NPR News Now – 10-24-2025 6PM EDT

Host: Ryland Barton (NPR)
Date: October 24, 2025
Duration: 5 minutes

Episode Overview

This concise news roundup from NPR delivers updates on escalating U.S.-Colombia tensions amid new sanctions, the ongoing government shutdown and its ripple effects, significant arrests in Latin America over environmental crime, fresh research on urinary tract infection sources, and a curious case of mink released from an Iowa farm.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. U.S. Sanctions on Colombia & Escalating Tensions

[00:00-01:18]

• Sanctions Announced:
  The Trump administration has imposed sanctions on Colombian President Gustavo Petro, his family, and his interior minister, citing alleged ties to international drug trafficking.
• Context & Reaction:
  Tensions increase as Petro criticizes U.S. military action targeting alleged drug transport boats. The U.S. Treasury claims cocaine production has surged.
• Military Buildup:
  The Pentagon is deploying the USS Gerald Ford to the Caribbean, supplementing an existing military presence to deter drug trafficking.
• Controversy Over Strikes:
  U.S. forces have conducted 10 strikes on suspected drug vessels, resulting in over 40 deaths, sparking debate over the legality and ethics of such actions.
• Notable Quote:
  “Democrats and some Republicans have questioned President Trump's authority to order extrajudicial killings.” — Tom Bowman ([01:12])

2. Federal Government Shutdown & Its Growing Impact

[01:18-02:48]

• Affected Federal Workers:
  Nearly 1.5 million workers are impacted, going without pay.
• Economic Ripple:
  Absenteeism at local businesses (e.g., grocery stores near federal buildings) and daycares is rising as families are furloughed.
  • “Grocery stores that are located near federal buildings are seeing less foot traffic. Daycares are seeing fewer kids because their parents are now furloughed.” — Andrea Hsu ([01:30])
• Unconventional Solutions:
  Trump administration is reallocating funds to cover some roles, including military; Pentagon receives an anonymous $130 million donation to pay troops—a move raising ethical concerns.
• Flight Disruptions:
  Staffing shortages cause significant delays (notably at Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental), and the situation threatens to worsen as controllers work without pay.
• Notable Moments:
  • “Their paycheck is going to be a big fat zero.” — Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy ([02:35])
  • Funding for air traffic control trainees may soon deplete.

3. International Law Enforcement – Environmental Crime Crackdown

[02:48-03:36]

• Interpol Operation:
  Sweeping investigation across nine Latin American countries leads to 225 arrests, 400+ environmental crime cases, and seizures of timber, animals, and weapons.
• Significance:
  The operation reveals organized crime’s deep involvement in illegal logging, wildlife trafficking, and mining, mapping out transnational routes.

4. New Research on UTIs and Food Safety

[03:36-04:23]

• Study Findings:
  Nearly 20% of UTIs in Southern California patients traced to E. coli strains found in local meat (especially turkey and chicken) over four years.
• Implications:
  This challenges the prevailing notion that UTIs are strictly a hygiene issue and frames them as a potential food safety concern.
• Notable Quote:
  • “While UTIs have long been considered a personal hygiene problem, the new findings suggest they're also a food safety problem.” — Maria Godoy ([04:17])

5. Animal Rights & Mink Release Incident

[04:23-End]

• Iowa Mink Farm Incident:
  Over 1,000 mink were released from a farm, with 60% recovered by morning.
• Uncertainty Remains:
  Details about the perpetrators (“intruders”) and remaining mink are unresolved.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On U.S.-Colombia Tensions:
  “Democrats and some Republicans have questioned President Trump's authority to order extrajudicial killings.” — Tom Bowman ([01:12])

• On the Federal Shutdown’s Spread:
  “Grocery stores that are located near federal buildings are seeing less foot traffic. Daycares are seeing fewer kids because their parents are now furloughed.” — Andrea Hsu ([01:30])

• On Air Traffic Controllers’ Pay:
  “Their paycheck is going to be a big fat zero.” — Sec. Sean Duffy ([02:35])

• On UTI Causes:
  “While UTIs have long been considered a personal hygiene problem, the new findings suggest they're also a food safety problem.” — Maria Godoy ([04:17])

Important Segment Timestamps

• U.S.-Colombia Sanctions & Military Movement: [00:00–01:18]
• Government Shutdown & Economic Impact: [01:18–02:10]
• Flight Disruptions & FAA Staffing: [02:10–02:48]
• Interpol Environmental Crime Operation: [02:48–03:36]
• UTI Study & Food Safety: [03:36–04:23]
• Iowa Mink Release Incident: [04:23–End]

This tightly packed update delivers essential national and international news, highlighting both geopolitical shifts and day-to-day impacts on American life—covering everything from contentious foreign policy moves to the unexpected links between dinner tables and public health.