NPR News Now Summary
Episode: NPR News: 11-19-2025 2PM EST
Host: Jeanine Hurst
Date: November 19, 2025
Duration: ~5 minutes
Episode Overview
This episode delivers a concise roundup of the hour’s major national and international news stories, with reports on the release of Jeffrey Epstein files, a major US-Saudi investment and jobs initiative, escalating violence in southern Lebanon, the cultural impact of the "Wicked" film, and a significant antitrust ruling concerning Meta.
Key Stories & Insights
1. Justice Department: Release of Jeffrey Epstein Files
[00:14–01:14]
- Attorney General Pam Bondi confirms the Justice Department will comply with new legislation requiring the release of Jeffrey Epstein’s files if signed by President Trump.
- Existing files have already been sent to Congress; sensitive documents, such as witness interviews, remain withheld.
- Trump, who previously resisted further release, shifted course over the weekend but called the push for transparency “a hoax perpetrated by Democrats.”
Notable Quote:
“We will continue to follow the law with maximum transparency while protecting victims.”
—Pam Bondi, Attorney General [00:45]
2. US-Saudi Investment and Jobs Initiative
[01:14–02:01]
- Saudi Arabia selects GE Aerospace engines for its new fleet of Boeing 787 Dreamliners, in a multi-year deal for engines, maintenance, and repair.
- At the US-Saudi Investment Conference in Washington, Saudi Arabia announces a trillion-dollar investment, mainly targeting the US tech sector.
- President Trump frames the agreement as a jobs creator, welcoming foreign workers to train American workers.
Notable Quote:
“If you have to bring people to get those plants opened, we want you to do that and we want those people to teach our people how to make computer chips and how to make other things.”
—President Donald Trump [01:49]
3. Escalation of Violence in Lebanon
[02:01–03:05]
- Israel bombs two southern Lebanese villages after warning residents, following a drone strike on a Palestinian refugee camp killing at least 13 people, including an attack on a bus that wounded students.
- Ceasefire with Hezbollah technically remains in place, but Israel justifies strikes by citing threats from Hezbollah and Hamas.
Reporting Context:
“The Israeli military bombed the two villages after warning residents to leave. Earlier on Wednesday, Israel killed one person and wounded several others, including students, on a bus in a separate drone strike, according to Lebanese authorities.”
—Jane Araf, NPR News [02:17]
4. Pop Culture: ‘Wicked for Good’ Film Release
[03:05–04:07]
- The film “Wicked for Good,” a sequel to the hit “Wicked,” previews a blockbuster opening weekend and a devoted fanbase including self-identified witches.
- At a witch-themed street festival, fans express anticipation and appreciation for a film portraying witches positively.
Memorable Moments:
“The witch is the good guy.”
—Tiffany Walker, self-identified witch [03:32]
“It’s just a beautiful film and I’m very excited to see the second one. We’re gonna have to go together.”
—Tiffany Walker [03:49]
5. Tech & Legal: Meta Antitrust Ruling
[04:07–04:54]
- US District Judge James Boasberg rules Meta’s past acquisitions of WhatsApp and Instagram did not violate competition laws.
- The decision comes amid ongoing antitrust scrutiny in tech, with both Google and other giants facing recent regulatory setbacks.
Reporting Context:
No direct quote, but the ruling’s aftermath signals temporary relief for Meta, even as broader regulatory trends loom.
Market Update
[03:05, 04:37]
- Dow Jones up 37 points, NASDAQ up 71, S&P 500 up 15.
Conclusion
This NPR News Now episode delivers major headlines in national politics, international affairs, business, cultural events, and the tech sector. Notable moments include government transparency debates, international investment seen as job growth, escalating Mideast tensions, pop culture’s social narratives, and landmark regulatory rulings.
For more details, refer to the hourly updates at NPR News Now.