NPR News Now: October 28, 2025, 10PM EDT
Host: Giles Snyder, NPR News Anchor
Runtime: ~5 min
Summary prepared for listeners seeking in-depth highlights of the latest national and international news.
Episode Overview
This NPR News Now episode delivers a fast-paced, concise roundup of major news stories as of October 28, 2025. Highlights include a rare bipartisan Senate move against president-imposed tariffs, mounting impacts from an ongoing government shutdown, Virginia’s redistricting amendment, a major hurricane hitting Jamaica, a significant judicial decision regarding federal layoffs, and unionization efforts at the Sundance Institute.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
1. Senate Blocks Trump Administration's Emergency Tariffs on Brazil
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[00:15–01:21]
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The Republican-led Senate has delivered a notable bipartisan rebuke of President Trump by voting to terminate "emergency" tariffs on Brazilian goods.
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Details:
- Five Republican senators joined with Democrats to block tariffs that imposed a 50% levy on Brazilian imports.
- The rationale for the tariffs was criticized as unconnected to commerce or trade and rather as political pressure on Brazil for its alleged treatment of Trump's far-right ally, former President Jair Bolsonaro.
- The Senate is expected to review similar measures related to Canada and other countries.
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Notable Quote:
- Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC):
"I don't think there's a rational basis for it." [01:00]
- Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC):
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Reporter: Claudia Grizzales
2. Government Shutdown Enters Its Fourth Week, Air Traffic Controllers Unpaid
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[01:21–02:14]
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The shutdown is approaching a month, with air traffic controllers now missing paychecks for the first time.
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Details:
- Controllers are required to work without pay, exacerbating stress in an already demanding job.
- Many are taking on second jobs; some are appealing directly to the public at airports, urging Congress to resolve the stalemate.
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Notable Quote:
- Joe Segretto (NY Air Traffic Controller):
"The pressure is real. We have people trying to keep this airplane safe... Now having to worry about how they're going to pay bills." [01:48]
- Joe Segretto (NY Air Traffic Controller):
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Reporter: Joel Rose
3. Virginia Debates Redistricting Amendment amid National Gerrymandering Efforts
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[02:14–03:12]
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Virginia Democrats propose a constitutional amendment allowing lawmakers to draw congressional maps if other states do so outside the regular process.
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Details:
- The amendment challenges President Trump's redistricting strategies seen in Republican states.
- Critics (notably Republicans) see the move as illegal and anti-democratic; proponents cite it as a defensive move if other states alter procedures.
- The process for passage is complex: approval by two legislative sessions plus a voter referendum.
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Reporter: Jad Khalil (VPM)
4. Hurricane Melissa: Jamaica Hit by Powerful Storm
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- Hurricane Melissa makes landfall in Jamaica; thousands lose power.
- Details:
- The storm, now Category 4, carries winds of 145 mph.
- Flash flooding and landslides continue, with the National Hurricane Center warning Melissa will stay strong as it heads to Cuba.
5. Federal Judge Protects Workers Amid Ongoing Shutdown
- [03:44–03:57]
- A San Francisco federal judge extends an order halting the Trump administration’s plan to lay off thousands of federal employees during the shutdown, as union-backed legal challenges proceed.
6. Sundance Institute Workers Unionize Over Move to Boulder
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[03:57–04:54]
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Employees at the Sundance Institute are unionizing, citing lack of input in the festival’s move from Park City, Utah, to Boulder, Colorado (planned for 2027).
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Details:
- Workers seek fair wages and a greater voice in institutional decisions.
- About 70% of eligible staff have signed union cards; leaders set a Friday deadline for recognition.
- Sundance’s leadership indicates a willingness to collaborate.
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Notable Quote:
- Sarah Kenrick (Union Organizer):
"The catalyst for getting us to really band together was the decision to move to Boulder, since we had no say in it and it affects us the most." [04:24]
- Sarah Kenrick (Union Organizer):
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Reporter: Grace Doerfler (KPCW)
Memorable Moments & Quotes
- Senator Thom Tillis on opposing tariffs:
"I don't think there's a rational basis for it." [01:00] - Joe Segretto, air traffic controller, on working without pay:
"The pressure is real... Now having to worry about how they're going to pay bills." [01:48] - Sarah Kenrick on unionizing after Sundance’s relocation decision:
"The catalyst for getting us to really band together was the decision to move to Boulder, since we had no say in it and it affects us the most." [04:24]
Timestamps for Key Segments
- 00:15 – Senate blocks Trump’s Brazil tariffs (Reporter: Claudia Grizzales)
- 01:21 – Air traffic controllers unpaid during shutdown (Reporter: Joel Rose)
- 02:14 – Virginia redistricting amendment debate (Reporter: Jad Khalil)
- 03:12 – Hurricane Melissa hits Jamaica
- 03:44 – Federal judge freezes Trump layoffs during shutdown
- 03:57 – Sundance Institute unionizes (Reporter: Grace Doerfler)
- 04:54 – End of news content
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