NPR News Now — November 15, 2025, 7 AM EST

Host: Giles Snyder

Episode Overview

This five-minute NPR News Now update covers a range of key stories: the lifting of aviation restrictions after the government shutdown, political repercussions for senators behind the shutdown deal, President Trump’s removal of tariffs to address inflation, a post-shutdown look at the economy and stock market trends, West Coast weather warnings, Purdue Pharma’s opioid settlement, and global energy perspectives from the International Energy Agency.

Key Discussion Points & Developments

Air Traffic Restrictions Eased Post-Shutdown

[00:16–01:14]

• Story: With the federal government shutdown over, federal aviation officials are easing flight restrictions as air traffic controllers return to work.
• Joel Rose reports: Air traffic reductions at major airports are being lowered from 6% to 3% through the weekend due to improved staffing.
• Industry response: Airlines are optimistic about returning to full schedules in time for Thanksgiving.
• Notable quote:
  • “With the shutdown over, air traffic controllers have finally received some of the back pay they’re owed. Most are now back to work. Airlines say they’re confident they can ramp up quickly...” — Joel Rose (00:55)

Political Fallout for Senators Over Shutdown Deal

[01:14–02:08]

• Story: Eight senators, including Maine’s Angus King, face criticism for a deal that reopened the government.
• Deal details: Republicans agreed to a Senate vote on extending Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies. Democrats sought an outright extension.
• King’s stance: He defends the compromise as necessary but says Republicans now bear responsibility for ACA tax credit extensions.
• Notable quote:
  • “We’re either going to be successful and get an extension of the tax credits — probably with some amendments that are negotiated — or the Republicans will say no, and then they’re on record clearly as being opposed to fixing this problem.” — Angus King (01:50)

Trump Lifts Tariffs Amid Consumer Price Concerns

[02:08–02:33]

• Story: President Trump removes tariffs on beef, coffee, tropical fruits, and other goods to battle high consumer prices, following Democratic victories emphasizing affordability.

Economic Outlook Following the Shutdown

[02:33–03:13]

• Scott Horsley on the economy:
  • The six-week shutdown caused an estimated $90 billion hit to Q4 GDP; some losses are permanent.
  • Backlogged economic data will be released soon.
  • Mixed stock market week: Tech stocks drop on fears the AI boom is overhyped; Nasdaq down 0.5%, S&P 500 up 0.1%, Dow up 0.3%.
• Notable quote:
  • “The six week government shutdown was a drag on the US economy. The White House estimates it shaved about $90 billion off of fourth quarter GDP. Some of that will be made up now that the government’s reopened, but some of the loss will be permanent.” — Scott Horsley (02:36)

Los Angeles Faces Major Storm Threat

[03:13–03:39]

• Story: An unusually strong atmospheric river storm is moving into Los Angeles, with the National Weather Service warning of rockslides and debris flows — especially in wildfire-damaged areas.
• Forecast: Rain will continue through the weekend.

Purdue Pharma’s Opioid Crisis Settlement

[03:39–04:10]

• Story: Bankruptcy judge to approve Purdue Pharma’s settlement, requiring the Sackler family to pay up to $7 billion over time.
• Context: Purdue filed for bankruptcy in 2019 amid thousands of opioid lawsuits.

International Energy Agency’s Global Outlook

[04:10–04:51]

• Report: The IEA’s “World Energy Outlook” presents energy demand scenarios—not predictions.
• Highlights:
  • Electricity demand rises in all scenarios, spurred by electric vehicles, AI, and air conditioning.
  • Oil demand may grow or plateau depending on electric vehicle adoption; natural gas demand rises.
  • All scenarios project global warming above the target of 1.5°C.
• Notable quotes:
  • “The World Energy Outlook is not a forecast. It lays out several scenarios, but director Fatih Birol says one thing is we can comfortably say that the age of electricity has arrived.” — Camilla Domonosky (04:14)
  • “Electricity demand booms in all scenarios thanks to electric vehicles, AI and air conditioning.” — Camilla Domonosky (04:24)

Notable Quotes (with Timestamps & Attribution)

• “Air traffic controllers have finally received some of the back pay they’re owed. Most are now back to work.”
  — Joel Rose, 00:55

• “We’re either going to be successful and get an extension of the tax credits... or the Republicans will say no, and then they’re on record clearly as being opposed to fixing this problem.”
  — Senator Angus King (via Kevin Miller), 01:50

• “The White House estimates [the shutdown] shaved about $90 billion off of fourth quarter GDP. Some of that will be made up now that the government’s reopened, but some of the loss will be permanent.”
  — Scott Horsley, 02:36

• “The age of electricity has arrived.”
  — Fatih Birol (via Camilla Domonosky), 04:18

Additional Resources

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