NPR News Now (1AM EDT, October 21, 2025)

Overview

This edition of NPR News Now delivers a concise update on key national and international events, including legal developments involving former FBI Director James Comey, the ongoing U.S. government shutdown, escalating U.S.–Colombia tensions, diplomatic engagements in the Middle East, controversial federal education policy, a high-profile jewel theft in Paris, and the passing of musician Sam Rivers.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. James Comey's Legal Battle: Claims of Vindictive Prosecution

• Segment: [00:02]–[01:00]
• Former FBI Director James Comey has requested the dismissal of criminal charges against him, arguing he is the target of a vindictive and selective prosecution initiated for political reasons.
• Comey claims the prosecution was motivated by his public criticism of President Trump, referencing explicit disparagement by the president.
  • Notable Quote:

    "Comey says the case is pure retaliation because he's a prominent critic of the president."
    —Gary Johnson [00:31]

• Comey's legal strategy seeks at minimum to obtain evidence from the Justice Department about the origins of his prosecution.
• Dismissal of charges on these grounds is uncommon, the report notes.

2. Government Shutdown Day 21: Stalemate Over Funding Bill

• Segment: [01:00]–[01:30]
• The federal government shutdown enters its 21st day after the Senate, in a 50–43 vote, failed to pass a stopgap funding bill for the eleventh time.
• Senate Democrats continue to block the bill, demanding an extension of Affordable Care Act subsidies, described as a crisis-level priority.
• Republicans refuse to negotiate on these demands until the shutdown concludes.
  • Notable Quote:

    "Democrats are insisting on an extension of Affordable Care act subsidies that are set to expire at the end of the year, saying it's a crisis that can't wait."
    —Jael Snyder [01:17]

3. U.S.–Colombia Diplomatic Tensions Escalate

• Segment: [01:30]–[02:31]
• Colombia recalls its ambassador to the U.S. following President Trump's unsubstantiated accusation that President Gustavo Petro is a "drug leader."
• Background: Relations have deteriorated, aggravated by controversial U.S. military actions against suspected drug trafficking vessels, which Colombia claims resulted in civilian deaths.
• Petro accuses the Trump administration of murder, while Trump threatens Colombia with aid cuts and tariff hikes.
• The diplomatic row is inflamed by inflammatory rhetoric and retaliatory gestures.
  • Notable Quote:

    "On Sunday, Trump, without providing any evidence, responded by calling Petro a, quote, illegal drug leader."
    —John Otis [02:10]

  • Notable Quote:

    "Petro called Trump ill informed about Colombia and ordered his ambassador in Washington to return home."
    —John Otis [02:24]

4. U.S. Delegation Travels to Israel to Support Gaza Ceasefire

• Segment: [02:31]–[02:48]
• Vice President J.D. Vance and special envoy Steve Witkoff are en route to Israel to reinforce the ceasefire in Gaza through meetings with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu amid renewed violence.
• Key context: Dozens of Palestinian civilians were reportedly killed after an Israeli strike followed the death of two soldiers attributed to Hamas militants.

5. Trump Administration Targets Higher Education with New Policy Demands

• Segment: [02:48]–[03:42]
• Several universities face threats to federal funding unless they comply with new administration demands, termed the Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education.
• Mandates include:
  • Ban on transgender individuals using bathrooms or joining sports teams that do not align with birth gender.
  • Cap on foreign student admissions.
• As of Sunday, six out of nine institutions have refused to sign.
  • Notable Quote:

    "[The] Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education... include[s] a ban on transgender people using bathrooms or participating in sports that do not align with their gender at birth and a cap on foreign student admissions, among other things."
    —Shea Stevens [03:08]

6. Brazen Daytime Jewel Heist at the Louvre

• Segment: [03:42]–[04:24]
• Thieves used a moving truck and ladder to break into the Louvre Museum, stealing royal jewels in a daring daytime operation.
• French police suspect a well-organized criminal syndicate, citing prior surveillance and meticulous planning.
• Public anger grows over reportedly lax security and political actors engage in a blame game.
• Disappointed tourists express frustration at the closure.
  • Memorable Moment:

    "We have already our reservation for today, and now we cannot get in. Yes, we are very disappointed. It's our unlucky."
    —Ixchel Sintekaia, tourist [03:54]

7. Obituary: Limp Bizkit Bassist Sam Rivers Dies

• Segment: [04:24]–[04:37]
• Sam Rivers, bassist for the nu metal band Limp Bizkit, has passed away at 48. The group rose to fame in the late 1990s with their blend of alternative rock, metal, and rap.

Notable Quotes

• On Comey’s prosecution:

  "Comey says the case is pure retaliation because he's a prominent critic of the president."
  —Gary Johnson [00:31]

• On the shutdown dispute:

  "Democrats are insisting on an extension of Affordable Care act subsidies that are set to expire at the end of the year, saying it's a crisis that can't wait."
  —Jael Snyder [01:17]

• On U.S.–Colombia tensions:

  "On Sunday, Trump, without providing any evidence, responded by calling Petro a, quote, illegal drug leader."
  —John Otis [02:10]

• On university policy demands:

  "[The] Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education... include[s] a ban on transgender people using bathrooms or participating in sports that do not align with their gender at birth and a cap on foreign student admissions, among other things."
  —Shea Stevens [03:08]

• On the Louvre heist's impact on tourists:

  "We have already our reservation for today, and now we cannot get in. Yes, we are very disappointed. It's our unlucky."
  —Ixchel Sintekaia [03:54]

Segment Timestamps (MM:SS)

• 00:02 — Comey seeks dismissal of criminal case
• 01:00 — 21st day of government shutdown; failed stopgap bill
• 01:30 — Colombia recalls ambassador after Trump accusations
• 02:31 — U.S. envoy heads to Israel amid Gaza violence
• 02:48 — Universities resist new Trump administration policies
• 03:42 — Louvre jewel heist leaves tourists disappointed
• 04:24 — Limp Bizkit bassist Sam Rivers dies

Note: This summary omits advertisements, intros, outros, and non-content sections, focusing solely on core news updates and analysis as aired.