NPR News Now – October 19, 2025, 7PM EDT

Host: Jeanine Herbst, NPR
Duration: ~5 minutes

Overview

This episode delivers a concise update on major national and international stories, featuring ongoing political developments surrounding National Guard deployments, a controversial presidential commutation, U.S.-China cybersecurity tensions, a promising cancer study linked to COVID-19 vaccines, and a novel childcare tax initiative in Colorado.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. National Guard Deployment to San Francisco

[00:18–01:22]

• President Donald Trump announces plans to deploy National Guard troops to San Francisco, expanding ongoing deployments in Washington, D.C., Memphis, Chicago, and Portland.
• Local leaders in San Francisco strongly oppose the move, labeling it a "political stunt."
• California State Senator Scott Wiener publicly rebuffs the deployment, voicing opposition on social media.
• Legal challenges in Chicago and Portland have temporarily blocked some of these deployments.
• President Trump references the Insurrection Act as an alternative, describing it as powerful and "unquestioned," but claims he chooses not to invoke it.

Notable Quotes:

• "We're going to go to San Francisco. The difference is I think they want us in San Francisco."
  — President Donald Trump [00:42]

• "We don't want your invading army or ski mask secret police."
  — State Senator Scott Wiener, via X (reported by NPR) [00:47]

• "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 [01:03]

2. George Santos Speaks After Commutation

[01:22–02:20]

• Former New York Congressman George Santos, recently released from prison after President Trump commuted his sentence, gives his first post-release interview.
• Santos had pleaded guilty to fraud and aggravated identity theft and served less than three months of his original seven-year sentence.
• He expresses gratitude for a "second chance" and pledges to atone.
• Lawmakers from both parties criticize the commutation, deeming it too lenient for the crimes.

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 [01:47]

3. China Accuses US of Cyber Attack

[02:20–03:13]

• China’s Ministry of State Security accuses the US National Security Agency of a sustained, multi-year cyberattack on its National Time Service Center.
• Allegations include the use of 42 distinct cyberweapons, targeting both individuals’ devices and the agency’s network.
• The center manages time-setting and broadcasting vital for China’s essential infrastructure.
• The US has yet to comment; the situation underscores ongoing cyber tensions between the two nations.

4. COVID-19 Vaccine Linked to Better Cancer Survival

[03:13–04:03]

• New research suggests COVID-19 vaccines may boost survival rates for advanced lung and skin cancer patients.
• The study, spanning over 1,000 patients, finds vaccinated individuals were more likely to survive.
• Scientists theorize the vaccine helps "rev up" the immune system to fight cancer, but stress the need for more research.

5. Colorado’s Childcare Tax Initiative

[04:03–04:45]

• Western Colorado voters will consider a proposal to create the country’s first special taxing district specifically for childcare.
• The measure, driven by high living costs near Aspen, aims to make childcare more affordable by raising an estimated $10 million annually through a sales tax increase.
• Proponents argue such funding is vital to expand access, capacity, and support the workforce.

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 Tescornia, proposal director [04:18]

6. Market Update

[04:45–04:57]

• US stock futures trade higher:
  • Dow & S&P 500 futures: up 0.2%
  • Nasdaq futures: up 0.3%

Memorable Moments Recap

• President Trump characterizes the National Guard deployment to San Francisco as something the city "wants" [00:42].
• State Senator Scott Wiener's sharp retort about "invading army" and "ski mask secret police" [00:47].
• George Santos expresses hope for redemption and repairing his reputation post-commutation [01:47].
• The first-of-its-kind Colorado childcare tax proposal highlights ongoing struggles with affordability and access [04:18].

For the latest updates, tune in to NPR News Now.