NPR News Now – Episode Summary

Podcast: NPR News Now
Date: November 17, 2025
Host: Dale Willman
Episode: 1AM EST

Overview

This episode provides a concise roundup of the major news stories shaping the U.S. and the world as of November 17, 2025. Key topics include political maneuvering in Washington over the Epstein files, troop movements in U.S. cities, severe weather in California, Chile's presidential election, developments in Israeli-Palestinian relations, President Trump’s calls for the firing of Seth Meyers, and the shooting of NFL player Chris Boyd.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Epstein Files and Republican Political Dynamics

• President Trump urges House Republicans to vote for releasing the Epstein files, labeling the controversy a “Democrat hoax.”
• Thomas Massie (Republican, Kentucky) played a major role in gathering signatures for the vote, warning party colleagues of future consequences:
  • “Ballot record will live on beyond President Trump in 2030. He's not going to be the president. And you will have voted to protect...pedophiles if you don't vote to release these files and the president can't protect you.” (00:49 - 00:57)
• Tension between Trump and Massie evident, as Trump referred to Massie as a “loser.”

2. National Guard Troop Reductions

• Hundreds of National Guard troops are set to leave Portland (Oregon) and Chicago (Illinois) after court battles blocked their deployment.
• Juliana Kim reports:
  • 200 Texas National Guard members leaving Illinois, 200 California Guard members leaving Oregon.
  • Oregon National Guard presence in Portland is being halved.
  • Initial deployments were to protect federal personnel, but courts restricted street operations.
  • The military’s Northern Command signals troop presence will be “constant, enduring and long term,” yet numbers will change.
    (01:13 - 01:52)

3. Southern California Weather Crisis

• Thunderstorms in Southern California are causing risk of floods and mudslides in Los Angeles, Ventura, and Santa Barbara Counties.
• Ongoing search for a five-year-old girl swept into the ocean; her father died trying to rescue her.
  (01:52 - 02:27)

4. Chile’s Presidential Election: Runoff Ahead

• Janet Hadda (Communist) and José Antonio Kast (far-right) advance to runoff after first round.
• Hadda leads with 27%, closer than expected; Kast with about 24%, outperforming polls.
• Kast ran a “Trump-like campaign based on crime, border security and illegal immigration.”
• Runoff scheduled for December 14, voting is compulsory.
  • “Communist Hara and far right caste will face off in a second round…with caste widely expected to inherit the vote of the other right wing candidates and win the presidency.” (02:27 - 03:09)

5. Israeli Opposition to Palestinian State

• Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirms opposition to a Palestinian state, ahead of a UN Security Council vote on a U.S.-drafted resolution that leaves the door open to future Palestinian independence.
• Netanyahu claims such a move would “reward Hamas,” as international pressure for a two-state solution grows.
  (03:09 - 03:48)

6. President Trump Calls for Seth Meyers’ Firing

• Trump demands NBC fire late night host Seth Meyers after jokes about Trump’s comments on American labor.
  • Elizabeth Blair plays one quip by Meyers:
    • “Laura, Laura, listen, you can't expect me to make America great again with only Americans.” (03:58 - 04:00)
• Trump calls Meyers' show “a ratings disaster” and claims he “has no talent.”
• FCC chair Brendan Carr amplifies Trump’s call online.
• Justin Amash (former congressman) warns: “the government shouldn't be pressuring companies with respect to late night hosts, comedians or anyone else.”
  (03:48 - 04:32)

7. NFL Player Chris Boyd Critically Injured

• Chris Boyd, Jets cornerback, was shot in Midtown Manhattan early Sunday; no arrests so far.
• Boyd has been on injured reserve since August.
• NYC Mayor Eric Adams posts that he is “praying for both Boyd and his loved ones.”
  (04:32 - 04:53)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Thomas Massie (Republican KY):
  • “Ballot record will live on beyond President Trump in 2030. He's not going to be the president. And you will have voted to protect...pedophiles if you don't vote to release these files and the president can't protect you.” (00:49 - 00:57)
• Seth Meyers Joke (impersonating Trump):
  • “Laura, Laura, listen, you can't expect me to make America great again with only Americans.” (03:58 - 04:00)
• Justin Amash on free speech:
  • “The government shouldn't be pressuring companies with respect to late night hosts, comedians or anyone else.” (04:32)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:11] — President Trump & House GOP on Epstein Files
• [00:40] — Massie’s Warnings and Trump’s Pushback
• [01:13] — National Guard Withdrawal Updates
• [01:52] — Southern California Flooding and Missing Child
• [02:27] — Chile’s Presidential Runoff Set
• [03:09] — Netanyahu on Palestinian State; UN Vote
• [03:48] — Trump vs. Seth Meyers & Free Speech Debate
• [04:32] — Chris Boyd Shooting in Midtown Manhattan

Tone: The reporting, as per NPR tradition, is factual, measured, and succinct, reflecting the urgency and gravity of the day’s leading headlines.