NPR News Now – October 25, 2025 (11AM EDT)

Episode Theme:
A rapid-fire overview of the day’s leading news stories, covering U.S. politics, international affairs, the ongoing government shutdown, severe weather, and sports highlights.

Key News Stories & Discussion Points

1. President Trump Open to Meeting North Korea’s Kim Jong Un

• [00:00–00:55]

  • President Trump, en route to Malaysia, states he's open to meeting North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on his Asia trip.
  • Trump reminisces about their prior meeting at the Korean DMZ in 2019, describing it as a quickly assembled event following a tweet.
  • This Asia trip includes attending the ASEAN summit in Malaysia, traveling to Tokyo, and a stop in South Korea for the APEC summit and scheduled talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

  Notable Quote

  • “He said that he and Kim had a great relationship, and he says Kim knows that he's coming to the region, but he hasn't spoken with the North Korean leader.”
    — Deepa Shivaram, [00:18]

2. Stalemate in Government Shutdown Negotiations

• [00:57–01:48]

  • The government shutdown has reached its 25th day without signs of resolution.
  • House Speaker Mike Johnson refuses to call the House back until Democrats vote to reopen the government.
  • At the center of the conflict: the expiration of health care tax subsidies, which Democrats want to extend.
  • Republicans claim there’s no room for negotiation, while Ron Elving speculates they might return to the table if the president initiates talks.

  Notable Quotes

  • “House Speaker Mike Johnson says he won't call the House back in session until after the Democrats vote to reopen the government.”
    — Nora Ramm, [00:57]
  • “Much higher bills are about to hit home for millions of Americans, and they live disproportionately in states that voted for Trump. So there could be some rising tension there.”
    — Ron Elving, [01:25]

3. Pressure to Fund SNAP Food Aid During Shutdown

• [01:48–02:40]

  • Calls increase for the administration to ensure continued SNAP (food stamps) support amid the shutdown.
  • $8 billion in food aid funding is at risk of ending in November, which experts say could devastate local economies and public health.
  • Hunger advocates warn that grocery stores and markets may see layoffs.
  • The Agriculture Department claims insufficient contingency funds, leaving SNAP payments on hold.

  Notable Quotes

  • “Joel Berg with Hunger Free America says the money gets spent at 260,000 retail.”
    — Jennifer Ludden, [02:13]
  • “Markets, big box stores, grocery stores are going to lose that income. I think some stores may actually be forced to lay off employees.”
    — Joel Berg (via Martin Kosti), [02:17]

4. Weather Alert: Tropical Storm Alyssa

• [02:40–03:00]
  • Tropical Storm Alyssa, moving through the central Caribbean, is expected to become a hurricane imminently.
  • The storm’s potential impact zones include Jamaica, Cuba, and Southern Hispaniola, with forecasts for strong winds, flooding, and landslides.

5. Russian Missile Attack on Kyiv

• [03:00–03:25]
  • At least two killed and thirteen wounded in Kyiv following a missile attack attributed to Russia.
  • Ukrainian President Zelensky urges Western allies to supply more air defense systems, specifically seeking 25 Patriot missile batteries from the U.S.

6. Controversy Over Deportation to Liberia

• [03:25–04:25]

  • The Justice Department seeks to deport Kilmar Abrego Garcia, originally from El Salvador, to Liberia.
  • A previous court found sending him back to El Salvador would be dangerous; he was nonetheless deported there before being returned.
  • His attorney, Simon Sandoval Moshenburg, argues the administration's insistence on Liberia as a destination is punitive.
  • DOJ claims Liberia is a “thriving democracy” but does not clarify whether Liberia would safeguard Garcia from further deportation.

  Notable Quotes

  • “They are using the selection of the country of removal as a means of punishing him.”
    — Simon Sandoval Moshenburg (via Ron Elving), [04:03]
  • “The Justice Department calls Liberia a thriving democracy with [which] provides robust protections for human rights.”
    — Martin Kosti, [04:12]

7. Sports Highlight: World Series Opener

• [04:25–End]
  • Toronto Blue Jays decisively win Game 1 of the World Series against the LA Dodgers, 11-4.
  • Game 2 set for the following night in Toronto.

Memorable Moments & Tone

• The episode maintains a brisk pace and an urgent tone, focusing on unfolding political and international issues.
• Speakers are often succinct, focusing on the facts and offering brief expert commentary.
• Multiple storylines highlight the cascading effects of domestic policy decisions, especially surrounding the government shutdown.

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Trump open to Kim Jong Un meeting: [00:00–00:55]
• Government shutdown update: [00:57–01:48]
• SNAP food aid pressure: [01:48–02:40]
• Tropical Storm Alyssa update: [02:40–03:00]
• Kyiv missile attack: [03:00–03:25]
• Garcia deportation controversy: [03:25–04:25]
• World Series result: [04:25–End]

This episode delivers concise, high-impact coverage of national and global headlines, offering listeners a rolled-up look at pressing news without editorializing or extraneous discussion.