NPR News Now – 11-17-2025 6PM EST

Overview This episode delivers a concise roundup of major news stories, covering legal developments involving former FBI Director James Comey, congressional action on Jeffrey Epstein case files, the release of overdue U.S. economic data post-shutdown, the UN’s Gaza stabilization plan, a critical report on U.S. maternal and infant health, and trade friction between the U.S. and Brazil. Key stories are reported with succinct updates and notable statements from national figures.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Comey Prosecution: Judge Cites Investigative Missteps

• [00:13-01:14]

  • Magistrate Judge William Fitzpatrick orders DOJ to hand over all grand jury materials to James Comey's legal team.
  • Comey was indicted in September on charges of false statements and obstruction, related to his 2020 congressional testimony.
  • Comey’s team alleges irregularities in the grand jury proceedings; the judge’s opinion highlights a “disturbing pattern of profound investigative missteps.”
  • This is among several challenges Comey is mounting against the prosecution brought under the Trump Justice Department.

  Notable Quote:

  • “The record...points to a disturbing pattern of profound investigative missteps that led an FBI agent and a prosecutor to potentially undermine the integrity of the grand jury proceedings.” – Judge Fitzpatrick (reported by Ryan Lucas) [00:54]

2. Congress and President Trump Push for Epstein Files Release

• [01:14-02:10]

  • President Trump indicates willingness to sign a bill compelling DOJ to release files in the Jeffrey Epstein case; House vote expected soon.
  • Trump refers to the case as a “distraction” and a “Democrat problem,” dismissing the controversy.
  • Noted previous opposition from Trump and allies; now Trump urges House Republicans to support the measure due to its inevitable passage.

  Notable Quotes:

  • “Let the Senate look at it, let anybody look at it, but don’t talk about it too much because honestly, I don’t want to take it away from us. It’s really a Democrat problem. The Democrats were Epstein’s friends, all of them, and it’s a hoax.” – President Trump [01:31]

3. Delayed Economic Data to Drop This Week Post-Shutdown

• [02:10-02:53]

  • With the federal shutdown ended, long-delayed U.S. economic reports—including the August trade deficit and September jobs report—will finally be released.
  • The data, missing for six weeks, are important for setting Federal Reserve policy on interest rates; no word on when inflation or unemployment stats will be available.

  Notable Insight:

  • “Both of those reports were supposed to come out in early October. No word yet on when or even if we’ll see data on inflation or unemployment for last month, which could help to shape the Federal Reserve’s decision on interest rates in December.” – Scott Horsley [02:42]

4. UN Pushes Path to Gaza Peace, Stabilization, and Statehood

• [02:53-03:30]
  • The UN Security Council approves a U.S.-backed plan for an international stabilization force in Gaza.
  • The resolution also outlines a potential route to Palestinian statehood—a significant move post two years of conflict between Israel and Hamas.

5. FEMA Leadership Turmoil Following Crisis Response Delays

• [03:30-03:48]
  • Acting FEMA chief David Richardson resigns six months into his tenure.
  • His departure adds to a year of high-level turnover and the agency faced criticism for delayed disaster response (notably, Texas floods).

6. Maternal and Infant Health in U.S. ‘D’ Rated by March of Dimes

• [03:48-04:31]

  • The U.S. earns a D for maternal and infant health—1 in 10 babies born premature in 2024.
  • Disparities: Higher premature birth rates in states like Mississippi and Louisiana, and among Black women and infants.
  • Roughly 25% of pregnant women missed first-trimester prenatal care; pre-existing conditions (hypertension, diabetes) are increasing.

  Notable Quote:

  • “The March of Dimes says the findings should be a call to improve systemic inequities and access to care across the country.” – Maria Godoy [04:28]

7. US-Brazil Trade Tensions: Tariff Disputes Despite Easing

• [04:31-04:56]
  • Despite some tariffs being lifted, Brazilian goods (coffee, beef, tropical fruits) still face a 40% U.S. import tax.
  • New tariffs coincide with the trial of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro; aimed at protecting U.S. industries.

Memorable Moments / Quotes

• “The record...points to a disturbing pattern of profound investigative missteps...” – Judge Fitzpatrick (relayed by Ryan Lucas) [00:54]
• “Let the Senate look at it...it’s really a Democrat problem. The Democrats were Epstein’s friends, all of them, and it’s a hoax.” – President Trump [01:31]
• “No word yet on when or even if we’ll see data on inflation or unemployment for last month, which could help to shape the Federal Reserve’s decision on interest rates in December.” – Scott Horsley [02:42]
• “The findings should be a call to improve systemic inequities and access to care across the country.” – Maria Godoy [04:28]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Justice Department/Comey Case: 00:13-01:14
• Epstein Files Legislation: 01:14-02:10
• Economic Data Release: 02:10-02:53
• UN Gaza Stabilization Plan: 02:53-03:30
• FEMA Leadership Resignation: 03:30-03:48
• Maternal & Infant Health Report: 03:48-04:31
• US-Brazil Tariffs: 04:31-04:56

Summary in Brief:
This rapid-fire NPR news segment highlights ongoing major legal, political, economic, and public health stories in U.S. and global contexts, with key authority figures quoted directly and major implications for justice, governance, economy, diplomacy, and social equity brought to the fore.