NPR News Now — October 24, 2025 (11AM EDT)

Host: NPR News Anchor (Korva Coleman)
Duration: ~5 minutes
Overview:
This episode of NPR News Now delivers concise updates on major U.S. and global events, covering U.S.-Canada trade tensions, upcoming U.S. and China diplomatic visits to South Korea, the ongoing government shutdown, new federal projects in Alaska, legal developments involving New York's Attorney General, Social Security updates, and Halloween candy trends.

Main Themes & Headlines

• Rising tensions and halted negotiations in U.S.-Canada trade
• Diplomatic maneuvers ahead of leaders’ summit in South Korea
• Latest on the ongoing U.S. federal government shutdown
• New federal projects in Alaska permitted under the Trump administration
• Legal proceedings involving New York Attorney General Letitia James
• Social Security cost of living adjustments and inflation data
• Seasonal update on Halloween candy preferences and sales

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. U.S.-Canada Trade Relations

[00:11 - 01:01]

• President Trump announces cut-off in trade talks with Canada, attributing the decision to an anti-tariff commercial by Ontario’s provincial government.
• The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation disputes the use of Reagan's words on tariffs, insisting the ad misrepresents his position.
• Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney affirms his team’s willingness to negotiate, emphasizing mutual benefits:
  • Quote (Mark Carney, 00:42):
    "We stand ready to pick up on that progress and build on that progress when the Americans are ready to have those discussions because it will be for the benefit of workers in the United States, workers in Canada, and families in both of our countries."
• Carney also notes, “Canada cannot control the trade policy of the United States.”

2. Diplomatic Visits and APEC Summit

[01:01 - 02:01]

• President Trump is preparing for a trip to Asia.
• South Korea will host both U.S. and Chinese leaders during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit next week.
• Conflicting reports: South Korean officials cite the summit location as Gyeongju; the White House claims Busan.
  • NPR’s Anthony Kuhn lays out the schedule:
    • Trump to meet South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on October 29
    • Trump to meet Chinese leader Xi Jinping on November 1
    • U.S. and Chinese trade officials will meet in Kuala Lumpur to ease trade tensions ahead of the summit.
  • Quote (Anthony Kuhn, 01:38):
    “The visits will happen on the sidelines of a summit of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation, or APEC… Meanwhile, US and Chinese trade officials will meet in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Friday to try to de-escalate U.S.-China trade frictions ahead of Trump’s expected meeting with Xi Jinping.”

3. Federal Government Shutdown Update

[02:01 - 02:26]

• Day 24 of the shutdown, with no agreement between Republican and Democratic lawmakers.
• The impasse prevents the passing of a spending bill needed to reopen the government.

4. New Federal Projects in Alaska

[02:26 - 03:08]

• The Trump administration proceeds with three contested projects:
  • Oil and gas leasing in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge — though previous lease sales failed to attract bidders.
  • Advancing development of Ambler Road to encourage mining in Northwest Alaska, opposed by tribal members.
  • An access road for King Cove to a weather-proof airport, crossing important bird migration territory.
  • Quote (Liz Ruskin, 02:33): “Interior Secretary Doug Burgum is opening the entire coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil and gas leasing, but oil companies might not bid. Prior lease sales brought no development.”
• Projects had previously been blocked under the Biden administration; environmental groups plan continued opposition.

5. Legal and Economic Updates

[03:08 - 03:59]

• New York Attorney General Letitia James due in court for bank fraud charges. She claims that:
  • “Trump has weaponized the Justice Department.” (Paraphrased, 03:26)
  • Trump has publicly called for her prosecution.
• Social Security recipients will receive a 2.8% cost-of-living increase next year, reflecting a 3% rise in consumer prices over the past year.
• Brief update: The Dow and Nasdaq are each up nearly 1%.

6. Halloween Candy Trends

[03:59 - 04:48]

• Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and M&M’s top the list for Halloween favorites.
• Divisive choice: Candy corn makes up around 2% of orders, with Mississippi and Nebraska buying 90% more than average.
• Top purchasing states for candy: Utah leads, Hawaii and California buy less.
• Emerging trends: Super sour, spicy, and multisensory candies—such as peelable fruit sweets and textured Nerds clusters.
• Despite rising prices, Americans are expected to break Halloween spending records this year; candy remains the most popular purchase.
  • Quote (Amy Held, 04:30):
    “Analysts point to emerging trends like super sour, spicy or multisensory candies. Think peelable fruit sweets or textured nerds, gummy clusters. Even as candy costs spike, Americans are still reaching for it.”

7. Stock Market Snapshot

[04:48]

• “On Wall Street, the Dow is up about 400 points.”

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Mark Carney on U.S.-Canada trade talks:
  [00:42] “We stand ready to pick up on that progress and build on that progress when the Americans are ready to have those discussions because it will be for the benefit of workers in the United States, workers in Canada, and families in both of our countries.”
• Anthony Kuhn on summit logistics:
  [01:38] “South Korea's national security adviser… told reporters that President Lee Jae Myung will meet with President Trump on October 29 and Chinese leader Xi Jinping on November 1.”
• Liz Ruskin on Alaskan projects:
  [02:33] “Interior Secretary Doug Burgum is opening the entire coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil and gas leasing, but oil companies might not bid.”
• Amy Held on Halloween trends:
  [04:30] “Analysts point to emerging trends like super sour, spicy or multisensory candies. Think peelable fruit sweets or textured nerds, gummy clusters. Even as candy costs spike, Americans are still reaching for it.”

Additional Notes

• The summary excludes advertising and non-content sections per instructions.
• Tone matches the direct, objective style of NPR’s news programming.
• This episode provides a brisk tour of the day’s pressing political, legal, economic, and cultural stories, suitable for listeners needing a quick but comprehensive briefing.