NPR News Now: November 18, 2025, 1PM EST

Host: Lakshmi Singh
Date: November 18, 2025
Episode Theme:
A rapid-fire update on the day’s top news stories, including Saudi-US diplomatic tensions, Congressional moves toward transparency on Jeffrey Epstein, the opioid crisis legal settlement, fallout from defunding Planned Parenthood, and early Thanksgiving economic trends.

1. Saudi Crown Prince Visits the White House ([00:18]–[01:38])

• Event: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman meets with President Trump in his first White House visit since the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
• Topics Discussed: Defense, energy, and AI deals; concerns about conflict of interest due to Trump family business in Saudi Arabia; US intelligence findings on Khashoggi’s murder.
• Presidential Response: President Trump denies current involvement in family business and downplays Saudi business ties.
  • Quote (Donald Trump, 00:47):
    “I have nothing to do with the family business...they do business all over. They've done very little with Saudi Arabia, actually. I'm sure they could do a lot, and anything they've done has been very good.”
• Crown Prince Response: Calls Khashoggi killing “painful,” describes Saudi reforms, denies involvement.
  • Quote (Mohammed bin Salman, 01:20):
    “Been painful for us in Saudi Arabia. We've did all the right steps of investigation...it's a huge mistake and we are doing our best that this doesn't happen again.”
• Notable moment: President Trump criticizes the reporter for questioning the Crown Prince, calling it “disrespectful.”

2. Survivors of Jeffrey Epstein’s Abuse Speak Out; Congress Seeks File Release ([01:38]–[02:46])

• Event: Survivors of Jeffrey Epstein’s alleged sex trafficking network speak on Capitol Hill; House prepares to vote on releasing government files linked to Epstein.
• Key Developments:
  • Survivors plead for depoliticizing their struggle.
  • President Trump’s shifting stance on the file release is criticized by survivors.
  • Bipartisan support emerges for full disclosure; House expected to approve bill, moving it to the Senate.
• Quote (Janelisa Jones, survivor, 02:23):
  • “I voted for you, but your behavior on this issue has been a national embarrassment.”
• Context: Trump initially opposed the records’ release but reversed his position, encouraging Republican support.
• Reporter: Claudia Grisales

3. Purdue Pharma Opioid Settlement Approved ([02:46]–[03:19])

• Event: Judge approves settlement of opioid lawsuits against Purdue Pharma, maker of OxyContin.
  • Sackler family agrees to contribute up to $7 billion over time and relinquish company ownership.
  • The opioid epidemic's toll exceeds 900,000 US deaths since 1999.
• Economic snapshot:
  • The Dow is reported down 538 points (no further context).

4. Planned Parenthood Defunded via Medicaid in Maine ([03:30]–[04:04])

• Event: Congress passes a bill effectively defunding Planned Parenthood from Medicaid by excluding them as a covered provider.
• Local Impact: In Maine, where abortion remains legal:
  • Medicaid no longer covers any services from Maine Family Planning’s 18 clinics, impacting all patients (not just abortion-related services).
  • 50% of patients on Medicaid now served for free.
  • 20% budget cut; three clinics end primary care services.
• Quote (Vanessa Schieltz, nurse practitioner, Thomaston Clinic, 03:53):
  • “We've been seeing all of those patients for free. We haven't been turning them away.”
• Reporter: Selena Simmons Duffin

5. Thanksgiving Food Prices & Economic Moves ([04:04]–[04:54])

• Event: Wholesale turkey prices surge 40% year-over-year due to bird flu outbreaks and reduced supply.
• Government Action: Trump administration cancels select tariffs (e.g., beef, coffee) to mitigate grocery price inflation.
• Expert Insight:
  • Price drops unlikely; action may only slow inflation.
  • Shoppers encouraged to plan and shop early.
• Quote (David Ortega, agricultural economist, 04:35):
  • “So while we may not see prices go down for the holidays, it helps in terms of moderating the price increases.”
• Reporter: Lydia Calitri

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Trump on business ties:
  “What my family does is fine. But they do business all over. They've done very little with Saudi Arabia, actually.” ([00:47])
• Crown Prince on Khashoggi:
  “We've improved our system to be sure that nothing happened like that...it's a huge mistake and we are doing our best that this doesn't happen again.” ([01:20])
• Epstein survivor confronting Trump:
  “Your behavior on this issue has been a national embarrassment.” ([02:23])
• Clinics serving the uninsured:
  “We've been seeing all of those patients for free. We haven't been turning them away.” ([03:53])
• Holiday food price moderation:
  “It helps in terms of moderating the price increases.” ([04:35])

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Saudi Crown Prince at White House: 00:18–01:38
• Epstein Survivors & File Release Bill: 01:38–02:46
• Opioid Settlement: 02:46–03:19
• Planned Parenthood Defunding in Maine: 03:30–04:04
• Thanksgiving Food Inflation: 04:04–04:54

This update packs national headlines into five minutes with direct source quotes and clear explanations of how each development impacts the public.