also exploring portable and assumable mortgages through Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The White House endorsed Pulte’s efforts as part of Trump’s broader housing agenda.
Conservative voices have reacted sharply. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene warned homeowners would be “in debt forever,” while activist Mike Cernovich labeled the loans “lifetime mortgages.” Economists say the longer loans reduce monthly payments but shift the real cost burden into the future.
Housing affordability remains a national concern. Despite the Federal Reserve lowering interest rates to 3.75–4.00%, home prices continue to rise. The average 30-year mortgage rate fell to 6.19% in October, but pending sales were flat in September, signaling that lower rates alone are not enough to ease access for buyers.
Redfin chief economist Daryl Fairweather highlighted that fixing the supply side is a more effective long-term approach.
“It’s not clear how much this could lower the monthly payment because we don’t know what the interest rate would look like compared to a 30-year mortgage. A more effective, long-term solution is to fix the supply side.”
Trump continues to push for deeper Fed rate cuts, while Treasury officials warn that housing may already be entering a recessionary phase due to high borrowing costs.
Insight: 50-year mortgages may offer short-term relief but do little to address structural housing shortages that drive long-term unaffordability. Read More
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On Our Radar
5. Four UC Berkeley students arrested for anti-TPUSA protest
Three individuals were arrested early Monday morning while attempting to hang a cardboard bug off Sather Gate.
UC Berkeley police arrested four students Monday for felony vandalism while attempting to hang a five-foot cardboard bug at Sather Gate ahead of a TPUSA event.
Takeaways
Students face $10,000–$20,000 bail each and are booked at Santa Rita County Jail.
Arrests cite California Penal Code §594 for felony vandalism, which applies to property damage over $400.
The protest included posters and chalk messages denouncing TPUSA and promoting trans rights.
Arraignment is scheduled Thursday at Wiley W. Manuel Courthouse in Oakland.
The demonstration preceded a sold-out 2,000-seat TPUSA event at Zellerbach Hall. Officials say the installation likely violated campus time, place, and manner rules, which prohibit attaching objects to Sather Gate. Police removed the bug, while posters and chalk remained.
Campus spokespeople have not commented on the arrests as investigations continue. Read More
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6. Oscar Isaac hesitant to return to Star Wars amid Disney clash
Oscar Isaac, who played Poe Dameron in the Star Wars sequels, says he’s “not so open” to working with Disney following ABC’s suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live.
Takeaways
Isaac linked his stance to Disney pulling Kimmel after comments on the death of far-right activist Charlie Kirk.
He said he might reconsider if Disney “does not succumb to fascism.”
Isaac previously said Star Wars films were not what he set out to do and preferred “handmade movies” with inspiring collaborators.
The Star Wars sequels featuring Isaac grossed over $4.4 billion worldwide.
The actor’s GQ interview comes as he stars in Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein on Netflix and leads season two of Beef. He acknowledged past comments about returning to Star Wars were “slightly dickish.”
Isaac’s remarks spotlight tension between creators and major studios over artistic and political choices. Read More
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8. 🎉 This day in history
On This Day — November 12
Hitler Arrested, 1923 – Adolf Hitler is arrested in Germany for his failed attempt to seize power during the “Beer Hall Putsch,” a coup that marked the early rise of the Nazi Party.
First Space Selfie, 1966 – Astronaut Buzz Aldrin snaps the first-ever “space selfie” while conducting a spacewalk during NASA’s Gemini 12 mission.
Birth of the World Wide Web, 1990 – CERN scientists Tim Berners-Lee and Robert Cailliau propose the World Wide Web, laying the foundation for the modern internet.
9. Poll
Life Hack of the day
🍇 🧊 Freeze Grapes to Chill Drinks without Dilution
Want to chill your drinks without watering them down? Freeze a handful of grapes and toss them into white wine, juice, or lemonade. They keep your beverage cold while adding zero dilution. Bonus: once your drink is gone, you’ve got a tasty, icy snack!
That’s your morning brief. Now go show someone how smart you are. 🧠
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