NPR News Now – October 27, 2025, 10AM EDT

Host: Korva Coleman
Duration: 5 minutes

Episode Overview

This brief news update covers major international and domestic developments, including President Trump’s diplomatic trip to Asia, ongoing U.S.-China trade negotiations, the federal government shutdown, the impact of Hurricane Melissa in the Caribbean, escalation and ceasefire challenges in Gaza, California Governor Gavin Newsom's political ambitions, the economic implications of declining birth rates, and a U.S. Navy incident in the South China Sea.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. President Trump’s Asia Tour and U.S.-China Trade Talks

• President Trump visits Japan, meeting Emperor Naruhito and the new prime minister.

• The focus is on trade and international negotiations, headed next to South Korea for talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

• Treasury Secretary Scott Besant reports significant trade discussion progress, mentioning a "framework" for the leaders to finalize.

  • Covered topics: tariffs, trade, fentanyl concerns, U.S. agricultural exports to China, and rare earth minerals.

  “We have a framework for President Trump, President Xi to decide on. And we discussed a wide range of things from tariffs, trade, fentanyl, substantial purchase of U.S. agricultural products, and rare earths. And rare earths.”
  — Scott Besant, [00:27]

• Note: Besant cautions that no agreements are final until Trump and Xi meet on Thursday.

2. Federal Government Shutdown Update

• The shutdown is approaching four weeks, the longest in recent history.
• The largest federal workers’ union calls on lawmakers to pass a new spending bill and reopen the government.
  • [00:47]

3. Hurricane Melissa Threatens the Caribbean

• Hurricane Melissa reaches Category 5 status, expected to strike Jamaica overnight.

• Significant flooding forecast: up to 30 inches of rain, with catastrophic, life-threatening risks.

  • Countries affected: Jamaica, Haiti, Dominican Republic, Cuba.
  • The US Navy evacuates Guantanamo Bay personnel as a precaution.

  “30 inches of rain are expected in some parts of the Caribbean over the coming days, creating life threatening and catastrophic conditions...”
  — Nathan Rott, [01:18]

4. Tensions and Ceasefire at Risk in Gaza

• Israeli and Egyptian teams searching for 13 Israeli hostages in Gaza.

  • Israel allows entry for Egyptian rescue team and limited Hamas participation.

• Reports of Israeli military strikes on Palestinians returning to their homes near Khan Yunis.

  • Two civilians killed, three injured; a separate targeted strike in central Gaza against Islamic Jihad injures four.
  • These incidents are seen as potential challenges to a fragile ceasefire.

  “Both attacks appear to be testing the US Brokered ceasefire agreement.”
  — Rob Schmitz, [02:49]

5. Politics: Gavin Newsom on Potential 2028 Presidential Run

• California Governor Gavin Newsom signals interest in the Democratic presidential nomination—but says any decision will wait until after the 2026 midterm elections.
  • Reported from a CBS Sunday Morning interview.
  • [02:55]

6. Demographic Shift: Economies Face Challenges Amid Falling Birth Rates

• Declining birth rates in many countries are reshaping economies—caused by positive trends such as higher education and economic advancements for women, as well as lower teen pregnancies.

  • Challenge: Key economies (US, China, Germany) have too few births to sustain their populations and workforces.
  • Lant Pritchett (London School of Economics) highlights concerns over economic “dynamism” and labor shortages.

  “It’s hard to maintain the dynamism of the economy. You can’t get people to do all kinds of work, from electricians to plumbers to everything else.”
  — Lant Pritchett ([via Brian Mann]), [03:52]

• The result: Strain on pension and healthcare systems; trend expected to continue.

7. U.S. Navy Aircraft Accident in the South China Sea

• Two aircraft (a fighter jet and a helicopter) lost from USS Nimitz; both incidents happen a half hour apart.
  • All crew rescued; Nimitz returns to Washington State.
  • Prompt investigation underway.
  • [04:14]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “We have a framework for President Trump, President Xi to decide on. And we discussed a wide range of things from tariffs, trade, fentanyl, substantial purchase of U.S. agricultural products, and rare earths.”
  — Scott Besant, U.S. Treasury Secretary [00:27]

• “30 inches of rain are expected in some parts of the Caribbean over the coming days, creating life threatening and catastrophic conditions.”
  — Nathan Rott, NPR [01:18]

• “Both attacks appear to be testing the US Brokered ceasefire agreement.”
  — Rob Schmitz, NPR [02:49]

• “It’s hard to maintain the dynamism of the economy. You can’t get people to do all kinds of work, from electricians to plumbers to everything else.”
  — Lant Pritchett, LSE [03:52]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• U.S.-China Diplomacy & Trade: 00:00–00:47
• Government Shutdown: 00:47–01:18
• Hurricane Melissa & Caribbean Threat: 01:18–01:51
• Gaza Ceasefire & Hostages: 01:51–02:55
• Gavin Newsom on 2028 Candidacy: 02:55–03:29
• Global Demographic/Economic Trends: 03:29–04:14
• USS Nimitz Aircraft Accidents: 04:14–end