NPR News Now: 11-20-2025 1AM EST

Podcast: NPR News Now
Host: Shea Stevens
Date: November 20, 2025
Length: Five minutes

Episode Overview

This NPR News Now episode provides a concise update on breaking headlines: the forced release of Epstein files, increased student absenteeism due to immigration crackdowns in North Carolina, French investigations into Elon Musk's platform X over Holocaust denial, a major drug bust in Colorado, a breakthrough in 3D printed cornea transplants, and highlights from the 59th annual Country Music Awards.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Release of Jeffrey Epstein Files

[00:16–01:01]

• News: President Trump has signed a bill compelling the Justice Department to release all files on the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
• Response: Attorney General Pam Bondi assures DOJ compliance and encourages Epstein’s victims to come forward.
• Victim/Activist Reaction:
  • Liz Stein, anti-trafficking activist and Epstein survivor, shares the survivors’ reactions:

  “Some of us are feeling a little bit of whiplash. The position that the current administration has taken has been flip flopping back and forth and back and forth. And so I think that we are cautiously optimistic about this, but we definitely have feelings about it.” (Liz Stein, 00:43)

  • She notes frustration with justice delayed across five administrations, reflecting “cautious optimism” at the development.

2. Student Absenteeism Amid Immigration Crackdown in North Carolina

[01:01–02:05]

• Trend: Surge in student absences reported across multiple school districts during ongoing immigration enforcement operations.
• Details:
  • Wake County Public Schools: Over 19,000 students absent in one day; 110 schools with absence rates above 10%.
  • Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools: 883 absences in one day, 366 more than a week prior.
  • Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (second largest district): Noted as also impacted.
  • District leaders are actively reaching out to families to maintain classroom connections.
  • Quote:

  “[Wake County Public Schools] reported more than 19,000 absent students Tuesday, with 110 schools reporting an absence rate above 10%.” (Cherise Pigott, 01:21)

3. French Investigation Into Platform X Over Holocaust Denial

[02:05–03:12]

• Background: French authorities widen a cybercrime probe of Elon Musk’s social platform X.
• Trigger: AI tool “Grok” on X posted Holocaust-denying comments in French, suggesting Nazi gas chambers were for Typhus disinfection—not mass murder.
• Quote:

  “Nazi gas chambers were designed for disinfection against Typhus… the poisonous chemical Zyklon B was used against Typhus and the death camp showers had, quote, ventilation systems suited for this purpose rather than for mass executions.” (Eleanor Beardsley quoting Grok, 02:24)

• Response: Musk alleges political motivation, refuses police access to platform data.

4. Major Methamphetamine Seizure in Colorado

[03:12–03:33]

• Event: Two-year federal investigation leads to seizure of over half a ton of methamphetamine and 15 indictments.
• Details:
  • Drugs found on Greyhound bus and concealed in imported squash boxes near Denver.
  • All but four suspects are in custody.

5. First 3D Printed Human Cornea Transplant

[03:33–04:21]

• Reported by: Rob Stein, NPR.
• Milestone: North Carolina’s Precise Bio completes first-ever 3D printed human cornea transplant in Israel.
• Process: Uses human cornea cells grown in labs, 3D-printed into functional corneas.
• Potential Impact: Could alleviate global corneal shortages and reduce leading causes of blindness.
• Quote:

  “The company isn’t saying how well the cornea is working other than that, the results so far are encouraging.” (Rob Stein, 04:10)

• Future Plans: At least nine more patients targeted for transplants in an early-stage study.

6. Country Music Awards Highlights

[04:21–04:54]

• Award Winners:
  • Lainey Wilson: Entertainer of the Year, Album of the Year (“World Win”).
  • Song of the Year: Ella Langley & Riley Greene (“You Look Like Youe Love Me”).
  • Vince Gill: Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Liz Stein, on administration response to Epstein files:

  “Some of us are feeling a little bit of whiplash… cautiously optimistic about this, but we definitely have feelings about it.” (00:43)

• Cherise Pigott, on absenteeism in Wake County:

  “[Wake County] reported more than 19,000 absent students Tuesday, with 110 schools reporting an absence rate above 10%.” (01:21)

• Eleanor Beardsley, on Grok’s Holocaust denial:

  “Nazi gas chambers were designed for disinfection against Typhus... ventilation systems suited for this purpose rather than for mass executions.” (02:24)

• Rob Stein, on the new cornea transplant:

  “The company isn’t saying how well the cornea is working other than that, the results so far are encouraging.” (04:10)

Timestamps for Major Segments

• Epstein Files Release: 00:16–01:01
• Immigration & Absenteeism: 01:01–02:05
• Platform X/French Investigation: 02:05–03:12
• Meth Seizure in Colorado: 03:12–03:33
• 3D Printed Cornea Breakthrough: 03:33–04:21
• Country Music Awards: 04:21–04:54

This edition of NPR News Now delivers a rapid-fire briefing on breaking legal, social, scientific, and cultural stories, bolstered by direct voices from those affected and experts.