NPR News Now – November 13, 2025, 1AM EST

Host: Shea Stevens
Summary of Episode:
This episode covers the resolution of the longest U.S. government shutdown, revelations from newly released Jeffrey Epstein documents, rising transatlantic tensions over U.S. military action in the Caribbean, a federal court battle over Medicaid reimbursements to Planned Parenthood, and recent decisions from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops on immigration and transgender healthcare.

Main Theme

A roundup of late-breaking U.S. and global news headlines, with a strong focus on government action and social controversies.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. End of the Longest U.S. Government Shutdown

• [00:18 - 01:19]
  • President Donald Trump signed a bill at a late-night White House ceremony, officially ending the longest government shutdown in U.S. history.
  • The bill funds most of the federal government through January, and allocates an additional three years of funding to programs like agriculture and the military.
  • Layoffs from the shutdown are reversed and furloughed workers will receive retroactive pay.
  • Trump used the occasion to renew calls for ending the Senate filibuster, arguing it would prevent future shutdowns.
  • Quote:
    • President Trump: “This was an easy extension, but they didn't want to do it the easy way. They had to do it the hard way, and they look very bad. The Democrats do.” (00:41)

2. House Oversight Releases Epstein Documents

• [01:19 - 02:18]
  • Thousands more pages of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein were released. Republicans claim these documents provide context, while Democrats are highlighting three incriminating emails between Epstein and Donald Trump.
  • Key emails include:
    • 2011: Epstein calls Trump “the dog that hasn't barked,” alleging Trump spent hours at his house with a trafficking victim.
    • 2015: Author Michael Wolff suggests Epstein could gain “valuable PR and political currency” if Trump denied being on Epstein’s plane or at his house.
    • 2019: Epstein asserts “of course Trump knew about the girls,” referring to abuse.
  • Quote:
    • Reporter Stephen Fowler: "Epstein emailed Ghislaine Maxwell, his associate who has been convicted on trafficking charges, called Trump the, quote, dog that hasn't barked and says Trump spent hours at his house with one of the alleged sex trafficking victims." (01:51)
    • "A 2019 exchange that saw Epstein say that, quote, of course Trump knew about the girls as he asked Ghislaine to stop." (02:12)

3. UK Restricts Intelligence Sharing over U.S. Caribbean Operations

• [02:18 - 03:13]
  • Britain is withholding intelligence from the Pentagon, due to concerns about U.S. military strikes on boats in the Caribbean.
  • The UK does not support these actions, which are seen as misaligned with British foreign policy.
  • In response, Colombia halts intelligence sharing until the U.S. stops the strikes.
  • The Trump administration defends its stance, labeling suspected smugglers as terrorist enemy combatants.
  • Quote:
    • Reporter Quill Lawrence: “The Trump administration claims the military has the right to kill even unarmed drug smugglers on suspicion because it has labeled them terrorist enemy combatants.” (03:08)

4. Planned Parenthood Medicaid Reimbursements Suspended

• [03:13 - 03:53]
  • A federal appeals court is reviewing the suspension of Medicaid reimbursements to organizations providing abortions. The suspension remains in effect while appeals are ongoing.
  • Planned Parenthood argues the legislation is unconstitutional.

5. U.S. Catholic Bishops: Immigration and Transgender Care Policies

• [03:53 - 04:39]
  • At their annual meeting, U.S. Catholic bishops approve new restrictions on gender-affirming care in Catholic healthcare facilities and issue a statement opposing indiscriminate deportation.
  • Quote:
    • Cardinal Blaise Cupich: “How can we say to the people who are suffering from this moment that we stand with you if we don't clearly say that we are opposed to the indiscriminate deportation of people?” (04:02)
    • Maxwell Kuzma, lifelong Catholic and trans man, on restrictions: “To restrict gender affirming care is like a pretty strong rebuttal of how Jesus actually acted towards the people who are most marginalized and who are sick.” (04:24)

6. Market Update

• [04:39 - 04:56]
  • U.S. futures dip slightly after a mixed day on Wall Street; Dow up by 326 points while markets are varied in Asia.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On Government Shutdown:

  • “They had to do it the hard way, and they look very bad. The Democrats do.” – President Trump (00:41)

• On Epstein Documents:

  • “Trump spent hours at his house with one of the alleged sex trafficking victims.” – Reporter Stephen Fowler (01:51)
  • “Of course Trump knew about the girls as he asked Ghislaine to stop.” – Reporter Stephen Fowler quoting Epstein (02:12)

• On Immigration:

  • “We are opposed to the indiscriminate deportation of people.” – Cardinal Blaise Cupich (04:02)

• On Transgender Care in Catholic Facilities:

  • “To restrict gender affirming care is like a pretty strong rebuttal of how Jesus actually acted…” – Maxwell Kuzma (04:24)

Important Timestamps

• 00:18: Shutdown signed to an end, Trump's remarks
• 01:19: Epstein documents and emails with Trump discussed
• 02:18: UK objects to U.S. Caribbean military operations; Colombia response
• 03:13: Court challenges Planned Parenthood Medicaid funding suspension
• 03:53: Catholic bishops meeting on immigration and transgender care
• 04:39: Financial market updates

This concise episode delivers a snapshot of ongoing political, social, and international developments, providing listeners with both major headlines and undercurrents shaping public debate in the U.S. and abroad.