NPR News Now – Episode Summary

Podcast: NPR News Now
Episode: NPR News: 11-24-2025 10PM EST
Date: November 25, 2025
Host: Jeanine Herbst

Overview

This concise five-minute news update covers significant national headlines, legal developments, shifting public sentiments, cultural farewells, and a rare event at the National Zoo. Each segment provides a snapshot of major stories unfolding in the U.S. and abroad, aimed at keeping listeners informed on political, social, and cultural shifts as they head into the holiday week.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Indictments Against James Comey and Letitia James Dismissed

• Details: A federal judge dismissed indictments against former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James due to the unlawful appointment of U.S. Attorney Lindsey Halligan.

• Context: Lindsey Halligan, installed by the Trump administration, brought charges against critics of President Trump shortly after a previous prosecutor expressed doubts.

• Next Steps: The Justice Department may appeal to revive cases. Lawyers for Comey and James continue to challenge the indictments on several grounds.
  – Reported by Kerry Johnson
  Timestamps: [00:11] – [01:14]

  “The ruling means that indictments Halligan won against the former FBI director and the sitting New York attorney general are dismissed. For now, the Justice Department has the option to appeal and could try to revive both cases.”
  – Kerry Johnson, [01:00]

2. Pentagon Investigates Senator Mark Kelly

• Issue: The Pentagon is looking into allegations that Arizona Senator Mark Kelly and five other Democratic lawmakers may have violated military law by telling troops not to follow illegal orders.
• Political Fallout: President Trump has labeled their advice “treason,” going so far as to suggest the death penalty.
• Backdrop: This occurs amid ongoing legal scrutiny of Trump’s deployment of National Guard troops to U.S. cities and recent lethal airstrikes on boats in the Caribbean.
• Highlight: Emphasizes the tension between civilian oversight, military obedience, and the boundaries of lawful orders. Timestamps: [01:14] – [01:58]

3. Latino Discontent with Trump's Policies

• Poll Findings: A major Pew study surveying more than 5,000 Latinos reveals widespread dissatisfaction:

  • 70% disapprove of Trump’s handling of the economy.
  • 61% say his policies have worsened conditions.
  • 2 in 3 disapprove of his immigration handling.
  • Over a third of respondents have considered leaving the country due to these concerns.

• Notable Trend: Sense of alienation and insecurity among Latino communities. – Reported by Domenico Montanaro
  Timestamps: [01:58] – [02:34]

  “Overall, a majority say they have serious concerns about their place in America, and one in three say they’ve contemplated leaving the country.”
  – Domenico Montanaro, [02:29]

4. Record-Setting Thanksgiving Travel

• Air Travel: FAA expects the busiest Thanksgiving in 15 years, forecasting 18 million passengers and over 360,000 flights.

• Road Trips: Millions are opting to drive, with AAA projecting at least 73 million travelers hitting the road—a figure likely to rise as some choose to avoid airports. – Iseka Diaz, AAA
  Timestamps: [02:34] – [03:07]

  “There may be some people who said, you know what, I want to avoid airports altogether. I’m going to drive my own vehicle and I’m going to do a road trip instead.”
  – Iseka Diaz, [02:53]

5. Reggae Icon Jimmy Cliff Dies

• Artist Profile: Jimmy Cliff, a pioneering Jamaican reggae artist, dies at 81.

• Cultural Impact: His work, including the iconic film “The Harder They Come,” helped bring reggae to global attention, blending messages of resilience amid war and oppression.

• Legacy Highlight: More than six decades of expanding Jamaican cultural influence.
  – Reported by Isabella Gomez Sarmiento
  Timestamps: [03:07] – [04:10]

  “Jimmy Cliff’s songs addressed war, oppression and tragedy, but his music maintained a sense of optimism rooted in peace and resilience.”
  – Isabella Gomez Sarmiento, [03:26]

6. National Zoo Prepares for Baby Asian Elephant

• Event: Washington D.C.’s National Zoo expects its first Asian elephant calf in 25 years.
• Details: Twelve-year-old Ni Lin, bred with the zoo’s sole bull Spike, is pregnant. The fetus weighs 150–175 pounds.
• Significance: Asian elephants are endangered, with fewer than 50,000 in the wild; zookeepers are now focused on babyproofing. Timestamps: [04:10] – [04:40]

7. Markets Update

• Brief Note: U.S. Dow futures are down about 0.1% as of this report. Timestamps: [04:40] – [04:53]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Comey/James Dismissal:
  “The Trump administration installed Lindsay Halligan as U.S. attorney in Virginia in late September, soon after the prosecutor already in that job expressed doubts about moving forward with charges against prominent critics of President Trump.”
  – Kerry Johnson, [00:34]

• On Pew Latino Study:
  “Overall, a majority say they have serious concerns about their place in America, and one in three say they’ve contemplated leaving the country.”
  – Domenico Montanaro, [02:29]

• On Thanksgiving Travel:
  “So we’re projecting at least 73 million people, but that number could end up being higher because more people now potentially are switching to road trips.”
  – Iseka Diaz, [02:57]

• Jimmy Cliff Tribute:
  “For more than six decades, Jimmy Cliff lifted Jamaican music and culture to new heights.”
  – Isabella Gomez Sarmiento, [04:05]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:11] — Scandal indictments of Comey & James dismissed
• [01:14] — Pentagon investigates Senator Mark Kelly
• [01:58] — Pew study of Latino attitudes toward Trump
• [02:34] — Thanksgiving travel surge and road trip trend
• [03:07] — Jimmy Cliff’s passing and legacy
• [04:10] — Zoo expects baby Asian elephant
• [04:40] — Market futures brief

This episode delivers a rapid but robust overview of the day’s most pressing national and cultural stories, blending legal, political, community, and human interest news into a cohesive summary for a broad NPR audience.