NPR News Now — October 17, 2025, 10PM EDT

Host: Ryland Barton
Duration: 5 minutes

Episode Overview

This fast-paced NPR News update, anchored by Ryland Barton, presents the major national and international stories of October 17, 2025. The episode covers critical developments in US foreign policy, economic changes, domestic protest movements, disaster responses, health updates, and the passing of a major world leader. It features concise reports from NPR correspondents and selected quotes from stakeholders, aiming to inform listeners about the latest headlines in just five minutes.

Key Stories & Discussion Points

1. US-Ukrainian Relations: Tomahawk Missiles and Diplomacy

• [00:17] President Trump is reconsidering plans to supply Ukraine with long-range Tomahawk missiles, which could have enabled strikes deep into Russian territory.
  • Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky advocates for the move, seeing it as leverage for pressuring Russia toward ceasefire and negotiations.
  • Quote (Zelensky, paraphrased): The powerful weapon would force Russia's Vladimir Putin to discuss ending his invasion. ("It's time for a ceasefire and negotiations.")
  • Analyst Commentary [00:39]:
    • “I think we have to stop where we are and he is right. President is right that we have to stop where we are. This is important to stop where we are and then to speak.”
• President Trump links Middle East ceasefire progress to renewed Russia-Ukraine talks and claims it bolsters US credibility.
  • Trump plans a meeting with Putin in Hungary soon to push discussions further.

2. US Tariff Changes on Trucks and Auto Parts

• [01:20] Camila Domonosky report:
  • Trump has implemented new tariffs on medium and heavy-duty trucks—such as delivery vans, 18 wheelers, and buses—starting November 1.
  • Simultaneously, he is relaxing some tariffs on imported auto parts destined for US factories.
  • Quote (Camila Domonosky):
    • “Automakers have been very vocal with the White House about how tariffs are hitting cars made in US Plants. That's because even the most made in America vehicle relies on some imported parts and those have tariffs.”
  • The extension is expected to benefit domestic automakers by reducing cost pressures, as reflected in rising automaker stocks.

3. Commutation of George Santos’ Sentence

• [01:59]: President Trump commuted the sentence of former Congressman George Santos.
  • Santos had been serving over seven years for fraud and identity theft, including deceiving donors and stealing the identities of 11 individuals.
  • Background: Santos, a New York Republican, was convicted after admitting to these crimes in April.

4. Nationwide “No Kings” Protests Against Trump Administration

• [02:32] Alana Wise report:
  • Massive protests are planned across all 50 states to demonstrate against the Trump administration’s policies. This follows the government’s third week of shutdown and viral videos showing ICE agents detaining people indiscriminately.
  • Previous “No Kings” protests drew about 5 million; this weekend could see even larger crowds.
  • White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson’s dismissive response:
    • Quote [02:53]: “Who cares?” (Abigail Jackson, White House spokeswoman)

5. Economic Update

• [03:08]: The S&P 500, Dow Jones Industrial Average, and Nasdaq all rose by 0.5% for the day.

6. Alaska Storms Leave Thousands Displaced

• Over 2,000 people in Alaska are unable to return to their villages for at least 18 months due to storm damage.
  • In Kipnook, 90% of homes destroyed (121 of 134) after typhoon remnants hit with Category 2 hurricane force.
  • Comment by Gov. Mike Dunleavy highlights severity.

7. First US Cases of Severe Mpox Strain Reported

• [03:55] Will Stone report:
  • Three cases of Clade 1 Mpox, a more severe strain typically seen in central Africa, are confirmed in Southern California.
  • None of the patients had recent travel history; all required hospitalization and are now recovering.
  • Quote (Will Stone):
    • “It's not clear how they caught this type of Mpox, known as Clade 1, which is different from the strain that surged in the US in 2022.”
    • “Public health officials say they are investigating the cases and at this point there's no clear link between them.”

8. Death of Tomiichi Murayama, Former Japanese Prime Minister

• [04:35]: Tomiichi Murayama, remembered for his 1995 apology to the victims of Japan’s wartime aggression, dies at 101 in Oita, Japan.
  • Murayama was a significant postwar leader aiming for reconciliation in Asia.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Zelensky on Ceasefire and Negotiations:

  • "It's time for a ceasefire and negotiations." (Paraphrased; [00:17])

• Analyst on Urgency for Ceasefire:

  • “I think we have to stop where we are and he is right. President is right that we have to stop where we are. This is important to stop where we are and then to speak.” ([00:39])

• Camila Domonosky on Tariffs:

  • “Automakers have been very vocal with the White House about how tariffs are hitting cars made in US Plants. That's because even the most made in America vehicle relies on some imported parts and those have tariffs.” ([01:20])

• White House Response to Protests:

  • “Who cares?” (Abigail Jackson, White House spokeswoman, [02:53])

• Will Stone on Mpox Cases:

  • “It's not clear how they caught this type of Mpox, known as Clade 1, which is different from the strain that surged in the US in 2022.” ([03:55])

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:17 — Ukraine crisis, US missile policy, and diplomacy update
• 01:20 — Changes to US truck and auto part tariffs
• 01:59 — Commutation of George Santos’ sentence
• 02:32 — Preview of nationwide protests and White House response
• 03:08 — Markets update
• 03:15 — Alaska storm impacts and disaster response
• 03:55 — First US cases of severe Mpox strain
• 04:35 — Death of Tomiichi Murayama, former Japanese PM

Summary

This NPR News Now episode delivers a rapid-fire rundown of top stories: shifting US-Ukraine policy and ceasefire possibilities, major changes in trade tariffs, judicial leniency for a convicted congressman, brewing nationwide protest movements, economic optimism, long-term disaster displacement in Alaska, a new health threat, and a significant obituary. The reporting remains strictly factual and concise, giving listeners essential details and direct quotes, while making clear the political and social significance of each update.