NPR News Now – November 24, 2025, 5PM EST

Host: Jeanine Herbst
Length: ~5 minutes

Episode Overview

This concise episode of NPR News Now covers key headlines from the U.S. and abroad. Major stories include the dismissal of indictments against high-profile political figures, escalating U.S.-Venezuela tensions, economic updates surrounding the Thanksgiving holiday, a revelation from performer Childish Gambino, and notable stock and oil price movements.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Dismissal of Indictments Against James Comey & Letitia James

(00:14 – 01:23)

• Federal Judge’s Decision:
  Indictments against former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James were dismissed. The reason cited was the unlawful appointment of Lindsey Halligan, who had secured the indictments.
• Context:
  Halligan, formerly Trump’s personal lawyer and a White House aide, became Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia after the previous prosecutor was removed for doubting the charges.
• Case Status:
  Dismissed “without prejudice,” meaning the Justice Department could potentially refile.

Notable Quote

• James Comey (00:38):
  “I know that Donald Trump will probably come after me again and my attitude's going to be the same. I'm innocent, I am not afraid, and I believe in an independent federal judiciary.”

2. U.S.-Venezuela Tensions Heighten Over Terrorist Designation

(01:23 – 02:11)

• New Designation:
  Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared “Cartel de los Soles” (allegedly composed of Venezuelan military officers led by President Nicolás Maduro) a foreign terrorist organization due to drug trafficking allegations.
• Venezuelan Response:
  The Maduro government rejected this as a “ridiculous fabrication,” denying the cartel’s existence.
• Escalation:
  U.S. military movements near Venezuela are fueling fears of a possible intervention.

Notable Reporting

• John Otis (01:23):
  “The terrorist designation comes as the US has positioned warships and thousands of troops near the coast of Venezuela, raising expectations of a possible military strike inside the country.”

3. Markets & Thanksgiving Travel Surge

(02:11 – 03:01)

• Stock Rally:
  Wall Street closed sharply higher, driven by strong gains from AI companies.
• Federal Reserve Watch:
  Optimism is rising regarding an interest rate cut at the next policymaker meeting, as concerns about the job market grow.
• Travel Outlook:
  It’s projected to be the busiest Thanksgiving for the FAA in 15 years, with nearly 18 million travelers expected through TSA checkpoints.

Notable Reporting

• Scott Horsley (02:21):
  “Investors are growing more optimistic that the Federal Reserve will lower interest rates again...The FAA is forecasting its busiest Thanksgiving season in 15 years, while the TSA expects nearly 18 million people to pass through its checkpoint.”

• Stock Close Numbers (03:01):

  • Dow: +202 points
  • NASDAQ: +598 (up 2.6%)
  • S&P 500: +102

4. U.S.-China Relations Update

(03:01 – 04:01)

• Upcoming Visits:
  President Trump to visit Beijing in April, with Chinese President Xi Jinping scheduled for a U.S. state visit.
• Recent Leader Call:
  Talks covered trade, Taiwan, and Ukraine, with reported agreement to maintain “current and accurate” trade arrangements.
• Context:
  This follows a recent summit where a one-year trade truce was established, rolling back tariffs on both sides.

5. Childish Gambino Reveals Health Crisis

(04:01 – 04:41)

• Public Disclosure:
  At the Camp Flognaw Festival, Childish Gambino (Donald Glover) disclosed he suffered a stroke during his 2024 tour.
• Medical Details:
  Symptoms included severe head pain and vision issues. Subsequent tests found a heart defect requiring surgery.
• Career Note:
  Glover announced that his last album under the Childish Gambino name was 2024’s Bando Stone and the New World.

Notable Reporting

• Andrew Limbong (04:01):
  “During his set, he caught the crowd up on what he'd been up to...He had a bad pain in his head and he couldn't see well. He went to a doctor who told him he had a stroke. And he says further tests revealed he had a hole in his heart which required surgery.”

6. Oil Prices

(04:41 – 04:53)

• Market Update:
  Crude oil closed up nearly 1.5%, adding $0.85 to reach $58.91 a barrel.

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• Comey on Vindication and Resilience (00:38):

  "I'm innocent, I am not afraid, and I believe in an independent federal judiciary."
  (James Comey)

• Otis on Military Escalation (01:23):

  "The terrorist designation comes as the US has positioned warships and thousands of troops near the coast of Venezuela, raising expectations of a possible military strike inside the country."

• Limbong on Gambino's Ordeal (04:01):

  "He had a bad pain in his head and he couldn't see well. He went to a doctor who told him he had a stroke. And he says further tests revealed he had a hole in his heart which required surgery."

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:14: Indictments dismissed against James Comey & Letitia James
• 00:38: Comey’s reaction and statement
• 01:23: U.S. designates Venezuelan regime as a terrorist group
• 02:21: Market rally, Fed outlook, Thanksgiving travel preview
• 03:01: Stock market close numbers
• 03:15: U.S.-China relations and upcoming visits
• 04:01: Childish Gambino’s health revelation
• 04:41: Oil prices update

This episode offers a compact yet comprehensive briefing on headline developments across politics, global affairs, economics, and culture, with direct reporting and firsthand quotes highlighting the gravity and immediacy of each story.