NPR News Now – October 24, 2025, 4PM EDT

Host: Lakshmi Singh
Episode Theme:
A concise update on major domestic and international news, covering U.S. military buildup in the Caribbean, sanctions on Colombia's president, political battles in Virginia, charges against NY Attorney General Letitia James, economic updates, and speculation about a major media merger.

Main News Themes and Discussion Points

1. U.S. Military Buildup in the Caribbean

[00:18–01:11]

• Reporter: Tom Bowman
• The Pentagon is expanding its military presence in the Caribbean to target alleged drug trafficking operations.
• The aircraft carrier USS Gerald Ford has been redeployed from Croatia to join U.S. assets in the region.
• Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell stated the deployment's goal is to "bolster U.S. capacity to detect, monitor and disrupt illicit actors and activities" that threaten U.S. safety and prosperity.
• U.S. forces have conducted 10 strikes on alleged drug vessels, resulting in over 40 deaths.
• Legal and political concerns: “Democrats and some Republicans have questioned President Trump's authority to order extrajudicial killings.” (Tom Bowman, 01:04)

2. Sanctions Imposed on Colombian President and Family

[01:11–01:44]

• The U.S. Treasury has imposed sanctions on Colombian President Gustavo Petro, his wife, son, and interior minister, citing alleged ties to international drug trafficking.
• This move is straining relations with Colombia, long seen as a close U.S. ally.

3. Virginia Redistricting Battle

[01:44–02:24]

• Reporter: Brad Kutner
• Republicans in Virginia, led by State Senator Bill Stanley, challenge Democratic plans to redraw congressional districts after over 800,000 early votes were cast.
• Quote:
  • “I would think some of those voters that have already voted may want to change their vote and they can't now because of what they're seeing the Democrat Party in Virginia doing.” (Bill Stanley, 01:57)
• Democrats have not publicly commented in detail, but one lawmaker called the GOP’s legal strategies a “desperate Hail Mary to deflect from their undemocratic efforts to prevent accountability nationwide for their policies.” (Brad Kutner, 02:14)

4. Charges Against NY Attorney General Letitia James

[02:24–03:15]

• Reporter: Lee Chin Wan
• New York Attorney General Letitia James pleaded not guilty to two federal mortgage fraud charges tied to her claim of primary residence during a 2020 property purchase in Norfolk.
• Prosecutors allege she misrepresented her residence for better loan terms.
• Outside the courthouse, James addressed supporters, stating:
  • “This justice system, which has been used as a tool of revenge and a weapon against those individuals who simply did their job and who stood up for the rule of law.” (Letitia James, 02:48)
• Next hearing is in early December; trial scheduled for January.

5. Inflation Report and Social Security Update

[03:15–04:12]

• Inflation rose 3% in September compared to last year—report delayed due to a government shutdown.
• Social Security payments will rise by 2.8% in 2026, an average increase of $56/month. This bump is higher than last year's, but below the past decade's average of 3.1%.

6. Paramount–Warner Bros. Discovery Merger Speculation

[04:12–04:51]

• Reporter: Andrew Limbong
• Warner Bros. Discovery is splitting into two entities and attracting acquisition interest; reports suggest Paramount may be a potential buyer.
• The Writers Guilds (East and West) issued a warning:
  • “Media mergers harm workers, diminish competition and would be a disaster for consumers.” (Andrew Limbong quoting WGA statement, 04:32)
• WGA pledges to work with regulators to block any merger.
• Both Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery have been contacted for comment.

7. Markets Update

[04:51–04:56]

• The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed up 472 points, more than 1%.

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• Tom Bowman:
  • “Democrats and some Republicans have questioned President Trump's authority to order extrajudicial killings.” (01:04)
• Bill Stanley (Virginia State Senator):
  • “I would think some of those voters that have already voted may want to change their vote and they can't now...” (01:57)
• Letitia James (NY Attorney General):
  • “This justice system, which has been used as a tool of revenge and a weapon against those individuals who simply did their job and who stood up for the rule of law.” (02:48)
• Writers Guild of America (via Andrew Limbong):
  • "Media mergers harm workers, diminish competition and would be a disaster for consumers.” (04:32)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• U.S. Military Buildup in Caribbean: 00:18–01:11
• Colombia Sanctions: 01:11–01:44
• Virginia Redistricting Battle: 01:44–02:24
• Letitia James's Charges: 02:24–03:15
• Inflation & Social Security Update: 03:15–04:12
• Paramount–WBD Merger News: 04:12–04:51
• Stock Market Update: 04:51–04:56

This episode delivers succinct but significant coverage of breaking governmental, political, and economic events, with clear reporting and on-the-ground quotes from key figures, maintaining NPR’s direct and informative tone.