NPR News: 11-14-2025 11PM EST

Episode Overview

This five-minute NPR News Now episode summarizes the top stories of November 14, 2025. Key headlines include the removal of tariffs by President Trump after recent elections, progress for air traffic controllers following a government shutdown, Purdue Pharma’s landmark bankruptcy settlement, a fatal Pentagon anti-drug operation in the Caribbean, a Ukrainian drone strike on a Russian oil port, and a major U.S. railroad merger. The news is delivered in rapid succession, offering concise updates directly from NPR’s reporters.

Key News Stories & Discussions

1. President Trump Removes Major Tariffs

• Summary: President Trump has withdrawn tariffs on a wide range of goods following notable Democratic wins in recent elections.
• Key Points:
  • The tariffs being lifted include those on fruits, vegetables, beef, and coffee.
  • These tariffs were widely passed on to consumers through higher prices.
  • Removal is expected to ease consumer costs and comes as Trump’s approval on the economy has dipped and consumer confidence has fallen.
• Notable Quotes:
  • Danielle Kurtzleben:

    “Removing these tariffs could therefore lower the higher prices the tariffs caused.” [00:41]

  • Danielle Kurtzleben:

    “Recent polls have shown Americans’ approval of Trump on the economy, typically a strong issue for him, has slipped.” [00:54]

2. Air Traffic Controllers Receive Back Pay After Shutdown

• Summary: For the first time in over a month, U.S. air traffic controllers have been paid following a disruptive government shutdown.
• Key Points:
  • Controllers received about 70% of what they were owed; the remainder, including overtime, is set to arrive later.
  • Many controllers worked six days a week with mandatory overtime during unpaid shifts, leading to staffing shortages.
  • Most have resumed work; only minor shortages persist.
• Notable Quotes:
  • NPR (Joel Rose):

    “Controllers had been required to work without pay since the shutdown began. Some took on second jobs and many called out sick, leading to staffing shortages at many air traffic control facilities.” [01:42]

3. Purdue Pharma Bankruptcy Plan Finalized

• Summary: A federal judge has approved Purdue Pharma's bankruptcy plan; key outcomes include billions in compensation for creditors and opioid crisis victims.
• Key Points:
  • Sackler family to pay up to $7 billion.
  • $865 million earmarked for individual victims.
  • Purdue will dissolve and become NOAA Pharma, focusing on non-profit opioid treatment.
  • The Sacklers will have no involvement in the new company.
• Notable Quotes:
  • Sidney Lupkin:

    “Purdue will dissolve as part of the arrangement and emerge as a new company, NOAA Pharma. It will focus on providing opioid use disorder treatments and overdose reversal medicines with no obligation to maximize profits.” [02:31]

4. Pentagon Drug Interdiction Strike in the Caribbean

• Summary: U.S. forces conducted a fatal anti-drug operation in the Caribbean, resulting in four deaths.
• Key Points:
  • The strike targeted a boat allegedly carrying drugs.
  • Announced by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth several days after it occurred.
  • Part of a spate of similar operations in recent days.
• Memorable Moment:
  • The report highlights ongoing U.S. drug interdiction efforts in the region and the escalation in enforcement.

5. Ukrainian Drone Strike on Russian Oil Port

• Summary: Ukraine struck the key Russian oil port city of Novorossiysk, causing a state of emergency.
• Key Points:
  • Four injuries, damage to port infrastructure, buildings, and an oil depot.
  • Some reports claimed all oil deliveries were halted, but local officials said fires were under control.
  • Incident comes after Russia called reservists to protect infrastructure.
• Notable Quotes:
  • Charles Maynes:

    “The incident comes just days after Russian President Vladimir Putin authorized the use of reservists to better protect critical infrastructure.” [03:44]

  • Charles Maynes:

    “Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has justified past strikes on Russian energy, saying they cut into the Kremlin’s ability to finance the war against Ukraine over the long term.” [03:55]

6. Major U.S. Railroad Merger Endorsed

• Summary: Shareholders of Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern approve an $85 billion merger, possibly creating the first coast-to-coast rail network.
• Key Points:
  • Requires approval from the U.S. Surface Transportation Board.
  • Backed by the largest rail union and many shippers.
  • Competing railroad BNSF opposes the deal, citing fears of reduced competition and higher rates.
• Memorable Moment:
  • The historic nature of the merger highlights the evolving landscape of U.S. transportation.

7. Oakland, CA: Laney College Football Coach Fatally Shot

• Summary: John Beam, notable football coach and subject of Netflix's "Last Chance U," dies after being shot on campus.
• Key Points:
  • Second school shooting in Oakland in two days.
  • A suspect has been arrested in the case.
• Memorable Moment:
  • The tragedy underscores ongoing concerns about gun violence in U.S. schools.

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Tariff Removal Announcement: 00:18 – 01:11
• Air Traffic Controller Back Pay: 01:11 – 02:00
• Purdue Pharma Bankruptcy: 02:00 – 02:52
• Pentagon Drug Interdiction: 02:52 – 03:12
• Ukrainian Drone Strike: 03:12 – 04:11
• Railroad Merger & Coach Shooting: 04:11 – 04:57

Notable Quotes

• Danielle Kurtzleben on tariffs:

  “Removing these tariffs could therefore lower the higher prices the tariffs caused.” [00:41]

• Joel Rose on controller payments:

  “Controllers had been required to work without pay since the shutdown began. Some took on second jobs and many called out sick, leading to staffing shortages at many air traffic control facilities.” [01:42]

• Sidney Lupkin on Purdue bankruptcy:

  “Purdue will dissolve as part of the arrangement and emerge as a new company, NOAA Pharma. It will focus on providing opioid use disorder treatments and overdose reversal medicines with no obligation to maximize profits.” [02:31]

• Charles Maynes on Russia-Ukraine conflict:

  “Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has justified past strikes on Russian energy, saying they cut into the Kremlin’s ability to finance the war against Ukraine over the long term.” [03:55]

Summary

This episode delivers a brisk, fact-focused sweep across pressing national and global issues: economic policy pivots, labor relief post-shutdown, an unprecedented opioid settlement, anti-drug military actions, the continued war between Russia and Ukraine, a transformative railroad merger, and a community shaken by violence. Each story is framed with direct reportage, prioritizing clarity and urgency to inform listeners swiftly and effectively.