NPR News Now: 10-22-2025 12PM EDT

Podcast Summary

Overview

This five-minute NPR hourly news update, hosted by Lakshmi Singh, provides listeners with the latest headlines as of October 22, 2025, 12PM EDT. The episode covers diplomatic developments in the Middle East, a controversial request from President Trump, economic updates including corporate earnings reports, a major health study, and a dramatic art heist at the Louvre.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

U.S. Delegation Continues Efforts to Protect Gaza Ceasefire

[00:01–01:10]

• Location: Israel

• People involved: U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner

• Context: The U.S. is actively involved in extending a fragile, Trump-brokered Israel-Hamas ceasefire approaching its two-week mark.

• Main developments:

  • VP Vance met with Netanyahu in Jerusalem as part of a high-profile U.S. team (nicknamed “the Bibi Sitters” by Israeli press).
  • The U.S. team’s mission: Disarm Hamas and rebuild Gaza, moving ceasefire talks to a more challenging phase.

  Notable Quote:

  “We have a very, very tough task ahead of us, which is to disarm Hamas but rebuild Gaza.”
  — Vice President J.D. Vance [00:34]

Trump Requests DOJ Reimbursement for Investigations

[01:10–02:10]

• Source: New York Times (not independently confirmed by NPR)

• Details: President Trump reportedly asked the Department of Justice (DOJ) for $230 million to cover legal costs of past federal investigations.

  • Trump has suggested using money received for charity or White House restoration.
  • He admits to the unusual nature of deciding such a payment while in office.

  Notable Quotes:

  “The Justice Department, quote, probably owes me a lot of money…”
  — President Trump, via NPR paraphrase [01:35]
  “…it’s awfully strange to make a decision where I’m paying myself. …Did you ever have one of those cases where you have to decide how much you’re paying yourself in damages? But I was damaged very greatly.”
  — President Trump [01:52]

• Public Reaction: Critics suggest Trump is using the DOJ for personal agenda.

Financial Markets Under Pressure from Disappointing Earnings

[02:10–02:57]

• Netflix: Missed profit expectations due to an unforeseen Brazilian tax bill. Their content still draws viewers and revenue meets forecasts.

• Mattel: Facing a cautious toy market. While demand for Hot Wheels and action figures is up, Barbie and other dolls are underperforming.

• Economic Reports: UK inflation was cooler than expected. U.S. inflation data is anticipated Friday, right before the next Federal Reserve interest rate decision.

  Notable Market Update:

  “The Dow is now down 156 points.”
  — Lakshmi Singh [04:49]

4,000 Steps and Heart Health — New Study

[02:57–04:02]

• Study: Tracked thousands of women (average age 72) over time.

• Findings:

  • Women walking about two miles a few times a week saw a 27% lower heart disease risk versus inactive peers.
  • Four walks per week reduced premature death risk by 40%.
  • The steps can be taken all at once or sporadically.
  • Study challenges the common “10,000 steps per day” advice for older adults.

  Notable Quotes:

  “People have heard so much about 10,000 steps per day. But among older women, 4,000 was enough.”
  — Rick Hamaya, study author [03:45]
  “They do not necessarily need 10,000 steps per day.”
  — Rick Hamaya [03:48]
  “The benefits of physical activity begin with the first step.”
  — Alison Aubrey, NPR Health [03:52]

The Louvre Reopens After Dramatic Heist

[04:02–end]

• Event: Louvre in Paris reopens three days after a major daylight jewel heist (valued over $100 million).
• Details:
  • Officials are reassessing security.
  • 100 investigators are searching for the stolen jewels and the thieves.
  • The theft occurred about a half-hour after Sunday opening.

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• “The Israeli media is calling the visit contingent the ‘Bibi Sitters.’” — Greg Myre, NPR correspondent [00:58]
• “It’s awfully strange to make a decision where I’m paying myself.” — President Trump [01:52]
• “Women who were in the habit of walking about 2 miles a few times a week had a 27% lower risk of heart disease compared to inactive peers.” — Alison Aubrey, summarizing health study [03:18]
• “Officials are taking a much closer examination of its security system after thieves managed to break in during broad daylight.” — Lakshmi Singh [04:05]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Middle East Ceasefire Diplomacy: 00:01–01:10
• Trump DOJ Payment Request: 01:10–02:10
• Corporate/Economic Updates: 02:10–02:57
• Health Study (Steps & Heart): 02:57–04:02
• Louvre Heist: 04:02–end

This summary captures the major stories, key details, and memorable moments from the newscast, providing a rapid but comprehensive briefing for listeners who missed the episode.