NPR News Now – October 18, 2025, 8AM EDT

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This concise episode provides a rapid-fire update on key global and national news developments, with particular focus on the situation in Gaza, political controversies in Washington, criminal justice, nationwide protests, international diplomacy, a major scientific loss, and sports highlights.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Gaza Ceasefire and Hostage Remains

• Update: Hamas returns the remains of Eliyahu Margalit, an Israeli killed during the October 7 attack two years prior.
  • Quote: “The body Hamas returned Friday night was identified as Eliyahu Margalit, who was killed on the day of the October 7th attack two years ago in the border kibbutz of Niroz.” (Rob Schmitz, 00:32)
• There are now 18 deceased hostages remaining in Gaza; Israel believes Hamas could release more remains.
  • Insight: Despite Hamas claiming they need specialized equipment to recover further bodies, Israel remains skeptical.
• Margalit's remains are the 10th returned since the ceasefire began.

2. Congressional Standoff over Adelita Grijalva’s Swearing-In

• Context: Arizona Representative-elect Adelita Grijalva is entering her third week without being sworn into Congress due to political disputes.
  • Quote: "Congresswoman elect Grijalva plans to sign on to a bipartisan petition to force a release of the Jeffrey Epstein files. One last signature is needed to trigger a related House vote, but Grijalva tells NPR she needs to be seated first." (Claudia Rosales, 01:16)
• Grijalva shares a concern about conspiracies stalling her appointment.
  • 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, 01:31)
• Speaker Mike Johnson’s position is that he will seat Grijalva after the government shutdown ends.
• Arizona’s Attorney General and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries are considering legal action to end the delay.

3. George Santos Released from Prison

• Update: Former Congressman George Santos, imprisoned for fraud and identity theft, is released after President Trump commutes his sentence.
  • Quote: "President Trump ordered Santos release, commuting his more than seven year sentence for fraud and identity theft." (Giles Snyder, 01:58)

4. Nationwide ‘No Kings’ Protests & Safety Concerns

• Protests: “No Kings” rallies protesting Trump administration policies are planned nationwide, including Salt Lake City, Utah.
• Safety Changes: Due to a deadly shooting at a previous march, organizers are shifting from a traditional march to a rally and dance party, emphasizing safety (no weapons).
  • Quote: “As the event got closer and closer, the feelings that were being brought up were still very raw. And that is one of the reasons we decided to cancel the march.” (Jamie Carter, 02:48)

5. Trump Calls for Ukraine-Russia Negotiations

• Update: President Trump urges Ukraine and Russia to halt advances and negotiate, and signals a cooling of U.S. military support by backing away from sending Tomahawk missiles during a meeting with President Zelensky.
• Diplomacy: Announces plans for an upcoming meeting with Russian leader Putin in Hungary.

6. Nobel Laureate Chongning Yang Passes Away

• Obituary: Renowned Chinese physicist Chongning Yang dies at age 103, remembered for winning the Nobel Prize in 1957.
  • “He was 103. Yang shared the Nobel in 1957 with Song Daol. The two were the first Chinese-born Nobel Prize winners in physics.” (Giles Snyder, 03:56)

7. Shohei Ohtani’s Historic MLB Postseason Performance

• Game Recap: Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani hits three home runs and pitches six shutout innings, leading the team to the World Series.
  • Quote: “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.” (Manager Dave Roberts, 04:26)
• Dodgers to face the winner of the Seattle Mariners vs. Toronto Blue Jays series.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On delayed Congressional swearing-in:
  • “I don't think they're going to swear you in because of those Epstein files...and here we are.”
    — Adelita Grijalva (01:31)
• On Shohei Ohtani’s performance:
  • “There's a reason why he's the greatest player on the planet.”
    — Dave Roberts (04:26)
• On protest safety:
  • “The feelings that were being brought up were still very raw. And that is one of the reasons we decided to cancel the march.”
    — Jamie Carter (02:48)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:14 – Israel-Gaza ceasefire and return of remains
• 01:16 – Congressional delay for Adelita Grijalva & Epstein files petition
• 01:58 – George Santos prison release; Trump’s commutation
• 02:32 – “No Kings” protests; Salt Lake City rally adaptation
• 03:13 – Trump’s call for Russia-Ukraine negotiations
• 03:56 – Death of Nobel laureate Chongning Yang
• 04:10 – Dodgers/Ohtani World Series performance and recap

This edition of NPR News Now offers an impactful and swift digest of the day’s critical stories, providing context, direct quotes, and timely updates across politics, global affairs, social justice, and sports.