NPR News Now – November 15, 2025, 10AM EST

Host: Jael Snyder
Summary by: NPR News Team

Episode Overview

This concise NPR News Now segment provides listeners with the latest major news updates in under five minutes. Today’s bulletin covers developments from the U.S. government shutdown’s aftermath, updates from the UN climate summit in Brazil, media industry news, legal action involving President Trump, progress on the Purdue Pharma opioid lawsuit, and a cultural story from the UK.

Key News Topics & Insights

1. U.S. Government Reopens: Air Traffic Controllers Paid After Shutdown

• Context: Federal employees, particularly air traffic controllers, receive partial back pay after working without compensation during the government shutdown.
• Details:
  • Air traffic controllers get 70% of their owed pay; the rest will come later this month, including overtime and shift differentials.
    • 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." (00:34)

  • Most controllers have resumed work; only a few staffing shortages remain.
• FAA response:
  • Steps to restore normal flight operations are underway.
  • Traffic reductions at major airports being lowered, reflecting improved staffing.

2. UN Climate Summit in Brazil: Push to Accelerate Fossil Fuel Transition

• Brazil’s Proposal:
  • Hosts propose a faster global move away from fossil fuels.
  • Support comes from developed nations (Germany, Britain) and developing countries (Kenya).
• Notable Quote:
  • Chris Bowen, Australian Energy Minister:

    "Renewable energy investment [is] double the investment in fossil fuels around the world, $2 trillion, which shows that the rest of the world understands that what's good for the planet is good for your pocket. And we understand that in Australia as well. The Australian government knows it." (01:46)

• US Absence:
  • The Trump administration chose not to send a delegation.

3. YouTube TV and Disney Reach Deal After Blackout

• Background:
  • Disney programming was unavailable on YouTube TV for two weeks due to contract disputes.
• Deal Details:
  • Both sides settled Friday; Disney content is restored in time for key sports programming.
  • Financial specifics undisclosed, but the blackout cost Disney ~$30 million a week.
• Notable Quotes:
  • Matt Bloom, NPR News:

    "Disney said the streaming giant had refused to pay fair rates, while YouTube TV said Disney was proposing costly terms that would lead to higher prices." (02:28)

4. President Trump to Sue BBC; ABC Apology Over Video Editing

• Trump’s Legal Threat:
  • Announces plans to sue BBC, seeking up to $5 billion over coverage-related dispute.
• Context:
  • ABC apologized for mis-editing a Trump speech from January 6, 2021, but denies legal wrongdoing.
• Upcoming:
  • Court hearing next week.

5. Purdue Pharma’s $7 Billion Opioid Settlement Advances

• Legal Progress:
  • Bankruptcy judge signals plans to approve Purdue Pharma’s settlement.
• Settlement Details:
  • Sackler family to pay up to $7 billion over time, addressing thousands of opioid lawsuits.
• Background:
  • Purdue filed for bankruptcy in 2019.

6. Bridget Jones Honored with Statue in London

• Cultural Highlight:
  • A new bronze statue of Bridget Jones will be unveiled in Leicester Square for the film’s 25th anniversary.
• Notable Quotes:
  • Helen Fielding, creator of Bridget Jones:

    "Bridget is messy, funny, deeply human and deeply British." (04:26)
    "To have a character like that endure for three decades and end up as a statue in Leicester Square is wonderful." (04:35)

• Who Will Attend:
  • Fielding and actress Renée Zellweger (Bridget Jones) at the unveiling ceremony.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On shutdown’s impact:

  "Controllers had been required to work without pay since the shutdown began. Some took on second jobs and many called out sick..."
  — Joel Rose (00:34)

• On renewable energy investment:

  "[There is now] double the investment in fossil fuels around the world, $2 trillion..."
  — Chris Bowen (01:46)

• On the Bridget Jones legacy:

  "Bridget is messy, funny, deeply human and deeply British."
  — Helen Fielding (04:26)
  "To have a character like that endure for three decades and end up as a statue in Leicester Square is wonderful."
  — Helen Fielding (04:35)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Government Shutdown/FAA Update: 00:16–01:10
• UN Climate Summit & Australia’s Stance: 01:10–02:01
• YouTube TV–Disney Agreement: 02:01–03:13
• Trump–BBC Legal News & Purdue Pharma Settlement: 03:13–04:09
• Bridget Jones Statue Coverage: 04:09–04:52

Final Note:
This NPR News Now episode offers a brisk yet comprehensive update on political, legal, business, and cultural news, presenting significant stories alongside compelling voices from around the globe.