NPR News Now — October 25, 2025, 9AM EDT

Host: Giles Snyder
Duration: 5 minutes
Main Theme:
A concise update on significant national and international news stories, covering US politics, ongoing government shutdown impacts, election integrity, severe weather, a mass shooting, and new historical monuments in Alabama.

Key Stories & Discussion Points

1. President Trump's Asia Trip and US-China Relations

[00:00–00:55]

• President Trump begins his first Asia trip since returning to office.

• First stop: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

• Main focus: US-China relations and trade talks amid de-escalation efforts.

  “I expect a good meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, but both sides may need to make concessions.”
  — President Trump (quoted by Anthony Kuhn) [00:15]

• US and Chinese trade officials met in Kuala Lumpur for talks.

• China has not confirmed a Xi-Trump meeting at the upcoming Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting in South Korea.

• Trump expressed openness to a meeting with North Korea’s Kim Jong Un, but no plans have been made; both leaders met previously in 2018 and 2019.

2. Impact of the Federal Government Shutdown

[00:55–01:52]

• Current status: Shutdown has reached 25 days, deepening public impact.

• Pennsylvania: Delays Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) due to lack of federal funds.

• More than 300,000 households affected; program delayed from November to December.

  “I think a lot of people are sacrifice food, medicine, medical care, other life essentials. I think people will fall behind on their rent.”
  — Liz Marks, Pennsylvania Utility Law Project [01:32]

• State pledges to restart the program quickly once federal funds are restored.

3. DOJ Sending Election Observers in CA and NJ

[01:52–02:46]

• The Justice Department will send federal observers to select polling places in California and New Jersey for the November elections.

• Purpose: Ensure transparency, ballot security, and compliance with federal law.

  “Federal election observers are heading to five counties in southern and central California, including Los Angeles County, plus New Jersey’s Passaic County.”
  — Hansi LoBong [02:03]

• The move followed requests from state Republican parties citing past voting issues.

• New Jersey Attorney General Matt Plakkin (Democrat) calls it “highly inappropriate” and says state officials are considering all options to avert voter intimidation allegations.

4. Early Voting Begins in Key Races

[02:46–02:58]

• Early in-person voting opens for:
  • New York City mayoral election
  • New Jersey gubernatorial election
• Both races draw national interest.

5. Shooting at North Carolina Party

[02:58–03:26]

• Incident: Mass shooting at a large party near Maxton, North Carolina.
• Casualties: 2 dead, 13 shot, several in critical condition.
• No suspect in custody; public asked to share information.

6. Severe Weather Events

[03:26–03:45]

• Texas: Tens of thousands lose power after severe storms; more storms expected.
• Pacific Northwest: Forecast for gusty winds, heavy rain, and mountain snow due to atmospheric river storm.

7. Alabama Unveils Statues Honoring Rosa Parks and Helen Keller

[03:45–04:35]

• Location: Alabama Capitol grounds.
• Significance: First statues of women on the Capitol grounds.
• Honorees:

  • Rosa Parks: 9-foot-8-inch statue stepping toward Dexter Avenue, honoring her role in civil rights history.

    “She believed in those words.” (Referencing life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness)
    — Julia Knight, sculptor [04:19]

  • Helen Keller: Statue depicts her inviting viewers to read a book in braille and standard print.

• Dedication attended by Governor Kay Ivey.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• President Trump’s approach to China:
  “I expect a good meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, but both sides may need to make concessions.”
  — President Trump (via Anthony Kuhn) [00:15]

• On hardship from shutdown:
  “A lot of people are sacrifice food, medicine, medical care, other life essentials. I think people will fall behind on their rent.”
  — Liz Marks [01:32]

• On election observers:
  “Federal election observers are heading to five counties in southern and central California, including Los Angeles County, plus New Jersey’s Passaic County.”
  — Hansi LoBong [02:03]

• On Rosa Parks statue:
  “She believed in those words.” (Life, liberty, the pursuit of happiness)
  — Julia Knight [04:19]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:00 – President Trump’s Asia trip; US-China and North Korea relations
• 00:55 – Government shutdown impacts Pennsylvania families
• 01:52 – DOJ to send election observers to CA & NJ
• 02:46 – Early voting in NY and NJ key races starts
• 02:58 – North Carolina mass shooting, details and appeals
• 03:26 – Severe storms in Texas, atmospheric river in Pacific Northwest
• 03:45 – Alabama unveils statues to Rosa Parks, Helen Keller

Summary prepared for listeners seeking a comprehensive update on major developments and stories highlighted in the October 25, 2025, 9AM EDT edition of NPR News Now.