NPR News Now — November 17, 2025, 6AM EST

Host: Korva Coleman
Duration: 5 minutes
Summary By: NPR News Team

Episode Overview

This NPR News Now episode offers a brisk rundown of major overnight developments in U.S. and global news—from the end of a disruptive government shutdown and its impact on aviation, to high-profile political moves in Congress and the White House, ethics controversy at the Federal Reserve, international legal drama, shifts in international higher education, and persistent financial woes at the U.S. Postal Service. The reporting maintains NPR’s signature calm, factual tone and includes reporting from various correspondents and external sources.

Key News Stories & Discussion Points

1. FAA Lifts All Flight Restrictions (00:16)

• Context: The Federal Aviation Administration ends all flight curtailments, implemented amid staff shortages due to the extended government shutdown.
• Details:
  • Last week, flight reductions reached up to 6%.
  • Airlines expect operations to normalize by the Thanksgiving holiday.
  • The shutdown’s 43-day duration caused significant disruption, with tens of thousands of flights delayed or canceled.
• Notable Quote:
  • “The government shutdown I thought was really disappointing all around, just showing how dysfunctional our government is.”
    — Steve Yeager, air traveler in Denver (00:40)

2. Trump, Epstein Files, and Political Fallout (00:49 – 01:55)

• Context: President Trump urges House Republicans to vote for releasing the Justice Department’s files on Jeffrey Epstein, calling prior Democratic focus a "hoax."
• Congressional Response:
  • Bipartisan momentum in the House to force a vote (218 signatures gathered).
  • GOP Rep. Thomas Massie, a key figure in securing the vote, warns Republicans of future reputational risk.
• Notable Quotes:
  • “He’s not going to be the president and you will have voted to protect pedophiles if you don't vote to release these files and the president can’t protect you.”
    — Rep. Thomas Massie (01:45)
  • “Trump called Massie a loser.” (01:53)

3. Federal Reserve Ethics Violation and Resignation (01:55 – 02:54)

• Details:
  • Adriana Kugler, former Fed Board member, violated financial ethics by trading individual stocks during prohibited periods, some around sensitive Fed meetings.
  • Kugler claims trades were made by her husband, without her knowledge.
  • Resigned three months ago, possibly due to these violations, providing President Trump an opportunity to install Stephen Myron—a proponent of aggressive interest rate cuts—on the Fed Board.
• Notable Summary:
  • “The stock trades may explain Coogler's decision to quit the Fed in August, almost six months before her term expired.”
    — Scott Horsley (02:41)

4. U.S. Designates Venezuelan Cartel as Terror Group (02:54 – 03:03)

• Details:
  • Secretary of State Marco Rubio announces the administration will designate Cartel de los Solas, reportedly run by Venezuela’s president, as a terrorist group.
  • Coincides with the deployment of a major U.S. aircraft carrier to the Caribbean Sea.
• No direct quotes provided.

5. Bangladesh Court Sentences Sheikh Hasina to Death (03:03 – 03:27)

• Details:
  • Ex-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, ousted last year and currently in India, is tried in absentia and sentenced to death.
  • The court alleges she ordered the use of lethal force during a student uprising—hundreds reportedly killed.

6. Decline in International College Enrollments in the U.S. (03:27 – 04:37)

• Findings:
  • Survey of 800 colleges shows a steep 17% drop in first-time international student enrollment from the previous year.
  • The downturn attributed to changes in U.S. policy and tone from the White House.
  • Potential damaging economic effects on universities dependent on international tuition amid falling domestic enrollment.
• Notable Quote:
  • “I think there is a sense that international students are unambiguously welcome in the United States, and I think that is a significant change in the mood for higher education.”
    — Prof. Gerardo Blanco, Boston College (04:13)

7. U.S. Postal Service Reports Major Losses (04:37 – 04:56)

• Details:
  • USPS posts a $9 billion loss for the last fiscal year.
  • Postmaster General David Steiner cautions that mere service cuts will not resolve underlying financial issues.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

| Time | Speaker | Quote | |--------|-------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 00:40 | Steve Yeager | “The government shutdown I thought was really disappointing all around, just showing how dysfunctional our government is.” | | 01:45 | Rep. Thomas Massie| “He's not going to be the president and you will have voted to protect pedophiles if you don't vote to release these files and the president can't protect you.” | | 04:13 | Prof. Gerardo Blanco | “I think there is a sense that international students are unambiguously welcome in the United States, and I think that is a significant change in the mood for higher education.” |

Timestamps for Key Segments

• FAA lifts flight restrictions: 00:16
• Shutdown travel & passenger reaction: 00:40
• Trump/Epstein files, Congress response: 00:49 – 01:55
• Fed Board ethics violation/resignation: 01:55 – 02:54
• Venezuela cartel terror designation: 02:54
• Bangladesh Hasina death sentence: 03:03
• US college international student decline: 03:54 – 04:37
• USPS $9B operating loss: 04:37

Overall Takeaways

The episode delivers quick yet detailed coverage of the morning’s news, centering on the aftereffects of the government shutdown, knotted U.S. political dynamics, international developments, and continuing domestic challenges in higher education and public services. Each story is reported in NPR’s straightforward style, balancing direct information with soundbites from those involved or affected.