NPR News Now – October 23, 2025, 6AM EDT

Host: Korva Coleman
Episode Theme: A brief but wide-ranging update on significant political, economic, and cultural developments in the U.S. and globally as of October 23, 2025.

Main Episode Overview

This episode delivers headline news focused on the ongoing federal government shutdown, political maneuvering in Congress, international sanctions and military actions, a contentious New York City mayoral race, and notable business and cultural highlights. Each segment succinctly captures the pressing issues of the hour, providing listeners with up-to-date information on topics affecting Americans at home and abroad.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Ongoing Federal Government Shutdown

[00:00 – 01:03]

• Senator Jeff Merkley’s Marathon Speech:

  • The 23rd day of the federal shutdown is marked by Oregon Democrat Jeff Merkley’s extended Senate speech (over 22 hours), the fourth-longest in Senate history.
  • Merkley used the opportunity to voice strong criticism of the Trump administration, calling it the “biggest threat to our republic since the Civil War.”

    “We are in the most perilous moment, the biggest threat to our republic since the Civil War.” — Sen. Jeff Merkley [00:29]

  • Republican John Barrasso criticized Merkley for keeping staff working overnight during the shutdown, emphasizing concerns about staff well-being amid unpaid work.

• Stalemate in Congress:

  • Despite Merkley's efforts, the Senate failed to pass a funding measure for the twelfth time.
  • Merkley’s speech was punctuated by a moment of levity:

    "Merkley chugged a Gatorade. Then the Senate failed to advance a funding measure for the 12th time." — Sam Greenglass [00:55]

2. Impact of Shutdown on Food Assistance

[01:03 – 01:46]

• Impending Loss of Food Aid:
  • States warn that millions will lose access to food assistance in about a week if the shutdown persists.
  • Heather Williams of Houston candidly describes her family’s dire choices:

    "We'd have to choose between paying our rent or getting food. We'd have to choose between paying our car insurance and getting food." — Heather Williams [01:15]

  • Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers has appealed to the Agriculture Department for emergency funding.

3. U.S. Foreign Policy Developments

[01:46 – 02:22]

• Sanctions on Russian Oil Companies:

  • President Trump announced unprecedented sanctions against two major Russian oil firms, the first such move this term, stating they are intended to help settle the war in Ukraine.
  • Trump, however, also refused Ukraine's longstanding request for long-range Tomahawk missiles:

    "It'll take a minimum of six months, usually a year, to learn how to use them. They're highly complex, so the only way a Tomahawk is going to be shot is if we shot it, and we're not going to do that." — President Trump [02:02]

  • Ukrainians are reportedly disappointed, seeing the decision as closing the door on their request.

• US Military Actions in Central America:

  • The administration announced recent attacks on two boats in the eastern Pacific (alleged drug traffickers), resulting in five additional deaths.
  • No evidence has yet been provided, but these attacks are part of a pattern—with about 40 deaths attributed to US attacks in the region this year.

4. NYC Mayoral Debate: Palestinian Rights and Antisemitism

[03:15 – 03:56]

• Candidate Zoran Mamdani Under Scrutiny:

  • Mamdani, likely to be the city’s first Muslim mayor, faced criticism from more than 700 rabbis for his stances on Israel and Gaza.
  • On stage, Mamdani reaffirmed his commitment to protecting and celebrating New York’s Jewish community:

    "I will be the mayor who doesn't just protect Jewish New Yorkers, but also celebrates and cherishes them." — Zoran Mamdani [03:30]

  • Rival Andrew Cuomo sharply challenged Mamdani, referencing slogans and growing fears:

    "You're the savior of the Jewish people. You won't denounce, globalize the intifada, which means kill Jews. There's unprecedented fear in New York." — Andrew Cuomo [03:38]

• Political Endorsements:

  • Despite controversy, Mamdani has received endorsements from some local Jewish leaders.

5. Business & Pop Culture Updates

[03:56 – End]

• NYC Mayoral Contest Update:

  • Republican candidate Curtis Sliwat is still in the mayoral race.

• Tesla’s Financial Performance:

  • Tesla reported a sharp 37% decrease in net income for the third quarter, despite strong vehicle deliveries—a third consecutive quarterly profit drop.

• Super Bowl Halftime Performer Controversy:

  • NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell confirmed Bad Bunny as the halftime act, dismissing backlash against having a Spanish-speaking, Puerto Rican artist.

    "The NFL always gets criticism for its choice of super bowl artists. He says it's hard to avoid when hundreds of millions of people are watching." — Roger Goodell (paraphrased) [approx. 04:50]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "We are in the most perilous moment, the biggest threat to our republic since the Civil War."
  — Sen. Jeff Merkley [00:29]

• "We'd have to choose between paying our rent or getting food. We'd have to choose between paying our car insurance and getting food."
  — Heather Williams [01:15]

• "It'll take a minimum of six months, usually a year, to learn how to use them. They're highly complex, so the only way a Tomahawk is going to be shot is if we shot it, and we're not going to do that."
  — President Trump [02:02]

• "I will be the mayor who doesn't just protect Jewish New Yorkers, but also celebrates and cherishes them."
  — Zoran Mamdani [03:30]

• "You're the savior of the Jewish people. You won't denounce, globalize the intifada, which means kill Jews. There's unprecedented fear in New York."
  — Andrew Cuomo [03:38]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Federal Government Shutdown & Senate Drama: [00:00 – 01:03]
• Food Assistance Crisis: [01:03 – 01:46]
• Russia/Ukraine Sanctions & US Military Actions: [01:46 – 02:22]
• NYC Mayoral Debate on Palestinian Rights/Antisemitism: [03:15 – 03:56]
• Tesla/Business & Super Bowl Performer: [03:56 – end]

This episode of NPR News Now delivers a rapid-fire yet comprehensive update on urgent legislative impasses, food insecurity, U.S. foreign policy acts, sharp debate in America’s largest city, and cultural flashpoints—capturing the tumultuous mood and key battles shaping October 2025.