NPR News Now – October 18, 2025, 1AM EDT

Host: Dale Willman
Length: 5 minutes
Theme: The latest in US and global news, including major political developments, international conflict, legal actions, humanitarian crises, and sports highlights.

Episode Overview

This NPR News Now episode provides a rapid, incisive rundown of the most pressing national and international stories for October 18, 2025. Key topics include President Trump’s actions regarding the Russia-Ukraine war and Venezuela, new terrorism charges in the US, the latest developments regarding Prince Andrew's royal status, humanitarian crises in Sudan, and significant college football outcomes.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. US Diplomacy and Conflict: Russia-Ukraine War

(00:17–01:14)

• President Trump’s Stance: Trump urges Russia and Ukraine to negotiate an end to their ongoing war following a White House meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

  • Zelensky underscores the need for US security guarantees:

    "We count on the leadership of the United States." — Volodymyr Zelensky [00:36]

• Missile Aid Reconsideration: Trump appears to step back from previously hinting at supplying Ukraine with long-range Tomahawk missiles.

• US Senate Action – Venezuela War Powers: After Trump's call with Russian President Putin, a bipartisan group in the US Senate moves to restrict Trump’s military authority concerning Venezuela.

  • Virginia Democrat Tim Kaine expresses urgency:

    "He's worried Congress is running out of time to stop Trump's escalating campaign against Venezuela." — Dale Willman, paraphrasing Tim Kaine [01:15]

  • Lawmakers from both parties, including Rand Paul and Adam Schiff, support forcing a vote after Trump initiates new covert and overt military actions in the Caribbean and Venezuela.
  • Anonymous Commentator signals concern:

    "The pace of the announcements about the authorization of COVID activities and the military planning makes me think there's some chance this could be imminent." [01:28]

2. Terrorist Charges in the US: Gaza-Linked Arrest

(01:56–02:49)

• Arrest in Louisiana: Mahmoud Amin Yaqub Al Muqtadi, a Palestinian man residing in Lafayette, Louisiana, is charged with visa fraud and material support to a terrorist organization.
  • Allegedly participated in the October 7th, 2023 Hamas-led attack on Israel.
  • Prosecutors allege he lied on his US visa application and has operant ties to a Gaza-based militant group.
  • Reported by Ryan Lucas:

    "Al Muqtadi crossed into Israel on that day to assist in the attack." — Ryan Lucas [02:19]

3. Prince Andrew and the Royal Title Controversy

(02:49–03:15)

• Stepping Down: Prince Andrew gives up his title as Duke of York in response to renewed scrutiny over his connection to Jeffrey Epstein.
  • Andrew insists on his innocence but cites distraction from royal duties as a reason for stepping aside.

4. Presidential Clemency: George Santos

(03:15–03:35)

• Commutation Details: President Trump commutes the prison sentence of former Representative George Santos, who had been serving over seven years for fraud and identity theft.
  • Santos admitted to donor deception and stealing identities.

5. Humanitarian Crisis in Sudan: Cholera Outbreak

(03:35–04:28)

• Devastation in Displacement Camps: The ongoing civil war in Sudan has led to massive displacement, a lack of basic necessities, and a deadly cholera outbreak.
  • Fatima Tanis reports the severity:

    "The World Health Organization says they have registered more than 110,000 cases so far and more than 3,000 deaths from cholera in the last month." — Fatima Tanis [03:53]

  • Aid groups mobilize vaccination, sanitation, and clean water efforts, but lack of funds threatens the response.

6. College Football Highlights

(04:28–04:56)

• Louisville Upset: Louisville defeats #2 Miami Hurricanes 24-21, sealing the win with a late interception.
  • Game details by Dale Willman:

    "Louisville intercepted four of Carson Beck's passes, with the last one stopping a Miami drive in the game's final minute." [04:38]

• Minnesota Dominance: Minnesota sets a sack record, overwhelming Nebraska 24-6.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• "We count on the leadership of the United States."
  — Volodymyr Zelensky [00:36]
• "The pace of the announcements ... makes me think there's some chance this could be imminent."
  — Unnamed Commentator [01:28]
• "The World Health Organization says they have registered more than 110,000 cases so far and more than 3,000 deaths from cholera in the last month."
  — Fatima Tanis [03:53]

Important Segment Timestamps

• 00:17 – Intro to Trump-Zelensky White House meeting
• 00:36 – Zelensky on US security guarantees
• 01:14 – Senate push to limit Trump's war powers
• 02:07 – Arrest and charges against Palestinian man in Louisiana
• 02:49 – Prince Andrew gives up royal title
• 03:15 – Sentence commuted for George Santos
• 03:50 – Cholera outbreak report from Sudan
• 04:28 – College football highlights
• 04:56 – End of news segment

This concise, information-dense newscast captures the urgency and complexity of current events, blending political conflict, legal developments, humanitarian disaster, and sports—all delivered in NPR's authoritative and even-handed style.