NPR News Now — October 27, 2025, 4AM EDT

Host: Dale Willman
Duration: 5 minutes
Episode Theme: The episode offers a snapshot of top news stories, including U.S. election updates, international politics, economic trends, and cultural highlights, providing listeners with a concise roundup of key current events.

Main News Highlights

1. New York Mayoral Election Rallies

• [00:19] Dale Willman: Reports from Queens where candidate Zoran Mandani energizes supporters as the election draws near.
• Key Speakers:
  • Zoran Mandani, Mayoral Candidate
    • Quote [00:34]:

      “We do not get to determine the scale of a crisis. Our choice is how we respond. Let us win a city hall that works for those straining to buy groceries, not those straining to buy our democracy.”

  • Event Notables: Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders and NY Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez join the rally, signaling national progressive support.

2. Redistricting Battles Intensify

• [00:55] Dale Willman & [01:11] Mara Liasson: Reporting on Virginia’s impending special legislative session to redraw congressional districts in response to mid-cycle redistricting spurred by former President Trump.
  • Key Points:
    • Virginia Democrats aim to favor their own party after Republicans in Texas, North Carolina, and Missouri initiated partisan maps.
    • Blue states (California, Illinois, Maryland) also pursuing countermeasures.
    • Quote [01:23] Mara Liasson:

      “Normally, redistricting happens every 10 years after the census is taken, but that custom appears to be yet another political norm cast aside during the Trump era.”

  • Context: Rising partisanship and the erosion of traditional redistricting protocols.

3. Palestinian Authority Leadership Transition

• [01:55] Dale Willman & [02:09] Daniel Estrin (from Tel Aviv):
  • Developments:
    • President Mahmoud Abbas, nearing 90, decrees that his deputy, Hussein al-Sheikh, will act as successor if Abbas is incapacitated.
    • Many Palestinians view al-Sheikh as Israel-friendly; uncertainty surrounds permanent leadership amid ongoing Gaza conflict.
    • The Palestinian Authority is sidelined from U.S.-led post-war Gaza planning.
    • Quote [02:29] Daniel Estrin:

      “There’s no telling if he [al-Sheikh] would remain in the president’s role indefinitely.”

    • Quote [02:40] Daniel Estrin:

      “President Trump told Time magazine he wasn’t sure if Abbas had a future leadership role for the Palestinians.”

4. Financial Markets & U.S. Economy

• [02:56] Dale Willman:
  • Asian markets surge, Nikkei 225 reaches record 50,000, buoyed by trade optimism from ASEAN meetings.
• [03:31] Rafael Nam:
  • Fed Watch: The Federal Reserve is expected to lower interest rates for the second month running, reflecting subdued inflation data.
    • Quote [03:39] Rafael Nam:

      “That inflation report will be the only government data the Fed will have for now as the shutdown continues. That means the Fed is in a bit of a blind period as it navigates an uncertain economy.”

  • Corporate Earnings: Meta, Alphabet (Google’s parent) to release earnings; AI remains a central focus in tech.

5. Labor & Business News

• [04:09] Dale Willman:
  • Boeing machinists strike continues at three Midwest military aircraft plants; 51% reject the latest offer over wage and retirement disputes.
    • 32,200 machinists remain on strike, pressuring Boeing on key labor issues.

6. Entertainment Update

• [04:38] Dale Willman:
  • "Chainsaw Man," an anime adaptation, tops North American box office, earning $17.25M.
  • Other notable releases: "Black Phone 2" ($13M), "Regretting You" ($12.85M), Springsteen biopic ($9.1M).

Notable Quotes

• Zoran Mandani [00:34]:

  “Let us win a city hall that works for those straining to buy groceries, not those straining to buy our democracy.”

• Mara Liasson [01:23]:

  “...that custom appears to be yet another political norm cast aside during the Trump era.”

• Daniel Estrin [02:29]:

  “There’s no telling if he [al-Sheikh] would remain in the president’s role indefinitely.”

• Rafael Nam [03:39]:

  “...the Fed is in a bit of a blind period as it navigates an uncertain economy.”

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Segment | Timestamp | |---------------------------------------------|------------| | NY Mayoral Election Rally | 00:19–00:55| | Partisan Redistricting in VA & US | 00:55–01:55| | Palestinian Authority Leadership Change | 01:55–02:56| | Asian & US Market News, Fed, Big Tech | 02:56–04:09| | Boeing Strike & Box Office | 04:09–04:58|

Summary & Tone

In the signature measured and factual style of NPR, host Dale Willman guides listeners through a whirlwind five minutes packed with political drama, global leadership shifts, economic uncertainty, and a pop culture cameo. Reporters provide crisp, insight-laden updates, punctuated with direct quotes, to capture the tension and transformation running through today's headlines. For listeners, this episode delivers a brisk yet comprehensive look at key stories shaping the world on October 27, 2025.