NPR News Now — November 15, 2025, 8PM EST

Host: Louise Schiavone
Date: November 15, 2025

Episode Overview

This five-minute NPR News Now episode delivers concise updates on major national and international events. Key topics include U.S. military movements in the Caribbean, immigration enforcement in North Carolina, severe weather in Los Angeles, updates from the U.S. Postal Service, a landmark medical case involving Alpha Gal Syndrome, and the easing of air traffic restrictions post-government shutdown.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. U.S. Military Presence in the Caribbean

Timestamps: [00:17]–[01:19]

• USS Gerald Ford Deployment:
  • The U.S. aircraft carrier Gerald Ford will reach the northern Caribbean tomorrow, joining 15,000 American troops already stationed in the region.
  • Possible military action is being considered, with both "high-level meetings with members of Congress and foreign leaders" and ongoing exercises.
  • It remains "unclear if President Trump will use military force" against Venezuela, though multiple strikes have targeted boats in the area.
  • President Trump has called for Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro’s resignation; U.S. officials indicate the carrier’s arrival might be intended as a pressure tactic rather than a precursor to escalation.
  • Maduro’s forces remain on high alert.

Notable Quote:

"The table is being set." (U.S. military official via Laura Sullivan, [00:34])

2. Immigration Enforcement in Charlotte, North Carolina

Timestamps: [01:19]–[01:43]

• New Operation:
  • Border Patrol agents have begun immigration sweeps across Charlotte, a Democratic Party stronghold, with multiple arrests reported in immigrant neighborhoods.

3. Los Angeles Seasonal Storms

Timestamps: [01:43]–[02:17]

• Storm Impact:
  • Heavy rainfall caused flooding from northwest LA County to its eastern edge; Malibu residents cautioned to seek safety due to flash flood risks near burn scars.
  • Streets flooded, trees knocked down by high winds, and reports of rockslides.
  • Meteorologists forecast storm will taper soon, but a new front is approaching.

Notable Quote:

"Reports of rock slides and mud had people fearing the worst." (Daniel Martinez, [01:48])

4. U.S. Postal Service Financial and Operational Update

Timestamps: [02:17]–[03:16]

• Fiscal Year Loss:
  • USPS reported a $9 billion net loss for the last fiscal year, down slightly from prior year due to reduced transportation and workers' compensation costs.
• Planned Rate Increases:
  • Postal Service aims to increase shipping prices next year, but First Class Forever Stamp will remain $0.78 for the immediate future.
  • Focus on expanding rural service and improving delivery times.

Notable Quote:

"Service is still not where we expect it to be, nor is it what our customers deserve."
—David Steiner, Postmaster General, [03:01]

5. First Known Death from Alpha Gal Syndrome

Timestamps: [03:16]–[04:19]

• Landmark Medical Case:
  • Research identifies the first likely fatality from Alpha Gal Syndrome, a meat allergy triggered by Lone Star tick bites.
  • Case involved a 47-year-old New Jersey man who died hours after eating beef in 2024.
  • Preventive advice: Use repellents, wear protective clothing, avoid tick-prone areas.

Notable Quote:

"It's a foreign body, but basically, you know, as a result of that, we have this anaphylactic shock or... allergy."
—Saravanan Gangamani, SUNY Center for Vector Borne Diseases, [03:58]

6. Air Traffic Returning to Normal After Shutdown

Timestamps: [04:19]–[04:56]

• Flight Restrictions Lifted:
  • With the end of the government shutdown, more air traffic controllers have resumed work.
  • The FAA eases restrictions at 40 major airports; reductions in air traffic have halved from 6% to 3%.
  • Airlines anticipate a return to full schedules ahead of Thanksgiving travel.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "The table is being set." (Laura Sullivan relaying military official, [00:34])

• "Reports of rock slides and mud had people fearing the worst." (Daniel Martinez, [01:48])

• "Service is still not where we expect it to be, nor is it what our customers deserve." (David Steiner, [03:01])

• "It's a foreign body... as a result of that, we have this anaphylactic shock or... allergy." (Saravanan Gangamani, [03:58])

Important Segment Timestamps

• USS Gerald Ford deployment: [00:17]–[01:19]
• Immigration enforcement in Charlotte: [01:19]–[01:43]
• Los Angeles storm coverage: [01:43]–[02:17]
• USPS financial and operational update: [02:17]–[03:16]
• Alpha Gal Syndrome death report: [03:16]–[04:19]
• Air traffic update after shutdown: [04:19]–[04:56]

For listeners seeking a brief but thorough summary of current headline news, this episode covers critical events across politics, public health, weather, and government services with crisp clarity and authoritative reporting.