NPR News Now – 10-25-2025 3PM EDT

Host: Nora Ramm
Date: October 25, 2025

Episode Overview

In this concise five-minute NPR News Now update, Nora Ramm delivers the latest headlines, touching on President Trump's Asia tour, U.S.–China trade tensions, a significant inflation report amid a government shutdown, controversy over Justice Department poll monitors in California, early voting in several states, the unveiling of important statues in Alabama, and a new Canada-U.S. trade spat. The episode is packed with essential news, offering listeners a rapid, yet comprehensive, briefing on key events and political developments.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. President Trump's Asia Trip & Diplomatic Developments

• Trump’s Itinerary: President Trump has embarked on his first Asia trip since returning to the White House. The tour includes stops in Malaysia, Japan, and potentially a summit in South Korea.

• Qatar Visit: Trump stopped in Qatar for refueling and met with the Qatari Prime Minister on Air Force One, underscoring the friendly relations and collaborative peace efforts in the Middle East.

  “And the prime minister has been my friend and a friend to the world and we've done a lot together in the last, especially in the last year. What we've done is incredible peace to the Middle East.”
  — President Trump (00:18)

• U.S.–China Uncertainty: Trade tensions loom as there's uncertainty over a potential Trump–Xi meeting during the South Korea stop, hinging on ongoing trade negotiations in Kuala Lumpur.

  “Trade tensions have flared and both sides are trying to pressure the other one with tariffs and export controls... If the talks fall through, a Xi Jinping Trump meeting might not even happen. And the Chinese side has not confirmed that there will be this meeting.”
  — Anthony Kuhn, Seoul Correspondent (00:41)

2. U.S. Economic Update Amid Government Shutdown

• Inflation Report Released: Despite the partial shutdown, the government released a crucial inflation report needed for adjusting Social Security payments.

• Impact on Social Security: About 75 million recipients will receive an average increase of $56 per month beginning January.

• Investor Reaction: The report led to optimism on Wall Street, with hopes the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates soon.

• Data Blind Spot: The shutdown has halted most government economic reporting, creating challenges for policymakers.

  “Now those 75 million people will see an extra $56 per month on average in their Social Security checks starting in January.”
  — Maria Aspen, NPR Economics Reporter (01:14)

3. California Election Oversight Controversy

• Governor Newsom’s Accusation: Governor Gavin Newsom criticized the Trump administration for “rigging” the November special election by sending Justice Department monitors to five counties, framing it as a move to sow doubt, especially over Proposition 50, the pro-Democratic redistricting plan.

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

• Official Response: Los Angeles' top elections official called the presence of federal observers “not unusual,” pushing back against Newsom’s concerns.

4. Early Voting Begins in Key States

• New York City Mayoral Race: Early voting opens for the election between Democrat Zoran Mamdani, Republican Curtis Sliwa, and independent Andrew Cuomo.

• Gubernatorial Contests: Early voting is also underway in New Jersey (new governor select), and Virginia (since September 19).

  (Election segment begins at 02:57)

5. Historic Statues Unveiled in Alabama

• Commemorating Rosa Parks: The Capitol grounds in Montgomery now feature a towering statue of Rosa Parks, depicted taking a step toward Dexter Avenue, honoring her legacy in the Montgomery bus boycott and civil rights movement.

• Honoring Helen Keller: A new statue of Helen Keller, shown inviting viewers to read in braille and standard text, celebrates her impact as a writer and disability rights advocate.

  “Rosa Parks’ 9 foot 8 inch statue depicts her taking a step toward Dexter Avenue, where the Montgomery bus boycott was organized.”
  — Rhys England, Troy Public Radio (03:42)

  “She believed in those words.” (referring to “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness”)
  — Maria Aspen (04:02)

6. U.S.–Canada Trade Tensions Escalate

• TV Ad Dispute: Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced an ad using Ronald Reagan’s words will air during the World Series, in protest of U.S. tariffs, prompting President Trump to cancel trade negotiations. Ford said the campaign will pause after Monday.

  (Segment at 04:18)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• President Trump on Middle East Peace:
  “What we've done is incredible peace to the Middle East.” (00:18)

• Anthony Kuhn on U.S.–China Relations:
  “If the talks fall through, a Xi Jinping Trump meeting might not even happen.” (00:47)

• Maria Aspen on Social Security:
  “Now those 75 million people will see an extra $56 per month on average in their Social Security checks starting in January.” (01:21)

• Gov. Newsom on Election Oversight:
  “They will then suggest after we win, because we will and we must, that somehow the election was fraudulent.” (02:38)

• Rhys England on Rosa Parks Statue:
  “Rosa Parks’ 9 foot 8 inch statue depicts her taking a step toward Dexter Avenue, where the Montgomery bus boycott was organized.” (03:42)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:01 – President Trump’s Asia trip and Qatar meeting
• 00:41 – U.S.–China trade tensions and possible Trump–Xi summit
• 01:14 – Inflation report and Social Security update during shutdown
• 02:00 – California election monitoring controversy
• 02:57 – Early voting in NY, NJ, and VA
• 03:42 – Statues of Rosa Parks and Helen Keller unveiled in Alabama
• 04:18 – U.S.–Canada trade spat escalates with TV ad controversy

This fast-paced NPR News Now episode delivers the day’s top stories in a straightforward, balanced manner—providing essential context and key voices in U.S. and international affairs.