NPR News Now – October 25, 2025, 8PM EDT

Host: Louise Schiavone

Episode Overview

This brief NPR News update quickly covers significant national and global headlines from politics and international relations to health, extreme weather, the arts, and a celebrity obituary. The episode’s main focus is on President Trump’s Asia trip, the ongoing US government shutdown, looming hurricanes, a major food recall, an unexpected Picasso auction, and the passing of a beloved actress.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. President Trump’s Trip to Asia and North Korea Overture

• President Trump’s Travels:
  • First official trip of this term to Asia, with planned stops in Malaysia, Japan, and South Korea.
• Potential Meeting with Kim Jong Un:
  • President Trump signals openness to meeting North Korean leader Kim Jong Un if he is willing.
  • Trump touts his "great relationship" with Kim but has not spoken to him ahead of the trip.
  • Trump and Kim last met at the DMZ in 2019 after quickly arranging the meeting via Twitter.
  • Upcoming events include the ASEAN summit (Malaysia), meetings in Tokyo, then South Korea for the APEC summit and discussions with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.

“If Kim was willing to meet, he’d be open to it. He said that he and Kim had a great relationship and he says Kim knows that he’s coming to the region...”
—Deepa Shivaram (00:40)

2. US Government Shutdown Stalemate

• Day 25 of Shutdown:
  • No progress reported on ending the longest shutdown; the House will not return until Democrats vote to reopen the government.
• Healthcare Subsidies at Stake:
  • Democrats push to extend Obamacare subsidies set to expire by year’s end, arguing for the needs of millions facing higher premiums—especially in states that voted for Trump, which could increase political tension.
• Republican Position:
  • Republicans accuse Democrats of wanting a fight and say there is "nothing to negotiate."

“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 (01:44)

3. Trump Threatens Canada with Increased Tariffs

• Tariff Threat Explanation:
  • President Trump angry over Ontario’s TV ad during the World Series criticizing tariffs; threatens new 10% tariffs on Canada.
• Trade and Diplomacy:
  • Highlighting ongoing trade tensions in North American relations.

4. Extreme Weather: Hurricane Melissa

• Hurricane Warning:
  • Hurricane Melissa set to strengthen into a major storm in the Caribbean, threatening catastrophic floods and landslides for Jamaica, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic.
  • Urgency in Jamaica:
    • Meteorological director Evan Thompson warns of the dangers posed by the hurricane’s slow movement.

“It’s going to sit there pouring water on while it’s barely moving, and that is a significant challenge that we have to be aware of.”
—Evan Thompson (02:54)

5. Hormel Foods Chicken Recall

• Scale and Cause:
  • Nearly 4.9 million pounds of frozen boneless chicken products recalled after customers found metal pieces—traced back to a conveyor belt.
  • No Injuries Reported:
    • The USDA confirms no known illnesses; products mostly sold to restaurants and food service outlets.

6. Art World Surprise: Picasso Painting Auction

• Noteworthy Sale:
  • Long-unseen 1943 Picasso portrait of Dora Maar sold at Drouot auction house in Paris for nearly $37 million—exceeding expectations and becoming France’s most expensive art sale of the year.
• Historical & Romantic Context:
  • The painting, “Bust of a woman with a flowered hat,” chronicles Picasso’s tumultuous relationship with Maar.
• Auctioneer’s Commentary:
  • Called it "a little piece of the story of love between Picasso and Maar."
• Records:
  • Sale does not surpass the painter’s own record (“Women of Algiers,” $180 million in 2015).

7. Remembering June Lockhart

• Obituary:
  • June Lockhart, TV legend known for Lassie and Lost in Space, dies at age 100.
  • Recognized across generations for her iconic mother roles in American television.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On US-North Korea Relations and Diplomacy:

  “If Kim was willing to meet, he’d be open to it. He said that he and Kim had a great relationship and he says Kim knows that he’s coming to the region...”
  —Deepa Shivaram (00:40)

• On Healthcare Subsidy Tensions:

  “There could be some rising tension there.”
  —Ron Elving (01:44)

• On the Danger of Hurricane Melissa:

  “It’s going to sit there pouring water on while it’s barely moving, and that is a significant challenge that we have to be aware of.”
  —Evan Thompson (02:54)

• Auction Reflections:

  “A little piece of the story of love between Picasso and Maar.”
  —Auctioneer Christophe Lucien (as reported by Rebecca Rossman) (03:54)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:18] — President Trump’s Asia trip and North Korea overture
• [01:24] — Day 25 of US government shutdown; Obamacare subsidies debate
• [02:07] — Trump threatens new tariffs on Canada
• [02:39] — Hurricane Melissa threatens Caribbean
• [03:15] — Hormel Foods massive chicken recall
• [03:54] — $37 million Picasso auction surprise
• [04:37] — Obituary for actress June Lockhart

This concise newscast provides a high-level but detailed snapshot of fast-moving political, economic, climate, cultural, and personal news, with direct reporting and memorable moments that frame the major stories of the day.