NPR News Now – November 15, 2025, 9AM EST

Brief Overview

This episode provides a concise round-up of national and international headlines, focusing on the aftermath of a historic government shutdown, Capitol Hill priorities, shifting political alliances, ongoing investigations tied to Jeffrey Epstein, consumer relief from tariffs, weather emergencies in Southern California, escalating tensions in the West Bank, and a major media agreement between Disney and YouTube. Each story is detailed with expert commentary, on-the-ground reporting, and analysis.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. U.S. Government Reopens After Record Shutdown

• [00:20] Giles Snyder: Announces the U.S. government’s reopening after a record 43-day shutdown.

• Federal employees return to work and the FAA begins restoring normal operations at airports.

• [00:41] Deidre Walsh: Congress faces pressure to address unfinished spending bills; current measure is only a stopgap.

  • Another funding deadline looms at the end of January, risking another potential shutdown.

  “They haven’t shown the ability to pass many year-long bills, too. So we could see another stopgap bill at the end of January.”
  — Deidre Walsh (00:54)

2. Shifts in GOP Leadership and Epstein Investigation

• [01:04] Giles Snyder: President Trump withdraws support for Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene following her criticisms over affordability and the Epstein files.

  • AG Pam Bondi names Jay Clayton (U.S. Attorney in Manhattan) to lead a renewed inquiry into Jeffrey Epstein’s ties to prominent Democrats, banks, and institutions.

• [01:33] Ryan Lucas: Trump accuses Democrats of deflection tactics and calls for investigating Bill Clinton and others.

  • House Democrats, in turn, released emails raising questions about Trump’s own connection to Epstein.

  "President Trump accused Democrats of using the controversy over the Jeffrey Epstein files to deflect from their own actions in the recent government shutdown."
  — Ryan Lucas (01:36)

3. Consumer Relief: Tariffs Lifted

• [02:15] Giles Snyder: Trump administration removes tariffs on various goods—including beef, coffee, and tropical fruits—in response to inflation concerns.

4. Los Angeles: Fire Recovery and New Storm Threat

• [02:15] Giles Snyder: Communities hit by devastating fires earlier this year now face the risk of flooding and debris flow as a strong storm approaches.

  • Evacuation warnings and record rainfall predicted, with potential LAX delays and minor tornadoes expected.

• [02:41] Jacob Margolis: Details storm timeline and heightened risk in burn-scarred areas.

  "The period of greatest concern is early to midday Saturday, when the heaviest part of the storm is expected to press up against the mountains, essentially squeezing out a whole lot of moisture in a short period."
  — Jacob Margolis (02:43)

5. West Bank: Activists Blocked, Violence Escalates

• [03:14] Giles Snyder: Israeli military prevents hundreds of Israeli peace activists from helping Palestinians during the olive harvest; violence by Israeli settlers is at a record high.

• [03:39] Lauren Frayer: Buses of volunteers turned away; UN documents recent settler attacks and arson of a mosque.

  • Lior Amichai, Peace Now director, denounces Israeli military intervention.

  "We will not stay silent while terror is conducting against Palestinians."
  — Lior Amichai (03:58)

  "Despite this peaceful action, the military and the police did not want us to join the Palestinians and prevented us from reaching it."
  — Lior Amichai (04:12)

6. Disney-YouTube TV Dispute Resolved

• [04:28] Giles Snyder: Disney and YouTube TV reach agreement after a two-week blackout affecting millions.
  • Restoration of ABC, ESPN, and other Disney-owned networks.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Congressional gridlock:
  "They haven’t shown the ability to pass many year-long bills, too. So we could see another stopgap bill at the end of January."
  — Deidre Walsh (00:54)

• On Trump’s shifting alliances and controversy:
  "President Trump accused Democrats of using the controversy over the Jeffrey Epstein files to deflect from their own actions in the recent government shutdown."
  — Ryan Lucas (01:36)

• California weather emergency:
  "The period of greatest concern is early to midday Saturday, when the heaviest part of the storm is expected to press up against the mountains..."
  — Jacob Margolis (02:43)

• Humanitarian advocacy in the West Bank:
  "We will not stay silent while terror is conducting against Palestinians."
  — Lior Amichai (03:58)

  "Despite this peaceful action, the military and the police did not want us to join the Palestinians and prevented us from reaching it."
  — Lior Amichai (04:12)

Timestamps for Major Segments

• Government reopens, legislative outlook: 00:20–01:04
• Trump ends support for Greene, Epstein probe: 01:04–02:15
• Trump lifts tariffs: 02:15–02:41
• California storm threats: 02:41–03:14
• West Bank activism and violence: 03:14–04:19
• Disney–YouTube TV agreement: 04:28–04:58

This episode provides a rapid but nuanced snapshot of the nation's most pressing political, social, and international issues as of mid-November 2025, with concise analysis and direct voices from key reporters and participants.