NPR News Now: October 19, 2025 — 11AM EDT

Episode Overview

This five-minute NPR News Now bulletin delivers concise updates on the day’s top stories, covering escalating conflict between Israel and Hamas, developments surrounding former Congressman George Santos following Trump’s commutation of his sentence, severe weather alerts spanning the Central and Southeast U.S., major protests in both the U.S. and Morocco, and new cyberattack accusations from China directed at the U.S. NSA.

1. Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Under Threat

• [00:14–01:15]
• Tension is high in southern Gaza as Israel and Hamas exchange fire, threatening the U.S.-brokered ceasefire that began just over a week ago.
• Greg Myhre (NPR):
  • Details how Hamas militants fired rocket-propelled grenades and sniper fire at Israeli troops near Rafah.
  • Israel retaliated with airstrikes; both sides accuse each other of violating the truce since its start on October 10.
  • “This appeared to be the most serious clash so far.” (Greg Myhre, 01:05)
  • Israeli forces still control more than half of Gaza, though mostly in open areas outside cities/towns.

2. George Santos Speaks After Trump Commutes Sentence

• [01:15–01:52]
• Former New York Congressman George Santos offers his first public remarks following the commutation of his seven-year sentence for fraud and campaign finance violations.
• Windsor Johnston (NPR):
  • Notes that President Trump called the original punishment "excessive."
• George Santos, on CNN:
  “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…” (01:32)
  • Expresses intent to redeem himself and hopes to earn back public trust.

3. Severe Weather Alerts Across Central and Southeast U.S.

• [01:52–02:48]
• Nearly a dozen states are on alert as a major storm system brings wind, hail, and tornado watches.
• Matt Bloom (NPR):
  • Reports quarter-sized hail, 70 mph wind gusts, and thousands of power outages from East Texas to Michigan, including Missouri, Louisiana, Mississippi, Illinois, and Indiana.
  • No major injuries have been reported.
  • Continued risk of strong winds, rain, and potential flash flooding as the storm moves northeast.

4. “No Kings” Protests Sweep the U.S.

• [02:48–03:33]
• Over 7 million reportedly join nationwide “No Kings” protests at more than 2,000 sites from Boston to Los Angeles, targeting the Trump administration.
• Notable moment: Trump posted an AI-generated video depicting himself as a king bombing protesters from a fighter jet (03:18).
• Organizers claim historic turnout and broad geographic participation.

5. Youth-Led Anti-Corruption Protests in Morocco

• [03:33–04:13]
• Hundreds demonstrate in multiple cities, including Casablanca, demanding better public services, government accountability, and even the Prime Minister’s resignation.
• Michael Koloki (NPR):
  • Notes some protesters call for boycotting the Africa Cup of Nations.
  • Mentions politicians pledging more funds for healthcare and education in response.
  • “Morocco has witnessed a series of youth led protests that have drawn inspiration from similar youth protests in nations like Nepal.” (Michael Koloki, 03:54)

6. China Accuses U.S. of Cyberattack

• [04:13–04:57]
• China formally alleges that the U.S. National Security Agency hacked its National Time Service Center in 2022, extracting sensitive information.
• Windsor Johnston (NPR):
  • The U.S. Embassy has not commented.
  • This claim arises amid escalating digital and trade tensions between the U.S. and China.
  • “The latest claims also come amid renewed trade tensions between the two Nations.” (Windsor Johnston, 04:50)

Notable Quotes

• Greg Myhre (01:05):
  “This appeared to be the most serious clash so far.”

• George Santos (01:32):
  “I have made a very concise decision to apply that for good and use that to make amends with my community…”

• Michael Koloki (03:54):
  “Morocco has witnessed a series of youth led protests that have drawn inspiration from similar youth protests in nations like Nepal.”

Key Segments & Timestamps

| Segment | Speaker(s) | Timestamps | |---------------------------------------------|-----------------------|-------------| | Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Clash | Greg Myhre, Windsor Johnston | 00:14–01:15 | | George Santos on Trump Commutation | Windsor Johnston, George Santos | 01:15–01:52 | | Severe Weather Alerts | Matt Bloom | 01:52–02:48 | | “No Kings” Nationwide Protests | Windsor Johnston | 02:48–03:33 | | Youth Protests in Morocco | Michael Koloki | 03:33–04:13 | | China Accuses U.S. of Cyberattack | Windsor Johnston | 04:13–04:57 |

Tone & Style:
The reporting is concise, urgent, and factual — characteristic of an NPR News Now update — ensuring listeners quickly grasp the essential points of each story.