NPR News Now — November 19, 2025, 11PM EST

Host: Shea Stevens
Main Theme:
A rapid-fire update on pressing national and international news, focusing on new government actions, aviation concerns, flu season trends, updates on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, endangered species protections, and a recent astronomical discovery.

1. Epstein Files Set for Public Release

[00:15–01:09]

• President Trump signed a bill mandating the release of government files related to Jeffrey Epstein.
  • Attorney General Pam Bondi states the Justice Department will comply, but protect information related to victims:
    • “We will continue to follow the law with maximum transparency while protecting victims.” – Shea Stevens, summarizing Bondi [00:40]
• Thousands of Epstein-related files have already been given to Congress.
• Witness interviews and some other documents remain unreleased.
• Trump had previously resisted calls for more transparency, but shifted position over the weekend:
  • Trump calls the push for more Epstein documents "a hoax perpetrated by Democrats.” — Paraphrased [00:47]
• Notable Quote:
  • "We will continue to follow the law with maximum transparency while protecting victims." – Shea Stevens [00:40]

2. Airlines Advocate for Shutdown Protections

[01:09–02:03]

• Airlines for America and head Chris Sununu urge Congress to end flight disruptions during federal shutdowns.
• Proposal: Guarantee air traffic controllers get paid during shutdowns to avoid operational chaos.
• Industry and Lawmaker Concerns:
  • “We need solutions like this to be implemented to shield the FAA and its workforce from the politics of a shutdown.” – Joe Rose quoting industry sentiment [01:33]
• Sen. Tammy Duckworth (Democrat):
  • Called for transparency from FAA on reduced flights and suggested Trump administration may have used aviation policy for political leverage.

3. Oval Office Meeting with NYC Mayor Mamdani

[02:03–02:31]

• President Trump to meet with Eleg Zora Mamdani, the NYC Mayor, on Friday.
• Trump previously criticized Mamdani for his socialist stance and threatened to deport him to Uganda—despite Mamdani’s status as a naturalized US citizen.
• Mayor Mamdani promises to work with anyone for New York’s benefit, despite his policy disagreements with Trump.

4. Early Alarms Over 2025 U.S. Flu Season

[02:31–03:10]

• Rob Stein: Cautionary signs for a severe flu season in the U.S., following trends seen in the Southern Hemisphere and UK.
• The dominant flu strain is making people “sicker,” and a new variant “raises questions about how well the vaccines may work.”
• Public health officials still strongly urge vaccination:
  • “Experts say the shots should work well enough so people should get vaccinated right away.” – Rob Stein [02:31]

5. Russian Attack Kills Dozens in Ukraine

[03:10–03:52]

• Russian drone and missile strike kills at least 25 in western Ukraine, over 70 wounded.
• Attack coincided with Ukraine’s president meeting Turkey’s officials for diplomatic support.
• High-ranking U.S. Army officials visit Kyiv to support diplomatic negotiations for a ceasefire.

6. Trump Administration Moves to Limit Endangered Species Protections

[03:52–04:34]

• New rule changes, mirroring Trump’s first term, aim to “restore the Endangered Species Act to its original intent.”
  • "Protecting species and respecting the livelihoods of Americans who depend on land and natural resources." — Interior Secretary Doug Burgum (paraphrased) [03:52]
• Criticism from Wildlife Groups:
  • Major changes to threatened species, habitat protections, and a “cost-benefit analysis” could dramatically weaken current protections.
• Environmental organizations vow to sue to block these measures if formalized.

7. Rare Interstellar Comet Flyby

[04:34–04:54]

• NASA releases images of interstellar comet 31 Atlas, only the third confirmed visit from another star system.
• The comet passed near Mars in the past month.

Memorable Quotes

• “We will continue to follow the law with maximum transparency while protecting victims.” – Shea Stevens [00:40]
• “We need solutions like this to be implemented to shield the FAA and its workforce from the politics of a shutdown.” – Industry sentiment via Joe Rose [01:33]
• “Experts say the shots should work well enough so people should get vaccinated right away.” – Rob Stein [02:31]

Key Timestamps

• [00:15–01:09]: Epstein file release and political context
• [01:09–02:03]: Airline policy reactions to shutdowns
• [02:03–02:31]: Trump’s meeting with NYC Mayor Mamdani
• [02:31–03:10]: Flu season alarm and vaccine advice
• [03:10–03:52]: Ukraine crisis update
• [03:52–04:34]: Endangered Species Act rule changes
• [04:34–04:54]: NASA’s new comet images

Tone:
Concise, sober, and informative—emphasizing facts, official statements, and expert advice throughout.