NPR News Now: 11-20-2025 8AM EST

Host: Korva Coleman | Date: November 20, 2025

Episode Overview

This concise NPR News Now segment covers the latest national headlines as of 8AM EST, including breaking developments on the release of Jeffrey Epstein files, increasing demand at food banks, September employment data delays, the passing of former Vice President Dick Cheney, an oil pipeline emergency in Washington state, proposed changes to the Endangered Species Act, and the latest National Book Awards recipients.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Release of Jeffrey Epstein Files

• President Trump's Announcement:
  • President Trump signed legislation requiring the Justice Department to publicize all files related to deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
  • Certain materials will remain withheld if they pertain to ongoing investigations.
• Motivation & Concerns:
  • Trump is interested in scrutinizing high-profile Democrats linked to Epstein.
  • There is concern among victims that any active investigations might delay the full release of files.
    • Quote: "We're just really hoping that there aren't any new cases that would stall getting every single part of that file released." — Danielle Bensky, abuse survivor (00:45)
• Timeline: The Justice Department is expected to release the files within 30 days.

2. Continued High Demand at Food Banks

• Ongoing Strain:
  • Despite the restoration of federal food assistance after the shutdown, food banks face sustained, even growing demand.
  • Additional cuts in federal food funds and anticipated reductions in SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) spending are causing concern.
• Contributing Factors:
  • Holiday season, plus changes in other safety net programs (Medicaid, health subsidies).
• On the Ground:
  • Quote: "I'm not sleeping, but you know, naively, maybe I hope that the demand will lessen, but I'm still sending out more than what's coming in." — Eric Cooper, CEO of San Antonio Food Bank (01:36)
• Government Response:
  • Trump officials downplay negative effects, citing efforts against "waste, fraud and abuse." (01:49)

3. Labor Department Jobs Data Delay

• Delayed Report:
  • Release of September labor data postponed due to a six-week government shutdown.
  • The report, though "a little stale," remains significant because it's the Federal Reserve's last snapshot before its next interest rate decision.
  • October and November jobs data will be issued together post-Fed meeting; some data (like October unemployment rate) won't be collected or released due to furloughed workers.
    • Quote: "Analysts will be looking closely for any clues about the strength or weakness of the job market heading into the final months of the year." — Scott Horsley (02:10)

4. Funeral for Former Vice President Dick Cheney

• Event Details:
  • Cheney's funeral is at Washington National Cathedral, with George W. Bush scheduled to speak (02:51).
  • President Trump’s attendance is uncertain; relations with Cheney's family have been "cool."
  • Trump has not publicly commented on Cheney’s death.

5. Oil Pipeline Emergency in Washington State

• Crisis Declaration:
  • Governor Bob Ferguson declares an emergency after a major oil pipeline shutdown, the second such occurrence in a week (03:16).
  • Jet fuel deliveries to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport are disrupted.
  • Emergency declaration expedites trucking of jet fuel.
  • BP, the pipeline operator, shut it down following a diesel fuel leak.

6. Proposed Changes to the Endangered Species Act

• Policy Shift:
  • Trump administration proposes rule changes to limit protections for wildlife (03:38).
  • Interior Secretary Doug Burgum frames the proposal as restoring the law's original intent and respecting livelihoods reliant on the land.
• Controversy:
  • Wildlife groups warn changes—affecting threatened species, habitats, and requiring cost-benefit assessments—will harm at-risk plants and animals.
    • Quote: "Wildlife groups say the proposed changes... are just another giveaway to fossil fuel companies and other extractive industries." — Nate Rott (03:50)
  • Environmental advocates pledge legal challenges.

7. National Book Awards Announced

• Fiction Winner:
  • Rabi Alameddine for "The True True Story of Raja the Gullible and His Mother."
• Nonfiction Prize:
  • Omar El Akkad for "One Day. Everyone Will have always been against this." (04:32)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Danielle Bensky, Epstein survivor:
  "We're just really hoping that there aren't any new cases that would stall getting every single part of that file released." (00:45)

• Eric Cooper, San Antonio Food Bank CEO:
  "I'm not sleeping, but you know, naively, maybe I hope that the demand will lessen, but I'm still sending out more than what's coming in." (01:36)

• Scott Horsley, NPR Correspondent:
  "Analysts will be looking closely for any clues about the strength or weakness of the job market heading into the final months of the year." (02:10)

• Nate Rott, NPR Reporter:
  "Wildlife groups say the proposed changes... are just another giveaway to fossil fuel companies and other extractive industries." (03:50)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Epstein files legislation and survivor reaction — 00:11–00:52
• Food banks and federal cuts — 01:14–01:49
• Jobs data release delays — 02:01–02:51
• Dick Cheney's funeral and presidential response — 02:51–03:16
• Washington oil pipeline shutdown and emergency — 03:16–03:38
• Endangered Species Act proposed changes — 03:38–04:32
• National Book Awards winners — 04:32–04:54

This episode provides a rapid but thorough snapshot of major national news concerns, maintaining NPR’s measured, factual tone while featuring direct testimony from affected individuals and policy stakeholders.