NPR News Now: 11-25-2025 4AM EST

Date: November 25, 2025
Host: Giles Snyder (B)
Duration: ~5 Minutes
Main Theme:
A concise overview of major national and international news: legal developments involving former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James, new Pew research on Latino attitudes toward Trump policies, Jesse Jackson’s health update, a shift in Ukraine’s peace negotiations, South Africa’s move to regulate AI mental health tools, and a light feature on Thanksgiving dessert traditions.

Key News Highlights & Discussion Points

1. Case Dismissed Against Ex-FBI Director and NY AG

• [00:11–00:39]

• A federal judge dismissed legal cases against former FBI Director James Comey and NY Attorney General Letitia James.

• Judge’s Reason: The prosecutor, appointed at President Trump’s urging, was found to be illegally appointed by the Justice Department.

• Comey’s Response:

  • Grateful for the dismissal but anticipates continued legal challenges.
  • Emphasizes belief in the judiciary’s independence.

• Notable Quote:

  • "I know that Donald Trump will probably come after me again and my attitude is going to be the same. I'm innocent, I am not afraid, and I believe in an independent federal judiciary." —James Comey (C) [00:28]

2. New Pew Study of Latino Opinions on Trump Policies

• [00:39–01:40]

• Poll of over 5,000 Latinos reveals deep concerns about US policies and their impact under the Trump Administration.

• Key Findings:

  • 70% disapprove of Trump’s handling of the economy.
  • Four in five rate the economy negatively.
  • 61% say Trump’s policies have worsened things for Latinos.
  • 2/3 disapprove of Trump’s immigration policies; majority think deportation efforts are excessive.
  • One in three Latinos have contemplated leaving the country.

• Notable Quote:

  • "Overall, the majority say they have serious concerns about their place in America, and one in three say they've contemplated leaving the country." —Domenico Montanaro (D) [01:28]

3. Jesse Jackson Health Update

• [01:40–02:27]
• Civil rights leader Jesse Jackson, age 84, has been discharged from a Chicago hospital.
• Health Background:
  • Hospitalized for almost two weeks, previously diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (2013).
  • This year, his diagnosis shifted to progressive supranuclear palsy, a rare neurological disorder.
• Family Statement: He is stable, recovering at home.

4. Shift in Ukraine Peace Talks – International Reactions

• [02:27–03:09]

• The US-backed 28-point peace plan, previously criticized for favoring Russia, is being abandoned.

• Details:

  • Plan originally crossed Ukrainian and broader European “red lines.”
  • German Chancellor Frederick Maers warned President Trump the European continent’s fate was at stake.
  • Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that revised negotiations now include more Ukrainian and European concerns.
  • Sensitive topics (including territorial concessions and NATO membership) are reserved for direct talks between Zelensky and President Trump.

• Notable Quote:

  • "Many of the right elements have been taken into account in the new framework. He [Zelensky] said he would discuss the most sensitive issues with President Trump." —Eleanor Beardsley (E) [02:40]

5. South Africa Moves to Regulate AI Mental Health Tools

• [03:09–04:01]

• The South African government is developing regulations for AI tools involved in mental health (like chatbots and therapy apps).

• Agencies Involved:

  • The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority, usually concerned with medicines and vaccines.

• International Collaboration:

  • Working with the nonprofit Path to set safety and efficacy standards.

• Timeline:

  • New regulatory system expected within 2–3 years.

• Notable Quote:

  • "We want to live in a world where clinicians can point at a series of tools and say they've met the mark right? We both know they are effective." —Bilal Mateen (G) [03:53]

6. Thanksgiving Pie Debate: Pumpkin vs. Sweet Potato

• [04:08–04:54]

• As Thanksgiving approaches, a fun feature explores regional preferences for pumpkin versus sweet potato pie.

• Expert Voice:

  • Elizabeth Arnold, bakery owner from Mississippi, weighs in.
  • Sweet potato pie is characterized as sweeter and more popular in the South, while pumpkin pie is spicier and preferred in the North.

• Notable Quote:

  • "I would say the main difference is like the spice. So sweet potato is a lot sweeter. It has white sugar, brown sugar. And then the pumpkin pie is less sweet and more spicy." —Elizabeth Arnold (H) [04:23]

Segment Timestamps Guide

• 00:11 – Main newscast begins, Comey case update
• 00:28 – James Comey speaks on the dismissal (Quote)
• 01:05 – Domenico Montanaro presents Pew study findings (Latino concerns, Trump policies)
• 01:28 – Key quote on Latinos’ sense of belonging
• 01:40 – Jesse Jackson release, health update
• 02:27 – Ukraine peace plan changes, international perspectives (Eleanor Beardsley)
• 03:09 – South Africa to regulate AI-based mental health tools
• 03:53 – Bilal Mateen on AI regulation (Quote)
• 04:08 – Thanksgiving pie traditions (Elizabeth Arnold)
• 04:23 – Elizabeth Arnold on flavor differences (Quote)
• 04:54 – Newscast wraps up

Memorable Moments

• Comey’s defiant statement regarding the legal case and Trump’s persistence.
• Sharp statistics and personal impact highlighted from the Pew Latino study.
• Updates on Jesse Jackson’s health journey.
• Ukraine peace negotiations taking a dramatic new direction with European and US stakes.
• South Africa embracing global leadership in health AI regulation.
• A warm, regional slice-of-life with the Thanksgiving dessert debate.

This NPR News episode delivers a distilled yet vivid sweep through high-stakes politics, community sentiment, global diplomacy, emerging technology governance, and festive cultural quirks—encapsulated in just five engaging minutes.