NPR News Now: Summary of the November 17, 2025, 10PM EST Update

Overview

This five-minute NPR News Now segment delivers top headlines from the U.S. and around the world. Key issues include a forthcoming Supreme Court immigration case, developments around Jeffrey Epstein’s files, DHS agency leadership changes, a U.S.-Saudi arms deal, international legal news in Bangladesh, preparations for the Winter Olympics, and upcoming Thanksgiving travel records.

Supreme Court To Hear Major Immigration Case (00:00–01:14)

• Main Story:
  The U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments next year regarding a Trump-era “metering” policy that affected asylum-seekers at the southern border.
• Background:
  • In 2018, border officers began physically blocking some migrants from seeking asylum at ports of entry, turning them away and forcing them to wait in Mexico.
  • Immigration advocates argue this policy prevented lawful asylum requests and exposed migrants to dangerous conditions.
• Current Status:
  • The Biden administration ended the practice, but the Trump campaign is seeking to reinstate it.
  • Supreme Court arguments are scheduled for next summer.
• Quote:
  “The policy prevented people from seeking asylum while forcing them to wait in Mexico, where they could face other dangers.” — Ximena Bustillo, NPR News (00:52)

Trump Reverses Course on Epstein Files (01:14–02:00)

• Main Story:
  Former President Trump has agreed to sign a bill forcing the Justice Department to release investigative files about Jeffrey Epstein, reversing his earlier position.
• Analysis by John Bresnahan, Punchbowl News:
  • The resolution was certain to pass the House, despite Republican opposition.
  • Speaker Mike Johnson opposed it on Trump’s behalf, but defections among Republicans made passage inevitable.
• Quote:
  “There was going to be a jailbreak on the Republican side, and Trump was just recognizing the reality.” — John Bresnahan (01:49)

FEMA Administrator Steps Down Amid Agency Upheaval (02:00–02:46)

• Main Story:
  David Richardson resigns as head of FEMA, marking the second leadership departure of the Trump administration.
• Context:
  • President Trump has called for FEMA’s elimination in its current form, urging states to handle disaster prep.
  • Richardson faced criticism after deadly Texas floods for limited visibility during the crisis.
  • FEMA awaits recommendations from its Review Council for a potential agency restructuring.
• Quote:
  “President Trump has said he wants FEMA to be eliminated as it exists today and wants states to take over preparation for disasters...” — Lauren Sommer (02:19)

U.S. To Sell F-35 Jets to Saudi Arabia; Crown Prince Visits Washington (02:46–03:33)

• Main Story:
  President Trump announces pending F-35 fighter jet sales to Saudi Arabia, with formal talks expected during Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit.
• Context:
  • This is bin Salman’s first visit to Washington since the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
  • Saudi Arabia pledges $600 billion in investments to the U.S.
• Memorable Moment:
  The report notes the historical and controversial context of bin Salman’s visit, underscoring ongoing U.S.-Saudi tensions post-Khashoggi.

Global Headlines: Bangladesh’s Former PM Sentenced, India Noncooperation (03:33–03:59)

• Main Story:
  Ousted Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina is sentenced to death in absentia for her role in a crackdown on student protesters.
• Details:
  • Hasina fled to India; India refuses extradition.
  • The protest was against a jobs quota system and resulted in over 800 deaths.
• Significance:
  The sentencing and India’s stance highlight regional political friction and the aftermath of political unrest.

Team USA Olympic Trials: Curling Fans and Future Stars (03:59–04:40)

• Scene Report:
  At the U.S. Olympic Curling Team Trials, dedicated fans and athletes push towards the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics.
• Color Quote:
  “The team is always thinking like two, three moves ahead, just like you do in chess.” — Cynthia Bening, curling superfan (04:12)
• Highlight:
  Dani Casper, 24, captains the victorious team moving on to Olympic qualifiers in Canada.
  Fan enthusiasm is embodied by Cynthia Bening—sign, cowbell, and all.

Travel Record Forecast for Thanksgiving (04:40–04:58)

• Key Statistic:
  AAA projects 81.8 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles over Thanksgiving.
  • This is 1.6 million more than last year, potentially setting a new record.

Notable Quotes

• “The policy prevented people from seeking asylum while forcing them to wait in Mexico, where they could face other dangers.” — Ximena Bustillo (00:52)
• “There was going to be a jailbreak on the Republican side, and Trump was just recognizing the reality.” — John Bresnahan (01:49)
• “President Trump has said he wants FEMA to be eliminated as it exists today and wants states to take over preparation for disasters...” — Lauren Sommer (02:19)
• “The team is always thinking like two, three moves ahead, just like you do in chess.” — Cynthia Bening (04:12)

Segment Timestamps

• [00:00–01:14] — Supreme Court Immigration Case Overview
• [01:14–02:00] — Trump and Epstein Files Bill Shift
• [02:00–02:46] — FEMA Leadership and Agency Overhaul
• [02:46–03:33] — U.S.-Saudi F-35 Jet Deal & Bin Salman Visit
• [03:33–03:59] — Bangladesh: Hasina’s Sentencing & India’s Response
• [03:59–04:40] — Team USA Curling Trials & Fan Moments
• [04:40–04:58] — Thanksgiving Travel Predictions

This summary succinctly covers the full range of news topics from the NPR News Now 10PM segment, offering key facts, insights, and standout moments for listeners who missed the episode.