NPR News Now – November 17, 2025, 9AM EST

Host: Korva Coleman
Duration: ~5 minutes

Episode Overview

This NPR News Now episode provides a concise update on major national and international events as of November 17, 2025. Key topics include the normalization of U.S. air travel post-government shutdown, ongoing immigration enforcement tensions in Charlotte, a new U.S. terrorist designation, President Trump’s feud with NBC host Seth Meyers, developments in the Jeffrey Epstein files inquiry, a death sentence for former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina, and the cancellation of a controversial auction of Holocaust artifacts in Germany.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. U.S. Air Travel Returns to Normal after Shutdown

Timestamps: 00:13–01:09

• Summary:

  • The federal government shutdown has ended; air traffic controllers are back at work.
  • Temporary flight reductions at major airports have been lifted.
  • Airlines expect to ramp up quickly to full schedules ahead of Thanksgiving travel.
  • Notable Insight: FAA’s restrictions were intended to manage controller shortages and ensure safety during the shutdown.

• Quote:

  • “Air traffic controllers have finally received some of the back pay they earned, and regulators say staffing conditions are now back to what they before the shutdown.”
    — Joel Rose (00:47)

2. Immigration Enforcement & Activism in Charlotte, NC

Timestamps: 01:09–01:54

• Summary:

  • Immigration activists plan to confront the Charlotte City Council in response to recent Border Patrol arrests in immigrant neighborhoods.
  • Activists want to bar Border Patrol from city properties.
  • Governor Josh Stein criticizes federal agents, urges residents to document encounters.

• Notable Moment:

  • Protests erupted outside a Hispanic supermarket as agents made arrests, with bystanders honking and shouting.

• Quotes:

  • “Agents are stoking fear and [Governor Stein] urged residents to record them.” — Nick Della Canal, reporting (01:38)
  • “Everyone wants to be safe in their communities, but the actions of too many federal agents are doing the exact opposite.” — North Carolina Governor Josh Stein (01:49)

3. U.S. Terror Designation & Trump Attacks on Seth Meyers

Timestamps: 02:03–03:13

• Summary:

  • Secretary of State Marco Rubio declares a South American group (allegedly linked to Venezuela’s president) a terrorist organization; no evidence provided.
  • President Trump demands NBC fire Seth Meyers after jokes about Trump’s stance on skilled workers.
  • FCC Chair Brendan Carr amplifies Trump’s call; some defend free speech.

• Quotes:

  • “On Truth Social, Trump wrote that Meyers’ NBC show is a ratings disaster, that Meyers has no talent and that NBC should fire him.” — Elizabeth Blair (02:41)
  • “The government shouldn’t be pressuring companies with respect to late night hosts, comedians or anyone else.” — Justin Amash, Free Speech Advocate (03:06)

4. Epstein Files Vote & International Headlines

Timestamps: 03:13–04:52

A. Epstein Files Vote

• Trump urges GOP lawmakers to back the release of Justice Department files on Jeffrey Epstein.
• Bipartisan House group poised to force a vote.

B. Bangladesh: Sheikh Hasina Sentenced

• Court sentences ex-PM Hasina to death in absentia after last year’s ouster amid student protests.
• She is currently in India.

C. Germany: Auction of Holocaust Artifacts Cancelled

• Auction house planned to sell items (incl. a Buchenwald Star of David patch); canceled under heavy criticism.

• Holocaust survivor groups and Germany’s foreign minister condemned the auction.

• Quote:

  • “Any attempt to profit from the crimes of the Shoah is abhorrent.” — German Foreign Minister Johann Wardeppvohl (04:31)
  • “The International Auschwitz Committee says the artefacts belong to the victims’ families or to museums and should not be degraded to mere commodities.” — Esme Nicholson (04:42)

Notable Quotes & Moments (By Timestamp)

• “Air traffic controllers have finally received some of the back pay they earned, and regulators say staffing conditions are now back to what they before the shutdown.”
  — Joel Rose (00:47)

• “Agents are stoking fear and [Governor Stein] urged residents to record them.”
  — Nick Della Canal (01:38)

• “Everyone wants to be safe in their communities, but the actions of too many federal agents are doing the exact opposite.”
  — Governor Josh Stein (01:49)

• “The government shouldn’t be pressuring companies with respect to late night hosts, comedians or anyone else.”
  — Justin Amash (03:06)

• “Any attempt to profit from the crimes of the Shoah is abhorrent.”
  — Johann Wardeppvohl (04:31)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:13: Air travel normalization after shutdown
• 01:09: Immigration activism, Charlotte
• 02:03: U.S. terror designation; Trump v. Seth Meyers
• 03:13: Epstein files release effort
• 03:44: Bangladesh: Sheikh Hasina trial outcome
• 04:11: Germany: Holocaust artifacts auction controversy

For listeners seeking a rapid update on current affairs and global issues, this NPR News Now episode offers a fact-packed recap, blending urgent domestic stories with significant global developments.