NPR News Now – November 20, 2025, 11AM EST

Host: Korva Coleman | Length: ~5 minutes

Episode Overview

This episode provides a concise update on major national and international news, including tributes to former Vice President Dick Cheney, the latest changes to U.S. tariffs under President Trump, a key federal court battle over deportation policy, new findings from Human Rights Watch on the West Bank, jobs figures impacted by a government shutdown, warnings about AI-enabled toys, and weather alerts for Central Texas.

Key News Segments & Insights

1. Funeral Service for Former Vice President Dick Cheney

• Location: Washington National Cathedral

• Notable Attendee/Speaker: Former President George W. Bush

• Summary: National funeral services began for Dick Cheney, former vice president under George W. Bush, who died at the age of 84.

  “The funeral service opens this hour for former Vice President Dick Cheney. He died earlier this month at the age of 84.”
  — Korva Coleman [00:18]

2. U.S. Tariff Policy Updates

• Core Topics: Trump administration's changes to tariffs on food items and ongoing impact of steel and aluminum tariffs.

• Details:

  • President Trump announced certain tariff reductions (e.g., coffee and produce).
  • Significant expansion—over 400 product categories—added to steel and aluminum tariffs in August.
  • The administration cites tougher enforcement to deter tariff circumvention.
  • Even with fixed rates, the scope of tariffs can shift substantially.

  “Even when a tariff rate is set, the tariff itself can still drastically change.”
  — Danielle Kurtzleben [00:47]

3. Deportation Case: Kilmar Abrego Garcia

• Legal Battle: The Trump administration seeks to deport Garcia to Liberia, while his lawyers argue for Costa Rica due to fears of persecution.

• Notable Points:

  • Liberia has agreed to accept Garcia temporarily, Costa Rica also willing to receive him.
  • Earlier wrongful deportation to El Salvador has led to ongoing legal proceedings.
  • Garcia's high-profile case raises concerns about government compliance and due process.
  • He’s set for trial on human smuggling charges next year.

  “The administration wrongfully deported him from Maryland to El Salvador in March, violating a judge's order.”
  — Kristen Wright [01:36]

4. Human Rights Watch: Israeli Operations in the West Bank

• Report Findings: Israeli military’s displacement of Palestinians in the West Bank constitutes crimes against humanity.

• Key Details:

  • Over 30,000 Palestinians displaced from northern West Bank areas since January.
  • UN: Displaced citizens not allowed to return, many homes destroyed.
  • Geneva Conventions prohibit permanent civilian displacement in occupied territories.
  • Human Rights Watch labels this the longest and largest displacement in decades.

  “Human Rights Watch found that Israel has not complied, saying that the forced displacement amounts to war crimes and crimes against humanity.”
  — Kat Lonsdorf [02:31]

5. Jobs Report After Government Shutdown

• Labor Department Data: 119,000 jobs created in September—stronger than expected.

• Complications: Report delayed due to shutdown, and October numbers are missing.

  “The report was delayed by the federal government shutdown. Jobs numbers for October were never collected.”
  — Korva Coleman [03:11]

6. Concerns Over AI Toys for Children

• Issuing Organizations: Fairplay, Public Interest Research Group

• Key Warnings:

  • AI toys (plushies, robots) collect sensitive data and can disturb child development and relationships.
  • Reports reveal that such toys permit sexually explicit conversations with few parental controls.
  • Toy industry association stresses robust federal safety standards; urges buying only from reputable sellers.

  “Fairplay's advisory says playthings like AI powered plushies and robots collect sensitive data and disrupt human relationships, among other harms.”
  — Chloe Veltman [03:48]

  “These can have long and short term impacts on development, and it's ridiculous to expect young children to avoid potential harm here.”
  — Rachel Franz (via Kat Lonsdorf) [04:00]

7. Flash Flood Warnings in Central Texas

• Event: Powerful storm forecasted, several inches of rain expected.

• Warning: Flash flood advisories for several Central Texas counties.

  “Forecasters have issued flash flood warnings for a few counties in Central Texas this morning. A powerful storm is rolling through and several inches of rain are expected to fall.”
  — Korva Coleman [04:43]

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On Tariffs:
  "Even when a tariff rate is set, the tariff itself can still drastically change." — Danielle Kurtzleben [00:47]

• On Due Process:
  "The administration wrongfully deported him from Maryland to El Salvador in March, violating a judge's order." — Kristen Wright [01:36]

• On AI Toys:
  "These can have long and short term impacts on development, and it's ridiculous to expect young children to avoid potential harm here." — Rachel Franz [04:00]

Important Timestamps

• 00:18 – Funeral for Dick Cheney opens
• 00:47 – Danielle Kurtzleben explains shifting nature of tariffs
• 01:36 – Kristen Wright details the Abrego Garcia deportation case
• 02:31 – Kat Lonsdorf reports on West Bank displacement
• 03:11 – September jobs report and government shutdown impact
• 03:48 – Chloe Veltman introduces advisory on AI toys
• 04:43 – Central Texas flash flood warnings

This episode delivers concise but thorough reporting on the day’s most significant stories, providing context and insights for listeners who need a quick, trusted news update.