NPR News Now: November 21, 2025 – 6PM EST

Brief Overview This NPR News Now episode delivers the top U.S. and international news stories as of November 21, 2025. The five-minute bulletin covers policy changes in the Coast Guard regarding hate symbols, U.S.-Nigeria relations over Christian persecution, vaccination rates before the holidays, a federal lawsuit on in-state tuition for undocumented students, ongoing scrutiny over the Jamal Khashoggi case, claims of cronyism at the Kennedy Center, and a personal moment from Pope Leo XIV. The broadcast maintains the concise, impartial, and detailed tone typical of NPR newscasts.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. U.S. Coast Guard Tightens Policy on Hate Symbols

• [00:18] The Coast Guard faced strong criticism after releasing a new harassment manual that appeared to downgrade the severity of hate symbols like nooses and swastikas, labeling the Confederate flag display as "merely divisive" and removing a dedicated investigation process.

• [00:36] Following public outcry and media attention (Washington Post report), the Coast Guard reversed course. A new policy was issued late Thursday, mandating removal of nooses, swastikas and other hate symbols from all Coast Guard facilities.

• [00:36] Context: The Pentagon is also reviewing its own policies on hazing, bullying, and harassment, but has not issued new guidance yet.

  “Nooses and swastikas and other symbols of hate must be removed from all Coast Guard facilities.”
  — Steve Walsh [00:36]

2. U.S. Pressures Nigeria on Christian Persecution

• [01:16] The U.S. State Department addressed concerns about attacks on Christians in Nigeria.

• [01:28] Earlier in the month, President Trump publicly threatened to withhold aid and intervene militarily if Nigerian authorities did not stop terror attacks targeting Christians.

• [01:28] Nigerian officials sent a high-level delegation to Washington for meetings with Pentagon and State Department leaders, including Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau.

• [01:28] Republican Congressman Riley Moore described talks as “frank, honest, and productive,” emphasizing the opportunity for deeper U.S.-Nigeria ties contingent on Nigeria’s actions to protect Christians.

  “The Nigerians have a chance to deepen relations with the US if they prioritize the protection of Christians.”
  — Rep. Riley Moore, via Michelle Kellerman [01:28]

3. Low Influenza and COVID-19 Vaccination Uptake Ahead of Holidays

• [02:08] With Thanksgiving approaching, CDC data shows vaccination rates remain low:

  • Only about 14% of adults and less than 6% of children have received updated COVID-19 vaccines.
  • About one-third of adults and children have received this season’s flu shot.

• [02:17] Despite low case rates currently, flu is rising and COVID-19 cases are expected to increase post-holiday gatherings.

  “The good news is that so far there aren’t a lot of people catching COVID and flu right now. But flu is on the rise, and Covid is expected to also pick up soon.”
  — Rob Stein [02:17]

4. Federal Lawsuit Against California’s Tuition Policy for Undocumented Students

• [02:54] The Trump administration is suing California over its provision of in-state tuition to undocumented students.
• [02:54] Supporters argue most beneficiaries were brought to the U.S. as children and consider themselves part of the community.
• [02:54] Similar legal challenges have been brought in other states.

5. Khashoggi Case: Calls for Transcript Release and Questions Over U.S.-Saudi Ties

• [02:54] The widow of murdered journalist Jamal Khashoggi and Democratic lawmakers are demanding the release of a 2019 phone call transcript between President Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
• [02:54] Concerns center on whether President Trump received any favors for his support of the Crown Prince, who U.S. intelligence says authorized Khashoggi’s killing.

6. Senate Investigates Alleged Cronyism at the Kennedy Center

• [03:55] Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse has accused the Kennedy Center's leadership, led by Ambassador Richard Grenell, of “millions in lost revenue, luxury spending and preferential treatment for Trump allies.”

• [03:55] Documentation includes letting FIFA use the center rent free for three weeks.

• [03:55] Whitehouse has demanded detailed records by December 4.

• [03:55] Grenell responded on social media, dismissing the allegations as “partisan attacks and false accusations.”

  “His letter is filled with partisan attacks and false accusations.”
  — Richard Grenell, via Elizabeth Blair [03:55]

7. Pope Leo XIV’s Wordle Surprise

• [04:38] In a lighter moment, Pope Leo XIV revealed his daily Wordle strategy—using a different starting word each time—during a virtual dialogue with American youth.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On hate symbols in the Coast Guard:

  “Nooses and swastikas and other symbols of hate must be removed from all Coast Guard facilities.”
  (Steve Walsh, [00:36])

• On U.S.-Nigeria talks:

  “The Nigerians have a chance to deepen relations with the US if they prioritize the protection of Christians.”
  (Rep. Riley Moore, via Michelle Kellerman, [01:28])

• On holiday vaccination rates:

  “The good news is that so far there aren’t a lot of people catching COVID and flu right now. But flu is on the rise, and Covid is expected to also pick up soon.”
  (Rob Stein, [02:17])

• On Kennedy Center allegations:

  “His letter is filled with partisan attacks and false accusations.”
  (Richard Grenell, [03:55])

• On the Pope and Wordle:

  “Pope Leo XIV has revealed he uses a different Wordle start word each day.”
  (Ryland Barton, [04:38])

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:18 Coast Guard updates harassment and hate symbol policies
• 01:16 U.S.-Nigeria diplomatic talks on Christian persecution
• 02:08 National vaccination rates for flu and COVID-19
• 02:54 Federal lawsuit over California’s in-state tuition policy for undocumented students
• 02:54 Khashoggi widow, Democrats call for Trump-MBS call transcript
• 03:55 Senate investigation into Kennedy Center leadership
• 04:38 Pope Leo XIV discusses Wordle habits with American youth

This summary distills the essential news items and notable moments from the 6PM NPR News Now broadcast on November 21, 2025—providing a clear, timestamped guide to the top stories of the hour.