NPR News Now: 10-24-2025 2AM EDT

Host: NPR News | Date: October 24, 2025
Duration: 5 minutes

Episode Overview

This fast-paced installment of NPR News Now provides concise updates on top stories from the U.S. and around the world. The episode covers political deadlock over the government shutdown, a major illegal gambling scandal involving NBA players, President Trump's abrupt moves in international trade and cryptocurrency, developments in Ukraine and Russia tensions, Lithuania’s security claim, and redistricting maneuvers in several U.S. states.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. U.S. Government Shutdown and Employee Pay Dispute

[00:19–01:15]

• The Senate remains at a standstill over two competing bills on federal employee pay during the ongoing government shutdown.
  • Republican Bill: Would pay only "essential" employees working without pay (e.g., military troops, TSA agents).
  • Democratic Bill: Proposes pay for all federal employees and aims to block further layoffs by the Trump administration.
• Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Ron Johnson (R-WI) argue over the “illegal firing” of workers during the shutdown.
  • Notable exchange: “Senator, I really didn’t want to come and argue.” – [01:04]
• With more than 1 million federal workers about to miss a paycheck, lawmakers admit there is "no closer to an agreement to reopen the government."
  • “Lawmakers say they are no closer to an agreement to reopen the government.” – Sam Greenglass [01:13]

2. FBI Busts NBA-Linked Illegal Gambling Ring

[01:15–02:01]

• Over 30 arrests are announced in a criminal gambling investigation, including three NBA players and a head coach.
  • Two distinct organized crime schemes are alleged.
  • “They named seven NBA games from a couple seasons ago in which an NBA insider … gave non-public information to gamblers …” – Becky Sullivan [01:34]
• Highlighted: Miami Heat player Terry Rozier (then with the Charlotte Hornets) allegedly told a friend about leaving a March 2023 game early due to injury; that friend sold the info to gamblers for $100,000.

3. Trump Ends Trade Talks with Canada

[02:01–02:31]

• President Trump abruptly halts all trade negotiations with Canada, referencing a “fake television ad” using Ronald Reagan’s voice to criticize tariffs.
• Canadian PM Mark Carney responds by vowing to boost Canadian exports to countries outside the U.S.

4. Ukraine Urges EU to Use Frozen Russian Assets

[02:31–03:14]

• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addresses EU leaders, calling for expedited use of frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine's war efforts.
• Zelenskyy’s remarks (quoted by anchor): “Russia brought war to our land and they have to pay for this war. In any case, one of the ways to pressure on them is to use frozen assets.” – [02:44]
• Zelenskyy suggests funds could aid drone, missile, and air defense production in Ukraine and Europe.

5. Lithuania Reports Russian Airspace Violation

[03:14–03:50]

• Lithuania alleges two Russian military planes entered its airspace shortly after the EU adopted a new security plan for 2030.
• Russia offers no comment at the time of this report.

6. Trump Pardons Binance Founder

[03:50–04:30]

• President Trump pardons Changpeng “CZ” Zhao, Binance’s founder, previously jailed for money laundering.
  • Zhao had pled guilty in 2023 and served four months.
  • “The Trump White House seeks to contrast Trump with Biden. Press secretary Caroline Levitt says Zhao was prosecuted in the previous administration’s, quote, war on cryptocurrency.” – Daniel Kurtzleben [04:13]
  • Trump administration positions itself as strongly pro-crypto, with the Trump family operating multiple cryptocurrency businesses.

7. Redistricting Moves in U.S. States

[04:30–04:57]

• Virginia Democrats plan to redraw congressional maps before 2026 midterms (per Republican officials).
• California announces a special November 4 election on redistricting, following similar moves in Texas, Missouri, and North Carolina after Trump's call for more GOP-leaning districts.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Senate gridlock:
  “Lawmakers say they are no closer to an agreement to reopen the government.”
  – Sam Greenglass [01:13]

• On tensions over government layoffs:
  “Senator, I really didn’t want to come and argue.”
  – Unnamed Senator during impromptu exchange [01:04]

• On Ukraine-Russia conflict:
  “Russia brought war to our land and they have to pay for this war. In any case, one of the ways to pressure on them is to use frozen assets.”
  – Quoted statement from President Zelenskyy [02:44]

• Crypto prosecution as political issue:
  “Press secretary Caroline Levitt says Zhao was prosecuted in the previous administration’s, quote, war on cryptocurrency.”
  – Daniel Kurtzleben [04:13]

Timestamps of Important Segments

• 00:19: Government shutdown and federal employee pay debate
• 01:15: NBA illegal gambling bust
• 02:01: Trump ends Canada trade negotiations
• 02:31: Zelenskyy urges use of Russian assets
• 03:14: Lithuania accuses Russia of airspace violation
• 03:50: Trump pardons Binance founder amid crypto policy clash
• 04:30: State-level redistricting news

This summary captures the rapid-fire tone and substance of NPR’s five-minute news update, with clear attributions and highlights for listeners seeking in-depth context behind today’s top stories.