NPR News Now – 10-06-2025 9PM EDT

Date: October 7, 2025
Host: Ryland Barton

Episode Overview

In this concise news recap, NPR News Now delivers quick updates on several major stories, including President Trump’s deployment of National Guard troops to Chicago, a leadership shakeup at CBS News, political unrest in Madagascar, a milestone on Wall Street, a high-profile deportation case, a rare F5 tornado in North Dakota, and new research on why females outlive males in mammals.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. National Guard Deployment to Chicago

[00:13]

• President Trump authorizes deployment of over 300 Illinois National Guard members to Chicago for at least 60 days, citing ongoing crime and illegal immigration crackdowns.
• Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker opposes the deployment, alleging:
  • “Donald Trump is using our service members as political props and as pawns in his illegal effort to militarize our nation’s cities.” — J.B. Pritzker (00:28)
• Both Illinois and Chicago are suing to prevent the deployment.
• Protesters and journalists in Chicago have filed lawsuits, claiming federal agents are using tactics to "silence the press and civilians."
• Tensions have flared, especially outside an immigration processing center, with reports of physical force and chemical agents used against demonstrators.

2. Leadership Changes at CBS News

[01:35]

• Skydance Media, the new parent company of CBS, announces Bari Weiss (co-founder of Free Press) as the incoming editor-in-chief.
  • CBS will also acquire her news site, which is "known for its criticism of the media."
• Notable recent CBS moves:
  • Cancellation of Stephen Colbert’s late-night show (noted for Trump satire).
  • Settling a lawsuit with Trump for $16 million over a 60 Minutes interview with then-VP Kamala Harris.
  • Appointment of a conservative ex-think tank chief as ombudsman.
• David Folkenfleck (NPR):
  • Highlights Bari Weiss' lack of broadcast experience, but notes her broad remit: “Weiss is to have the remit to reshape journalistic sensibilities at the network of Edward R. Murrow and Walter Cronkite.” (01:54)

3. Madagascar Political Unrest

[02:14]

• President Andry Rajoelina names military general Rufin Zafisambo as new prime minister after dissolving the government.
• Protests have erupted across Madagascar over frequent water and power outages and calls for Rajoelina to resign.
• Police used tear gas to disperse crowds; United Nations report several deaths and injuries during initial protests.
• Michael Koloki (02:31):
  • "For more than two weeks, protesters have been calling for an end to frequent water and power cuts. They have also denounced the government and called for the president to step down."

4. Wall Street Soars

[03:04]

• Technology stocks continue to surge, pushing the S&P 500 up 4.4% to a new record high.

5. Kilmar Abrego Garcia Deportation Case

[03:24]

• A federal judge denies the Trump administration’s request to delay a case involving Kilmar Obrego Garcia due to a government shutdown.
• Abrego Garcia was mistakenly deported to El Salvador, imprisoned, then returned to the U.S. to face charges.

6. Rare F5 Tornado Confirmed in North Dakota

[03:45]

• Meteorologists confirm a deadly tornado that hit North Dakota this summer was an F5 (winds >210 mph).
  • First F5 to hit the U.S. in 12 years.
  • The June 20th tornado killed three people and at its widest exceeded one mile.

7. Study on Female Longevity in Mammals

[04:05]

• Allison Aubrey (NPR):
  • “Women are much more likely to outlive men. On average, men can expect to live 76 years, compared to 81 for women.” (04:07)
• Study by Max Planck Institute, covering 528 mammalian species, finds females outlive males by ~13%.
  • Genetics (two X chromosomes) and lower-risk behaviors may contribute.
  • Fernando Calchero (study author, paraphrased by Allison Aubrey):
    • “This female advantage in longevity is something that goes back millions of years.” (04:31)
  • Primary caregivers among mammals tend to live longer.
  • Public health suggestion: Men could close the longevity gap by emulating preventive health behaviors of women.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• J.B. Pritzker (Governor of Illinois), criticizing Trump’s National Guard deployment:

  • “Let me be clear. Donald Trump is using our service members as political props and as pawns in his illegal effort to militarize our nation’s cities.” (00:28)

• David Folkenfleck (NPR), on Bari Weiss’ new role at CBS News:

  • “Weiss is to have the remit to reshape journalistic sensibilities at the network of Edward R. Murrow and Walter Cronkite.” (01:54)

• Allison Aubrey (NPR), on longevity gap:

  • “Women are much more likely to outlive men.” (04:07)

• Michael Koloki (NPR), summarizing Madagascar’s unrest:

  • “They have also denounced the government and called for the president to step down, but Mr. Rajoelina has given no indication he will resign.” (02:31)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:13 – Trump deploys National Guard to Chicago; local and legal backlash
• 01:35 – Skydance/CBS News hires Bari Weiss; shift in editorial leadership
• 02:14 – Madagascar crisis: new prime minister amid unrest
• 03:04 – Wall Street record highs driven by tech
• 03:24 – Judge rules in Abrego Garcia deportation case
• 03:45 – North Dakota’s F5 tornado: rare and deadly
• 04:05 – Why females live longer: mammalian study breakdown

Summary

This fast-paced episode covers major national and international headlines with clarity and context. The tone is urgent yet factual, with reporters providing succinct updates and expert commentary on events ranging from American politics and media industry shifts to global protests and scientific studies on lifespan differences. Notable moments include sharp political criticism from Illinois’ governor, a spotlight on CBS newsroom changes, and a discussion of how gender and caregiving shape longevity across species.