NPR News Now – 10-25-2025 12PM EDT

Host: Nora Ram (NPR)
Date: October 25, 2025
Episode Theme:
A concise five-minute newscast covering urgent national and international topics, including U.S. military actions in the Caribbean, farm labor shortages, early voting in key states, election monitoring controversies, major global election updates, and Game 1 of the World Series.

Key News Stories & Discussion Points

1. U.S. Military Actions in the Caribbean

[00:00–00:46]

• The Pentagon is increasing its military presence in the Caribbean, sending the aircraft carrier USS Gerald Ford amid ongoing attacks on vessels alleged to be involved in drug trafficking.

• Sean Parnell, Pentagon spokesman:

  • “The Ford will, quote, bolster US capacity to detect, monitor and disrupt illicit actors and activities. It compromises safety and prosperity of the states.” [00:21]

• U.S. forces have conducted 10 strikes on alleged drug vessels, resulting in more than 40 deaths.

• There is bipartisan concern in Congress over President Trump’s authority to order extrajudicial killings.

  Tom Bowman: “Democrats and some Republicans have questioned President Trump’s authority to order extrajudicial killings.” [00:37]

2. U.S. Farm Labor Shortage Crisis

[00:46–01:46]

• A coalition of farmers and ranchers is raising awareness about critical labor shortages affecting family farms.

• Zach Rutledge (Michigan State University), speaking for the Grow It Here campaign:

  • “About half of US farmers face some kind of labor shortage.” [01:13]

• Labor shortages pose risks for consumers and the U.S. trade balance.

• Suggestions include lowering costs for temporary foreign worker programs, but year-round immigrant labor remains essential.

  Zach Rutledge: “This issue of the domestic labor supply has implications for U.S. consumers and also affects the trade balance in the U.S.” [01:20]

• The U.S. Labor Department: worker shortages are “threatening the stability of domestic food production and prices.” [01:40]

3. Early Voting & Election Monitoring Controversy

[01:46–02:57]

• Early voting for mayoral and gubernatorial races begins in NYC and NJ; Virginia’s is ongoing.

• California Governor Gavin Newsom accuses the Trump administration of “rigging” California’s upcoming special election, highlighting DOJ deployment of poll monitors in five counties.

• The DOJ describes observer deployments as standard federal law oversight.

• Newsom claims federal oversight aims to cast doubt on results, especially over Proposition 50 (redistricting).

  Gavin Newsom: “They will then suggest after we win, because we will and we must, that somehow the election was fraudulent.” [02:38]

• LA’s top election official downplays significance: “The presence of election observers is, quote, not unusual.” [02:46]

4. International Election Updates

[02:57–03:52]

• Ireland: Early results indicate Catherine Connolly, a far-left candidate, will become president; her opponent Heather Humphries (center-right) has conceded.
  • The role is ceremonial.
• Ivory Coast: Incumbent Alassane Ouattara runs for a fourth term after constitutional changes; leading challengers barred, heavy security presence.

5. 2025 World Series Game 1 Recap

[03:52–04:33]

• Toronto Blue Jays defeat the LA Dodgers 11–4 in Game 1.

• The game turned in the 6th inning, with Toronto scoring 9 runs, including the first pinch-hit grand slam in World Series history by Addison Barger.

  Addison Barger:

  • “I don't know how to describe it.” [04:16]
  • “I mean, I couldn’t feel my legs.” [04:18]
  • “I just kind of blacked out.” [04:19]

• The Dodgers, favored to win, receive their first significant defeat after a strong National League Championship showing.

• Game 2 to be held tonight in Toronto.

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell: “Bolster US Capacity to detect, monitor and disrupt illicit actors and activities. It compromises safety and prosperity of the states.” [00:21]
• Zach Rutledge: “This issue of the domestic labor supply has implications for U.S. consumers and also affects the trade balance in the U.S.” [01:20]
• CA Governor Gavin Newsom: “They will then suggest after we win, because we will and we must, that somehow the election was fraudulent.” [02:38]
• Addison Barger, after historic grand slam:
  • “I don't know how to describe it.” [04:16]
  • “I mean, I couldn't feel my legs." [04:18]
  • “I just kind of blacked out.” [04:19]

Useful Timestamps

• 00:00 — U.S. military actions in the Caribbean
• 00:46 — U.S. farm labor shortages
• 01:46 — Early voting, DOJ poll monitoring controversy
• 02:57 — International elections: Ireland and Ivory Coast
• 03:52 — World Series Game 1 recap

This episode delivers a brisk, impactful overview of fast-moving U.S. military, political, economic, and global sports news, highlighted by vivid quotes and concise reporting.