NPR News Now – 8AM EST, November 18, 2025

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This episode delivers a concise roundup of key national and international news topics: Congressional action on the Jeffrey Epstein files, a UN Security Council vote for Gaza’s stability, rising concern over an AI industry investment bubble, infrastructure updates in Maryland, postal rate increases, and the US curling team’s Olympic quest.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Congressional Movement on Epstein Files

[00:18 - 01:07]

• House of Representatives Legislation: The House prepares to consider a measure compelling the Justice Department to disclose all files related to the late Jeffrey Epstein. DOJ previously asserted there is "nothing worth releasing."
• Congressional Perspective: Co-author Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) has not reviewed the files himself but spoke with victims’ attorneys. He emphasizes the files contain:
  • Photographs of criminal acts
  • Interview memos with influential figures
  • Emails and records from Epstein’s computers implicating various associates
• Press Event: Khanna plans a press event featuring Epstein accusers.

Notable Quote:

“There are photographs of lewd acts that took place. There are interview memorandum with rich and powerful men who either engaged in sex trafficking or actually showed up to Epstein's island. There is numerous emails and records from Epstein's own computers that would show who was friends with him and taking money from him despite knowing that he abused underage girls.”
— Ro Khanna ([00:41])

2. UN Security Council Approves Gaza Stabilization Force

[01:07 - 02:18]

• UN Vote: The Security Council approved a US-drafted plan to create an international stabilization force in Gaza, marking an important step for the ongoing ceasefire (now in its second month after two years of conflict).
• Diverging Reactions:
  • Israel: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterates opposition to a Palestinian state, declaring, "it would be a win for Hamas." Later, he welcomes the resolution’s approval, referencing “president Trump’s plan will lead to peace.”
  • Hamas: Expressed that the resolution does not meet Palestinian "political and humanitarian demands."
  • Palestinian Authority: Supports the resolution, expects to take part in plan implementation.
  • US Ambassador to the UN: Mike Waltz calls it "just the beginning."
• Reporting from Tel Aviv by Kat Lansdorf.

Notable Quotes:

“President Trump's plan will lead to peace.”
— Israeli PM’s statement, quoted by Kat Lansdorf ([01:55])

“The resolution does not meet…the Palestinian people's political and humanitarian demands…”
— Hamas, paraphrased ([01:46])

3. AI Bubble Jitters as Thiel Sells Nvidia Stake

[02:18 - 03:12]

• Major Sell-Off: Peter Thiel’s firm divests $100 million in Nvidia stock, following SoftBank’s similar move last week.
• Market Reactions: These moves heighten anxieties about the possibility of a speculative bubble in AI-related stocks. Tech companies are heavily investing in AI infrastructure, yet returns remain uncertain.
• Wall Street Viewpoint: Michael Burry, famed for the housing crash prediction, is now betting against Nvidia and warns of bubbles.
• Reporting from Bobby Allen.

Notable Quotes:

“Sometimes we see bubbles.”
— Michael Burry, via X, paraphrased by Bobby Allen ([02:56])

4. Maryland’s Key Bridge Rebuild: Cost Doubles

[03:12 - 03:41]

• Revised Cost Estimates: Maryland transit officials now project at least $4.3 billion for rebuilding the collapsed Key Bridge, double the earlier estimates.
• Background: The bridge, destroyed by a cargo ship collision last year, resulted in six fatalities.

5. US Postal Service Shipping Price Hikes

[03:41 - 04:07]

• Shipping Rates: Priority Mail rates to rise by over 6.5% in mid-January 2026. Other shipping products to see increases, while the standard first-class stamp price will remain at $0.78.

6. US Curling Team Triumphs at Olympic Trials

[04:11 - 04:52]

• Team Trials: Coverage from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, as athletes vie to qualify for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina, Italy.
• Superfan Spotlight: Cynthia Benning describes curling as "chess on ice," attending trials with passion and props ("curling is life" sign, cowbell).
• Winners: Team led by 24-year-old Dani Casper will compete at a qualifying event in Canada next month.
• Reporting from Ping Huang.

Notable Quote:

“The team is always thinking like two, three moves ahead, just like you do in chess.”
— Cynthia Benning, curling superfan ([04:24])

Memorable Moments & Quotes (with Timestamps)

• Ro Khanna on Epstein Files:
  “There are photographs of lewd acts that took place...” ([00:41])
• Kat Lansdorf quoting Netanyahu:
  “President Trump's plan will lead to peace.” ([01:55])
• Michael Burry via Bobby Allen:
  “Sometimes we see bubbles.” ([02:56])
• Cynthia Benning on Curling:
  “The team is always thinking like two, three moves ahead, just like you do in chess.” ([04:24])

Timestamped Segment Overview

• [00:18] Epstein files measure in Congress – Rep. Ro Khanna’s comments
• [01:07] Gaza stabilization force and UN Security Council resolution
• [02:18] AI bubble fears as Peter Thiel sells Nvidia stake
• [03:12] Baltimore bridge rebuild cost doubled
• [03:41] Postal Service shipping rate increases
• [04:11] US curling Olympic team trials feature and superfan interview

This summary captures all main newslines, their context, key stakeholder quotes, and the tone of NPR’s signature fast-moving, factual morning updates.