NPR News Now: October 26, 2025, 11PM EDT

Host: Dale Willman (NPR News)
Date: October 27, 2025
Duration: Five minutes
Theme: Rapid-fire global news update covering US-China trade, Hurricane Melissa, Argentine elections, Boeing strike, Louvre heist arrests, LAX disruptions, and NCAA football rankings.

Main Theme

This five-minute episode delivers key global and national headlines, focusing on major political, economic, and natural events with concise reporting from NPR correspondents.

Key Stories and Insights

1. US-China Trade Negotiations

[00:17–01:21]

• Overview:
  The US and China have reached a tentative trade deal, possibly averting major tariff hikes and export restrictions. The agreement was announced during the ASEAN summit in Malaysia, setting the stage for an imminent meeting between President Trump and President Xi Jinping.

• Highlights:

  • Rare earths and American soybean imports were focal points in negotiations.
  • Chinese Negotiator Li Chenggang: “The US presented its views forcefully but China protected its interests.” ([00:46])
  • US Treasury Secretary Scott Besant confirmed that Trump’s threatened 100% tariff and China’s rare earth export controls are both “effectively off the table.” ([01:05])

• Notable Quote:

  "The US presented its views forcefully but China protected its interests."
  — Li Chenggang, Chinese trade negotiator ([00:46])

2. Hurricane Melissa Threatens the Caribbean

[01:21–01:40]

• Overview:
  Hurricane Melissa is forecast to hit Jamaica late Monday or early Tuesday, with airports closed and people seeking shelter. Up to 30 inches of rain could impact Jamaica, Cuba, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic.

• Local Voice:

  • Robert Edwards (Jamaica): “I myself got to the supermarket and it was a rush… so I can see that different persons are taking the stamp very serious.” ([01:32])

• Impact: Sustained winds at 145 mph, prompting massive preparations.

3. Argentina Midterm Election Results

[01:41–02:53]

• Overview:
  President Javier Milei and the Libertarian party scored a decisive victory in Argentina’s midterms, securing over 40% of the popular vote, outpacing left-leaning opposition by nearly nine points. The outcome is also notable for recent US economic intervention.

• Highlights:

  • US has approved a $20 billion currency swap to support Argentina’s peso.
  • President Milei pledges to continue his “tough economic prescriptions.”
  • American and Trump administration support for Milei is emphasized.

• Notable Quote:

  “This election drew more eyes than usual due to the unexpected intervention of the United States in Argentina’s economy.”
  — Natalie Alcoba, NPR Buenos Aires ([02:31])

4. Boeing Workers’ Strike Continues

[02:53–03:32]

• Overview:
  Workers at three Boeing Midwest plants have narrowly rejected a new contract offer, extending a strike that has lasted nearly three months. The facilities focus on developing military aircraft and weapons.

• Details:

  • 3,200 machinists on strike
  • Votes: 51% opposed the deal

5. Louvre Jewel Theft: Arrests Made

[03:32–04:13]

• Overview:
  French police have arrested two of the four suspects in the $100M Louvre jewel heist, relying on video surveillance and abundant forensic evidence.

• Highlights:

  • One suspect arrested at Charles de Gaulle Airport.
  • Over 150 samples of fingerprints/DNA found on crime scene items (including one of Empress Eugenie’s dropped crowns).
  • The remaining two accomplices and the jewel haul are still missing.

• Notable Quote:

  “French media are reporting that more than 150 samples of the men’s fingerprints and DNA were discovered on items left behind at the scene of the crime…”
  — Eleanor Beardsley, NPR Paris ([03:40])

6. Air Traffic Disruption at LAX

[04:13–04:29]

• Overview:
  A staffing shortage during the federal shutdown caused Los Angeles International Airport flights to be halted for 1 hour 45 minutes.

• Context:

  • Air traffic controllers are currently working without pay.

7. College Football Rankings

[04:30–04:56]

• Overview:
  The Big Ten dominates the latest NCAA rankings:
  • Ohio State leads at #1 after a bye week.
  • Indiana secures #2 by defeating UCLA (score: 56–6).
  • Top five rounded out by Texas A&M, Alabama, and Georgia.
  • Vanderbilt attains its highest ranking in 88 years (top 10).

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• Li Chenggang (Chinese Trade Negotiator):

  “The US presented its views forcefully but China protected its interests.” ([00:46])

• Robert Edwards (Jamaica Resident):

  “It was a rush… different persons are taking the stamp very serious.” ([01:32])

• Natalie Alcoba (NPR Buenos Aires Correspondent):

  “This election drew more eyes than usual due to the unexpected intervention of the United States in Argentina’s economy.” ([02:31])

• Eleanor Beardsley (NPR Paris Correspondent):

  “More than 150 samples of the men’s fingerprints and DNA were discovered on items left behind at the scene of the crime…” ([03:40])

Segment Timestamps

• US-China Trade Deal: [00:17–01:21]
• Hurricane Melissa (Jamaica): [01:21–01:40]
• Argentina Midterms: [01:41–02:53]
• Boeing Strike: [02:53–03:32]
• Louvre Heist Arrests: [03:32–04:13]
• LAX Flight Halt: [04:13–04:29]
• NCAA College Football: [04:30–04:56]

Tone & Style

The episode maintains NPR’s neutral, succinct, and informative reporting style, delivering each story with clarity and a global perspective. The concise nature of NPR News Now ensures fast-paced coverage, giving listeners the essentials to stay informed on major events.