NPR News Now – 11AM EST, November 16, 2025

Host: Amy Held
Duration: 5 minutes
Main Theme: Hourly news update on U.S. and world events with a focus on political rifts in the U.S., a major university court ruling, severe weather in California, international tensions, election updates in Chile, prisoner exchanges in Ukraine, and a major protest in the Philippines.

1. U.S. Political Rift: Trump vs. Marjorie Taylor Greene

Segment: [00:19–01:15]

• Overview:
  Reporting on an escalating feud between former President Trump and Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, once close MAGA allies.

• Key Points:

  • Trump revoked his endorsement for Greene and called her a “traitor.”
  • Greene spoke to CNN, expressing concern for her safety due to Trump’s rhetoric.
  • She claims Trump is attacking her because she supports releasing the Epstein files and criticizes his foreign policy focus.
  • Trump counters, saying Greene is acting out because he didn’t support her for statewide office (a claim Greene denies).

• Notable Quotes:

  • Greene on Trump’s words:

    “Those are the types of words used that can radicalize people against me and put my life in danger.”
    (Marjorie Taylor Greene, 00:44)

  • Greene on Trump’s travels:

    “I would love to see Air Force One be parked.”
    (Marjorie Taylor Greene, 01:00)

  • Juan Carlos Lara (in agreement):

    “Stay home.”
    (Juan Carlos Lara, 01:03)

2. Major Court Ruling: University of California vs. Trump Administration

Segment: [01:15–02:09]

• Overview:
  A federal judge rules against the Trump administration’s attempt to penalize the University of California (UC) over discrimination allegations.

• Key Points:

  • The administration tried to force UC to pay $1 billion and change policies, such as a ban on gender affirming care for minors, to regain federal funds.
  • The court sided with UC, protecting the institution from “pressure tactics” used to enforce ideological compliance.
  • The DOJ declined comment.

• Notable Quotes:

  • On the significance of the ruling:

    “The ruling is really significant. It requires the government to refrain from using its pressure tactics to try to coerce the University of California into adopting the administration’s preferred ideological view.”
    (Connie Chan, counsel for UC groups, 01:48)

3. California Weather Crisis: Heavy Rain, Flooding, and Residual Fire Damage

Segment: [02:09–02:49]

• Overview:
  Southern California faces ongoing severe weather from an “atmospheric river,” heightening risks of flash floods and debris flows, especially in areas previously impacted by firestorms.

• Key Points:

  • Forecasts predict more heavy rain and renewed flood/rockslide warnings for tomorrow.
  • Some areas received up to 6 inches of rain, over a month’s typical total.
  • Residents describe rapidly rising water; some neighborhoods saw kayakers paddling through streets.

• Notable Quotes:

  • On the flooding’s rapid rise:

    “The water just started coming up really fast and up past the sidewalk now and almost I put some sandbags around the house, almost in the house. It’s a little scary.”
    (Tim Maurice, Long Beach resident, 02:37)

4. International Headlines

a. Venezuela-U.S. Tensions

Segment: [02:49–03:15]

• Overview:
  Tensions escalate as Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro denounces U.S. military exercises near Trinidad and Tobago, labeling them “irresponsible” and part of a "criminal war" effort. The USS Gerald Ford, the world's largest aircraft carrier, arrives in the northern Caribbean.

b. Chilean Elections

Segment: [03:15–03:49]

• Overview:
  Chile holds key elections for president and parliament, with candidates spanning the ideological spectrum.
• Key Points:
  • Highlighted candidates: Jeanette Jara (communist, former labor minister) and Jose Antonio Cast (ultra-conservative lawyer).
  • Public focus is on crime and immigration.

c. Ukraine POW Exchange Talks

Segment: [03:49–04:31]

• Overview:
  Ukraine initiates talks to renew prisoner exchanges with Russia, potentially affecting 1,200 Ukrainian captives.
• Key Points:
  • Ukrainian official Rustem Umerov is in talks with Turkey and UAE to broker deals.
  • Last successful exchange occurred in October.
  • Such exchanges are among the few positive developments amid ongoing conflict.

5. Philippines: Mass Protest Over Flood Control Scandal

Segment: [04:31–04:57]

• Overview:
  Massive protests erupt in Manila, driven by anger over a major flood-control corruption scandal.
• Key Points:
  • Protesters call for accountability, exposing kickbacks in public works and Congress.
  • President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. promises swift government action.

6. Memorable Moments & Quotes

• Greene publicly accusing Trump of endangering her with his rhetoric (00:44)
• A local resident’s visceral fear during California flooding (02:37)
• Legal counsel underscoring the importance of the UC court ruling (01:48)

7. Timestamps for Major Segments

• 00:19 – Trump vs. Greene rift
• 01:15 – University of California court ruling
• 02:09 – California flooding/brutal weather
• 02:49 – Venezuela/U.S. military tension
• 03:15 – Chile elections
• 03:49 – Ukraine prisoner exchanges
• 04:31 – Protest in Manila, Philippines

This concise but comprehensive episode delivers the latest updates on pivotal U.S. political divides, significant court decisions, ongoing natural disasters, rising international tensions, evolving global politics, and mass civic activism.