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
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[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
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[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
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[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
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[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.
