NPR News Now: October 27, 2025, 2AM EDT

Host: Dale Willman
Duration: ~5 minutes
Main Theme:
A concise roundup of major global and national news headlines, including President Trump’s Asia tour, US-Canada trade tensions, a campus shooting in Pennsylvania, ceasefire efforts in Gaza, Russian missile tests, new US climate change polling, and the impact of a federal government shutdown on food aid.

Key Stories and Discussion Points

1. President Trump's Asia Tour and ASEAN Summit

[00:18] Dale Willman, [00:35] Adam Hancock

• Busy Diplomatic Schedule in Asia:
  President Trump continued his Asia tour, stopping in Kuala Lumpur for the opening day of the ASEAN Summit.
• Ceasefire Achievement:
  Trump presided over the signing of a ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia following recent deadly border clashes.
• Trade Agreements:
  Multiple new trade deals were signed, notably those involving critical minerals with Thailand and Malaysia.
• US-China Trade Progress:
  US-China trade talks took place on the summit’s sidelines. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant noted that a deal's framework is set ahead of Trump’s upcoming meeting with China’s President Xi.
• Next Leg in Japan:
  Trump will meet Japan’s new leader to address trade and defence spending.

Notable Quote:

"It was a busy stop off in Kuala Lumpur for President Trump. He presided over the signing of a ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia following their latest deadly border dispute."
— Adam Hancock, [00:36]

2. US-Canada Trade Tension and Ontario’s Ad Campaign

[01:13] Dale Willman, [01:35] Dan Carpentuk

• Tariffs Imposed:
  Trump implemented an extra 10% tariff on Canadian products and ended trade negotiations with Ottawa, citing an Ontario anti-tariff ad campaign using Ronald Reagan’s image.
• Political Reactions Across Canada:
  • Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown voiced support for the province’s tough stance.
  • Other provinces like British Columbia are launching similar ad campaigns over US tariffs on Canadian softwood lumber.
• Ad Pulled:
  The controversial ad aired during the World Series before being withdrawn.

Notable Quote:

"Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown says he's glad Ontario Premier Doug Ford had the courage to call out the president on inconsistencies."
— Dan Carpentuk, [01:41]

3. Shooting at Lincoln University, Pennsylvania

[02:12] Dale Willman, [02:28] Chris D. Barena Sarobi

• Incident Details:
  Seven people were shot at Lincoln University. Law enforcement believes multiple shooters were involved.
• Victim Update:
  One fatality: Juwan Jeffers, a 25-year-old from Wilmington, Delaware.
• FBI Involvement:
  The FBI has joined local investigations in Chester County.

Notable Quote:

"It's my unfortunate duty to announce that Juwan Jeffers, a 25 year old young man from Wilmington, Delaware, died just after midnight after suffering a gunshot wound to the head."
— District Attorney Chris D. Barena Sarobi, [02:29]

4. Ceasefire and Hostage Remains in Gaza Strip

[02:39] Dale Willman

• Hostage Body Recovery:
  Under a current ceasefire, Hamas is assisting with the search for Israeli hostages’ bodies in Gaza, aided by Egyptian experts and heavy machinery.
• Outstanding Cases:
  Bodies of at least 13 Israeli hostages remain unreturned as of the report.

5. Russia’s New Missile Test

[03:19] Dale Willman

• Missile Details:
  President Putin announced a successful test of a long-range, nuclear-capable missile (8,700-mile range).
• Skepticism:
  Putin’s claims about the missile’s ability to evade missile defenses are met with doubt from most experts.

6. US Public Opinion on Climate Change

[03:47] Jeff Brady

• Polling Insights:
  Most Americans recognize climate change as real and advocate for government action.
• Partisan and Generational Divides:
  Younger Republicans (under 45) are significantly more likely than older ones to attribute climate change to human activity and to support clean energy and adaptation funding.
• Consumer Barriers:
  Roughly 37% of Americans might buy an electric car, but price remains a significant barrier.
• Global Engagement:
  60% want the US to take a greater role in combating climate change internationally.

Notable Quote:

"Younger Republicans are more likely to support clean energy, electric car incentives and funding to help people adapt to climate change."
— Jeff Brady, [04:08]

7. Federal Shutdown Impact: Food Aid

[04:33] Dale Willman

• Aid Suspension:
  The Department of Agriculture announced that federal food aid will stop November 1 due to the ongoing government shutdown, as the Trump administration decided not to use $5 billion in contingency funds.

Memorable Quotes

• On Asia Diplomacy:
  "Trump also signed a flurry of trade agreements, including deals involving critical minerals with Thailand and Malaysia."
  — Adam Hancock, [00:45]

• On Canadian Retaliation:
  "British Columbia is about to roll out its own anti tariff ad campaign over levies on Canadian softwood lumber."
  — Dan Carpentuk, [01:54]

• On Climate Policy:
  "This poll shows Republicans under 45 years old are more likely than older Republicans to believe the climate is changing because of human activity."
  — Jeff Brady, [03:52]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Trump’s Asia Tour & ASEAN Summit: [00:18] - [01:13]
• US-Canada Tariff Dispute: [01:13] - [02:12]
• Lincoln University Shooting: [02:12] - [02:39]
• Hostages in Gaza: [02:39] - [03:19]
• Russian Missiles: [03:19] - [03:47]
• Climate Change Polling: [03:47] - [04:33]
• Federal Food Aid Shutdown: [04:33] - [04:57]

This episode serves as a brisk but substantial update on urgent global diplomacy, trade conflict, public safety, humanitarian developments, defense advances, American environmental views, and the tangible impact of the federal government shutdown on vulnerable populations.