NPR News Now – October 19, 2025, 3PM EDT

Host: Windsor Johnston, NPR
Date: October 19, 2025

Episode Overview

This fast-paced five-minute episode of NPR News Now offers listeners a concise update on several key national and international events: President Trump’s controversial deployment of National Guard troops to San Francisco, the ongoing federal government shutdown, intriguing research linking COVID-19 vaccines and cancer survival, accusations by China of U.S. cyber espionage, a daring jewel heist at the Louvre, and the latest developments in Major League Baseball.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. President Trump Orders National Guard to San Francisco

• Deployment Expansion: President Trump announces he is adding San Francisco to the list of cities (Washington, D.C., Memphis, Chicago, Portland) with planned National Guard deployments, stating the move addresses “crime and homelessness” ([00:11–00:51]).
• Political Pushback: California State Senator Scott Weiner strongly rebuffs the move on social media, saying, “We don’t want your invading army or ski mask secret police” ([00:51]).
• Legal Challenges: Trump acknowledges legal obstacles faced in other cities but floats the option of invoking the Insurrection Act, which grants the president extensive authority but is rarely used.
• Quote – President Trump:

  “I can use the Insurrection Act. 50% of the presidents almost have used that, and that’s unquestioned power. I choose not to.”
  (President Donald Trump, 01:08)

• Context: The Insurrection Act allows use of US troops for domestic law enforcement, a highly controversial power. Legal battles continue over deployments.

2. Fourth Week of Federal Government Shutdown

• Ongoing Stalemate: The government shutdown enters its fourth week with continued blame between Democratic and Republican lawmakers ([01:27–02:00]).
• Partisan Statements:
  • House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries accuses the GOP of being unresponsive:

    “We haven’t heard anything from Donald Trump or the Republicans over the last few weeks. They have gone radio silent.”
    (Hakeem Jeffries, 01:42)

  • House Speaker Mike Johnson places responsibility on Democrats:

    “I refuse to allow us to come back and engage in anything until the government’s reopened. When the Democrats do the right thing for the people.”
    (Mike Johnson, 01:53)

• Impact: Ongoing shutdown threatens federal workers’ paychecks, closes national parks and museums, increases flight delays, and slows loan and insurance processing.

3. COVID-19 Vaccines Show Promise for Cancer Patients

• New Study: University of Florida researchers find that advanced lung and skin cancer patients who received COVID-19 vaccines in addition to immunotherapy were “significantly more likely to survive” ([02:36]).
• Potential Explanation: Vaccines may further activate the immune system to combat cancer, though additional research is needed.
• Quote – Rob Stein:

  “The researchers say the COVID vaccines appear to help rev up the immune system to battle cancer, but more research is needed to explore how the COVID vaccines might help cancer patients.”
  (Rob Stein, 02:36)

• Caveat: Early findings; larger studies will be required.

4. China Accuses U.S. of Cyberattack

• Allegations: China claims the U.S. National Security Agency hacked its National Time Service Center in 2022, extracting sensitive information ([03:08]).
• Escalation: The accusation comes amid heightened tensions between the U.S. and China over digital surveillance and cybersecurity—US officials have not commented.

5. Dramatic Jewel Heist at Paris’s Louvre Museum

• Incident: Three masked, chainsaw-wielding thieves stole millions in jewelry—including necklaces, a brooch, and a tiara—from the Apollo Gallery ([03:51]).
• Execution:
  • Time spent: Seven minutes.
  • Entry: Through a window.
  • Escape: Fled on motorcycles toward a highway.
• Significance: Items considered of “inestimable cultural historical value.”
• Quote – Louvre Spokesperson (via Rebecca Rossman):

  “The pieces are of, quote, inestimable cultural historical value.”
  (Rebecca Rossman, 03:51)

• Aftermath: Museum evacuated, remains closed, no injuries, police investigation underway.

6. MLB Playoffs Update

• Current Status: Seattle Mariners lead the Toronto Blue Jays 3–2 in the American League Championship Series ([04:33]).
• Next Steps: Winner to face the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series starting Friday.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• President Donald Trump, on invoking military power:

  “I can use the Insurrection Act... that’s unquestioned power. I choose not to.” (01:08)

• CA State Senator Scott Weiner, rebuffing National Guard:

  “We don’t want your invading army or ski mask secret police.” (00:51)

• House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries on GOP silence:

  “They have gone radio silent.” (01:42)

• House Speaker Mike Johnson, drawing the line:

  “I refuse to allow us to come back and engage in anything until the government’s reopened.” (01:53)

• Rob Stein on cancer research:

  “…COVID vaccines appear to help rev up the immune system to battle cancer, but more research is needed…” (02:36)

• Rebecca Rossman, on the Louvre robbery:

  “Seven minutes. That’s how long police say it took… including necklaces, a brooch, and a tiara… inestimable cultural historical value.” (03:51)

Important Timestamps

• 00:11: Trump’s San Francisco National Guard announcement
• 00:51: State Sen. Weiner rebuffs National Guard (“invading army ... secret police”)
• 01:08: Trump on Insurrection Act powers
• 01:42: Hakeem Jeffries: Republicans “radio silent”
• 01:53: Mike Johnson: Democrats need to act
• 02:36: COVID-19 vaccines and cancer study results
• 03:08: China accuses U.S. NSA of hacking
• 03:51: Louvre jewel heist reporting
• 04:33: MLB playoff update

Tone and Style

The language remains direct and news-focused, with concise sentences and attribution. Breaking news and scientific findings are delivered in a straightforward manner, capturing the urgency and complexity of recent developments.

For further details from this episode or to listen to future hourly updates, visit NPR News.