NPR News Now — October 25, 2025, 5PM EDT

Host: Luis Schiavone
Duration: 5 minutes

Overview

This episode provides a concise update on major national and international headlines, including President Trump’s diplomatic travels in Asia, the ongoing federal government shutdown's impacts on food aid, legal battles over presidential authority in Portland, severe weather affecting Jamaica, major drug busts, and highlights from the World Series. The episode closes with the passing of TV icon June Lockhart.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. President Trump’s Asia Trip and North Korea Relations

(00:01 - 01:07)

• President Trump is visiting Asia for the first time this term, with stops in Malaysia, Japan, and upcoming meetings in South Korea.
  • “President Trump is taking his first official trip of this presidential term to Asia.” — Luis Schiavone (00:02)
• He stated openness to meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, citing a good prior relationship.
  • “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 (00:31)
• Historical context: Last met Kim in 2019 at the DMZ in an impromptu summit.
• Trump to attend ASEAN in Malaysia, travel to Tokyo, then South Korea for the APEC summit, including a meeting with China’s Xi Jinping.

Notable Quote:

• “If Kim was willing to meet, he, he'd be open to it.” — Deepa Shivaram (00:25)

2. Food Aid Funding Amid Government Shutdown

(01:07 - 01:58)

• Concern is rising about the potential end of $8 billion in SNAP (food stamps) funding due to the federal shutdown.
• Local officials and organizations warn this funding is critical for public health and local economies.
  • “Farmers 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, Hunger Free America (01:35)
• Food policy experts urge the Department of Agriculture to use contingency funds, but the agency claims there’s not enough to continue payments, which are now on hold.

Notable Quote:

• “The US Conference of Mayors says it's vital to local budgets and public health systems.” — Jennifer Ludden (01:20)

3. National Guard Deployment in Portland

(01:58 - 02:46)

• A recent appeals court decision permitted Trump to deploy National Guard troops to Portland—but that ruling is now on pause until at least next Tuesday.
• The legal battle centers on presidential authority amid protests at a federal facility.
• No troops have actually been deployed as of the episode’s broadcast.

Notable Quote:

• “The court said it needs more time to decide whether a larger group of judges should take up the case.” — Dirk Vanderhart (02:16)

4. Severe Weather: Hurricane Melissa

(02:46 - 03:00)

• Jamaica is bracing for over 2 feet of rain as Hurricane Melissa passes by, with winds near 75 mph.

5. International & National News Briefs

(03:00 - 03:38)

• The USS Gerald Ford is joining anti-drug operations in the Caribbean.
• Kenya's navy intercepted a vessel with $63 million in methamphetamines; six Iranian nationals arrested amid a rising drug crisis.

6. World Series: Blue Jays Lead

(03:38 - 04:23)

• Game Two of the World Series: Toronto Blue Jays lead the LA Dodgers, 1-0, after a blowout opening game.
• John Schneider, Blue Jays manager, highlights the significance for Toronto fans.
  • “They've been waiting a long time for a World Series to come back here. You can't take it for granted. This is a special place to play and everyone here in this city or this building and across the country, we feel it for sure.” — John Schneider (03:56)
• Game One featured the first pinch-hit grand slam in World Series history.

7. June Lockhart Passes Away

(04:23 - End)

• Renowned actress June Lockhart, known for roles in “Lassie” and “Lost in Space,” died at age 100.

Memorable Quotes with Timestamps

• “If Kim was willing to meet, he, he'd be open to it.” — Deepa Shivaram (00:25)
• “Farmers 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 (01:35)
• “They've been waiting a long time for a World Series to come back here. You can't take it for granted. This is a special place to play and everyone here in this city or this building and across the country, we feel it for sure.” — John Schneider (03:56)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Trump's Asia Trip & North Korea — 00:01–01:07
• Food Aid Funding Crisis — 01:07–01:58
• National Guard Legal Battle — 01:58–02:46
• Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica — 02:46–03:00
• Caribbean & Kenya Drug Operations — 03:00–03:38
• World Series Update — 03:38–04:23
• June Lockhart Tribute — 04:23–End

This episode efficiently delivers a range of timely news for listeners wanting a snapshot of major stories in less than five minutes, blending politics, social and economic issues, weather, sports, and culture.