NPR News Now – October 25, 2025, 9PM EDT

Host: Louise Schiavone
Date: October 26, 2025
Description: The latest U.S. and global headlines in five minutes; updated hourly.

Main Theme

A concise roundup of significant international and domestic events: U.S. foreign policy updates, judicial decisions on voting rights, developments in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, commemorative statues in Alabama, and elections in Ireland and Ivory Coast.

Key Stories & Insights

1. President Trump Heads to Malaysia, Comments on North Korea & Drug Interdiction

[00:18 - 01:09]

• President Trump travels to Malaysia for regional meetings.

  • When asked about a meeting with North Korea’s Kim Jong Un, Trump signals openness if Kim initiates contact.

    “I would if he would contact… If he’d like to meet, I’m open to it.”
    — Donald Trump [00:34]

• Addressing military action against Venezuelan drug boats:

  • Trump claims major strides in stopping drug shipments.

    “We stopped all drugs virtually from coming in by sea, and we’ll stop all drugs from coming in by land very shortly... you’re going to see drugs stopping coming into our country.”
    — Donald Trump [00:52]

• Deployment:

  • Aircraft carrier USS Gerald Ford moves to the Caribbean to support anti-drug efforts.

2. Court Ruling Weakens Voting Rights Enforcement in Seven States

[01:09 - 02:11]

• Federal Appeals Court upholds panel decision:
  • Only the U.S. Attorney General, not individuals or private groups, can sue under the Voting Rights Act in specific cases.
• Background:
  • Arkansas United sued over a law limiting voter assistance; panel says private right to sue doesn’t exist, a view now left in place after full court refuses review.
• Wider Impact:
  • Two similar cases are before the Supreme Court. The overall constitutionality of key Voting Rights Act provisions is under scrutiny.

    “The full 8th Circuit now has rejected a request to review that ruling. Two similar cases are before the Supreme Court, which is also reviewing the constitutionality of another key part of the Voting Rights Act.”
    — Hansi Lo Wang [01:27]

3. Major Russian Attacks in Ukraine; Calls for Air Defense Support

[02:11 - 03:13]

• Russian air strikes kill at least 8 in Ukraine, wound dozens.

  • 9 ballistic missiles, 62 “Shahed” attack drones targeted Kyiv and power infrastructure.

    “Ukraine’s military says it did shoot down 50 drones and four missiles in the capital, Kyiv.”
    — Joanna Kakissis [02:28]

• Casualties:

  • At least three killed in Kherson; several children among the injured. President Zelensky seeks 25 Patriot missile systems from allies.

4. Alabama Unveils First Statues of Women at State Capitol

[03:13 - 04:09]

• Commemorated figures:
  • Rosa Parks: Statue depicts movement toward Dexter Avenue, referencing the bus boycott.

    “Held dear, life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. She believed in those words.”
    — Julia Knight, sculptor [03:47]

  • Helen Keller: Statue shows Keller inviting the public to read a book in braille and standard text.

5. Elections and Leadership Trends Abroad

[04:09 - 04:56]

• Ireland:
  • 68-year-old Catherine Connolly elected president (mostly ceremonial).
• Ivory Coast:
  • 83-year-old incumbent president Alyssa Katara seeks fourth term; opposition candidates barred, four remain on the ballot.
• Africa:
  • Commentary on trend of elderly leaders remaining in office, despite youthful demographics.

    “It’s another example of the overall trend in Africa where aged leaders seek to continue in power... despite the fact that Africa’s population on average is the youngest in the world.”
    — Louise Schiavone [04:39]

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• “I would if he would contact… If he’d like to meet, I’m open to it.”
  — Donald Trump [00:34]

• “We stopped all drugs virtually from coming in by sea, and we’ll stop all drugs from coming in by land very shortly… you’re going to see drugs stopping coming into our country.”
  — Donald Trump [00:52]

• “Held dear, life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. She believed in those words.”
  — Julia Knight, about Rosa Parks [03:47]

• “It’s another example of the overall trend in Africa where aged leaders seek to continue in power... despite the fact that Africa’s population on average is the youngest in the world.”
  — Louise Schiavone [04:39]

Important Timestamps

• [00:18] Headline summary/Trump's trip to Malaysia; North Korea stance
• [00:52] Trump on drug interdiction, USS Gerald Ford deployment
• [01:27] Voting Rights Act court ruling coverage
• [02:28] Russian strikes in Ukraine and civilian impact
• [03:32] Alabama’s first statues of women, sculptor interview
• [04:09] International elections and leadership trends discussion

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