NPR News Now – 10-26-2025, 8PM EDT

Host: Louise Schiavone
Air Date: October 27, 2025
Duration: 5 minutes

Episode Overview

This rapid-fire NPR News Now episode delivers the top headlines as of 8PM EDT on October 26, 2025. Key topics include a breakthrough in US-China trade negotiations, updates on the Gaza hostage crisis, intensifying partisan redistricting battles in the US, Hurricane Melissa's approach to the Caribbean, California's gray wolf management challenges, and heightened air travel disruptions due to a continuing government shutdown.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. US-China Trade Deal Framework

Timestamps: 00:17–01:13

• Announcement: Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant reveals a "substantial framework" has been reached in the ongoing trade negotiations between the US and China, focusing on rare earth metals and tariffs.
  • Quote:

    "We've reached a substantial framework for the —"
    — Scott Bessant (00:45)

• Details:
  • No immediate imposition of 100% tariffs on China.
  • Framework followed tense talks in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
  • US concerns include Chinese restrictions on metals vital for cars, weaponry, and chips.
  • President Trump’s tariff threat played a key role as leverage in the negotiations.
  • China is expected to resume purchasing US soybeans, pending a formal agreement to be finalized at a meeting between Trump and Xi on Thursday.
  • Quote:

    "The president had given me maximum leverage when he threatened 100% tariffs if the Chinese impose their rare earth global export controls. So I think we have averted that."
    — Scott Bessant (01:00)

2. Hostage Recovery Efforts in Gaza

Timestamps: 01:25–02:15

• Update: Israel has approved Red Cross and Egyptian search teams to enter Gaza in search of hostages’ bodies.
• Details:
  • Egyptian teams, experts in search, rescue, and explosive ordinance disposal, are using engineering equipment to locate bodies believed trapped and booby-trapped in rubble.
  • The focus is on the recovery of 13 deceased Israeli hostages and deceased Palestinians.
  • President Trump, via Truth Social, issued a warning to Hamas to return hostages’ bodies or risk unspecified consequences from peace-plan countries.
  • Among the dead are two Americans.
  • Quote:

    "Their bodies are believed to be in areas that have been booby trapped for days..."
    — Rob Schmitz (01:34)

3. Partisan Redistricting Escalates in US States

Timestamps: 02:15–03:13

• Update: Virginia lawmakers are convening a special session regarding redistricting.
• Details:
  • The session, led by Democrats, seeks to re-draw congressional maps to favor Democrats.
  • The move is in direct response to similar efforts by Republicans in Texas, North Carolina, and Missouri, following President Trump's call for "red states with trifectas" to secure more GOP-friendly seats.
  • Blue states (California, Illinois, Maryland) are also considering counteractions.
  • Re-districting typically happens post-census; current mid-cycle shifts mark a break with historical norms attributed to Trump-era politics.
  • Quote:

    "That custom appears to be yet another political norm cast aside during the Trump era."
    — Mara Liasson (03:05)

4. Hurricane Melissa Threatens Jamaica and the Caribbean

Timestamps: 03:13–03:54

• Update: Jamaica is preparing for the possibility of a Category 5 hurricane in the next 24–48 hours.
• Details:
  • Hurricane Melissa could make landfall by tomorrow night.
  • Warnings of torrential rains, catastrophic flooding, and landslides.
  • Cuba, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic are also in the potential path.

5. Gray Wolves Euthanized in California after Livestock Attacks

Timestamps: 03:54–04:30

• Update: Four gray wolves have been euthanized in Northern California following unprecedented livestock predation.
• Details:
  • California's Department of Fish and Wildlife attempted non-lethal deterrents for months.
  • Wolves, protected under the Endangered Species Act, have rebounded from Oregon migration, leading to increased human-wildlife conflict, especially among ranchers.
  • Officials stress the decision was difficult but necessitated by habituation to livestock as prey.
  • Quote:

    "The wolves had become habituated to livestock as a food source."
    — Nate Rott (04:05)

6. Government Shutdown Impact: Air Traffic and Flight Delays

Timestamps: 04:30–04:56

• Update: Ongoing government shutdown is causing expanding flight delays and cancellations.
• Details:
  • Flights to Los Angeles International Airport were temporarily halted due to air traffic staffing shortages.
  • The Transportation Secretary warns that more disruptions are expected in the coming days.
  • General frustration mounts as the shutdown’s ripple effects expand.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “We’ve reached a substantial framework...”
  — Scott Bessant, on the US-China trade deal progress (00:45)
• “The president had given me maximum leverage...”
  — Scott Bessant, about tariff threats averting rare earth restrictions (01:00)
• "Their bodies are believed to be in areas that have been booby trapped for days..."
  — Rob Schmitz, on the challenge of recovering hostages in Gaza (01:34)
• "That custom appears to be yet another political norm cast aside during the Trump era."
  — Mara Liasson, on the breakdown of redistricting traditions (03:05)
• "The wolves had become habituated to livestock as a food source."
  — Nate Rott, on the reasoning behind the euthanasia of California’s gray wolves (04:05)

Segment Timestamps

• US-China Trade Deal: 00:17–01:13
• Gaza Hostage Recovery: 01:25–02:15
• Partisan Redistricting: 02:15–03:13
• Hurricane Melissa: 03:13–03:54
• Gray Wolves Euthanized: 03:54–04:30
• Flight Delays from Govt Shutdown: 04:30–04:56

Summary

This NPR News Now episode offers a concise, impactful briefing on the world’s top stories—from high-stakes US-China bargaining and deepening political divides in American redistricting, to urgent humanitarian updates from Gaza, environmental warnings in the Caribbean, difficult wildlife decisions in California, and the mounting travel headaches of a protracted government shutdown. The tone is factual and urgent, with key government voices and reporters providing direct, quotable insights into each issue.