NPR News Now: October 25, 2025, 7PM EDT

Host: Louise Schiavone | NPR

Overview

This episode delivers the day's top headlines, covering escalating U.S.-Canada trade tensions, President Trump's diplomatic moves in Asia, continued conflict in Ukraine, the impact of the ongoing U.S. government shutdown, Hurricane Melissa's threat in the Caribbean, a dramatic World Series opener, and the consequences of missing government economic data.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Escalating U.S.-Canada Trade Tensions

[00:01 – 00:44]

• Ontario aired a TV commercial during the World Series that criticized U.S. tariffs, quoting Ronald Reagan.
• President Trump responded angrily via Truth Social, declaring the end of trade talks with Canada and instituting a 10% tariff increase.
• Trump is en route to Asia, putting a freeze on U.S.-Canada negotiations.

2. Trump’s Asia Trip and Regional Diplomacy

[00:44 – 01:24]

• This marks Trump’s first Asian visit in his second term, focusing on the ASEAN summit.
• He’ll meet Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and witness a Thailand-Cambodia peace treaty signing.
• Trump claims credit for peace efforts after deadly July border skirmishes in Southeast Asia.
• Tariffs on export-reliant Asian economies are expected to be discussed.
• Upcoming stops include Japan and a high-stakes meeting with China’s Xi Jinping in South Korea.

Memorable Quote:

“The U.S. leader has taken credit for ending the conflict, which saw dozens of people killed and hundreds of thousands displaced during border skirmishes in July.”
— Adam Hancock [00:53]

3. Russian Strikes Escalate in Ukraine

[01:24 – 02:22]

• Ukraine reports at least eight killed and dozens wounded in the latest Russian attacks.
• Strikes targeted neighborhoods and the energy grid; Russia dismisses ceasefire calls.
• Ukraine shot down 50 drones and four missiles; capital Kyiv suffered fatalities and injuries.
• Southern Kherson region was particularly hard-hit, including injuries to children.
• President Zelensky is seeking 25 U.S. Patriot air defense systems for protection.

Notable Context:

“Russia launched nine ballistic missiles and 62 attack drones called shaheds, which resemble small planes and often carry warheads.”
— Joanna Kakisis [01:40]

4. U.S. Government Shutdown's Fallout: Food Security Crisis

[02:22 – 02:57]

• The shutdown endangers food stamp programs; food banks nationwide are running low.
• Demand has doubled, stretching resources perilously thin ahead of winter.

Memorable Quote:

“We are already depleting resources all the way to December. This is our attempt of getting the story out there that food pantries, not just ours, but many even smaller food pantries right, are struggling to be able to meet the needs of our community.”
— Carl Esquivel, Salvation Army Executive Director, Aurora [02:43]

5. Hurricane Melissa Threatens Jamaica

[02:57 – 03:30]

• Heavy rains and winds (75 mph) threaten catastrophic flooding in Jamaica.
• Hurricane Melissa has already caused fatalities in Haiti and the Dominican Republic.

6. World Series Update: Toronto Blue Jays vs. LA Dodgers

[03:30 – 04:15]

• Toronto leads series 1-0 after an 11-4 blowout; first World Series appearance since 1993.
• Features the first-ever pinch-hit grand slam in World Series history—blue Jays take commanding game one lead.

Memorable Quotes:

“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, here in this building and across the country, we feel it for sure.”
— John Schneider, Blue Jays Manager [03:48]

7. Missing Inflation Data Amid Government Shutdown

[04:15 – END]

• No government inflation report will be issued for the first time in over 70 years.
• The shutdown means Wall Street and the Federal Reserve will operate without key pricing data.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Adam Hancock on Trump's diplomacy:

  “The U.S. leader has taken credit for ending the conflict...” [00:53]

• Joanna Kakisis on Russian arsenal:

  “Russia launched nine ballistic missiles and 62 attack drones called shaheds...” [01:40]

• Carl Esquivel on food insecurity:

  “We are already depleting resources all the way to December...” [02:43]

• John Schneider on the World Series crowd:

  “They've been waiting a long time for a World Series to come back here...” [03:48]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• U.S.-Canada Tariff Tensions & Trump's Reaction: 00:01 – 00:44
• Trump’s Asia Visit & ASEAN Summit: 00:44 – 01:24
• Russian Attacks in Ukraine: 01:24 – 02:22
• Government Shutdown & Food Bank Shortages: 02:22 – 02:57
• Hurricane Melissa Update: 02:57 – 03:30
• World Series Opener Recap: 03:30 – 04:15
• Missing Inflation Report Due to Shutdown: 04:15 – End

This episode delivers a swift yet comprehensive look at international diplomacy, domestic policy fallout, global conflict, major weather events, sports milestones, and the practical consequences of U.S. government dysfunction—all with voices from NPR’s global network.