NPR News Now: 8AM EST – November 19, 2025

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This episode of NPR News Now delivers the latest headlines in U.S. politics, global diplomacy, legal developments, public health, and an unusual story out of Venice, Italy—all in a rapid-fire five-minute format. The episode provides updates on the Epstein files bill, U.S.–Saudi Arabia relations, Purdue Pharma's bankruptcy resolution, wildfire legal proceedings in California, new research on ultra-processed foods, and a dolphin in Venice’s canals.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Congress Approves Bill Requiring DOJ to Release Epstein Files

Reported by Claudia Grizales

• Approval Details:

  • Congress passed a bill compelling the Justice Department to release its files on the late Jeffrey Epstein.
  • The Senate passed the bill by voice vote, led by Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. There were no objections.

    “In an extremely rare scene in Republican controlled Washington, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer moved to approve the bipartisan bill under a voice vote with no objections.” —Claudia Grizales [00:31]

• House Dynamics:

  • House Republicans signaled support but hoped for Senate amendments. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, citing the overwhelming House vote (427–1), decided further amendment was unnecessary, allowing senators to avoid a recorded vote.

• Presidential Reversal:

  • In a notable shift, President Trump announced he will sign the bill once it reaches his desk.

2. U.S.–Saudi Investment Forum and Strategic Alliances

Hosted by Korva Coleman, quoting President Trump

• Event:

  • President Trump attends the U.S.–Saudi Investment Forum in Washington with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
  • Several deals announced, the most prominent being a new strategic military partnership.

• Designation Announcement:

  “I'm pleased to announce that we are taking our military cooperation to even greater heights by formally designating Saudi Arabia as a major non NATO ally.” —Donald Trump [01:36]

• Controversy:

  • During a White House appearance, the Crown Prince faced press questions over U.S. intelligence finding he approved the operation to murder journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018. Trump dismissed the question as “embarrassing” for the prince, leading to criticism from Khashoggi’s widow.

3. Purdue Pharma Bankruptcy Reorganization

Reported by Sidney Lupkin

• Background:

  • Purdue Pharma, maker of OxyContin, has been central to the U.S. opioid crisis and faced legal challenges over shielding the Sackler family from further lawsuits.

• Resolution:

  • A new bankruptcy plan, replacing one struck down by the Supreme Court in 2024, allows future civil lawsuits against the Sacklers.
  • The Sackler family will pay up to $7 billion; $865 million allocated to a victim compensation pool.
  • Purdue Pharma will dissolve and reemerge as NOAA Pharma, focusing on overdose treatments without Sackler involvement.

• Notable Moment:

  “The plan was approved by Judge Shawn Lane of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York. Purdue will dissolve and emerge as a new company, NOAA Pharma. Its focus will include overdose reversal medicines, and it will not involve the Sacklers.” —Sidney Lupkin [02:30]

4. California Wildfire Suspect Court Hearing

Reported by Korva Coleman

• Details:
  • A judge orders Jonathan Rindernecht, accused of starting the deadly Palisades fire, to remain jailed pending trial.
  • Charged with arson, he has pleaded not guilty. The fire killed 12 people and destroyed nearly 7,000 structures.

5. Ultra-Processed Foods and Chronic Disease

Reported by Maria Godoy

• New Study Findings:

  • An international research team, publishing in The Lancet, finds ultra-processed foods strongly linked to obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, Crohn’s disease, and premature death.

• Policy Recommendations:

  • Researchers call for urgent government action: soda taxes, warning labels, and restrictions in school meals.

• Notable Quote:

  “The researchers say ultra processed foods have been shown to harm nearly all the organ systems in the human body.” —Maria Godoy [03:57]

6. Bottlenose Dolphin in Venice Canals

Reported by Korva Coleman

• Situation:
  • Officials note a bottlenose dolphin has swum in Venice's canals for months, possibly injured by a boat.
  • Efforts will be made to return the dolphin to open water.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Epstein Files Bill:

  “In an extremely rare scene in Republican controlled Washington, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer moved to approve the bipartisan bill under a voice vote with no objections.”
  —Claudia Grizales [00:31]

• On U.S.–Saudi Relations:

  “I'm pleased to announce that we are taking our military cooperation to even greater heights by formally designating Saudi Arabia as a major non NATO ally.”
  —Donald Trump [01:36]

• On Ultra-Processed Foods:

  “The researchers say ultra processed foods have been shown to harm nearly all the organ systems in the human body.”
  —Maria Godoy [03:57]

Important Segment Timestamps

• Start of News: [00:18]
• Epstein Files Bill: [00:18–01:19]
• U.S.–Saudi Investment Forum: [01:19–01:47]
• Khashoggi Query/Trump Response: [01:47–02:30]
• Purdue Pharma Bankruptcy: [02:30–03:11]
• California Wildfire Case: [03:11–03:57]
• Ultra-Processed Foods Study: [03:57–04:39]
• Venice Dolphin: [04:39–04:54]

This episode covers major developments on Capitol Hill, international diplomacy, corporate legal outcomes, public health warnings, and an offbeat story from Italy, providing a concise yet wide-ranging snapshot of the day’s top stories.