NPR News Now — November 17, 2025, 8AM EST

Host: Korva Coleman
Duration: 5 minutes

Episode Overview

This NPR News Now episode provides a concise update on significant national and international news stories for November 17, 2025. The newscast covers political developments involving President Trump, shifting positions on the Jeffrey Epstein case, redistricting controversies in Indiana, Israeli-Palestinian tensions ahead of a U.N. vote, escalating U.S.-Venezuela interactions, legal proceedings against a former airline pilot, and new research on children's brain development.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. President Trump’s Shift on Epstein Documents

[00:18–01:13]

• President Trump has unexpectedly reversed his stance, now urging Republican lawmakers to vote for the release of Justice Department files related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
• This marks a significant change after months of resistance from Trump and his allies, with a bipartisan group in the House already collecting enough support for a vote.
• Annie Farmer, a psychologist who testified about her abuse by Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, offers a cautious perspective.

Notable Quote:

Annie Farmer [00:47]: "I think there's a healthy amount of skepticism amongst those of us who have been involved in this fight for a long time. You know, there have been so many efforts to, I'd say politicize this and obfuscate the truth that I, you know, I hope that that is the case and that everyone's on the same page that this would be the best thing for the American people. But, you know, I think that remains to be seen."

2. Indiana GOP Divided Over Redistricting

[01:13–02:14]

• President Trump has criticized Indiana Republican lawmakers for not advancing redistricting efforts.
• Indiana Senate Republicans claim they lack votes to proceed. Trump condemned "weak Republicans" on Truth Social and labeled some state lawmakers as "RINOs."
• Following the controversy, State Senator Greg Good was targeted in a swatting attack and responded on social media by calling for "civility."

Notable Quote:

George Hale [01:30]: "Trump responded, writing on Truth Social. The president blamed weak Republicans for the country's problems and singled out Trump to Indiana lawmakers as RINOs or Republicans in name only. Hours later, state Senator Greg Good said he'd been targeted in a swatting attack. ...with the caption civility, please."

3. Israeli Leaders Oppose Palestinian Statehood Amid U.N. Vote

[02:14–03:14]

• Ahead of a crucial U.N. Security Council vote on Gaza, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other Israeli leaders reaffirmed their opposition to the creation of a Palestinian state.
• The U.N. is voting on a U.S.-drafted resolution involving an international stabilization force for Gaza, part of President Trump’s recent 20-point peace plan.
• The measure contains language that entertains future Palestinian statehood, which is supported by many potential troop-contributing countries but staunchly opposed by Israeli leadership.

Notable Quote:

Kat Lansdorf [02:32]: "Speaking at a government meeting, Netanyahu reiterated his stance against Palestinian independence. 'Our opposition to a Palestinian state on any territory has not changed whatsoever,' he said."

4. Developments on U.S.-Venezuela Relations & Drug Enforcement

[03:14–04:15]

• President Trump claims the Venezuelan president is signaling a willingness to open talks as the U.S. moves an aircraft carrier strike group into the Caribbean.
• Concurrently, the Pentagon reports it has destroyed another vessel in the Eastern Pacific linked to drug trafficking.

5. Alaska Airlines Pilot Sentencing

[03:14–04:15]

• Joseph Emerson, a former Alaska Airlines pilot, is facing sentencing after pleading guilty to nearly shutting down a passenger jet’s engines over Oregon two years ago.
• Emerson attributes his actions to the influence of hallucinogenic mushrooms. His defense is seeking probation, while prosecutors request a one-year prison sentence.

6. New Research: Children’s Brain Response to Speech vs. Music

[04:15–04:52]

• A study presented at the Society for Neuroscience shows children's brains become increasingly attuned to speech over music as they age.
• Liberty Hamilton (UC Berkeley) notes that adolescents focus more on speech, potentially explaining difficulties faced by children (including those with ADHD) in noisy settings.

Notable Quote:

Liberty Hamilton [Via John Hamilton, 04:27]: "As individuals get older, the brain is showing this emerging preference for speech over music."

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:18: Trump’s reversal on Epstein files
• 00:47: Annie Farmer’s commentary
• 01:13: Indiana redistricting controversy and Trump’s criticism
• 02:14: Israeli opposition to Palestinian statehood; U.N. Security Council vote
• 03:14: U.S.-Venezuela developments & drug enforcement
• 03:14: Alaska Airlines pilot case
• 04:15: Child brain development study
• 04:52: Episode wrap-up

Memorable Moments & Tone

• Annie Farmer’s cautious skepticism regarding political motives on the Epstein file release.
• Indiana State Senator Greg Good’s measured response, emphasizing civility amid political attacks and swatting.
• Clear reiteration by Netanyahu fortifying Israel’s position on Palestinian statehood.
• Scientific insight into children’s cognitive development, presented in accessible language by Liberty Hamilton.

This summary brings together all major reported events, providing both context and direct voices (with precise attribution) from the NPR News Now broadcast, suitable for listeners who missed the original airing.