NPR News Now: November 16, 2025 – 7AM EST

Host: Giles Snyder (NPR)
Duration: ~5 minutes
Episode Theme:
A concise round-up of national and global news, with segments on the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement in Charlotte, political friction between Trump and Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, Southern California flooding, January 6th pardons, a peace framework in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the NFL’s first regular-season game in Spain.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Immigration Crackdown in Charlotte, NC

[00:16–01:07]

• Summary:
  The Trump administration intensified immigration enforcement in Charlotte, with Border Patrol agents making arrests in areas with large immigrant populations.

• On-the-Ground Reporting:

  • Nick Della Canal (WFAE) describes agents forcefully detaining individuals:

    “Agents were filmed smashing a man’s car window and pulling him from a vehicle in South Charlotte on the city’s east side. Restaurants locked their doors as agents chased a man into a laundromat and tackled an employee at a nearby car repair shop.” [00:32]

  • A local business owner, speaking anonymously for fear of retribution, voices the impact:

    “The business depend on client and workers. And if my worker taking I cannot. I gotta close my business.” [00:49]

  • Other workers, such as a landscaping crew putting up Christmas lights, were stopped and questioned, then released.

• Community Reaction:

  • The Department of Homeland Security claims the operation is to "ensure public safety," while Charlotte's Democratic mayor condemns the action as fear-inducing and destabilizing.
  • Several hundred protesters gathered, but “there have been no major clashes.” [01:07]

2. Political Rift – Trump and Marjorie Taylor Greene

[01:07–02:23]

• Background:
  President Trump publicly distanced himself from Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, urging conservatives to oppose her.

• Details:

  • Eva Pukach (NPR):
    • Trump told his supporters:

      “If the right person runs, they will have my complete and unyielding support.” [01:41]

    • Greene insinuated her call for releasing the “Epstein files” triggered the fallout:

      “[I] sent the president a text regarding the Epstein files, which she said, quote, ‘sent him over the edge.’” [01:49]

    • She alleges Trump is trying to make an example of her “to scare other Republicans ahead of the House’s vote to force the release of the Epstein files.”
    • The segment notes Greene’s support for disclosing documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, highlighting rifts within the MAGA faction.

3. Southern California Flooding

[02:23–02:51]

• Situation Update:
  Despite rain easing, Southern California remains under alert for continued flooding and mudslides from a severe atmospheric river storm.

• Personal Perspective:

  • Tim Maurice, resident of Naples, Long Beach:

    “The water just started coming up really fast. And you know, it’s up past the sidewalk now and almost… put some sandbags around the house. Almost in the house. It’s a little scary.” [02:38]

• Impact:
  Up to 6 inches of rain fell; highways flooded. Vulnerable neighborhoods (Pacific Palisades, Altadena), already recovering from January’s wildfires, experienced mudslides but “no major property damage.” [02:51]

4. Pardons Related to January 6th

[02:51–03:50]

• Announcements:
  • President Trump issues two new pardons:
    • One for a woman convicted of threatening to shoot FBI agents involved in the Capitol riot investigation.
    • One for a January 6th defendant who remained jailed despite a prior pardon, due to other convictions.

5. Congo Peace Framework

[03:50–04:32]

• Peace Deal Signed:
  • Michael Kaloki (NPR):
    • The Democratic Republic of Congo and M23 rebels signed a framework agreement in Doha, Qatar.
    • The deal outlines "eight protocols," including prisoner exchanges and ceasefire monitoring.
    • Mahsad Boulos, Trump’s senior adviser for Africa, notes more details must be resolved for full implementation.
    • Context: Decades of conflict persist in eastern DRC. The UN says thousands have been killed so far this year.

6. NFL’s First Regular Season Game in Spain

[04:32–04:54]

• The Washington Commanders will play the Miami Dolphins at Real Madrid’s stadium, marking the 7th international NFL game this season — a record.
• Venue: Home of Real Madrid, "one of the most successful soccer teams in the world." [04:32]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Community Impact from Immigration Raids (Unnamed Shop Owner):

  “If my worker taking I cannot. I gotta close my business." [00:49]

• Marjorie Taylor Greene Responds to Trump Rift:

  “Sent the president a text regarding the Epstein files, which she said, quote, ‘sent him over the edge.’” [01:49]

• Flood Fears in Long Beach (Tim Maurice):

  “The water just started coming up really fast ... It’s a little scary.” [02:38]

• On Peace Deal Details (Michael Kaloki):

  "...the deal covers eight protocols, which include the exchange of prisoners and the monitoring of a ceasefire." [03:50]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Immigration Crackdown in Charlotte: 00:16 – 01:07
• Trump–Greene Feud: 01:07 – 02:23
• Southern California Flooding: 02:23 – 02:51
• January 6th Pardons: 02:51 – 03:50
• Congo Peace Agreement: 03:50 – 04:32
• NFL Game in Spain: 04:32 – 04:54

This NPR News Now segment efficiently covers urgent political, social, and international developments—offering a snapshot of current events with a focus on firsthand accounts and official responses.