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

• [00:15–01:21]

• The Republican-led Senate has delivered a notable bipartisan rebuke of President Trump by voting to terminate "emergency" tariffs on Brazilian goods.

• 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.

• Notable Quote:

  • Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC):
    "I don't think there's a rational basis for it." [01:00]

• Reporter: Claudia Grizzales

2. Government Shutdown Enters Its Fourth Week, Air Traffic Controllers Unpaid

• [01:21–02:14]

• The shutdown is approaching a month, with air traffic controllers now missing paychecks for the first time.

• 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.

• 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]

• Reporter: Joel Rose

3. Virginia Debates Redistricting Amendment amid National Gerrymandering Efforts

• [02:14–03:12]

• Virginia Democrats propose a constitutional amendment allowing lawmakers to draw congressional maps if other states do so outside the regular process.

• 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.

• Reporter: Jad Khalil (VPM)

4. Hurricane Melissa: Jamaica Hit by Powerful Storm

• [03:12–03:44]
• 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

• [03:57–04:54]

• 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).

• 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.

• 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]

• 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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