NPR News Now – October 27, 2025, 9PM EDT

Host: Louise Schiavone
Duration: 5 minutes

Episode Overview

This fast-paced NPR News Now episode covers the world’s most urgent headlines as of late October 2025. The top stories include Hurricane Melissa’s advance toward Jamaica, President Trump's Indo-Pacific diplomatic tour, a nuclear missile test by Russia, high-profile art crimes in Europe, and a World Series update.

Key News Highlights & Insights

Hurricane Melissa Approaches Jamaica & the Caribbean

• [00:18–01:09]

  • Hurricane Melissa is a Category 4 storm, heading toward Jamaica with max sustained winds of 145 mph.
  • The storm has already caused three deaths in Haiti and one in the Dominican Republic.
  • Jamaican officials urge all residents to heed warnings and prepare; unity and collective action emphasized.
  • Both of Jamaica’s main airports closed ahead of the storm.
  • Extreme rainfall expected: up to 30 inches.

  Memorable Quote:

  • Daryl Vaz (Jamaica's minister for power, energy, telecommunications and transport), urging nationwide solidarity:

    "Every single Jamaican has a part to play between now, during and after. And if we do it collectively in unity and in harmony, we will recover better and quicker." – [00:55]

President Trump’s Indo-Pacific Tour & China Trade

• [01:22–02:12]

  • President Trump is on the first leg of a week-long Indo-Pacific trip, beginning at the ASEAN summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
  • Trade negotiations with China are the central focus, amidst tensions over rare earth mineral exports and tariff threats.
  • Announcement: a framework for a trade deal has been reached, though not finalized.
  • White House says 100% tariffs are on hold while the framework is in place.

  Noteworthy Quotation:

  • Deepa Shivaram highlights both sides’ trade maneuvering:

    “Trump said that he could raise tariffs again on China by November 1, but the US and China agreed to a framework for a trade deal that was announced just hours ago, though I will say nothing will be final until they meet.” – [01:47]

Russia’s Nuclear-Powered Missile Test

• [02:12–03:14]

  • Russia announces the successful testing of a nuclear-powered cruise missile.
  • Missile reportedly traveled 9,000 miles over 15 hours, designed to evade defenses, with an “unlimited” range.
  • Announcement comes as tensions spike between Russia and the West following new US sanctions for Russia’s actions in Ukraine.
  • Western experts warn such a missile could be unreliable and risky.

  Memorable Moment:

  • Nate Rott summarizes the uncertainty and potential danger:

    “Many Western experts have warned a nuclear powered missile could be unreliable, though, and it comes with a high degree of risk.” – [03:07]

European Art Crime: Paris Heist & German Forgery Bust

• [03:14–04:44]

  • Paris: Two suspects arrested following the audacious theft of royal jewels worth over $100 million from the Louvre; one was about to fly out of the country.
  • Germany: Police busted an art forgery ring attempting to sell fake works by Picasso, Rembrandt, Frida Kahlo, Peter Paul Rubens, and Amadeo Modigliani.
  • The 77-year-old ringleader was caught attempting to sell a fake Picasso; other fraudulent works, including a fake Rembrandt, were seized across Germany, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein.

  Notable Quote:

  • Joe Hernandez on the ringleader’s audacity:

    “The unnamed ringleader also allegedly tried to sell a copy of a world famous painting known as the Syndix by the Dutch master Rembrandt, even though it’s currently held by the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam.” – [04:25]

World Series Update

• [04:44–04:57]
  • Game three is set for tomorrow; the series is tied 1-1 after the Dodgers’ victory over the Toronto Blue Jays this weekend.

Noteworthy Quotes (with Timestamps)

• Daryl Vaz (Jamaican Minister):
  “Every single Jamaican has a part to play between now, during and after. And if we do it collectively in unity and in harmony, we will recover better and quicker.” [00:55]

• Deepa Shivaram (NPR Reporter):
  “Trump said that he could raise tariffs again on China by November 1, but the US and China agreed to a framework for a trade deal that was announced just hours ago, though I will say nothing will be final until they meet.” [01:47]

• Nate Rott (NPR Reporter):
  “Many Western experts have warned a nuclear powered missile could be unreliable, though, and it comes with a high degree of risk.” [03:07]

• Joe Hernandez (NPR Reporter):
  “The unnamed ringleader also allegedly tried to sell a copy of a world famous painting known as the Syndix by the Dutch master Rembrandt, even though it’s currently held by the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam.” [04:25]

Segment Timestamps

• Hurricane Melissa & Jamaica: 00:18–01:22
• Trump’s Asia Trip & US-China Trade: 01:22–02:12
• Russia’s Missile Test: 02:12–03:14
• Paris Jewel Heist & Art Forgery Ring: 03:14–04:44
• World Series Update: 04:44–04:57

Summary Takeaway

This NPR News Now delivers a tightly packed overview of major global events, balancing coverage between dire weather warnings, high-stakes international politics, security threats, headline-grabbing crimes, and sports. The rich details, direct quotes, and rapid pacing keep listeners informed across a spectrum of urgent topics.