NPR News Now – November 19, 2025, 10PM EST

Host: Ryland Barton
Date: November 20, 2025
Episode Theme:
A concise roundup of major national and international news events, focusing on government transparency, trade policy, legal disputes, diplomacy, technology earnings, and a brief human interest story.

Key Stories & Discussion Points

1. DOJ to Release Jeffrey Epstein Files

[00:18]

• President Trump signed a bill requiring the Justice Department to release its files on the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
• Congress passed the legislation overwhelmingly, mandating publication of most files within 30 days.
  • Exceptions: Provisions to protect ongoing investigations.
• Notably, the DOJ just launched an investigation into prominent Democrats connected to Epstein.
• Quote:
  • Ryland Barton reports, “President Trump has signed the bill forcing the Justice Department to release its files on late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein... with some exceptions to protect ongoing investigations.”
    ([00:18])

2. U.S. Trade Deficit & Supreme Court on Tariffs

[00:48]

• The U.S. trade deficit shrank by nearly 24% in August, attributed to tariffs reducing imports.
• Meanwhile, Supreme Court justices are skeptical about presidential powers over tariffs.
• Expert Insight:
  • Trade expert Scott Lincecum (Cato Institute) warns,
    Quote:
    • “I wouldn't be surprised if a few governments that have agreed to these deals do back out or at least suspend them and call for a renegotiation because again, one of the most fundamental terms of the deal no longer exists.” – Scott Lincecum
      ([01:22])
  • Danielle Kurtzleben notes,
    Quote:
    • “So we're really in uncharted waters. There's just an array of different agreements, which means there's no one way this will play out.” – Danielle Kurtzleben
      ([01:38])
• Timestamps:
  • [01:05] – Danielle Kurtzleben’s report

3. FBI LGBTQ Flag Lawsuit

[01:44]

• David Maltinski, a veteran FBI employee, is suing after his firing for displaying an LGBTQ flag at work.
  • He alleges dismissal by Director Kash Patel for “inappropriate display of political signage.”
  • He was near completing special agent training at Quantico.

4. U.S. Army Delegation Visits Ukraine

[02:17]

• Army Secretary Dan Driscoll and Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George are in Ukraine.
  • Planned to discuss drone technology and battlefield lessons.
  • The White House requested they also engage in peace negotiation efforts with Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff.
• Reported Peace Plan:
  • Calls for Ukraine to cede remaining Donbas areas to Russia and accept a smaller army.
  • NPR has not confirmed the report (initially from the Financial Times).
  • Tom Bowman emphasizes sensitivity and that Driscoll’s combat experience aims to foster connections with Ukrainian officers.
    ([02:17])

5. Upcoming Trump–NYC Mayor Meeting

[03:03]

• President Trump to meet with New York City Mayor-elect Zoran Mamdani at the White House on Friday.
  • Announced in an online post; details forthcoming.

6. UK–Russia Tension over Spy Ship

[03:14]

• Britain warns Russia after detecting a spy ship near its territorial waters.
  • Ship allegedly directed a laser at UK surveillance pilots; seen as a threat to undersea infrastructure.
  • Russia’s embassy accuses Britain of “Russophobic” behavior.

7. Nvidia’s Soaring Profits and AI Market Caution

[03:32]

• Nvidia announced $32 billion in profit, reinforcing its status as the world’s most valuable company during the AI boom.
  • Despite tech sector investment, returns remain elusive, raising bubble concerns.
  • Quote:
    • “Nvidia is the most valuable company in the world... But for all the billions of dollars that tech companies are investing in AI, they're not seeing a lot of payoff yet. Now more top investors and CEOs are warning that the AI bubble is due to burst.” – Maria Aspen
      ([03:52])
  • Tariffs, rising consumer prices, and a weakening jobs market add to economic uncertainty.
  • Investors remain buoyed by Nvidia's performance while awaiting delayed employment data.

8. Owl Freed from Concrete in Utah

[04:38]

• Animal sanctuary workers rescued an owl found partially encased in concrete (after entering a cement mixer).
  • The owl is recovering well and is expected to be released next summer.

Notable Quotes

• Scott Lincecum (Cato Institute):

  • “I wouldn't be surprised if a few governments that have agreed to these deals do back out or at least suspend them and call for a renegotiation because again, one of the most fundamental terms of the deal no longer exists.”
    ([01:22])

• Danielle Kurtzleben (NPR):

  • “So we're really in uncharted waters. There's just an array of different agreements, which means there's no one way this will play out.”
    ([01:38])

• Maria Aspen (NPR):

  • “Nvidia is the most valuable company in the world... But for all the billions of dollars that tech companies are investing in AI, they're not seeing a lot of payoff yet. Now more top investors and CEOs are warning that the AI bubble is due to burst.”
    ([03:52])

Timestamps for Major Segments

• Epstein Files Legislation: [00:18]
• Trade/Tariffs Debate: [01:05-01:44]
• FBI LGBTQ Lawsuit: [01:44]
• Ukraine Delegation & Peace Talks: [02:17]
• Trump–NYC Mayor Meeting: [03:03]
• UK–Russia Tension: [03:14]
• Nvidia & AI Bubble: [03:32-04:38]
• Concrete Owl Rescue: [04:38]

Summary

This episode delivers a rapid-fire news digest, spotlighting government mandates for transparency, economic challenges surrounding tariffs and tech stocks, social and legal disputes within federal agencies, international security posture, and evolving diplomatic efforts in Ukraine. Enhanced with expert perspectives and first-hand reporting, it maintains NPR's balanced, factual tone while offering human interest with a rescued "concrete owl," capping an information-rich five minutes.