NPR News Now – October 18, 2025, 4AM EDT

Host: Dale Willman
Length: 5 minutes

Main Theme

This episode delivers essential global and national news headlines, focusing on US diplomatic actions regarding the Russia-Ukraine war, updates on the Israel-Gaza ceasefire, federal layoffs amid a government shutdown, Congressional legal maneuvering, Portugal’s face veil ban, an MPOX outbreak in California, and latest sports highlights.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. US-Russia-Ukraine Diplomacy

• President Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House to discuss ending the Russia-Ukraine war. Trump urged negotiation and signaled a shift in US military support.

  • Zelensky emphasized the need for US security guarantees and leadership in resolving the conflict.
  • Trump backtracked on a previous hint that the US might supply Ukraine with long-range Tomahawk missiles as leverage against Russia.

  Notable Quote:

  "One of the topic what we discussed with President Trump was about security guarantees. We want United States be a part of security. We count on the leadership of the United States. We spoke about it earlier this year."
  — Volodymyr Zelensky [00:31]

2. Israel-Gaza Ceasefire Developments

• Israel received the remains of another hostage from Gaza, handed over by the International Committee of the Red Cross.
• The handover of hostage remains remains a contentious point in ceasefire agreements, alongside debates over aid deliveries and border crossings.

3. Federal Shutdown and Layoffs

• Court cases challenge mass federal layoffs announced during the government shutdown.

  • NPR’s Jacqueline Diaz reports a judge issued a temporary restraining order to pause layoffs, though the Trump administration maintains most can proceed, except in unionized offices.

  Notable Summary:

  "The administration also made clear that it believes most of the employees who receive layoff notices can still be removed...the court ordered pause only applies to programs or offices where the union plaintiffs have members."
  — Jacqueline Diaz [01:41]

4. Congressional Dispute: Rep.-elect Grijalva and Epstein Files

• Arizona Representative-elect Adelita Grijalva has not been seated nearly three weeks after winning her election.

  • Plans to support a bipartisan push for release of the Jeffrey Epstein files are stalled.
  • Grijalva recounts conspiracy theories about her delay, while House Speaker Mike Johnson insists swearing-in will wait for the shutdown's end.
  • Arizona’s attorney general and House Democratic leadership are considering legal action against Johnson.

  Notable Quote:

  "I remember on election night someone came up to me and said, I don't think they're going to swear you in because of those Epstein files. And I thought, oh, my gosh, that's very much a conspiracy theory. Like that's not going to happen. And here we are."
  — Adelita Grijalva [02:44]

5. Portugal Bans Face Veils

• Portugal's parliament passed a bill prohibiting face veils in public for religious or gender reasons—with exceptions for airplanes, diplomatic premises, and places of worship.
  • The law is widely viewed as targeting burqas and other coverings worn by some Muslim women, and was sponsored by a far-right party.

6. MPOX Outbreak in Southern California

• Three severe cases of a rare MPOX (Monkeypox) strain—Clade 1—have been reported in individuals without recent travel outside the US.

  • Cases occurred in Long Beach and Los Angeles County; all individuals hospitalized but now recovering.
  • The Clade 1 strain is linked to recent African outbreaks; no clear transmission chain has been identified.

  Notable Summary:

  "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...there's no clear link between them."
  — Will Stone [03:51]

7. MLB Playoff Highlights

• Shohei Ohtani starred for the LA Dodgers with three home runs and a pitching shutout into the seventh inning as the Dodgers swept the Milwaukee Brewers in the NLCS.
• Seattle Mariners lead Toronto Blue Jays 3–2 in the ALCS; next game scheduled in Chicago.

Timestamps & Key Segments

• 00:17 – Russia-Ukraine/White House Talks: Trump and Zelensky meeting and statements
• 00:45 – Israel-Gaza Ceasefire & Hostage Remains: Latest developments
• 01:41 – Federal Layoff Court Challenges: Update from NPR’s Jacqueline Diaz
• 02:11 – Congress/Grijalva Dispute: NPR’s Claudia Grosales covers legal standoff
• 03:12 – Portugal Face Veil Ban
• 03:51 – Southern California MPOX Update: NPR’s Will Stone reports
• 04:31 – MLB Playoffs: Dodgers and Mariners update

Notable Quotes

• Volodymyr Zelensky [00:31]: "We want United States be a part of security. We count on the leadership of the United States."
• Adelita Grijalva [02:44]: "That's very much a conspiracy theory. Like that's not going to happen. And here we are."
• Will Stone [03:51]: "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."

This brisk but informative recap covers overnight breaking news, legal disputes, international politics, public health alerts, and sports, providing listeners with the essentials to start their day informed.