NPR News Now: October 7, 2025, 7AM EDT

Host: Korva Coleman
Duration: ~5 Minutes

Episode Overview

This fast-paced news update covers key national headlines for October 7, 2025. Major stories include legal battles over National Guard deployments, Utah’s new congressional redistricting map, the Nobel Prize in Physics, the ongoing federal government shutdown, aviation safety concerns, and new pharmaceutical offerings at Costco.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Legal Battles Over National Guard Deployments

Timestamps: [00:18]–[00:55]

• Illinois & Chicago Sue Trump Administration:

  • Illinois and Chicago are suing President Trump to prevent the deployment of National Guard troops from Illinois and Texas into Chicago.
  • President Trump justifies potential federal deployment as a crime-control measure and raises the possibility of invoking the Insurrection Act.

• Quote — Pres. Donald Trump:

  • “Well, I'd do it if it was necessary… I want to make sure that people aren't killed. We have to make sure that our cities are safe.” (Donald Trump, [00:34])

• Federal Judge Blocks Action in Oregon:

  • Trump has been blocked from deploying National Guard troops to Oregon by a federal judge.
  • Oregon Governor Tina Kotak asserts there is no national emergency in her state.

2. Utah’s New Congressional Map Amid Redistricting Dispute

Timestamps: [00:55]–[02:07]

• After a federal judge rules previous maps unconstitutional, Utah lawmakers approve “Map C” (favored by Republicans) by a 56:17 vote.

• State Democratic leaders criticize the new map for not meeting voter-approved redistricting standards (Prop 4).

• Quote — Sen. Luz Escamilla:

  • “I do believe this specific map does not follow redistricting standards and requirements of Prop 4.” (Luz Escamilla, [01:40])

• The GOP defends the map as both legal and a move to “stop the Democrats.”

  • Sen. Scott Sandel (Redistricting Committee Co-chair) says it’s the most legally compliant option.

3. Nobel Prize in Physics for Quantum Breakthroughs

Timestamps: [02:07]–[03:10]

• Three University of California scientists (John Clark, Michel Devoret, John Martinez) are awarded the Nobel for work on quantum mechanical effects in electrical circuits.

  • They demonstrated macroscopic quantum tunneling on a chip in the 1980s.

• Quote — John Clark:

  • “We have not realized in any way that this might be the basis of a Nobel Prize.” (John Clark, [02:50])

• The Royal Swedish Academy cites the impact on quantum tech: computing, cryptography, sensing.

4. Government Shutdown Impacts & Wall Street Update

Timestamps: [03:10]–[03:32]

• Federal government shutdown enters day seven.
  • Air traffic controllers are unpaid; Burbank Airport in California had no controllers available, though it remained open.
• Financial news: Dow futures are slightly up in premarket trading.

5. Global Aviation Concerns with Boeing Dreamliner

Timestamps: [03:32]–[04:09]

• Indian pilots call for government inspection of Boeing Dreamliner jets after an Air India model’s emergency system triggered mid-flight (no injuries).
• Context: Incident follows a deadly Air India Dreamliner crash months prior, killing 260.

6. Costco Sells Blockbuster Obesity Drug Wegovy

Timestamps: [04:09]–[04:51]

• Costco makes Wegovy (obesity drug) available in-store and online for ~$500/month, for members paying out of pocket.
  • Insurance often leads to lower co-pays; discounted direct-to-consumer programs already exist.
  • Increased competition follows compounding pharmacy alternatives during previous drug shortages.

Notable Quotes

• Donald Trump [00:34]:
  “Well, I'd do it if it was necessary. So far it hasn't been necessary, but we have an Insurrection act for a reason. If I had to enact it, I'd do that. If people were being killed and courts were holding us up, or governors or mayors were holding us up, sure, I'd do that. I mean, I want to make sure that people aren't killed. We have to make sure that our cities are safe.”

• Sen. Luz Escamilla [01:40]:
  “I do believe this specific map does not follow redistricting standards and requirements of Prop 4.”

• John Clark [02:50]:
  “We have not realized in any way that this might be the basis of a Nobel Prize.”

Segment Timestamps

• National Guard Legal Battles: [00:18]
• Utah Redistricting: [01:21]
• Nobel Prize in Physics: [02:07]
• Wall Street & Gov. Shutdown: [03:10]
• Dreamliner Aviation Issue: [03:32]
• Costco & Wegovy: [04:09]

This concise NPR News Now edition provides a rapid-fire update on politics, science, business, and health — capturing evolving legal showdowns, technological triumphs, global aviation vigilance, public health innovations, and the continuing effects of the U.S. government shutdown.