NPR News Now — November 15, 2025, 3AM EST

Theme:
This five-minute news update covers major headlines from U.S. air travel recovery after a government shutdown, political drama between President Trump and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, developments in the Georgia election case, Southern California storm evacuations, violence at Laney College, a looming human rights inquiry in Sudan’s Darfur region, new FDA warnings on gene therapy, and the delayed U.S. labor report.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Air Travel Restrictions Eased After Shutdown

• Host (Dale Willman, 00:17): Reports that federal aviation officials are easing flight restrictions as more air traffic controllers return following the government shutdown.
• Joel Rose (00:29):

  • Air traffic reductions at major airports lowered from 6% to 3%.

  • This reflects improved staffing after air traffic controllers receive back pay.

  • Previous restrictions were to keep airspace safe during staffing shortages.

  • Airlines confident about a quick ramp-up before the Thanksgiving holiday.

    "With the shutdown over, air traffic controllers have finally received some of the back pay they earned, and most are now back to work." — Joel Rose, 00:46

2. President Trump Cuts Ties with Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene

• Host (Dale Willman, 01:08):

  • President Trump ends support for Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene after their feud.

  • Trump labels Greene "wacky" and vows to endorse a challenger if possible.

  • Greene has criticized Trump over the Epstein files and moderated her views.

    "In a social media post Friday night, Trump called Greene wacky and said he would endorse a challenger against her in the midterms if the right person runs." — Dale Willman, 01:14

3. Georgia Election Interference Case Update

• Host (Dale Willman, 01:25): The criminal case against Trump and other defendants in Georgia continues after a key deadline.
• Alex Helmick (01:42):

  • District Attorney Fani Willis was removed due to a conflict.

  • Executive Director Pete Scandalakis of the Prosecuting Attorneys Council is now lead prosecutor after others declined.

  • Scandalakis promises a "comprehensive review."

    "Scandalaka said that dismissal at this point was not the right course of action and has named himself to lead the case and perform what he called a comprehensive review to determine how to proceed." — Alex Helmick, 01:55

  • Trump’s defense counsel labels the case "politically charged" and expects dismissal after review.

4. Southern California Storm & Evacuations

• Host (Dale Willman, 02:24): Evacuation warnings issued amid a major storm threatening floods and mudslides.
• Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass (02:42):

  • Urges residents to stay off the roads and avoid unnecessary travel.

    “If you don’t have to leave your home, please, please don’t.” — Karen Bass, 02:48

5. Oakland’s Laney College Football Coach Killed

• Host (Dale Willman, 02:50):
  • Coach John Beam dies after being shot on campus, marking a second consecutive day of school shootings in Oakland.
  • Beam was known for "Last Chance U" Netflix series.

6. UN Debates Darfur Hospital Killings Inquiry

• Host (Dale Willman, 03:12):
  • UN Human Rights Council debates investigating killings at Sudan’s Darfur hospital.
  • Paramilitary RSF allegedly killed over 450 after seizing the hospital.
  • The situation remains a major point of conflict in Sudan.

7. FDA Issues New Warnings on Muscular Dystrophy Gene Therapy

• Rob Stein (03:54):

  • FDA requires Sarepta to add black box warnings to its Duchenne muscular dystrophy gene therapy.

  • Usage now restricted to ambulatory patients aged 4 and older due to reports of liver failure.

  • Continues debate over safety and effectiveness.

    "The FDA is requiring the drug company Sarepta to include a black box warning, the agency's strictest on the company's gene therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy." — Rob Stein, 03:54

8. Delayed U.S. Labor Report to Be Released

• Host (Dale Willman, 04:29):

  • Labor Department to issue September hiring and unemployment data, delayed by the shutdown.

  • The lack of data has disrupted economic analysis for the Fed and policymakers.

    "The statistical blackout has meant that the Federal Reserve, businesses, policymakers and investors have largely been in the dark about inflation, job creation and other measures of U.S. economic health." — Dale Willman, 04:37

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Joel Rose (00:46): "With the shutdown over, air traffic controllers have finally received some of the back pay they earned, and most are now back to work."
• Dale Willman (01:14): "Trump called Greene wacky and said he would endorse a challenger against her in the midterms if the right person runs."
• Karen Bass (02:48): "If you don’t have to leave your home, please, please don’t."
• Rob Stein (03:54): "The FDA is requiring the drug company Sarepta to include a black box warning, the agency's strictest on the company's gene therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy."

Key Timestamps

• 00:17: FAA eases flight restrictions after staffing returns
• 01:08: Trump severs ties with Marjorie Taylor Greene
• 01:42: New prosecutor leads Georgia election interference case
• 02:24: Evacuations in Southern California storm
• 02:50: Death of Coach John Beam at Laney College
• 03:12: UN debates Darfur hospital killings inquiry
• 03:54: FDA issues black box warning for gene therapy
• 04:29: Date set for delayed U.S. labor report release

This concise episode delivers top U.S. and global headlines with swift, up-to-the-minute coverage in NPR’s signature measured, factual tone.