NPR News Now — November 16, 2025, 1AM EST

Host: Dale Willman
Duration: Approx. 5 minutes

Episode Overview

This episode delivers the latest global headlines, focusing on escalating military activity in the Caribbean, a massive corruption probe in Ukraine, the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, a controversial airstrike in Colombia, an update on the Tina Peters case from Colorado, and a major sports milestone by Mikayla Shiffrin.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. USS Gerald Ford Arrives in the Caribbean Amid Venezuela Tensions

[00:17–01:21]

• Deployment Update: The USS Gerald Ford, the world’s largest aircraft carrier, is set to join 15,000 U.S. troops already stationed in the northern Caribbean as tensions with Venezuela intensify.
• Potential for Military Action: A U.S. military official states the U.S. is “gearing up for possible military action,” suggesting a deliberate show of force or pressure tactic targeting Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.
  • Quote: “The table is being set.” — U.S. military official (via Laura Sullivan) [00:39]
• Geopolitical Context: President Trump’s administration has conducted strikes on boats in the region and continues to call for Maduro’s resignation.
• Uncertain Next Steps: High-level meetings are ongoing, but it remains unclear if direct military action will be taken.
• Response: Maduro has put Venezuelan forces on high alert.

2. $100 Billion Corruption Probe in Ukraine’s Energy Sector

[01:21–02:10]

• Scope of Investigation: Independent Ukrainian agencies allege associates close to President Volodymyr Zelensky attempted to skim $100 billion from the nation’s energy industry, not $1 million as initially misstated.
  • Quote: "[The probe] took 15 months, used about 1,000 hours of wiretaps. There were seven alleged participants, including Timur Mindich." — Veronica Kissis [01:39]
• Key Accusations: The group is accused of manipulating contracts with Enerko Adam (the state nuclear energy firm) and laundering roughly $100 million.
• Political Fallout: Two government ministers have resigned due to the scandal. President Zelensky is not implicated and is advocating prosecution for those responsible.

3. Extreme Rainfall & Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza

[02:10–03:13]

• Current Conditions: Heavy rain is flooding makeshift shelters in areas such as Al Muwasi, where up to 500,000 displaced Palestinians are staying.
• Aid Concerns:
  • Human Impact: "Wind and rain are hampering efforts to stay warm and dry... rain has inundated those makeshift shelters." — Lauren Frayer [02:28]
• Political Response: Hamas accuses Israel of obstructing aid. Israel states it opened a border crossing into northern Gaza, but the UN describes ongoing aid limitations and congestion.
  • UN Statement: “Full and sustained opening of existing and additional crossings is required and… the transport of aid within Gaza remains limited and highly congested.” — United Nations (via Lauren Frayer) [02:55]

4. Colombia Airstrike Kills Children

[03:13–03:46]

• Incident Report: Colombia’s human rights ombudswoman confirms seven children reportedly killed in an airstrike against the FARC EMC rebel group in the country's southern region.
• Context: This revelation intensifies scrutiny as the Colombian government increases operations to regain rural control.

5. Legal and Political Update: Tina Peters Case

[03:46–04:34]

• Case Background: Tina Peters, former Colorado election clerk, is serving a 9-year sentence for allowing an unauthorized person to access election equipment in 2021.
• Federal Prison Request: The Trump administration has asked to move her from state to federal prison while she appeals, citing concerns for her safety.
• Attorney’s Statement:
  • Quote: “For somebody who’s perhaps a little more genteel, a little bit more educated, a little bit more established, it puts her in a more difficult position for sure. She’s… been threatened.” — Peter Tickton, Peters’ attorney [04:09]
• Prison Response: The Colorado Department of Corrections confirms receipt of the request and says it’s under review.

6. Sports Highlight: Mikayla Shiffrin’s Record

[04:34–04:57]

• Achievement: Mikayla Shiffrin wins her 102nd World Cup race at the opening of the Olympic slalom season in Lapland, widening her record.
• Race Details: She finished 1.66 seconds ahead of the runner-up, demonstrating superior form.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• “The table is being set.” — U.S. military official (via Laura Sullivan) [00:39]
• "[The probe] took 15 months, used about 1,000 hours of wiretaps..." — Veronica Kissis [01:39]
• "Wind and rain are hampering efforts to stay warm and dry..." — Lauren Frayer [02:28]
• “For somebody who’s perhaps a little more genteel, a little bit more educated, a little bit more established, it puts her in a more difficult position for sure. She’s… been threatened.” — Peter Tickton [04:09]
• “Full and sustained opening of existing and additional crossings is required...” — United Nations (reported by Lauren Frayer) [02:55]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• USS Gerald Ford/Caribbean: [00:17–01:21]
• Ukraine Corruption Probe: [01:21–02:10]
• Gaza Humanitarian Crisis: [02:10–03:13]
• Colombia Airstrike: [03:13–03:46]
• Tina Peters Case: [03:46–04:34]
• Mikayla Shiffrin Win: [04:34–04:57]

This concise episode provides a fast-moving snapshot of global politics, crises, and sports, characterized by on-the-ground reporting and succinct updates for listeners seeking the essential headlines of the hour.