NPR News Now – October 25, 2025, 10PM EDT

Host: Louise Schiavone
Theme: The latest headlines in global politics, U.S. government, health, and weather

Episode Overview

This NPR News Now episode delivers a concise update on major global and national news, including escalating U.S.–Canada trade tensions, President Trump’s Asian diplomatic tour, the impacts of a sustained government shutdown, the demolition of a White House icon, latest health science on collagen supplements, and Hurricane Melissa’s imminent strike on Jamaica.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Escalating U.S.–Canada Trade Tensions

• [00:18]
  • Ontario aired a TV ad criticizing U.S. tariffs during the World Series, reportedly quoting Ronald Reagan.
  • President Trump reacted angrily on Truth Social, ending trade talks with Canada and threatening a 10% tariff hike.
  • Trump is en route to Malaysia to begin an Asian diplomatic tour.

2. Trump’s Asia Trip and Diplomatic Outlook

• [00:56] Anthony Kuhn (Seoul):
  • Trump hopes for a “good meeting” with China’s Xi Jinping, but expects concessions on both sides.
  • U.S. and Chinese officials are holding talks in Kuala Lumpur to de-escalate trade disputes.
  • China has not yet confirmed if Xi and Trump will meet during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) in South Korea.
  • Trump is also open to meeting North Korea’s Kim Jong Un, though there are “currently no plans” for this trip.
    • Quote [01:05]:
      “President Trump told reporters en route… both sides may need to make concessions… US and Chinese trade officials held talks… seeking to de-escalate the trade spat.”
      — Anthony Kuhn

3. Impact of the Ongoing U.S. Government Shutdown

• [01:37]
  • At day 25, food stamp availability is running low.
  • Demand at food banks is doubling; supplies are depleting.
  • Carl Esquivel (Salvation Army, Aurora, CO):
    • Quote [01:56]:
      “We are already depleting resources all the way to December… food pantries, not just ours but many, are struggling to meet the needs of our community.”

4. White House Theater Demolished for New Ballroom

• [02:11] Chloe Veltman:
  • The White House’s historic Family Theater, dating to 1942 (FDR), has been demolished.
  • Presidents from FDR to Clinton and Carter enjoyed the small 40-seat venue.
    • Bill Clinton: “the best perk of the White House.”
    • Richard Nixon watched “Patton” there multiple times.
  • Matt Lambros (theatre historian):
    • Quote [03:00]:
      “There’s small moments humanized each president that occurred in the space.”
  • The Trump administration plans to build a $300 million ballroom. No official comment yet on a replacement theater.

5. Collagen Supplement Hype vs. Science

• [03:14] Maria Godoy:
  • Collagen supplements are popular for skin, hair, and nail health.
  • Research: Some randomized controlled trials show modest benefits for skin after 8–12 weeks, but:
    • Dr. Marianne Makrita Senna (Harvard Dermatologist):
      • Quote [03:57]:
        “High quality studies and studies not funded by industry did not show a significant association.”
  • Best practices: Use sunscreen daily and retinol at night —— more evidence-backed measures.

6. Hurricane Melissa Threatens Jamaica and Region

• [04:15]
  • Jamaica braces for heavy rains and flooding as Melissa reaches hurricane status.
  • Food vendors and locals are preparing urgently in Kingston’s Coronation Market.
    • Diane Thompson (herb vendor):
      • Quote [04:33]:
        “I'm a God now… I may have asked him this morning to keep me can turn back the storm because no matter what, we cannot manage it.”
    • Clive Davis (fisherman):
      • Quote [04:45]:
        “After the storm, there must be a calm, so we all come together and do a cleanup.”
  • Haiti and the Dominican Republic are also in the storm’s projected path.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• President Trump on trade talks:

  • “He expects a good meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, but that both sides may need to make concessions.” [00:56] — Anthony Kuhn

• Food bank strain:

  • “Food pantries… are struggling to be able to meet the needs of our community.” [01:56] — Carl Esquivel

• White House Family Theater memories:

  • “There’s small moments humanized each president that occurred in the space.” [03:00] — Matt Lambros

• Collagen supplement skepticism:

  • “High quality studies and studies not funded by industry did not show a significant association.” [03:57] — Dr. Marianne Makrita Senna

• On facing hurricanes in Jamaica:

  • “I'm a God now… I may have asked him this morning to keep me can turn back the storm because no matter what, we cannot manage it.” [04:33] — Diane Thompson
  • “After the storm, there must be a calm, so we all come together and do a cleanup.” [04:45] — Clive Davis

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Canada-U.S. Tariff Tension and Trump’s Asia trip: [00:18–01:37]
• U.S. Government Shutdown & Food Insecurity: [01:37–02:11]
• Demolition of White House Theater: [02:11–03:14]
• Collagen Supplements: Hype vs. Evidence: [03:14–04:15]
• Hurricane Melissa Update – Jamaica Prepares: [04:15–04:56]

Summary:
This newscast covers fast-changing headlines with focused reporting, reflecting on personal stories amidst international tension, local hardship, and preparations in the face of natural disaster. Each segment weaves in direct voices—world leaders, local community leaders, scientists, and everyday citizens—creating a multi-layered snapshot of the moment.