NPR News Now: November 14, 2025, 7PM EST

Host: Ryland Barton | Duration: ≈ 5 minutes

Episode Overview

This NPR News Now broadcast offers a concise update on major national and international news stories. Key topics include the aftermath of the government shutdown's impact on air travel, the State Department's designation of European antifa groups as terrorist organizations, turbulence in tech stock markets, a major data breach settlement with AT&T, a hazardous chemical leak in Oklahoma, Disney's exploration of AI-driven content, and a quirky world record by bagpipers in Australia.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Aviation Slowly Recovers Post-Government Shutdown

• Timestamps: 00:11–01:09
• Details:
  • The FAA maintains a 6% reduction in flights at major airports even after the shutdown; this is less severe than the planned 10%.
  • More air traffic controllers are returning to work, but full normalization awaits improved safety data.
  • Some controllers had taken second jobs or called in sick during the shutdown.
  • No clear timetable has been given for a full return to normal flight schedules.
• Notable Quote:

  "The Federal Aviation Administration has said the cuts were necessary to keep the airspace safe as the agency grappled with a staffing shortage of air traffic controllers during the federal government shutdown."
  — Joel Rose (00:41)

2. State Department Designates European Antifa Groups as Terrorists

• Timestamps: 01:09–02:09
• Details:
  • Four groups from Germany, Italy, and Greece are labeled as terrorist organizations under a new policy by Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
  • The groups are described as part of the antifa movement with "revolutionary, anarchist or Marxist ideologies," and specifically labeled anti-American.
  • Move follows President Trump's domestic terrorism designation for the U.S. antifa movement in September.
  • The German-based "Antifa Ost" is called out for multiple attacks against perceived fascists.
• Notable Quote:

  “Rubio calls the four organizations violent antifa groups and says these types of organizations ascribe to revolutionary, anarchist, or Marxist ideologies, including anti-Americanism.”
  — Jackie Northam (01:28)
  “The move to designate the European groups as terrorists comes after President Trump…designated the antifa movement here in the US as a terrorist organization.”
  — Jackie Northam (01:52)

3. Stock Markets Slump After Tech’s Strong Year

• Timestamps: 02:09–02:51
• Details:
  • The Nasdaq dropped by more than 2% amid investor concerns over AI stock valuations.
  • The Dow fell nearly 800 points, just after hitting a new high.
  • Uncertainty persists due to delayed government economic data during the shutdown and speculation about further Fed interest rate cuts.
• Notable Quote:

  “The Nasdaq sank as investors grew a little skittish about whether AI companies have gained too much.”
  — Rafael Naam (02:22)

4. AT&T Settlement for Major Data Breach

• Timestamps: 02:51–03:23
• Details:
  • AT&T has agreed to a $177 million settlement after breaches exposed sensitive customer data, including social security numbers and call records.
  • Affected consumers have just over a month left to file settlement claims.

5. Hazardous Chemical Leak in Weatherford, Oklahoma

• Timestamps: 03:23–03:46
• Details:
  • Leak of anhydrous ammonia from a tanker truck in a hotel parking lot prompts evacuation of hundreds and hospitalizes dozens; at least four in critical condition.

6. Disney Explores Interactive, AI-Powered Content

• Timestamps: 03:46–04:30
• Details:
  • On a company earnings call, CEO Bob Iger hints at collaborations with AI companies to enable Disney+ users to generate their own content from Disney intellectual property.
  • No details were confirmed, and Disney did not respond to further inquiries.
• Notable Quote:

  “AI is going to give us the ability to provide users of Disney plus with a much more engaged experience, including the ability for them to create user generated content.”
  — Bob Iger (03:56)

7. Bagpipe World Record in Melbourne

• Timestamps: 04:30–04:50
• Details:
  • 374 bagpipers gathered in Melbourne, Australia to play AC/DC’s “It’s a Long Way to the Top,” setting a new world record certified by the Australian Book of Records, surpassing the old record of 333 set in Bulgaria in 2012.

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• “With the shutdown now over, airlines are preparing to ramp back up to full schedules. Aviation regulators say that will happen when safety data improves, but they have not given any timetable.” — Joel Rose (00:57)
• “The move to designate the European groups as terrorists comes after President Trump in September designated the antifa movement here in the US as a terrorist organization.” — Jackie Northam (01:52)
• “The Nasdaq sank as investors grew a little skittish about whether AI companies have gained too much.” — Rafael Naam (02:22)
• “AI is going to give us the ability to provide users of Disney plus with a much more engaged experience, including the ability for them to create user generated content.” — Bob Iger (03:56)

Notable Segment Timestamps

• Aviation and Shutdown Impact: 00:11–01:09
• Antifa Terrorist Designations: 01:09–02:09
• Tech Stocks/Market Update: 02:09–02:51
• AT&T Data Breach: 02:51–03:23
• Oklahoma Chemical Leak: 03:23–03:46
• Disney & AI Content: 03:46–04:30
• Bagpipe World Record: 04:30–04:50

This summary brings together the episode’s essential headlines and highlights, marked by clear timestamps and direct speaker attributions, capturing the concise yet impactful tone of NPR’s news updates.