NPR News Now – November 14, 2025, 2AM EST

Episode Summary

Main Theme:
This rapid-fire update covers the reopening of the U.S. government after a prolonged shutdown, President Trump's recent policy actions, developments in Gaza, a major attack in Kyiv, a high-profile pardon, the latest on technology stocks, and notable aerospace advancements.

Key News Highlights & Discussion Points

1. U.S. Government Reopens After 43-Day Shutdown

[00:17–01:05]

• Agencies Reopen:
  Shea Stevens opens with news that government agencies are resuming operations following a 43-day shutdown. Workers are returning, but many feel uncertain given the temporary nature of the funding extension.
• Worker Sentiment:
  Jenny Abamu (WAMU) reports from Washington, D.C., spotlighting Ian Morgan, a federal scientist, who expresses mixed feelings:
  • Morgan notes relief at returning to his antimicrobial research at NIH but voices unease due to unresolved policy disputes in Congress, especially over healthcare subsidies.
  • Notable Quote:
    • "I got in this morning to saying, well, you know, if since this has only been extended a short period of time, here's some resources just in case this happens again. So I think people are acutely aware that this could happen again." — [Unnamed Federal Worker, 00:49]
  • Coworkers are organizing food and monetary aid, anticipating possible renewed hardship when funding lapses after January 30.

2. President Trump’s Executive Orders and Actions

[01:17–01:42]

• Child Welfare Executive Order:
  President Trump signs a directive to expand child welfare services, with a special focus on youth transitioning out of foster care.
  • Trump's Plans:
    • "With this order, I'm directing the heads of the key federal departments and agencies to establish a Fostering the Future program in coordination with our wonderful first lady's office. They're coordinating and they've already been coordinating for quite some time." — [President Trump, 01:27]
    • The initiative aims for business and institutional involvement in mentoring and training former foster youth.
• Immigration Enforcement:
  Trump announces imminent deployment of Border Patrol agents to Charlotte, NC, defending his record of sending federal officers to major U.S. cities, citing crime reduction and deportation efforts.

3. Gaza Ceasefire and Ongoing Destruction

[02:21–03:07]

• Conflict Aftermath:
  Lauren Frayer (NPR) reports from Tel Aviv, where, despite a ceasefire, the UN documents Israeli troops demolishing homes in Gaza’s eastern regions.
  • Over 1,500 buildings have been destroyed since the ceasefire (per BBC satellite imagery, unverified by NPR).
  • The UN estimates more than 280,000 homes in Gaza have been damaged or destroyed since the onset of war.
  • Humanitarian access remains highly restricted, with public infrastructure and basic services severely curtailed.
  • The Israeli military claims to have dismantled militant tunnels but declines to comment on the targeting of residential structures.

4. International and Economic Updates

[03:07–03:53]

• Attack on Kyiv:
  Shea Stevens notes a major Russian assault on Kyiv, leaving at least 11 injured, with two in critical condition.
• Joe Lewis Pardon:
  President Trump issues a pardon for British billionaire Joe Lewis, recently convicted of insider trading and conspiracy in New York.
  • Lewis, 88, avoided jail due to ill health and personal contributions, seeking a pardon to receive medical care and visit family in the U.S.

5. Technology & Market News

[03:53–04:24]

• Tech Stock Slump:
  Rafael Nam (NPR) explains:
  • The Nasdaq fell sharply—over 2%—following an extended bullish run, primarily due to investor anxiety over inflated AI stock valuations and pending economic data delayed by the shutdown.
  • The Dow dropped nearly 800 points after first surpassing 48,000 the previous day.
  • The Federal Reserve’s anticipated decisions on rate cuts are under scrutiny.
  • Notable Quote:
    • "The Nasdaq sank as investors grew a little skittish about whether AI companies have gained too much." — [Rafael Nam, 03:53]

6. Space Launch Milestone

[04:24–04:55]

• Blue Origin’s New Glenn Rocket:
  • Blue Origin successfully launches the massive New Glenn rocket from Florida, deploying two NASA Mars satellites.
  • The launch tested reusable rocket boosters (a field in which rival SpaceX already excels).
  • NASA is considering New Glenn for future lunar missions.
• Stock Market Update:
  • U.S. futures remain flat in after-hours trading.

Notable Quotes

• "I got in this morning to saying, well, you know, if since this has only been extended a short period of time, here's some resources just in case this happens again. So I think people are acutely aware that this could happen again."
  — Unnamed Federal Worker, [00:49]

• "With this order, I'm directing the heads of the key federal departments and agencies to establish a Fostering the Future program in coordination with our wonderful first lady's office. They're coordinating and they've already been coordinating for quite some time."
  — President Donald Trump, [01:27]

• "The Nasdaq sank as investors grew a little skittish about whether AI companies have gained too much."
  — Rafael Nam, [03:53]

Timeline of Key Segments

• 00:17: Government reopens; worker uncertainty
• 01:17: Trump signs foster care executive order
• 01:42: Trump sends Border Patrol to Charlotte, NC
• 02:21: Gaza ceasefire and ongoing destruction
• 03:07: Russian attack on Kyiv
• 03:20: Joe Lewis pardon
• 03:53: Technology stock market turbulence
• 04:24: Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket launch

Tone:
Terse, focused, and factual, consistent with NPR News Now’s succinct, informative delivery.