NPR News Now: November 13, 2025, 3PM EST — Episode Summary

Overview

This NPR News Now episode, anchored by Lakshmi Singh, delivers concise updates on the aftermath of the recent government shutdown, political promises around foster care and health care, challenges in restarting federal services, commemorations of the Paris attacks, groundbreaking health research, ongoing federal legal drama, and a turbulent stock market.

Major News Headlines & Key Insights

1. Government Shutdown Ends; White House Focuses on Affordability

• Shutdown Resolution: The nearly seven-week-long government shutdown has concluded.

• Presidential Focus: President Trump announces a shift in attention towards affordability challenges faced by Americans, noting its impact on the latest election results.

  "Now that the nearly seven week old government shutdown is over, President Trump says he's focusing on affordability concerns, an issue that appeared to factor into Democrats outperforming Republicans and recent elections."
  — Lakshmi Singh [00:15]

Foster Care Initiative

• New Initiative: President Trump unveils a plan to support youth transitioning out of foster care.

• Corporate and Institutional Pledge: Major companies and institutions will pledge resources for training and mentoring these young people.

  "Under this major new initiative, Great American companies and institutions will be signing a pledge to invest in teaching, training and mentoring America's youth who are transitioning out of the foster care system. This will help provide jobs, education and personal development opportunities to fantastic young people who truly need and deserve them."
  — President Trump [00:38]

2. Affordable Care Act Subsidies: Extension Sought

• Senate Promise: GOP leaders have promised a vote by mid-December on extending premium tax credits under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), a move agreed upon during shutdown negotiations.

• Local Impact: Tens of thousands in Wisconsin benefit from these credits; individuals share personal stakes in the continuation.

  "Care act enrollee and freelance author Nancy Peske said she needs the credits because her health insurance costs may triple next year."
  — Chuck Kwernbach [01:13]

  "It's not just my health insurance that's going to go up. It's everybody's right. We're all in this together."
  — Nancy Peske [01:38]

  "Wisconsin officials say 275,000 state residents benefit from the enhanced premium tax credits."
  — Chuck Kwernbach [01:44]

3. Federal Government: Slow Reboot

• Systems Recovery: Agencies are working to restart payroll, communications, and case management systems left idle during the shutdown.

• Backlog in Services: Safety inspections (FAA, FDA, OSHA), passport, and Social Security services are particularly delayed.

• Back Pay Timeline: Furloughed employees to start receiving back pay by Saturday, with processing expected to conclude by November 19.

  "Passport agencies and Social Security field offices are warning of long lines and slower services while they work through thousands of backed up appointments."
  — Windsor Johnston [02:03]

  "According to a memo, the Trump administration projects federal employee paychecks will go out starting on Saturday and will aim to complete the process by November 19th."
  — Windsor Johnston [02:03]

4. Paris Attacks – 10th Anniversary Commemorations

• Ceremonies Held: France marks ten years since terrorist attacks in Paris that killed 132 people, with ceremonies, a newly dedicated memorial garden, and the Eiffel Tower lit in blue, white, and red.

  "France's national anthem played as the country held a ceremony and other commemorations marking the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attacks in Paris, 132 people were killed. Hundreds more were injured."
  — Lakshmi Singh [02:47]

5. Health News: Ultra Processed Foods and Pre-Diabetes Risk

• New Study Results: Eating more ultra processed foods significantly raises pre-diabetes risk in young adults.

• Key Findings: Just a 10% increase in such foods correlates with a 50% higher risk of prediabetes.

  "Prior research has linked overconsumption of ultra processed foods to type 2 diabetes in adults, but few studies have looked at the health effects among youth."
  — Maria Godoy [03:33]

  "We don't really know what's happening with these young adults."
  — Lita Chatzi, University of Southern California [03:41]

  "We found something that was shocking to us."
  — Lita Chatzi [04:01]

  "Even a small 10% increase in consumption of ultra processed foods was linked to a 50% higher risk of having prediabetes."
  — Maria Godoy [04:04]

6. Federal Legal Drama: Trump Critics in Court

• Cases Reviewed: A federal judge considers dismissing cases against James Comey and NY Attorney General Letitia James.

• Arguments Highlighted: Defense argues prosecutor appointment was unlawful.

  "A federal judge is weighing today's arguments over constitutional and statutory rules and deciding whether to dismiss cases against two of President Trump's most prominent critics, former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James."
  — Lakshmi Singh [04:19]

7. Markets: Wall Street Slide

• Stock Indices Plunge: The Dow drops 782 points (over 1.5%), and the S&P is down 1.7%.

  "U.S. stocks continue their slide with the Dow now down 782 points, more than 1 1/2 percent. SMPs off 1.7%."
  — Lakshmi Singh [04:19]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “We're all in this together.”
  — Nancy Peske on ACA subsidies [01:38]

• “We found something that was shocking to us.”
  — Lita Chatzi, on the health risks of processed foods [04:01]

• “The Eiffel Tower lit up bearing France's colors of blue, white and red. Tributes also include a new memorial garden opposite City Hall.”
  — Lakshmi Singh [02:47]

Segment Timestamps

• [00:15] — Government Shutdown ends; President Trump pivots to affordability and foster care.
• [00:59 - 01:44] — Affordable Care Act subsidies and public testimonial.
• [02:03 - 02:47] — Federal government slow restart and agency-specific impacts.
• [02:47] — Paris attacks commemoration.
• [03:33 - 04:04] — Ultra processed food study and expert commentary.
• [04:19] — Legal hearing for Trump critics; financial markets update.

Conclusion

This episode offers a concise roundup of significant national and international developments directly impacting Americans—from politics and health to remembrance and economic news. Each segment features both high-level context and firsthand voices, providing listeners with an informed snapshot of the current news landscape.