NPR News Now – November 20, 2025, 4PM EST

The latest headlines and major stories, delivered in a concise 5-minute format by NPR anchor Lakshmi Singh and correspondents.

Overview

This episode covers top news stories from the White House and Congress, a high-profile funeral in Washington D.C., the latest economic reports, developments in a fatal airplane crash investigation, warnings about AI-powered toys, and the auction of a notable Frida Kahlo painting. Market updates conclude the newscast.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. White House Responds to President Trump’s ‘Traitor’ Comments

[00:25]

• President Trump labeled a group of congressional Democrats as "traitors" for urging service members to resist unlawful orders, stating seditious behavior is “punishable by death.”
• White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt clarified that Trump does not want lawmakers executed, but seeks accountability.
• Context: Tension between executive and legislative branches; echoes ongoing political polarization.

2. Memorial Service for Former Vice President Dick Cheney

[00:56]

• Funeral held in Washington, D.C. with attendance from four former vice presidents, many congressional leaders, and former Presidents George W. Bush and Joe Biden.
• George W. Bush’s remarks:
  “I wish more Americans got to know Dick Cheney the way the folks in Casper, Cody and Laramie got to know him. Smart and polished, without heirs.” – George W. Bush [01:23]
• Liz Cheney highlighted her father’s constitutional values:
  “For him, a choice between defense of the Constitution and defense of your political party was no choice at all.” – Liz Cheney (quoted by Lakshmi Singh) [01:41]
• Notably, President Trump did not attend.
• Tone: Reflective, bipartisan respect for Cheney’s career.

3. Federal Reserve Faces Data Gaps at Final Rate Meeting

[01:52]

• The year’s final interest rate-setting meeting comes amidst incomplete jobs data due to a recent government shutdown.
• September’s job report showed growth in healthcare and hospitality, but job losses in manufacturing, warehousing, and white-collar fields.
• Noteworthy trend:
  “For a while now, we’ve been stuck in this holding pattern where employers weren’t hiring a whole lot of new workers but weren’t handing out a lot of pink slips either.” – Scott Horsley [02:19]
• Economic Outlook: Uncertainty persists with mixed signals.

4. UPS Cargo Plane Crash: Preliminary Report Released

[02:32]

• NTSB’s initial findings: Cracks in the left engine mount of a UPS MD-11 cargo plane contributed to a crash in Louisville, KY, killing 14 people.
• The left engine separated during takeoff; parts were not yet scheduled for inspection.
• FAA response: Immediate grounding of all MD-11 aircraft for further checks.
• Memorable detail:
  “Dramatic photos of the left engine flying up and over the wing of the UPS cargo plane as it rolled down the runway.” – NTSB Investigator [02:42]
• Safety Implication: Aircraft maintenance standards under scrutiny.

5. Concern over AI-Powered Toys Ahead of Holiday Shopping

[03:22]

• Child advocacy group Fairplay issues a warning about AI-driven toys, citing data privacy and developmental risks.
• Rachel Franz, Fairplay program director:
  “These can have long and short term impacts, impacts on development, and it’s ridiculous to expect young children to avoid potential harm here.” – Rachel Franz [03:54]
• The Toy Association defended industry standards but encouraged shoppers to buy from reputable retailers.
• Public Service Message: Scrutinize AI toys for safety and privacy before purchase.

6. Frida Kahlo’s ‘El Sueño (La Cama)’ Up For Auction

[04:20]

• Sotheby’s in New York is auctioning Kahlo’s 1940 self-portrait, “El Sueño (La Cama),” described as “haunting,” painted during a turbulent period.
• The painting could fetch $40–60 million.
• Cultural Note: Emphasis on the enduring impact of Kahlo’s art.

7. Market Recap

[04:40]

• US stock markets closed lower:
  • Dow: -386 points (0.75%) at 45,752
  • S&P: -103 points
  • Nasdaq: -486 points
• Economic Mood: Investor caution.

Notable Quotes & Segments

• George W. Bush on Cheney:
  “I wish more Americans got to know Dick Cheney the way the folks in Casper, Cody and Laramie got to know him. Smart and polished, without heirs.” [01:23]
• Liz Cheney’s Principle:
  “For him, a choice between defense of the Constitution and defense of your political party was no choice at all.” — quoted by Lakshmi Singh [01:41]
• Scott Horsley on labor market:
  “We’ve been stuck in this holding pattern where employers weren’t hiring a whole lot of new workers but weren’t handing out a lot of pink slips either.” [02:19]
• NTSB on plane crash:
  “Dramatic photos of the left engine flying up and over the wing of the UPS cargo plane as it rolled down the runway.” [02:42]
• Fairplay’s Rachel Franz on AI toys:
  “It’s ridiculous to expect young children to avoid potential harm here.” [03:54]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:25] White House on Trump’s remarks about Democrats
• [00:56] Dick Cheney funeral & notable moments
• [01:52] Federal Reserve’s final 2025 meeting & jobs report
• [02:32] UPS cargo plane crash update
• [03:22] AI-powered toy warning
• [04:20] Frida Kahlo painting auction
• [04:40] Stock market close

For those who missed the episode, this summary provides the essential headlines, quotes, and context delivered in NPR’s signature clear and factual style.