NPR News Now – 11-16-2025 8PM EST Summary

Main Theme

This NPR News Now episode provides a concise overview of major headlines as of November 16, 2025, including developments in U.S. politics, global diplomacy, entertainment, science, and notable events worldwide.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. House to Vote on Epstein Documents

• (00:21 – 01:16)
• The U.S. House of Representatives is set to vote on whether to compel the Justice Department to release documents related to the late Jeffrey Epstein.
• Speaker Mike Johnson, after months of stalling, is forced into holding the vote because "four Republicans joined Democrats to sign a discharge petition"—a rare procedural move bypassing House leadership.
• Last week, the House Oversight Committee released documents suggesting President Trump may have had more knowledge of Epstein than previously stated.
• Trump criticized Republicans pushing for disclosure and directed his Attorney General to investigate Epstein's connections to Democrats, particularly former President Bill Clinton.
• The bill, if it passes the House, faces an "uncertain future in the Senate and a potential veto from the president."
  — Mara Liasson, (00:32–01:16)

Notable Quote

• “House Speaker Mike Johnson tried for months to avoid this vote, but he failed when four Republicans joined Democrats to sign a discharge petition.”
  — Mara Liasson, (00:32)

2. Israeli Leaders Oppose Palestinian Statehood Before U.N. Vote

• (01:16 – 02:13)
• Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other Israeli leaders reaffirm their strong opposition to a Palestinian state amid international pressure.
• The U.N. Security Council is expected to vote on a U.S.-drafted resolution for an international stabilization force in Gaza as part of President Trump’s 20-point peace plan.
• The resolution contains language that could allow for Palestinian statehood, a prospect favored by many nations contributing troops but firmly rejected by Israeli officials.
• Netanyahu justifies opposition by saying that “statehood would be a reward for Hamas.”
  — Kat Lahnsdorff, (01:30–02:13)

Notable Quote

• “Our opposition to a Palestinian state on any territory has not changed whatsoever.”
  — Benjamin Netanyahu, (01:30)

3. President Trump Calls for NBC to Fire Seth Meyers

• (02:13 – 03:12)
• Trump publicly urges NBC to dismiss late night host Seth Meyers after jokes about his comments on American workers.
• Meyers joked: “Laura, Laura, listen, you can't expect me to make America great again with only Americans,” mocking Trump’s stance on skilled labor.
• Trump derides Meyer’s show as a “ratings disaster” and reposts about his lack of talent on Truth Social.
• FCC Chair Brendan Carr and free speech advocate Justin Amash publicly comment, with Amash stating: “The government shouldn't be pressuring companies with respect to late night hosts, comedians or anyone else.” — Elizabeth Blair, (02:18–03:12)

Notable Quotes

• “Laura, Laura, listen, you can't expect me to make America great again with only Americans.”
  — Seth Meyers (Trump impression on his show), (02:36)
• “The government shouldn’t be pressuring companies with respect to late night hosts, comedians or anyone else.”
  — Justin Amash on X, (approximately 03:05)

4. Leonid Meteor Shower Peaks Tonight

• (03:15 – 04:16)
• The Leonid meteor shower is expected to peak tonight through Tuesday morning.
• Meteors will be bright and fast, with NASA expecting “up to 10 to 15 meteors per hour”—best observed after midnight, away from city lights, and looking east towards the constellation Leo.
• Favorable viewing this year due to a “moon less than 10% full.” — Chandelyse Duster, (03:26–04:16)

Memorable Moment

• “The Leonid meteor shower happens every November. The meteors are known to be bright, colorful and very fast, traveling at 44 miles per second.”
  — Chandelyse Duster, (03:30)

5. Mass Rally in the Philippines Over Flood Control Scandal

• (04:16 – 04:57)
• Hundreds of thousands in Manila demand government accountability over corruption in flood control projects—thousands of which were found to be defective, unfinished, or non-existent.
• Issue intensifies after two deadly typhoons this month, causing at least 259 deaths from flash floods and landslides.
• Ongoing congressional hearings seek to address the scandal. — NPR Reporter, (04:18–04:57)

Notable Detail

• “Flood control is a sensitive issue in the Philippines after two typhoons left at least 259 people dead this month, mostly from flash floods and from landslides.”
  — Jeanine Hurst, (04:45)

Timestamps for Important Segments

| Segment | Timestamps | |--------------------------------------------------------|-------------------| | Epstein Documents/House Vote | 00:21 – 01:16 | | Israel/Palestine/U.N. Security Council | 01:16 – 02:13 | | Trump v. Seth Meyers | 02:13 – 03:12 | | Leonid Meteor Shower | 03:15 – 04:16 | | Philippines Flood Control Scandal | 04:16 – 04:57 |

Conclusion

This concise news roundup covers major breaking stories in U.S. politics, international affairs, entertainment, science, and Asia-Pacific current events, offering listeners up-to-date insights with a direct, factual tone.