NPR News Now – October 8, 2025, 6AM EDT
Host: Korva Coleman
Episode Overview:
This brief NPR News Now segment covers the latest significant developments in national and international news, including the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, updates on the ongoing federal government shutdown and its ripple effects, political tensions in Washington, a controversial National Guard deployment, negotiations over the Gaza war, a special congressional election in Tennessee, and an update on a dramatic Mount Everest rescue.
Main Topics & Key Discussion Points
1. Nobel Prize in Chemistry
[00:18]
- Announcement: The 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry goes to Susumu Kitagawa, Richard Robson, and Omar Yaghi for developing metal-organic frameworks.
- Significance: Their research could pave the way for new materials with unique properties.
2. U.S. Government Shutdown: Impact on Air Travel
[00:18-01:09]
- Day Eight of Shutdown: The federal government shutdown continues, now heavily impacting U.S. air travel.
- Air Traffic Controller Shortages:
- More airports, including Houston, Dallas, Boston, Chicago, Philadelphia, Atlanta, and Dallas Fort Worth, report staffing shortages.
- Tuesday evening: FAA ordered a ground stop in Nashville due to low staffing.
- Over 3,000 flight delays reported.
- Quote:
"The list of airports reporting staffing shortages is widening. The FAA adding Houston and Dallas to the list."
– Giles Snyder [00:45]
3. Political News: Pay for Furloughed Workers & DOJ Controversy
[01:09-02:24]
- Pay Uncertainty: President Trump suggests some furloughed federal workers may not receive back pay after the shutdown ends.
- James Comey Arraignment:
- Former FBI Director James Comey faces two federal felony charges.
- NPR notes the political tensions, as Comey is a known Trump critic.
- Attorney General Pam Bondi Under Scrutiny:
- Senate Democrats accuse Bondi of politically motivated actions, including Comey’s indictment and dropping a bribery probe against Tom Homan.
- Memorable Exchange:
"You can attack me after my time is over. You attack me later and I know you've got plenty of canned attacks. We've heard them all day today."
– Rep. Adam Schiff [02:05] - Senate Republicans praise Bondi for "repairing" an agency viewed as hostile to Trump.
4. Texas National Guard Deployment to Illinois
[02:24-03:12]
- Deployment: Ordered by President Trump, Texas National Guard troops arrive in Illinois, against the wishes of Illinois officials.
- Governor Reaction:
- Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker condemns the action as an "invasion" and asks Texas Gov. Abbott to pull support.
- Abbott supports the move, highlighting the troops as "elite and ever ready".
- Federal vs. State Authority:
- While governors typically control their Guard units, presidents can federalize them in specific circumstances – cited here due to immigration enforcement and claimed “rebellion against federal authority.”
- Quote:
"The administration says the troops are needed to protect federal personnel and property as immigration enforcement intensifies."
– Blaze Gainey [03:02]
5. Gaza War Negotiations
[03:12-03:52]
- High-Level Talks in Egypt:
- Aim: To end the war in Gaza.
- Key Attendees: Jared Kushner (President Trump’s son-in-law), envoy Steve Witkoff, Qatar’s prime minister, and Hamas negotiators.
- Negotiation Stance: Hamas negotiators seek U.S. guarantees that Israeli hostilities will end if hostages are released.
6. Tennessee Special Congressional Election
[03:52-04:32]
- Vacant Seat:
- Rep. Mark Green's early retirement prompts a special election.
- Republican Primary:
- Trump-endorsed Matt Van Epps wins handily, aided by out-of-state funding and endorsement just before the vote.
- Faces Democrat Afton Bain in general; redistricting has made this traditionally Republican seat more competitive.
- Quote:
"Since redistricting in 2022 incorporated parts of Nashville into the mostly rural district, Democrats are hopeful that the reliably Republican seat can be flipped blue."
– Mariana Baca Yao [04:23]
7. Mount Everest Rescue
[04:32-04:57]
- Successful Operation:
- Chinese media report that all climbers trapped on Everest by a sudden, heavy snowstorm have been rescued.
- About 900 hikers, guides, and staff were stranded, with hundreds able to descend earlier.
- Noted that snowfall was so intense it collapsed tents.
Memorable Quotes & Moments
-
On FAA Shortages:
“The list of airports reporting staffing shortages is widening. The FAA adding Houston and Dallas to the list.”
– Giles Snyder [00:45] -
On Heated Political Exchanges:
“You can attack me after my time is over. You attack me later and I know you’ve got plenty of canned attacks. We’ve heard them all day today.”
– Rep. Adam Schiff [02:05] -
On Federal Guard Deployment:
“The administration says the troops are needed to protect federal personnel and property as immigration enforcement intensifies.”
– Blaze Gainey [03:02] -
On Tennessee’s Shifting Politics:
“Since redistricting in 2022 incorporated parts of Nashville into the mostly rural district, Democrats are hopeful that the reliably Republican seat can be flipped blue.”
– Mariana Baca Yao [04:23]
Notable Timestamps
- 00:18: Nobel Prize in Chemistry announced
- 00:45: FAA staffing shortages and flight delays
- 01:09: Pay uncertainty for furloughed workers; Comey’s arraignment
- 01:42–02:15: AG Pam Bondi faces heated Senate Judiciary Committee questions
- 02:24: Texas National Guard deployment to Illinois
- 03:12: Gaza ceasefire talks in Egypt begin
- 03:52: Tennessee congressional special election update
- 04:32: Mount Everest rescue complete
This episode of NPR News Now efficiently delivers the most pressing stories of the morning, featuring sharp reporting, the tense language of political debate, and major events from national crises at home to diplomatic efforts and dramatic rescues abroad. The program’s tone is factual yet brisk, reflecting the urgency and breadth typical of NPR’s respected news briefings.