NPR News Now – November 18, 2025, 9PM EST

Host: Ryland Barton
Duration: 5 minutes
Date: November 19, 2025

Episode Overview

This brief and informative NPR News Now update covers the top headlines from the White House involving President Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, newly published research on ultra-processed foods, privacy concerns over license plate scanners in San Jose, federal education policy changes, escalating tensions in East Asia, and a commemorative coin for Freddie Mercury.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. President Trump Meets Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman

• First Washington Visit Since Khashoggi Killing:
  President Trump hosts Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman—his first White House visit since the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, whom US Intelligence has linked directly to the crown prince.
• Trump’s Response to Khashoggi Questions:
  Trump sidesteps queries about the killing, defending the crown prince and cautioning reporters not to "embarrass our guests."

  "As far as this gentleman is concerned, he's done a phenomenal job. You're mentioning somebody that was extremely controversial. A lot of people didn't like that gentleman that you're talking about. Whether you like him or didn't like him, things happened, but he knew nothing about it and we can leave it at that. You don't have to embarrass our guests by asking a question like that."
  — President Trump (00:40)

• Business & Defense Deals:
  Discussions at the meeting included a US sale of F35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia and a near $1 trillion Saudi investment in the United States. (00:59)

2. Ultra-Processed Foods and Health Risks

• New Research Published in The Lancet:
  An international team reviewed extensive evidence confirming a strong link between ultra-processed foods and higher risks of chronic diseases.
• Risks Identified:
  Processed foods are tied to obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular and kidney diseases, Crohn’s disease, and premature death.
• Policy Recommendations:
  Researchers call for urgent government action—like soda taxes, warning labels, and banning such foods in school meals.

  "The researchers write that ultra processed foods harm every major organ system in the human body. These foods have rapidly displaced fresh foods in traditional diets around the world—even as diet-related diseases have been rising."
  — Maria Godoy, NPR Health Correspondent (01:28)

3. San Jose License Plate Scanners Spark Privacy Lawsuit

• Surveillance Allegations:
  The EFF and the ACLU of Northern California are suing San Jose, accusing the city of excessive data retention using license plate scanner technology.

  "They have nearly 500 cameras that blanket the city's streets and they retain their data for an entire year. A lot of other jurisdictions in California only retain the data for 30 days."
  — Lisa Femya, EFF Attorney (02:38)

• Legal Stakes:
  The lawsuit challenges warrantless searches as a violation of both California’s constitution and potentially the Fourth Amendment.

  "The lawsuit says local police should get a warrant before looking a license plate up in that large a database."
  — Martin Kosti, NPR Reporter (02:49)

• Police Non-Response:
  San Jose Police declined comment on the pending case.

4. U.S. Department of Education Dissolution

• Federal Grant Programs Shift:
  As part of the Trump administration's efforts to close the Department of Education, major federal K12 grant programs are being transferred to the Department of Labor. (03:10)

5. East Asia Tensions Over Taiwan and Japan

• Diplomatic Protests Over Defense Statements:
  China protests Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takeichi’s statement regarding potential involvement in Taiwan’s defense.

  "China’s Foreign Ministry said it lodged a strong protest at the meeting over the remarks. That's because China sees Taiwan as its territory."
  — Emily Feng, NPR Correspondent (03:52)

• Economic Fallout:
  Chinese airlines and tour agencies have canceled travel to Japan, threatening billions in tourism revenue.
• Military Maneuvering:
  China sailed patrol ships through disputed islands, escalating tensions; Japan warns its citizens in China to avoid crowds for safety.

6. The Royal Mint Honors Freddie Mercury

• Commemorative Coin Released:
  To mark forty years since his iconic Live Aid performance, the Royal Mint issues a new coin featuring Freddie Mercury and a musical stave symbolizing his vocal range. (04:39)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• President Trump on Crown Prince bin Salman:
  "As far as this gentleman is concerned, he's done a phenomenal job. ... Whether you like him or didn't like him, things happened, but he knew nothing about it and we can leave it at that." (00:40)
• Lisa Femya, EFF Attorney on Surveillance:
  "They have nearly 500 cameras that blanket the city's streets and they retain their data for an entire year. A lot of other jurisdictions in California only retain the data for 30 days." (02:38–02:49)
• Maria Godoy, NPR Health Correspondent:
  "Ultra-processed foods harm every major organ system in the human body." (01:28)
• Emily Feng, NPR Correspondent on China-Japan Tensions:
  "Chinese airlines have canceled flights to Japan. Plus, Chinese tour agencies have cut trips, imperiling a multi billion dollar source of tourism for Japan." (03:52)

Timeline of Important Segments

• 00:13 — President Trump and Saudi Crown Prince visit; Khashoggi murder context
• 00:40 — Trump’s direct remarks on the visit and Khashoggi
• 01:28 — Ultra-processed foods global health risks (Maria Godoy)
• 02:27 — Lawsuit over license plate data; privacy concerns in San Jose (Martin Kosti, Lisa Femya)
• 03:10 — Education Department’s pending dissolution; shifting K12 grants
• 03:52 — Diplomacy crisis between China and Japan over Taiwan (Emily Feng)
• 04:39 — Royal Mint introduces Freddie Mercury commemorative coin

This NPR News Now update delivers succinct but significant global and domestic news, with a focus on transparency, accountability, and the wide-reaching impacts of governmental and international decisions.