NPR News Now – 10-28-2025 4PM EDT

Host: Lakshmi Singh
Date: October 28, 2025

Episode Overview

This NPR News Now episode delivers concise coverage of several major events: President Trump’s threats to increase troop deployments in U.S. cities, the impacts of catastrophic Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica, renewed Israeli military actions in Gaza, the ongoing U.S. government shutdown and its implications for federal workers and aviation safety, and new research on cannabis use in teens. The episode offers on-the-ground reporting, official statements, and expert insights, all in under five minutes.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. President Trump Threatens Further Military Deployment in U.S. Cities

[00:17–01:19]

• Summary: President Trump, speaking to U.S. troops in Japan, claimed that more military force may be necessary to control crime and illegal immigration in several American cities.
• Details:
  • National Guard deployed to cities including Los Angeles, Washington D.C., Memphis, Chicago, and Portland.
  • Democratic opposition is strong; some mayors and governors have filed lawsuits to challenge federal intervention.
• Notable Quote:
  • President Trump (via Dennis Tager, quoting Trump):

    “We're sending in our National Guard. And if we need more than the National Guard, we'll send more than the National Guard because we're going to have safe cities. We're not going to have people killed in our cities. And whether people like that or not, that's what we're doing.”
    [00:41]

2. Hurricane Melissa Impacts Jamaica

[01:19–02:07, update at 04:46]

• Summary: Millions in Jamaica, including tourists, are enduring Hurricane Melissa, which brings catastrophic winds, flooding, and major disruptions.
• Details:
  • Top winds initially at 160 mph, later reported down to 150 mph.
  • Residents are advised to shelter; communication is difficult, and emergency response is being tested.
  • The Red Cross warns that up to half of Jamaica's population could be affected.
• Notable Quote:
  • Nick Davis (in Kingston):

    “Bands of rain are constantly sweeping in and tree debris litters the ground. But it's what's happening further down and across the island that's most concerning... We won't know for many hours how bad it is.”
    [01:42]

3. Israeli Airstrikes in Gaza after Ceasefire Accusations

[02:07–03:05]

• Summary: Israel carries out airstrikes on Gaza neighborhoods, accusing Hamas of breaking a U.S.-brokered ceasefire. This adds to tensions and endangers ongoing peace efforts.
• Details:
  • Israeli sources state that the strikes followed attacks by Hamas against Israeli soldiers.
  • There is a standoff over the return of Israeli hostages’ remains due to the resumption of violence.
• Notable Quote:
  • Rob Schmitz (Tel Aviv):

    “An official from Israel’s military... told NPR that Netanyahu ordered the military strikes after Hamas carried out an attack against Israeli soldiers beyond the so-called yellow line in an area under Israeli control.”
    [02:29]

4. U.S. Government Shutdown and Federal Worker Layoffs

[03:05–03:36]

• Summary: The federal government remains shut down for a 20th day. A federal judge in San Francisco has temporarily blocked planned mass layoffs of federal workers.
• Expert Perspective:
  • The airline industry is extremely concerned about air traffic controller stress and safety implications.
• Notable Quote:
  • Capt. Dennis Tager (Allied Pilots Association):

    “When we are flying in the skies near the speed of sound, I have to consider that that air traffic controller has a lot of other things going on that he or she should not have going on in their life. And the catalyst for that is this government shutdown.”
    [03:36]

5. Study: Teen Cannabis Use and Later Health Risks

[03:51–04:46]

• Summary: New research out of Quebec suggests that teens who use cannabis before age 15 are more likely to experience mental and physical health problems in early adulthood.
• Details:
  • Data from over 1,500 Quebec teens followed since birth.
  • 20% of teens who started cannabis use before age 15 showed increased need for healthcare services later in life.
• Notable Quote:
  • Reader Chatterjee:

    “This last group was more likely to seek care for mental and physical health problems in later years compared to those who started using in their late teens.”
    [04:07]

6. U.S. Market Update

[03:05]

• Summary:
  • The Dow Jones closed up 161 points at 47,706.

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• Trump’s hardline policy on urban security:

  “We’re going to have safe cities. We’re not going to have people killed in our cities…” (Trump, via Dennis Tager) [00:41]

• Hurricane’s overwhelming force & uncertainty:

  “We won’t know for many hours how bad it is. We’re really relying on comms that are facing an unprecedented challenge.” (Nick Davis) [01:42]

• On the strain affecting air traffic controllers:

  “…That air traffic controller has a lot of other things going on that he or she should not have going on in their life. And the catalyst for that is this government shutdown.” (Capt. Dennis Tager) [03:36]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:17 — President Trump on troop deployments
• 01:19 / 04:46 — Hurricane Melissa updates
• 02:07 — Israeli-Gaza ceasefire breakdown and airstrikes
• 03:05 — Federal judge blocks mass layoffs, market update
• 03:36 — Aviation safety risks during shutdown
• 03:51 — Teen cannabis use study

Episode Tone

The tone is urgent, factual, and measured, reflecting the gravity of ongoing crises—political tension, natural disaster, international conflict, and public health. The reporting maintains NPR’s signature concise and clear delivery, giving listeners just enough depth within the tight, five-minute window.