NPR News Now – October 19, 2025, 1AM EDT

Host: Dale Willman | Duration: ~5 minutes

Episode Overview

This installment of NPR News Now delivers a concise roundup of major U.S. and world news as of October 19, 2025. The episode covers ongoing “No Kings” protests in Oregon, the aftermath of a devastating typhoon in Alaska, developments in the Gaza ceasefire, impacts from the federal government shutdown, National Guard deployment discussions in Louisiana, and significant college football upsets.

Key News Stories & Discussion Points

1. "No Kings" Protests in Eugene, Oregon

• Segment Start: [00:17]
• Reporter: Brian Bull (KLCC)
• Summary:
  • A few thousand gathered in Eugene as part of ongoing nationwide “No Kings” rallies.
  • The atmosphere was passionate and peaceful, with many attendees in colorful, frog-themed costumes.
  • Protesters, like Jenny Jonak, voiced frustration at national depictions of the events as violent.
• Notable Quote:
  • Jenny Jonak:

    "Who live in Oregon know that that's clearly not the case. We're always concerned when we see our neighbors having encroachments like that. And also just seeing something that deviates so much from the truth is disturbing." [00:55]

2. Alaska Typhoon Disaster and Evacuations

• Segment Start: [01:13]
• Reporter/Interviewee: Dale Willman, Victoria Sosa (Kipnook resident)
• Summary:
  • One week after a powerful typhoon hit southwest Alaska, evacuations are ongoing.
  • Over a thousand people have already been airlifted; rescues continue as floodwaters remain dangerous.
• Notable Quote:
  • Victoria Sosa:

    "Everything in my house was shaking and I was, I was scared." [01:26]

3. Gaza Ceasefire Tensions & Fatal Incident

• Segment Start: [01:45]
• Reporter: Jana Raf (from Amman, Jordan)
• Summary:
  • U.S. State Department warns of possible Hamas violations of the ceasefire with potential attacks on Palestinian civilians.
  • Israeli shelling in Gaza reportedly killed a family of 11, including 7 children.
  • The bus attack was justified by Israeli forces as a response to an "imminent threat" beyond marked lines—though many Gazans lack clear information about those boundaries.
• Notable Quotes:
  • Jana Raf:

    "Gaza authorities gave the names of the victims. The youngest was five years old. They said the family was in a bus in Gaza City going back to check the ruins of their home." [02:10]
    "Many Gazans are unaware exactly where the yellow line is on the ground. Israel says it will soon mark it with physical barriers." [02:31]

4. Impact of the Federal Government Shutdown on Travel

• Segment Start: [02:48]
• Host: Dale Willman
• Summary:
  • Ongoing federal government shutdown has closed key tourist sites, notably Smithsonian institutions.
  • National Parks remain open but with limited or shuttered services.
  • Lawmakers express concerns the shutdown could exceed the record 35-day closure during Trump’s prior term.

5. National Guard Deployment in Louisiana

• Segment Start: [03:31]
• Reporter: Brooke Thorington (WRKF)
• Details:
  • Governor Jeff Landry announces expectation of National Guard troops to supplement police in cities like New Orleans and Baton Rouge.
  • The move is contentious, with Democratic governors elsewhere opposing deployments and local officials in New Orleans questioning necessity due to a declining crime rate.
• Notable Quote:
  • Jeff Landry:

    "And then also use them in other cities that seem to have a very violent crime rate." [03:43]

6. College Football Major Upsets in AP Rankings

• Segment Start: [04:13]
• Host: Dale Willman
• Highlights:
  • Several major teams suffered upsets, shaking up college football rankings:
    • #9 Georgia beats #5 Mississippi (43–35)
    • #7 Texas Tech loses to Arizona State (26–22)
    • #10 LSU loses to Vanderbilt (31–24)
    • #2 Miami falls to Louisville (unranked)
    • #1 Ohio State, #6 Alabama, Indiana, and Lamar register wins

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• Jenny Jonak on media portrayals of protests:
  "Who live in Oregon know that that's clearly not the case... seeing something that deviates so much from the truth is disturbing." [00:55]

• Victoria Sosa on Typhoon Evacuation:
  "Everything in my house was shaking and I was, I was scared." [01:26]

• Jana Raf on the aftermath of Israeli shelling:
  "The youngest [victim] was five years old. They said the family was in a bus in Gaza City going back to check the ruins of their home." [02:10]

• Governor Jeff Landry on National Guard deployment:
  "And then also use them in other cities that seem to have a very violent crime rate." [03:43]

Conclusion

This newscast delivers a swift, comprehensive update on major U.S. protests, disaster recovery efforts, Mideast conflict developments, political impacts of the federal shutdown, public safety strategies in Louisiana, and shifting college football dynamics. By featuring local voices along with national reports, the episode underscores the range of challenges and debates facing the U.S. and the world.