NPR News Now: November 16, 2025 – 12PM EST

Host: Amy Held
Date: November 16, 2025
Duration: ~5 minutes

Episode Overview

This episode provides updates on key national and international news. Major stories include legislative tensions in the U.S. House over Jeffrey Epstein documents, a political rift within the MAGA movement, President Trump's new pardons related to January 6, the distressing state of children's mental health in Gaza, pivotal elections in Ecuador and Chile, and a school safety scare in Australia.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. U.S. House Votes on Epstein Documents & MAGA Fractures

[00:16–01:13]

• The House is set to vote on a bill compelling the Justice Department to release documents about Jeffrey Epstein.
• The measure has slim prospects but is notable for bipartisan support, including four Republicans (notably Marjorie Taylor Greene) joining Democrats to allow a vote.
• This has led to a public rift between President Trump and Marjorie Taylor Greene.
  • Trump accuses Greene of betrayal and labels her a traitor, claiming she's lashing out because he did not support her political ambitions.
  • Greene claims Trump's rhetoric has spurred death threats against her and publicly apologizes for her own previous "toxic politics."
• Memorable Quote:

  "I would like to say humbly, I'm sorry for taking part in the toxic politics. It's, it's very bad for our country."
  — Marjorie Taylor Greene ([00:55])

2. Trump Issues Second-Round Pardons Related to January 6

[01:14–02:11]

• President Trump granted a second pardon to Daniel Edward Wilson. Wilson, already cleared of January 6 charges in Trump’s initial wave of pardons, remained imprisoned on separate weapons charges until now.
• Trump also pardoned Suzanne Ellen Kay, previously convicted of threatening to shoot FBI agents involved in the Capitol attack probe.
• Both have now been released, raising further questions about accountability for January 6 and the scope of presidential clemency powers.

3. Children’s Mental Health Crisis in Gaza Amid Ongoing War

[02:11–03:13]

• A UN report finds over 90% of Gazan children show severe anxiety, aggression, and withdrawal as a direct result of over two years of war and repeated displacement.
• The report highlights a collapse of essential services and the urgent need for long-term mental health care for children.
• A fragile ceasefire persists but is interrupted regularly by Israeli military strikes, justified by Israel as targeting militant infrastructure.
• Memorable Quote:

  "More than 90% of children in Gaza exhibit aggressive behavior or violence. Sadness and withdrawal, as well as disturbed sleep are also common."
  — Kat Lansdorf, NPR ([02:31])

4. Elections in Ecuador and Chile: Security, Crime, and Polarization

[03:13–04:34]

• Ecuador: Citizens vote on allowing U.S. military bases, an issue linked by the president to tackling organized crime amidst surging violence.
• Chile: A highly polarized election. Polls suggest no presidential candidate will win outright, setting up a runoff likely to feature a stark choice between Communist candidate Jeanette Hara (current front-runner with promises of welfare expansion) and a far-right contender (Jose Antonio Cast or Johannes Kaiser) focused on security and immigration.
• Memorable Quote:

  "Polls show that Jeanette Hara, a Communist Party politician, is likely to win today's first round of voting with her promises to expand the welfare state."
  — John Bartlett, NPR ([04:13])

5. Asbestos Scare Closes Australian Schools

[04:34–04:54]

• Around 70 schools in Australia close temporarily after traces of asbestos are found in colored sand used by students.
• While regulators state the inhalation risk is low, authorities are taking precautions by keeping children out while inspections are ongoing.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Marjorie Taylor Greene on Toxic Politics:

  "I would like to say humbly, I'm sorry for taking part in the toxic politics. It's, it's very bad for our country." ([00:55])

• Kat Lansdorf on Gaza's Children:

  "More than 90% of children in Gaza exhibit aggressive behavior or violence. Sadness and withdrawal, as well as disturbed sleep are also common." ([02:31])

• John Bartlett on Chile's Election:

  "Polls show that Jeanette Hara, a Communist Party politician, is likely to win today's first round of voting with her promises to expand the welfare state." ([04:13])

Important Timestamps

• [00:16] – Update on Congressional vote about Epstein documents, Trump vs. Greene rift
• [01:14] – Trump issues pardons for January 6–related convictions
• [02:11] – UN report on Gaza children's mental health
• [03:13] – Ecuador and Chile election coverage
• [04:34] – Australia’s school closures over asbestos scare

This episode offers a concise but rich snapshot of breaking national and world events, highlighting political rifts, humanitarian crises, and the ongoing influence of security concerns on democratic processes.