NPR News Now: 10-27-2025 11PM EDT

Host: Shea Stevens (NPR)
Date: October 28, 2025
Duration: ~5 minutes

Episode Overview

This edition of NPR News Now delivers a concise roundup of major national and international news stories as of late October 27, 2025. Key themes include ongoing government shutdown tensions, legal and political wrangling over federal troop deployments, a potentially catastrophic hurricane threatening Jamaica, shifting U.S. redistricting battles, surprising new insights into Napoleonic military deaths, and seismic political change in Argentina's elections.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Federal Government Shutdown and Union Reactions

• Context: Ongoing federal government shutdown sparks calls for swift congressional action.
• Union Stance:
  • Everett Kelly, president of the American Federation of Government Employees, labels the shutdown as "an avoidable crisis harming families, communities, and the very institutions that hold our country together."
  • Quote [00:36]:

    "There is no winning a government shutdown. Instead, they cost taxpayers billions and erode confidence." – Everett Kelly, quoted by Andrea Hsu

  • The union demands a "clean continuing resolution," supported by Republicans but opposed by Democrats who seek leverage over federal healthcare subsidies.
  • Some federal workers, meanwhile, encourage Democrats to "stand firm," using the shutdown as leverage in spending negotiations.

2. National Guard Deployment to Portland, Oregon

• Situation: President Trump’s proposed deployment of National Guard troops to Portland remains on hold due to ongoing legal battles.
• Legal Limbo:
  • Deployment initially blocked by a federal judge, briefly allowed by an appeals court, but now paused again pending further review.
  • Quote [01:46]:

    "Judges with the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals are weighing whether to give the matter a closer look. They expect to decide by Tuesday evening." – Dirk Vanderhart

  • Protests at the ICE facility in Portland have subsided but saw a recent uptick post-Guard deployment announcement.

3. Hurricane Melissa Targets Jamaica

• Storm Details: Melissa, a Category 5 hurricane, poses severe risks with 175 mph winds, up to 40 inches of rain, 13-foot storm surges, and risk of mudslides.
• On the Ground:
  • Quote [02:52]:

    "I'm expecting that we won't have power for several days. I'm expecting that communication will be compromised for several days. Roads will be blocked. Living will be difficult for a few days." – Peter Lindau, Norbrook resident

  • Human stories: Peter Lindau preps for prolonged outages, delivers supplies to his elderly mother for the storm's aftermath.

4. Redistricting Battles in Indiana, Kansas, and Virginia

• Indiana:
  • Governor Mike Braun (R) calls a special legislative session to consider redistricting to shore up GOP control of the U.S. House.
  • Republicans in Indiana and Kansas reportedly lack sufficient votes for more GOP-friendly maps.
• Virginia:
  • Democrats plan a special redistricting session on November 3.

5. New Research on Napoleon’s Army Deaths (1812)

• Study Findings:
  • Ancient DNA analysis of 13 fallen soldiers reveals deaths likely accelerated by paratyphoid and relapsing fever.
  • Expert Insight [04:28]:

    "These wars were anything but glamorous. For some of them, the death in battle would have been a relief." – Michaela Binder, bioarchaeologist

  • The research emphasizes the devastating impact of infectious diseases during historical military campaigns.

6. Argentine Stock Market Soars After Election

• Political Upheaval:
  • Argentine stocks rally over 20% following President Xavier Milei's party victory in midterms.
  • The election win aligns with a pending $40 billion U.S. bailout, contingent on Milei's success.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Everett Kelly/Andrea Hsu [00:36]:

  "There is no winning a government shutdown. Instead, they cost taxpayers billions and erode confidence."

• Dirk Vanderhart [01:46]:

  "Judges with the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals are weighing whether to give the matter a closer look. They expect to decide by Tuesday evening."

• Peter Lindau [02:52]:

  "I'm expecting that we won't have power for several days. I'm expecting that communication will be compromised for several days. Roads will be blocked. Living will be difficult for a few days."

• Michaela Binder [04:28]:

  "These wars were anything but glamorous. For some of them, the death in battle would have been a relief."

Timestamps of Important Segments

• 00:19 – Federal government shutdown update and union response
• 01:20 – National Guard deployment to Portland in legal limbo
• 02:12 – Hurricane Melissa to hit Jamaica, preparations on the ground
• 03:14 – Redistricting maneuvers in Indiana, Kansas, and Virginia
• 03:59 – New research: Disease among Napoleon's army
• 04:42 – Big swing in Argentine markets after Milei election win

Tone and Language

• The reporting maintains NPR's signature concise, sober, and fact-driven tone.
• On-the-ground accounts, e.g., Peter Lindau’s description of hurricane preparations, impart a human perspective.

For listeners who missed the episode, this five-minute news digest delivers critical updates across politics, weather, science, and international affairs, packed with context and firsthand voices.