NPR News Now: 10-19-2025 10PM EDT

Episode Summary

Air Date: October 20, 2025
Host: Jeanine Herbst

Overview

This five-minute NPR News Now episode delivers timely updates on major national and international headlines, including escalating violence in Gaza, President Trump's expansion of National Guard deployments to U.S. cities, the commutation of George Santos' sentence, an unprecedented childcare tax proposal in Colorado, and a high-profile jewel heist at the Louvre in France.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Escalation of Violence in Gaza

• Details:
  • Israel launched several airstrikes in Gaza, citing retaliation against Hamas attacks.
  • The clashes marked a significant breach of the current ceasefire, resulting in at least a dozen Palestinian deaths and two Israeli soldiers killed.
  • Both sides accuse each other of violating the truce, with these being the most serious incidents since the ceasefire took effect on October 10th.
  • Israeli forces maintain control over more than half of Gaza, mostly outside population centers.
• Notable Quote:
  • “Israel called it a blatant violation of the ceasefire and responded with airstrikes in several locations across Gaza.”
    — Greg Myrey [00:43]

2. National Guard Deployments to U.S. Cities

• Details:
  • President Trump announced the deployment of National Guard troops to San Francisco, joining D.C., Memphis, Chicago, and Portland on the list—moves decried by local leaders as political theater.
  • California State Senator Scott Weiner directly opposed the action on social media.
  • Federal judges have blocked some previous deployments; Trump cites his authority under the Insurrection Act.
• Notable Quotes:
  • “We’re going to go to San Francisco. The difference is I think they want us in San Francisco.”
    — Donald Trump [01:34]
  • “We don’t want your invading army or ski mask secret police.”
    — CA State Senator Scott Weiner (paraphrased by Luke Garrett) [01:39]
  • “I can use, the Insurrection Act. 50% of the presidents almost have used that, and that’s unquestioned power. I choose not to.”
    — Donald Trump [01:55]

3. George Santos Released from Prison

• Details:
  • Former NY Congressman George Santos was released from prison after President Trump commuted his seven-year sentence for fraud and identity theft, labeling the sentence “excessive.”
  • Both Republicans and Democrats criticized the commutation, given Santos’ short time served.
  • Santos expressed contrition in a CNN interview, vowing to “make amends.”
• Notable Quote:
  • “I have made a very concise decision to apply that for good and use that to make amends with my community, with my friends, with my family and those who I have left a sour taste in their mouth and hopefully one day get my critics to at least appreciate that I’ve turned around.”
    — George Santos [02:38]

4. Colorado Counties Consider Childcare Tax

• Details:
  • Three Colorado counties will vote on a tax proposal to subsidize child care, possibly creating the first such special taxing district in the U.S.
  • The sales tax would generate around $10 million annually to address affordability and capacity in childcare, especially around Aspen where costs are exceptionally high.
  • The measure faces an uphill battle amid typical resistance to new taxes.
• Notable Quote:
  • “Can’t pay our teachers more, we can’t create more capacity and more slots, and we can’t make care more affordable without [funding].”
    — Maggie Tuscornia, Director of proposal group [03:55]

5. Daring Louvre Heist in France

• Details:
  • Thieves executed a four-minute heist at the Louvre, stealing Napoleonic crown jewels using a basket lift and smashing display cases.
  • The incident highlighted existing concerns about staffing and security at the museum.
  • The Louvre closed for the day as investigations commenced.
• Notable Quote:
  • “Officials say the operation only took four minutes and it was carried out by professionals.”
    — Jeanine Herbst [04:35]

Notable Quotes by Timestamps

• [00:43] Greg Myrey: “Israel called it a blatant violation of the ceasefire and responded with airstrikes…”
• [01:34] Donald Trump: “We’re going to go to San Francisco. The difference is I think they want us in San Francisco.”
• [01:39] Luke Garrett (paraphrasing Scott Weiner): “We don’t want your invading army or ski mask secret police.”
• [01:55] Donald Trump: “I can use, the Insurrection Act. 50% of the presidents almost have used that, and that’s unquestioned power. I choose not to.”
• [02:38] George Santos: “I have made a very concise decision to apply that for good and use that to make amends…”
• [03:55] Maggie Tuscornia: “Can’t pay our teachers more, we can’t create more capacity and more slots, and we can’t make care more affordable without [funding].”
• [04:35] Jeanine Herbst: “Officials say the operation only took four minutes and it was carried out by professionals.”

Memorable Moments and Tone

• Serious international focus on the Gaza situation, underscored by the detailed casualty and territorial control report.
• Sharp domestic political conflict over National Guard deployments, featuring direct and combative quotes from both President Trump and state officials.
• Personal redemption narrative from George Santos during a rare post-prison interview.
• Innovative social policy in Colorado, exploring new funding models for childcare.
• Movie-worthy crime reporting with the Louvre heist, drawing attention to institutional vulnerabilities.

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Gaza Airstrikes and Ceasefire Violation: [00:18]–[01:15]
• National Guard Deployments & Presidential Power: [01:15]–[02:15]
• George Santos’ Commutation and Response: [02:15]–[03:12]
• Colorado Childcare Tax Proposal: [03:12]–[04:18]
• Louvre Heist: [04:18]–[04:56]

This concise episode offers a rapid yet compelling snapshot of the day’s most important stories, alternating between grave international developments, contentious U.S. politics, policy experiments, and astonishing world events.