Episode Overview

Podcast: NPR News Now
Episode: NPR News: 10-18-2025 12AM EDT
Date: October 18, 2025
Host: Dale Wilman

This five-minute newscast provides a concise summary of the day’s top global and U.S. news stories. Key topics include President Trump's stance on Ukraine negotiations, the commutation of George Santos' sentence, John Bolton's legal battle, increased National Guard deployments ahead of anti-Trump protests, U.S. opposition to shipping emissions regulations, Prince Andrew’s relinquishing of royal titles, and major baseball results.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. President Trump Urges Ukraine-Russia Negotiations

• [00:01] President Trump calls for Ukraine and Russia "to stop where they are and negotiate" after a meeting with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, which he described as “cordial and interesting.”
  • Insight: Emphasis on negotiation marks a notable shift in U.S. posture toward the conflict.
• [00:14] (Michelle Kellerman) Zelenskyy's visit to Washington was aimed at securing long-range Tomahawk missiles and enhanced air defenses but he remains "realistic" about U.S. willingness to supply them.
• [00:33] (Volodymyr Zelenskyy) On Truth Social, Zelenskyy echoes Trump’s sentiment:
  • Quote: “The president is right that we have to stop where we are. This is important to stop where we are and then to speak.” — Volodymyr Zelenskyy [00:33]
  • Context: Zelenskyy frames the message as one for “Putin who started the war.”
  • He hopes Trump can pressure Russia towards peace.

2. Trump Commutes George Santos’ Sentence

• [00:53] President Trump commutes the sentence of former Congressman George Santos, who was serving over seven years for wire fraud and identity theft.
• [01:04] (Barbara Sprunt) Trump announced the commutation on his social media, stating Santos was to be released “immediately.”
  • Santos pleaded guilty to multiple federal charges, including stealing identities for campaign donations.
  • Trump praised Santos for his consistent Republican voting record.

3. John Bolton Pleads Not Guilty to Sharing Classified Information

• [01:31] Former adviser John Bolton pleads not guilty to charges of sharing classified information.
  • Bolton, now a critic of Trump, alleges the charges are retaliation:
    • Quote: “Part of a Trump effort to intimidate all of his opponents.” — John Bolton (paraphrased) [01:31]
  • Bolton intends to argue political targeting in his defense.

4. National Guard Deployments Ahead of Nationwide Protests

• [01:31] Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin mobilizes National Guard troops ahead of anti-Trump “No Kings” protests scheduled for Saturday.
• [02:03] (Dean Murshahi) Up to 100 troops are prepared, with more than 2,000 demonstrations planned nationwide (60+ in Virginia).
  • Social media statement by Youngkin: troops and police will "help keep Virginians safe."
  • ACLU organizing protests, emphasizing First Amendment rights:
    • Quote: “While President Trump and his allies are trying to intimidate us into silence by deploying troops to our cities, the best way to protect our First Amendment rights is to keep using them.” — ACLU statement [02:33]

5. U.S. Blocks Global Shipping Emissions Fee

• [02:53] The U.S., led by President Trump, blocks international adoption of shipping emissions regulations at the International Maritime Organization meeting.
  • The meeting ends without new rules to curb fossil fuels in the shipping industry.

6. Prince Andrew Gives Up Royal Titles

• [03:32] (Lauren Frayer) In response to renewed scrutiny from Epstein-related allegations, Prince Andrew relinquishes “Duke of York” and other titles.
  • British media published excerpts from a memoir by Epstein’s accuser.
  • Buckingham Palace says continued accusations distract from King Charles’ work.
  • Andrew retains the title of Prince and residence near Windsor Castle; his daughters remain princesses, but his ex-wife loses her Duchess title.

7. MLB Playoffs Update

• [04:15] Shohei Ohtani leads Dodgers to a 5-1 victory over Milwaukee with 3 HRs and a strong pitching performance. Dodgers sweep the National League Championship Series.
  • Seattle Mariners take a 3-2 lead in the American League Championship Series over Toronto.
  • Next game: Sunday night in Chicago.

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• “The president is right that we have to stop where we are. This is important to stop where we are and then to speak.”
  • Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Truth Social, quoted by Michelle Kellerman [00:33]
• “Jorge Santos will be released from prison 'immediately.'”
  • Donald Trump social media post, via Barbara Sprunt [01:04]
• “Part of a Trump effort to intimidate all of his opponents.”
  • John Bolton (paraphrased), on the charges against him [01:31]
• “The best way to protect our First Amendment rights is to keep using them.”
  • ACLU statement on National Guard deployments, via Dean Murshahi [02:33]

Key Segment Timestamps

• Ukraine-Russia Negotiations: 00:01–00:41
• George Santos Sentence Commuted: 00:53–01:31
• John Bolton Legal Case: 01:31–02:03
• Virginia National Guard and Protests: 02:03–02:53
• Shipping Emissions Regulation Block: 02:53–03:32
• Prince Andrew Royal Titles: 03:32–04:15
• MLB Playoffs Update: 04:15–end

This concise news update touches on major U.S. and international news, offering key quotes and details for listeners seeking a quick and informative briefing.