NPR News Now – 11-14-2025, 3AM EST

Host: Shea Stevens
Length: ~5 minutes
Main Theme: Overnight U.S. and global headlines focusing on the aftermath of the U.S. government shutdown, legal disputes involving notable U.S. officials, global health and climate action, labor strikes, media apologies, and foreign fighter recruitment.

Government Reopens After Six-Week Shutdown

Timestamps: [00:15] – [01:15]

• Federal agencies are reopening, and workers will begin updating key economic data.
  • Impacted data: October jobs, unemployment, and inflation reports are missing.
  • Scott Horsley (NPR) notes formidable challenges with rebuilding accurate reports, particularly unemployment figures.
    • “You have to call thousands of people to ask what they were doing a month ago.” (Scott Horsley, 00:36)
    • The Bureau of Labor Statistics was already understaffed prior to the shutdown due to Trump-era job cuts.

Air Traffic Disruptions and Recovery

Timestamps: [01:15] – [01:53]
Reporter: Joel Rose

• Reduced air traffic remains as air traffic controllers return:
  • Temporary flight reductions at major airports (planned to increase to 10%, remain at 6% as more staff returns).
  • FAA cites staffing shortages and safety as causes for the ongoing reductions.
  • Airlines are preparing to ramp up to full schedules, timing depends on improved safety data.
  • “Some air traffic controllers took on second jobs and many called in sick.” (Joel Rose, 01:30)

Legal Challenges: Letitia James & James Comey

Timestamps: [01:53] – [02:27]

• NY Attorney General Letitia James (pleads not guilty to mortgage fraud) and former FBI Director James Comey (not guilty to making false statement and obstructing Congress) are challenging DOJ cases against them.
  • Allegation: The charges were allegedly brought by an expired, disqualified interim federal prosecutor.

Climate and Health: COP30 Announcement

Timestamps: [02:27] – [03:11]
Reporter: Alejandra Barunda

• At the UN’s COP30 summit, an international coalition pledged $300 million for climate-related health risks.
  • Simon Steele: “Climate change makes challenges like extreme heat and unprecedented hurricanes more dangerous, and those cause people's health to suffer.” (Simon Steele, 02:42)
  • The fund targets solutions for extreme heat and climate-sensitive diseases.

Domestic & International News Briefs

Starbucks Workers' Strike

Timestamps: [03:11] – [03:27]

• Over 1,000 unionized workers strike at 65 Starbucks in 40+ cities, demanding better pay and working conditions.
  • Strike coincides with the company’s Red Cup Day promotion.

BBC Apology to Trump

Timestamps: [03:27] – [04:06]

• The BBC apologizes to former President Trump over a 2021 Jan. 6 documentary.
  • Trump’s remarks were edited in the documentary; the legal threat led to a published apology.
  • Resulting in the resignation of the BBC’s director general and news chief.

Kenyan Fighters in Ukraine War

Timestamps: [04:06] – [04:52]
Reporter: Joel Bright

• Kenya’s Foreign Ministry says over 200 Kenyans were lured to fight for Russia in Ukraine with false promises of jobs, housing, and payment (up to $18,000).
  • Some are imprisoned or trapped on the front lines.
  • Kenya is working with Ukraine to repatriate the men.
  • “Ukraine’s government estimates that more than 1,400 people from at least three dozen African countries are currently in the country fighting for Russia.” (Joel Bright, 04:46)

Memorable Quotes

• “You have to call thousands of people to ask what they were doing a month ago.”
  – Scott Horsley on reconstructing unemployment data (00:36)

• “Some air traffic controllers took on second jobs and many called in sick.”
  – Joel Rose on the strain of the shutdown (01:30)

• “Climate change makes challenges like extreme heat and unprecedented hurricanes more dangerous, and those cause people's health to suffer.”
  – Simon Steele, COP30 (02:42)

Key Segments & Timestamps

• [00:15] Government agencies reopen after shutdown
• [01:15] Ongoing air traffic reductions and staff shortages
• [01:53] Legal disputes: Letitia James & James Comey
• [02:27] COP30 health and climate initiative announcement
• [03:11] Nationwide Starbucks workers’ strike
• [03:27] BBC apology to Trump and executive resignations
• [04:06] Kenyan nationals fighting in Ukraine, repatriation efforts

This concise newscast covers major political, legal, climate, labor, media, and geopolitical stories, offering a snapshot of significant national and global developments.