NPR News Now – November 15, 2025, 11PM EST

Host: Dale Willman
Date: November 16, 2025

Episode Overview

This five-minute NPR News Now episode delivers concise updates on major developments: an immigration crackdown in Charlotte, NC, a severe storm in Los Angeles, escalating protests and violence over corruption in Mexico, the death of disability rights activist Alice Wong, and notable college football results. The episode covers breaking domestic and international news, offering direct commentary from NPR correspondents and local sources.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Immigration Crackdown and Protests in Charlotte, NC

Segment: 00:17–01:12

• Situation:
  Border Patrol agents began a large-scale immigration operation in Charlotte, arresting individuals in various neighborhoods, leading to immediate public response.
• Public Response:
  Hundreds protested in uptown Charlotte, demanding Border Patrol’s exit and voicing their support for local immigrants.
• Eyewitness – Jessica Arias (Business Owner):
  • Described the arrest of her employee:

    "He's one of the best workers here. So the Border Patrol is not here for criminals. They are taking working people." — Jessica Arias [00:49]

• Community Impact:
  Businesses responded with emergency closures, locking doors, and keeping customers inside out of safety concerns.
• Official Statement:
  Dept. of Homeland Security claims the operation is intended “to ensure Americans are safe and to remove public safety threats.”

2. Severe Seasonal Storm in Los Angeles

Segment: 01:12–01:55

• Conditions:
  A strong storm has brought several inches of rain, widespread flooding, and high winds to LA and nearby counties.
• Impacted Areas:
  • Malibu residents urged to seek higher ground, especially near the Palisade’s burn scar.
  • Flash flood warnings across northwest LA County to its eastern edges.
  • Streets flooded in Compton and Camarillo; dozens of trees downed in LA city.
• Quote from Daniel Martinez (Reporter):

  "Reports of rock slides and mud had people fearing the worst. Flash flood warnings stretched ... streets flooded in Compton and Camarillo. ... Forecasters say the worst is over and showers will taper off into the week as a new storm approaches." — Daniel Martinez [01:22]

3. Violent Protests Against Corruption in Mexico City

Segment: 01:55–02:53

• Background:
  Protests erupted following the assassination of the mayor of Uruapan, Michoacan, who had opposed organized crime. His murder sparked immediate local outrage and spread to Mexico City.
• Key Issues:
  • Systemic corruption
  • Impunity for violent crimes
• Eder Peralta (NPR Correspondent) Commentary:

  "What happened here is a small town mayor was murdered ... he was shot dead in the middle of his town in front of a large crowd. ... They were asking for justice. They were asking for those responsible to be held accountable. And now the protests have spread to Mexico City." — Eder Peralta [02:11]

4. Presidential Pardons Related to January 6th

Segment: 02:53–03:15

• Announcement:
  President Trump issued two new pardons connected to the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot.
• Details:
  One pardon went to a woman convicted of threatening to shoot FBI agents investigating her alleged involvement.

5. The Death of Alice Wong, Disability Rights Activist

Segment: 03:15–04:24

• Obituary:
  Alice Wong, founder of the Disability Visibility Project and acclaimed author, has died at 51 due to an infection.
• Contributions:
  • Elevated disability culture with storytelling and advocacy
  • Authored memoir “Year of the Activist’s Life” (2022)
  • Edited and contributed to multiple works; wrote for Teen Vogue
• Colleague Remembrance:

  "Alice is my comrade in political strug. She is my friend. She's a foodie, she's an artist. She's a bit bougie, which I love." — Yomi Sachiko Young [04:01]

6. College Football Highlights

Segment: 04:24–04:57

• Key Results:
  • Marcel Reed’s record-breaking game as Texas A&M overcame a 27-point deficit to beat South Carolina.
  • Indiana’s dominant second half against Wisconsin.
  • Notre Dame extending its winning streak to eight with a win over Pittsburgh.
  • Brian Trobel’s outstanding performance for Mercyhurst.

Memorable Moments & Notable Quotes

• Jessica Arias on Border Patrol arrests:

  "They are taking working people." [00:49]

• Eder Peralta describing the situation in Mexico:

  “...he was shot dead ... in front of a large crowd. ... asking for justice.” [02:11]

• Yomi Sachiko Young reflecting on Alice Wong:

  "Alice is my comrade ... she's an artist. She's a bit bougie, which I love." [04:01]

Important Timestamps

• 00:17–01:12 — Charlotte protests and immigration crackdown
• 01:12–01:55 — LA storm and flooding coverage
• 01:55–02:53 — Corruption and violence protests in Mexico City
• 02:53–03:15 — Presidential pardons related to January 6th
• 03:15–04:24 — The life and legacy of Alice Wong
• 04:24–04:57 — College football updates

Tone:
Direct, urgent, and informative—matching NPR’s clear, fact-focused style.
Summary:
This episode is a whirlwind tour through pressing issues: immigration policy and public protest, weather emergencies, international political violence, American civil rights remembrance, and sports milestones. The coverage is powerful, personal, and anchored in live reporting from the field.