NPR News Now: October 9, 2025, 7AM EDT

Host: Korva Coleman
Duration: ~5 minutes
Main Theme: The latest updates on global and domestic news, focusing on ceasefire developments in Gaza-Israel, the ongoing US government shutdown, deployment of National Guard troops in Chicago, the Palisades fire case, China’s export limits on rare earth minerals, Federal Reserve policy tensions, and a Louisiana jailbreak update.

1. Ceasefire Deal Between Israel & Hamas

[00:18–01:14]

• Summary: President Trump announces Israel and Hamas have agreed to a first-phase ceasefire, set to take effect by day's end.
• Global reactions:
  • French President Emmanuel Macron: Urged both parties "to strictly uphold the terms," and advocated for a two-state solution.
    Memorable quote:
    • Ruth Sherlock quoting Macron: “Macron urged Israel and Hamas to now strictly uphold the terms and called for a political resolution based on a two state solution.” [00:37]
  • UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer: Praised "tireless diplomatic efforts of the US, Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey," and called for immediate aid access to Gaza.
  • Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni: Called it “extraordinary news—a unique opportunity to end the conflict that must be seized,” and offered Italian help for Gaza reconstruction.
• Reporter: Ruth Sherlock from Rome [00:31–01:14]

2. Federal Government Shutdown, National Guard in Chicago

[01:14–02:26]

• Shutdown Details:
  • Ninth day of the federal shutdown; solution hinges on bipartisan agreement on a spending bill.
  • The Senate is set to vote on a spending measure, but it’s expected to fail.
• National Guard Controversy:
  • Issue: President Trump deployed National Guard troops to Illinois amid local protests over immigration enforcement.
  • State Response: Illinois officials oppose the deployment.
  • Legal Challenge: A federal judge will hear arguments about the troop deployment.
  • Chicago Concerns:
    • Residents question the necessity of a National Guard presence and fear for their safety.
    • Mayor Brandon Johnson labeled it a “federal invasion” and vowed to “do whatever it takes” to protect residents. Memorable quote:
      • “Mayor Brandon Johnson says he will do whatever it takes to protect the residents and fight what he calls a federal invasion.” – Sergio Martinez Beltran [02:10]
    • President Trump called for Johnson’s arrest, accusing him of not protecting ICE officers.
  • Reporter: Sergio Martinez Beltran in Chicago [01:49–02:26]

3. Florida Man Charged in LA’s Deadly Palisades Fires

[02:26–03:10]

• Summary: Authorities arrest Jonathan Rindernecht in Florida for allegedly starting the Palisades fires that killed 12 in Los Angeles last January.
• ATF Statement:
  • Special Agent Kenny Cooper: The fire was a "holdover fire" hidden in roots and vegetation, burning undetected before catastrophic weather caused its spread. Memorable quote:
    • “The fire was a holdover fire, meaning it was deeply seeded in dense vegetation and roots and continued to burn undetected until catastrophic weather ensued, resulting in the Palisades fire.” – Kenny Cooper, ATF [02:47]
• Evidence: Prosecutors presented AI-generated images from Rindernecht’s phone depicting a “dystopian city in the forest on fire.”
• Reporter: Kirk Siegler [02:38–03:10]

4. China Tightens Rare Earth Mineral Exports

[03:10–03:50]

• Context: China announces new restrictions on rare earth mineral exports, vital for technology and defense industries worldwide.
• Significance: China is the leading supplier of these minerals, making the issue a major point of trade friction with the U.S.
• Background: Previous restrictions began in April.

5. Federal Reserve Interest-Rate Vote Tensions

[03:50–04:31]

• Recent Decision: All 12 Fed committee members voted to cut rates last month, though opinions were divided:
  • 11: Supported a quarter-point cut (the enacted decision).
  • 1 (Stephen Myron, newest member): Pushed for a larger half-point cut.
• Concerns: Some policymakers would have preferred to keep rates steady due to stubborn inflation.
• Quote of Note:
  • Scott Horsley: “A few Fed policymakers wanted to hold interest rates steady or at least would have supported that position out of concern over stubborn inflation. The central bank’s walking a tightrope as it tries to both tamp down prices and prop up the sagging job market.” [04:07]
• Upcoming Vote: Fed set to vote again in three weeks—possibly without new economic data due to the government shutdown.
• Reporter: Scott Horsley [03:50–04:31]

6. Recapture of Louisiana Jailbreak Fugitive

[04:31–04:56]

• Update: Authorities found Derrick Groves, convicted murderer and the last at-large escapee from a May Louisiana jailbreak, hiding in Atlanta.
• Jailbreak Details:
  • Ten inmates escaped by digging through a hole behind a toilet.
  • The group left behind a taunting message for jail officials in New Orleans.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Macron on the ceasefire: “Called for a political resolution based on a two state solution.” (Ruth Sherlock quoting, 00:37)
• Mayor Johnson’s stance: “He will do whatever it takes to protect the residents and fight what he calls a federal invasion.” (Sergio Martinez Beltran, 02:10)
• ATF on wildfire cause: “A holdover fire… continued to burn undetected until catastrophic weather ensued.” (Kenny Cooper, 02:47)
• Fed policymaker tension: “The central bank’s walking a tightrope as it tries to both tamp down prices and prop up the sagging job market.” (Scott Horsley, 04:07)

For more updates, listen to future hourly newscasts.