NPR News Now – October 21, 2025, 11PM EDT

Overview

This episode of NPR News Now delivers succinct updates on major national and international news events as of late October 2025. Topics include developments in high-profile legal cases linked to the Trump administration, fallout from the ongoing government shutdown, a key Supreme Court case blending gun rights and drug use, environmental controversies in Brazil, and a former French president’s prison sentence.

Key Stories & Discussion Points

1. James Comey Seeks Dismissal of DOJ Case

[00:02–00:59]

• Context: Former FBI Director James Comey, fired by President Trump in 2017, is moving to dismiss the Justice Department’s case against him.

• Allegations: Indicted for allegedly misleading and obstructing Congress, Comey claims the prosecution is politically motivated due to Trump’s personal animus.

• Comey's Argument: Points out selective prosecution, citing at least four top Trump officials who allegedly lied to Congress but faced no charges.

• Retaliation Claim: Notes the abrupt firing of his daughter by the DOJ as a sign of vindictive action.

  "He says it's a vindictive or selective prosecution. He says at least four top officials during President Trump's first term allegedly lied to Congress and none of them was charged with any crimes." — Kerry Johnson, NPR ([00:18])

• Memorable Moment: The explicit mention of Comey’s daughter’s firing and use of terms like “dirty cop” and “slime ball,” attributed to Trump.

2. Government Shutdown’s Impact on Capitol Police

[00:59–01:49]

• Situation: Amid the ongoing government shutdown, U.S. Capitol Police are working without pay, having already missed a paycheck.

• Personal Toll: Highlights the dual responsibility of Capitol Police officers and pressures faced since the January 6 riots and subsequent Trump pardons.

• Quote from Former Chief:

  "You need to be ready at the drop of a hat, but you also need to be a person who welcomed the visitors and be a tour guide." — Terry Gaynor ([01:20])

• Union Response: The Capitol Police union has called for an urgent end to the shutdown.

• Administration Response: The Trump administration claims it will repurpose other funds to pay federal law enforcement, but uncertainty remains, especially amid increased threats to public officials.

3. Supreme Court to Decide: Marijuana Use & Gun Ownership

[01:49–02:40]

• Core Issue: The Supreme Court will review whether a blanket ban on gun ownership for marijuana users is constitutional.

• Case Spotlight: Ali Daniel Himani, a Texas man, was charged with illegal gun possession due to marijuana (and cocaine) found in his home.

• Lower Court Decisions: District court and Fifth Circuit ruled the ban unconstitutional; DOJ is appealing, citing public safety.

• Wider Implications: Himani’s attorneys argue that the law criminalizes millions, given that about 20% of Americans have tried marijuana.

  “The federal statute puts millions of people at risk of breaking the law because at least 20% of Americans have tried pot.” — Toluwani Osi Bamowo ([02:02])

4. National Guard Deployment in Portland

[02:40–02:53]

• Update: A federal appeals court approved the Trump administration’s request to send 200 Oregon National Guard troops into Portland, overriding a previous court order.
• Goal: The administration seeks to fully "federalize" the troops in response to continued unrest.

5. Illinois Sheriff’s Deputy Murder Trial

[02:53–03:07]

• Trial Update: Jury selection is complete in the murder trial of ex-deputy Shawn Grayson, accused of killing Sonia Massie following her 911 call in Springfield, Illinois.

6. Controversial Oil Drilling Approval in Brazil

[03:07–04:19]

• Approval: Petrobras, Brazil’s oil giant, has received permission to drill off the northern coast.

• Public Response: Despite government celebration, more than half of Brazilians and many environmental groups oppose the move due to proximity to sensitive Amazon ecosystems.

• Timing: The approval comes just weeks before Brazil is set to host the UN climate talks (COP30) in the Amazon, creating a stark contrast between environmental commitments and oil aspirations.

• Official Statement: Petrobras claims full compliance with environmental regulations after a five-year review.

• Reporter Note:

  “The government’s drive to drill in the region has sparked protests from environmental and indigenous groups.” — Julia Carneiro ([03:36])

7. Nicolas Sarkozy Begins Prison Sentence

[04:19–end]

• International News: Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy, aged 70, has started a five-year prison sentence for criminal conspiracy involving Libyan funding of his 2007 campaign.
• Status: Sarkozy is appealing his conviction but remains in custody for now.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• “He says it's a vindictive or selective prosecution.” — Kerry Johnson on James Comey ([00:18])
• “You need to be ready at the drop of a hat, but you also need to be a person who welcomed the visitors and be a tour guide.” — Terry Gaynor, former Capitol Police chief ([01:20])
• "The federal statute puts millions of people at risk... at least 20% of Americans have tried pot." — Toluwani Osi Bamowo ([02:02])
• “The government’s drive to drill in the region has sparked protests from environmental and indigenous groups.” — Julia Carneiro ([03:36])

Timestamps for Important Segments

• James Comey’s DOJ Case & Retaliation Claims: [00:02–00:59]
• Capitol Police & Shutdown Hardships: [00:59–01:49]
• Supreme Court & Gun Rights for Marijuana Users: [01:49–02:40]
• National Guard in Portland: [02:40–02:53]
• Illinois Deputy’s Murder Trial: [02:53–03:07]
• Brazil Oil Drilling Controversy: [03:07–04:19]
• Nicolas Sarkozy Begins Prison Sentence: [04:19–end]

This issue-packed update distilled the most compelling legal, political, and international stories as of late October 2025, conveying both urgency and the broad impact of these ongoing events.