NPR News Now – 10-06-2025 6AM EDT

Host: Korva Coleman
Date: October 6, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode delivers the latest national and global headlines, with a focus on breaking political developments in the U.S., major international news, and a note from the world of entertainment. Topics include the Nobel Prize in Medicine, new legal blocks on President Trump's deployment of National Guard troops, the opening of the U.S. Supreme Court’s term, indirect Israel-Hamas talks in Egypt, political upheaval in France, Utah’s redistricting, and Taylor Swift’s record-breaking film debut.

Key News Segments & Insights

1. Nobel Prize in Medicine: Groundbreaking Immunology Research

• [00:16]
  Mary Brunko, Fred Ramsdell, and Shimon Sakaguchi are awarded the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.
  • Recognized for "discovering how the body's immune system is regulated so that it typically does not attack our own organs."
  • Marks a major step for autoimmune disease research and immunology.

2. Oregon Court Blocks National Guard Deployment Orders

• [00:16–01:17]
  A federal judge in Oregon issues a second order to block President Trump from sending National Guard troops from other states (California and Texas) into Oregon, specifically around ICE facilities in Portland.
  • The judge directly questions the president’s actions, suggesting he is attempting to circumvent federal orders.
  • Oregon Governor Tina Kotak expresses strong concern:
    • Quote [01:06]:
      "We cannot normalize the approach he is taking with the military in our own country. It’s not warranted. It is unlawful. It is un American." — Tina Kotak, Oregon Governor
  • President Trump also orders 400 Texas National Guard troops to Illinois, further escalating tensions.

3. Supreme Court Opens with Historic Cases on Presidential Power

• [01:17–02:20]
  Despite a government shutdown, the U.S. Supreme Court opens its new term with a docket filled with cases addressing the limits of presidential authority.
  • Several cases could redefine executive power:
    • Possible overturning of a "nearly century-old decision that established independent regulatory agencies" and restricted presidential firing powers.
    • Review of Trump's tariffs affecting foreign trade.
    • Case that could further weaken the Voting Rights Act.
    • Examination of Trump’s executive order on birthright citizenship.
  • Quote [01:33]:
    "The court's docket includes many muscular assertions of presidential power, assertions that likely will have a willing audience at a court dominated by a majority more conservative than at any time since the early 1930s." — Nina Totenberg, NPR Legal Correspondent

4. Israel-Hamas Indirect Talks Amid Escalating Violence

• [02:20–03:12]
  Negotiators from Israel and Hamas gather in Egypt for indirect talks aimed at ending the Gaza war.
  • President Trump warns Hamas:
    • Quote [02:30]:
      "Warned Hamas if it doesn't cede power and release all 48 hostages dead and alive, it faces, quote, obliteration." — Kerry Khan, NPR
  • Trump also urges Israel to pause bombings.
  • Disputes remain over prisoner releases, hostages, demilitarization, and Israeli troop withdrawals.
  • Arab mediators are increasing pressure as Hamas suffers losses.

5. Political Developments: France and Utah

• [03:12–04:12]
  • Political instability in France as the new prime minister resigns less than a month into the job—disrupting government plans.
  • Utah legislature convenes in special session to address redistricting, after state courts struck down a previous congressional map. The issues predate national GOP pushes for redrawn voting maps.

6. Taylor Swift’s “Life of a Showgirl” Dominates at Box Office

• [04:12–04:52]
  Taylor Swift’s film "The Life of a Showgirl" earns an estimated $33 million in its first three days.
  • The film includes behind-the-scenes material, lyric videos, a music video premiere ("The Fate of Ophelia"), and personal reflections.
  • Second major AMC Theaters partnership after "The Eras Tour" concert film.
  • Quote [04:12]:
    "The official release party of a Showgirl took in an estimated $33 million at the domestic box office for the three day event." — Ava Pukach, NPR

Memorable Quotes

• "We cannot normalize the approach he is taking with the military in our own country. It's not warranted. It is unlawful. It is un American."
  — Tina Kotak, Oregon Governor [01:06]

• "The court's docket includes many muscular assertions of presidential power, assertions that likely will have a willing audience at a court dominated by a majority more conservative than at any time since the early 1930s."
  — Nina Totenberg, NPR [01:33]

• "Warned Hamas if it doesn't cede power and release all 48 hostages dead and alive, it faces, quote, obliteration."
  — Kerry Khan, NPR [02:30]

• "The official release party of a Showgirl took in an estimated $33 million at the domestic box office for the three day event."
  — Ava Pukach, NPR [04:12]

Additional Notes

• This episode maintains NPR’s hallmark straightforward, measured reporting style, delivering rapid-fire updates on domestic and international events.
• The tone remains formal but clear and accessible, packed with concise analysis particularly in Supreme Court and international coverage.

End of Summary