NPR News Now — October 28, 2025, 11AM EDT

Host: Korva Coleman
Duration: ~5 minutes

Episode Overview

This NPR News Now episode delivers a concise roundup of top stories from around the world, covering urgent weather developments, international diplomacy, media funding battles, ongoing domestic political disputes, and educational shifts influenced by U.S.-China tensions. The tone is informative and urgent, aiming to inform listeners about fast-changing national and global affairs.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Catastrophic Hurricane Melissa Nears Jamaica

[00:11–01:08]

• Situation: Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm with sustained winds at 185 mph, is intensifying as it approaches Jamaica.
• Storm Analysis: Central pressure has dropped dramatically, making Melissa one of the most intense hurricanes ever recorded in the Atlantic; only six storms have matched its pressure.
• Historic Comparison: Closest precedent is Hurricane Gilbert in 1988, which was Category 4.
• Early Casualties: Jamaican government reports three accidental deaths linked to storm preparations (tree trimmings).

Quote:
"The lower the pressure, the stronger the storm, which makes Hurricane Melissa extraordinary."
— Eder Peralta [00:36]

2. Japan’s First Female Prime Minister Meets with Trump

[01:08–02:00]

• Leaders: Prime Minister Sanai Takaichi (Japan) hosts President Trump in Tokyo.
• Relationship-building: Takaichi emphasizes mentorship under Shinzo Abe, echoing Abe's relationship with Trump.
• Memorable Gestures:
  • Presents Trump with one of Abe’s golf putters.
  • Serves American beef and rice.
  • Offers to nominate Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize.
• Economic Developments:
  • Joint announcement of planned investments as part of $550 billion Japanese commitment.
  • The arrangement is in exchange for the U.S. lowering tariffs.
• Next Steps: Trump to visit South Korea for regional summit and bilateral meetings.

Quote:
"She gifted him one of Abe's golf putters, served him American beef and rice, and said she'd nominate him for a Nobel Peace Prize."
— Anthony Kuhn [01:28]

3. NPR and CPB Face Off in Court Over Satellite System

[02:00–03:03]

• Background: Legal dispute between NPR and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) over control of a vital satellite system.
• Context: The relationship soured after President Trump and Congress withdrew federal subsidies from CPB.
• Legal Claims:
  • NPR accuses CPB of reneging on a contract to regain favor with the administration.
  • NPR argues this decision violates its free speech rights.
  • CPB claims awarding the contract to a major station consortium better serves public radio.

Quote:
"NPR's legal team is presenting evidence in court that back in the spring the corporation reneged on plans for a separate contract for the satellite system to curry favor with administration officials."
— David Folkenflick [02:33]

4. Government Shutdown and Political Scrutiny

[03:03–03:56]

• Shutdown Status: Federal government has been shut down for nearly a month; no deal in Congress.
• Oversight on Executive Actions:
  • House Oversight Committee urges Justice Department probe into Biden’s use of an autopen for pardons and commutations.
  • Committee questions whether Biden authorized certain actions; Biden denies any impropriety.

Quote:
"Any suggestion he did not make these decisions during his presidency is false."
— Korva Coleman (summarizing President Biden) [03:31]

5. U.S. Universities Cut Ties with Chinese Institutions

[03:56–04:40]

• Trigger: Congressional report claims Sino-American academic programs threaten U.S. national security.
• Actions Taken:
  • Northern Arizona University ends its dual-degree electrical engineering program with Chongqing University.
  • University of Arizona closes four technology micro-campuses in China.
  • UC Berkeley, Georgia Tech, and several others also terminate partnerships.
• Ongoing Concern: Over 50 U.S. universities reportedly maintain Chinese partnerships.

Quote:
"We've communicated directly with those affected and are working with enrolled students to help them continue their education."
— Mitch Zach, University of Arizona spokesman [04:21]

6. Federal Reserve Expected to Cut Interest Rates

[04:40–04:54]

• Event: The Fed opens a two-day policy meeting in Washington.
• Market Expectation: Anticipated cut in interest rates by up to 0.25 percentage points.

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• Hurricane Melissa's Intensification:
  "Only six other Atlantic hurricanes have been this strong when measured by pressure ... The only comparison in Jamaican history is Hurricane Gilbert, which made landfall as a category four in 1988." — Eder Peralta [00:44]

• Diplomatic Flattery:
  "She'd nominate him for a Nobel Peace Prize." — Anthony Kuhn [01:33]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:11] — News begins: Hurricane Melissa threatens Jamaica
• [01:08] — Japan’s PM hosts Trump, bilateral investment moves
• [02:00] — NPR vs. CPB legal battle
• [03:03] — Government shutdown, Biden executive action investigation
• [03:56] — U.S. universities cut Chinese partnerships
• [04:40] — Federal Reserve policy meeting and rate cut expectation

End of summary.