NPR News Now: October 23, 2025, 4AM EDT

Host: Shea Stevens (NPR Anchor)
Date: October 23, 2025
Format: Top headlines and key stories in under five minutes

Overview

In this episode, NPR News Now delivers concise updates on major global and national events. Coverage includes new U.S. sanctions on Russian oil companies in response to the Ukraine conflict, Russia’s strategic nuclear force tests, record-setting speeches in the U.S. Senate amid a shutdown, rising tensions in the Middle East, a viral stunt for an upcoming film, and the retirement of a historic ballet icon.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. U.S. Sanctions on Russian Oil Companies

• [00:19-00:35]

  • President Trump announces severe sanctions on two major Russian oil companies in hopes of pressuring Russia toward a ceasefire in Ukraine.
  • The decision follows the cancellation of a planned Trump-Putin meeting.

  Quote:

  “Today is a very big day in terms of what we're doing. Look, these are tremendous sanctions. These are very big. Those are against their two big oil companies. And we hope that they won't be on for long. We hope that the war will be settled.”
  — President Donald Trump [00:35]

2. EU Actions & Russia’s Nuclear Drills

• [00:58-01:56]

  • The European Union is preparing to meet on additional sanctions and discuss repurposing frozen Russian assets to aid Ukraine.
  • Russia conducts a comprehensive test of its nuclear arsenal—air, land, and sea–supervised by President Putin.
  • The drills come just before the expiration of the last nuclear arms treaty between the U.S. and Russia (early 2026); Putin requests a one-year extension for further negotiations.

  Quote:

  “Putin overseeing tests of Russia’s entire nuclear triad... included the launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile, part of what Russia's top brass says are practice procedures for authorizing the actual use of nuclear weapons.”
  — Charles Maynes, NPR Moscow [01:15]

  Quote:

  “Putin has called on Trump to agree to a one year extension to give both sides more time to negotiate a new agreement.”
  — Charles Maynes, NPR Moscow [01:49]

3. Senator Jeff Merkley’s Filibuster Speech

• [01:56-02:47]

  • Senator Jeff Merkley delivers a 22.5-hour-long speech—fourth longest in Senate history—amid a government shutdown stalemate.
  • The speech, though exhaustive, fails to prompt progress as the Senate declines to advance a government funding measure for the 12th time.
  • Some lawmakers criticize the move, citing overnight work for staff without pay.

  Quote:

  “We are in the most perilous moment, the biggest threat to our republic since the civil war.”
  — Senator Jeff Merkley [02:14]

  Memorable moment:

  “Speech Merkley chugged a Gatorade. Then the Senate failed to advance a funding measure for the 12th time.”
  — Sam Greenglass, NPR [02:39]

4. Secretary of State Rubio Warns Israel

• [02:47-03:19]
  • U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio visits Israel, warning that annexation of the West Bank threatens the Gaza ceasefire.
  • Rubio continues the Trump administration’s diplomatic efforts toward a 20-point plan to end the Gaza war.

5. Economic Updates

• [02:47-03:19]
  • U.S. futures dip after global market losses; Tokyo shares fall by 1%.

6. US Military Strikes at Sea Increase Death Toll

• [03:19-03:48]
  • The death toll from U.S. military strikes targeting boats allegedly carrying narcotics has risen to at least 37.
  • Strikes spanned the Eastern Pacific and previously, the Caribbean.

7. Buzz Around ‘Bugonia’ Film Release

• [03:48-04:38]

  • The movie "Bugonia," starring Emma Stone, builds hype through an eye-catching publicity stunt: advance screening attendees in California had their heads shaved like Stone’s character.
  • Triple Play Studios, known for viral movie promotions, orchestrated the event.
  • The strategy leans into viral, “off the wall” internet sensations to revive cinema attendance.

  Quote:

  “Moviegoers were treated to a free advanced screening of Begonia after getting their heads shaved bald like Emma Stone in the movie. Among those getting sheared in the lobby was Olabisi Kovada.”
  — Mandalit del Barco, NPR [03:48]

  Memorable moment:

  “I can feel some air hitting my scalp right now.”
  — Olabisi Kovada [04:05]

  Quote:

  “Something that's off the wall and gets the Internet's attention.”
  — Alex Craig, Triple Play Studios Founder [04:33]

8. Misty Copeland Retires from American Ballet Theater

• [04:38-04:57]
  • Misty Copeland steps down following her last performance at Lincoln Center.
  • Her legacy: first Black female principal dancer in the company’s 75-year history.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• President Trump: “Today is a very big day in terms of what we're doing. Look, these are tremendous sanctions.” [00:35]
• Charles Maynes: “Putin overseeing tests of Russia’s entire nuclear triad...” [01:15]
• Sen. Merkley: “We are in the most perilous moment, the biggest threat to our republic since the civil war.” [02:14]
• NPR on Merkley’s endurance: “Speech Merkley chugged a Gatorade...” [02:39]
• Olabisi Kovada: “I can feel some air hitting my scalp right now.” [04:05]
• Alex Craig: “Something that's off the wall and gets the Internet's attention.” [04:33]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Sanctions on Russia / Trump remarks: [00:19-00:58]
• EU and Nuclear Tensions: [00:58-01:56]
• Merkley’s Senate Speech: [01:56-02:47]
• Middle East Diplomacy: [02:47-03:19]
• US Military Strikes: [03:19-03:48]
• Film ‘Bugonia’ Publicity Stunt: [03:48-04:38]
• Misty Copeland’s Retirement: [04:38-04:57]

Closing Note

This concise NPR News Now episode offers a snapshot of evolving international conflicts, U.S. political drama, economic updates, and lighter cultural news, all delivered in a measured, objective tone typical of NPR’s news reporting.