NPR News Now: 10-18-2025 11AM EDT

Host: Windsor Johnston (NPR)
Date: October 18, 2025
Duration: 5 minutes

Episode Overview

This fast-paced news update covers major current events in the United States and globally. The episode touches on widespread anti-Trump protests, a bipartisan Senate push to curb presidential war powers, major developments in Iran’s nuclear policy, a serious incident in Cincinnati, MLB postseason updates, and severe flooding in Alaska.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Nationwide Protests Against Trump Administration

[00:17 – 01:22]

• Demonstrators are rallying in cities across the US, opposing President Donald Trump’s administration.

• The movement, dubbed “No Kings,” is expected to see larger turnout than previous events, with New York hosting the biggest rally.

• Over 2,500 rallies are planned nationwide.

• The protests occur amid a government shutdown in its third week, with full Republican control of the federal government.

• Notably, Russian punk band Pussy Riot is slated to perform somewhere in the city.

  “The no Kings demonstrations will likely be the loudest expression of opposition to President Donald Trump since he took office in January... Organizers expect a bigger turnout today. At least tens of thousands are expected to take to the streets in New York.”
  — Bruce Konbizer ([00:36])

2. Senate to Vote on Limiting Trump’s War Powers

[01:22 – 02:20]

• A bipartisan group of senators, led by Democrat Tim Kaine, is forcing a vote to limit the president’s ability to enter war with Venezuela.

• Recent Trump-ordered military strikes and covert operations in the Caribbean have heightened concerns that military action could be imminent.

• Supporters of the vote include Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) and Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA).

  “The pace of the announcements about the authorization of COVID activities and the military planning makes me think there is some chance this could be imminent.”
  — Rand Paul ([01:52])

  “Kaine says he’s worried Congress is running out of time to stop Trump’s escalating campaign against Venezuela.”
  — Claudia Grisales ([01:38])

3. Iran Ends Compliance with 2015 Nuclear Deal

[02:20 – 03:08]

• Iran declares it is no longer bound by its 2015 nuclear agreement with world powers; its ten-year deal has expired.

• Tehran insists it seeks a diplomatic solution and denies wanting nuclear weapons.

• Collapse of US-Iran indirect talks and recent US/Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear sites have prompted a suspension of inspection access and renewed enrichment for civilian use.

• International sanctions have been reinstated following this announcement.

  “The Iranian Foreign Ministry said the nuclear limits agreed in its landmark 2015 deal no longer apply as of today, although Tehran added it remained firmly committed to a diplomatic solution.”
  — David Bamford ([02:36])

4. Balcony Collapse Injures Ten in Cincinnati

[03:08 – 03:32]

• A balcony collapse near the University of Cincinnati hospitalized ten people Friday night.

• One individual is in critical condition; others have non-life-threatening injuries.

• Officials suspect the collapse was due to excess weight from a crowd at a party.

  “One individual is in critical condition. The rest are non life threatening.”
  — Frank McKinley, Cincinnati Fire Chief & Chuck Kornbach ([03:28])

5. Dodgers Head to World Series After Dominant Win

[03:32 – 04:31]

• Los Angeles Dodgers swept the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Championship Series, winning 5–1.

• Manager Dave Roberts credits Shohei Ohtani for an unprecedented postseason performance.

  “There’s a reason why he’s the greatest player on the planet. You know, what he did on the mound, what he did at the bat.”
  — Dave Roberts ([04:09])

• Dodgers will play the winner of the AL Championship Series featuring the Seattle Mariners and Toronto Blue Jays.

6. Devastating Floods in Alaska

[04:31 – 04:56]

• Severe flooding in remote Alaskan villages has left over 2,000 people without homes; 90% of homes destroyed in one village.
• The Governor of Alaska seeks a major disaster declaration from the White House.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the protests:
  “At least tens of thousands are expected to take to the streets in New York.”
  — Bruce Konbizer ([00:36])

• On military concerns:
  “Kaine says he’s worried Congress is running out of time to stop Trump’s escalating campaign against Venezuela.”
  — Claudia Grisales ([01:38])

• On Shohei Ohtani:
  “There’s a reason why he’s the greatest player on the planet.”
  — Dave Roberts ([04:09])

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Nationwide Protests: 00:17 – 01:22
• Senate War Powers Vote: 01:22 – 02:20
• Iran Nuclear Deal Ends: 02:20 – 03:08
• Cincinnati Balcony Collapse: 03:08 – 03:32
• Dodgers Sweep & Advance: 03:32 – 04:31
• Alaska Flooding Disaster: 04:31 – 04:56

Tone: Straightforward, factual, urgent where applicable — typical of NPR’s news style.

This summary captures the major news stories covered in the rapid, five-minute update, including political unrest, international developments, major accidents, sports milestones, and environmental disasters.