NPR News Now – Episode Summary
Podcast: NPR News Now
Episode: NPR News: 11-15-2025 6AM EST
Date: November 15, 2025
Host: Giles Snyder
Overview
This fast-paced five-minute news update covers significant national and international developments. Main topics include: a severe weather alert in Los Angeles, President Trump’s removal of key tariffs post-election, a controversial U.S. military policy on drug smuggling, FAA actions after a government shutdown, a major Disney/YouTube contract dispute resolution, new federal restrictions for hemp producers, and a Mega Millions jackpot winner in Georgia.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Severe Weather Threats in Los Angeles
[00:17–00:36]
- Mayor Karen Bass urges LA residents to use caution due to an incoming atmospheric river storm predicted to cause heavy rain and possible flooding.
- Flood watches and evacuation warnings are in effect, particularly in areas recently affected by wildfires, where risks of mud and debris flows are elevated.
Notable Quote:
“Slow down if you’re driving and plan ahead for the potential for longer travel times. And please, if you don’t have to leave your home, please don’t.”
— Karen Bass, Los Angeles Mayor (00:26)
2. President Trump Removes Tariffs Following Elections
[00:36–01:43]
- President Trump reverses tariffs on a wide array of imported goods (including fruits, vegetables, beef, coffee) following Democratic wins focused on affordability.
- The tariffs had contributed to higher consumer prices; their removal is expected to lower costs.
- Polls indicate reduced approval of Trump’s economic performance and declining consumer confidence.
Notable Quote:
“Removing these tariffs could therefore lower the higher prices the tariffs caused… Recent polls have shown Americans’ approval of Trump on the economy… has slipped.”
— Danielle Kurtzleben, NPR Reporter (01:10)
3. Trump’s Legal Threat Against the BBC
[01:43–02:14]
- President Trump announces intent to sue the BBC for up to $5 billion over a wrongly edited video of his January 6, 2021 speech.
- BBC has apologized but asserts there is no legal basis for the claim.
4. Escalation of U.S. Military Actions Against Cartels in the Caribbean
[01:43–02:56]
- U.S. military destroys a speedboat believed to be smuggling drugs; all four people aboard killed.
- This is the 20th such boat targeted since September; at least 80 people killed.
- The Trump administration claims legal authority to use lethal force against alleged traffickers as part of a “war with drug cartels.”
- Critics call the actions “murder.”
- The U.S. deploys a massive fleet near Venezuela, escalating tensions; Venezuela’s President Maduro responds with military mobilization.
Notable Quote:
“The Trump administration says it is at war with drug cartels and therefore the military may legally kill alleged traffickers on suspicion alone. Critics say this is murder.”
— Quill Lawrence, NPR Reporter (02:14)
5. FAA Relaxes Flight Restrictions Post-Shutdown
[02:56–03:13]
- Following a government shutdown, the FAA reduces flight cutbacks at 40 major airports from 6% to 3%.
- The cuts were implemented to ease pressure on the aviation system.
6. Disney and YouTube Resolve Programming Blackout
[03:13–03:33]
- Disney and YouTube reach a deal, restoring networks like ABC and ESPN after a two-week blackout due to a fee dispute.
- Millions of subscribers regain access to news and sports content.
7. New THC Limits Threaten Kentucky Hemp Producers
[03:33–04:36]
- A new federal law, part of a stopgap spending bill, limits sellable hemp products to 4 milligrams of THC per container.
- Added by Senator Mitch McConnell; intended to prevent access to mind-altering substances by children.
- Kentucky hemp farmers, including Abram Phillips, warn the limit would devastate their markets.
- The measure passed despite opposition from Kentucky Senator Rand Paul; it takes effect in a year.
Notable Quote:
“At that point, your consumers don’t care because that’s not what they want. So why would they buy something they don’t want? We don’t have consumers. We have no market.”
— Abram Phillips, hemp farmer (04:18)
8. Mega Millions Jackpot Winner Announced
[04:36–04:56]
- A ticket sold in Georgia wins $980 million in the Mega Millions drawing—the 8th largest prize in the game's history, though not in the top 10 overall in U.S history.
Memorable Moments & Quotes
- LA Mayor’s flood warning: “If you don’t have to leave your home, please don’t.” (00:34–00:36)
- On new hemp THC limits: “We don’t have consumers. We have no market.” — Abram Phillips (04:18)
- U.S. policy on cartel suspects: “The military may legally kill alleged traffickers on suspicion alone. Critics say this is murder.” — Quill Lawrence (02:19)
Key Timestamps
- Weather Alert in LA: 00:17–00:36
- Tariffs Removed/Reaction: 00:36–01:43
- Trump vs. BBC Lawsuit: 01:43–02:14
- US Military Cartagena Policy: 02:14–02:56
- FAA Easing Cuts: 02:56–03:13
- Disney-YouTube Deal: 03:13–03:33
- New Hemp Laws: 03:33–04:36
- Mega Millions Win: 04:36–04:56
Summary:
This concise newscast delivers a snapshot of the day's most urgent stories—ranging from severe weather to major legislative changes and international tensions. Listeners receive actionable updates and context for how evolving policies and world events may affect their communities and the nation at large.