NPR News Now – 11-20-2025, 12PM EST

Overview

This episode of NPR News Now, hosted by Lakshmi Singh, delivers a concise roundup of key national and international events as of November 20, 2025. The broadcast covers the funeral of former Vice President Dick Cheney, updates on the U.S. job market, a dramatic shift in the CDC's position on vaccines and autism, a major Frida Kahlo auction, and developments at the UN World Climate Conference.

Key News Segments

1. Funeral of Former Vice President Dick Cheney

[00:15–01:39]

• Main Event: Mourners, including former President George W. Bush, gather at the Washington National Cathedral for Dick Cheney's funeral.
• Legacy: Cheney is highlighted as "one of the most powerful political figures of his time," with a career spanning White House chief of staff, congressman, defense secretary, and vice president.
• Notable Insight: Cheney is credited as a chief architect of the war on terror post-9/11 and a driving force behind the Iraq invasion.
• Political Notes: Despite his conservative stance, Cheney did not support President Trump, whom he called "the greatest individual threat to our republic." Neither President Trump nor Vice President J.D. Vance attended the funeral.
• Memorable Quote:

  "Though not a happy assignment, I do consider it an easy one because there was so much to like and admire about Dick Cheney. Dick was a stoical man, and I doubt he left his life with any complaints about the time given to him or its end."
  — George W. Bush, [00:32]

2. U.S. Jobs Report and Economic Outlook

[01:39–02:19]

• Jobs Data: U.S. employers added 119,000 jobs in September, exceeding expectations. However, job growth over the summer was less than previously reported.
• Sector Breakdown: Health care and hospitality saw gains, while factories and warehouses lost jobs.
• Unemployment Rate: Rose to 4.4%, with the labor force expanding.
• Context: This report, delayed by a six-week government shutdown, is the last such data prior to the Federal Reserve's December decision on interest rates.
• Limitations: October and November data were delayed or not collected, leaving information "somewhat stale."
• Analyst Quote:

  "While the information in today's release is somewhat stale, it's the last jobs report the Federal Reserve will get before its next decision in December on interest rates."
  — Scott Horsley, [01:39]

3. CDC’s New Stance on Vaccines and Autism

[02:19–03:08]

• Major Shift: The CDC’s website now states that "a link between vaccines and autism cannot be ruled out," reversing its longstanding position.
• Background: The alleged vaccine–autism connection has been thoroughly debunked by extensive scientific research.
• Political Influence: The change follows pressure from Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has promoted anti-vaccine views.
• Public Health Concerns: Experts warn this reversal threatens vaccination rates, already declining and leading to resurgences of diseases like measles and whooping cough.
• Reporter Insight:

  "The CDC's change is alarming public health experts. They are already worried about a drop in childhood vaccination, which has led to a resurgence of dangerous childhood diseases like measles and whooping cough."
  — Rob Stein, [02:26]

4. Frida Kahlo’s Self-Portrait Auction

[03:08–03:57]

• Auction Highlight: Kahlo’s 1940 self-portrait El Sueño (La Cama) is set to be auctioned at Sotheby’s, New York.
• Artwork Details: The painting depicts Kahlo sleeping in bed, with a skeleton wrapped in dynamite floating above—a powerful image from a turbulent period in her life.
• Valuation: Expected to sell for $40–$60 million, recognized as one of her most haunting works.

5. UN World Climate Conference in Brazil

[03:57–04:43]

• Conference Focus: Delegates are calling for a defined global exit plan from fossil fuels.
• U.S. Absence: The United States, the largest oil and gas producer, is not participating.
• Global Reactions:
  • Vanuatu’s Climate Minister noted the absence of the U.S. might help move talks forward:

    "Generally, it’s a good thing they're not here because we have less recalcitrants to deal with."
    — Ralph Regenvanu, [04:26]

  • The White House emphasized that President Trump prioritizes economic and national security over "vague climate goals."
• Reporter Context:

  "Climate ministers and envoys are calling for a clear roadmap to move the world away from planet-heating oil, gas and coal. The U.S. is not participating in this conference."
  — Julia Simon, [03:57]

6. Market Update

[03:08, 04:43]

• Stock Market: Dow Jones down 39 points earlier, and down 35 points later in the broadcast. S&P and NASDAQ also posted losses.

Notable Quotes

• George W. Bush on Dick Cheney:

  "Dick was a stoical man, and I doubt he left his life with any complaints about the time given to him or its end."
  — [00:32]

• Scott Horsley on Jobs Report:

  "While the information in today's release is somewhat stale, it's the last jobs report the Federal Reserve will get before its next decision in December on interest rates."
  — [01:39]

• Rob Stein on CDC’s Shift:

  "The CDC's change is alarming public health experts."
  — [02:26]

• Ralph Regenvanu on U.S. Absence at UN Climate Summit:

  "Generally, it's a good thing they're not here because we have less recalcitrants to deal with."
  — [04:26]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:15] Cheney Funeral coverage begins
• [00:32] George W. Bush eulogy
• [01:39] Jobs report analysis
• [02:26] CDC vaccine stance update
• [03:08] Frida Kahlo auction preview
• [03:57] UN Climate Conference coverage
• [04:26] Vanuatu’s minister quote on U.S. absence
• [04:43] Stock market update

This episode delivers urgent developments in politics, public health, culture, and global climate policy, reflecting fast-moving changes in a pivotal moment.