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

Host: Ryland Barton
Date: October 9, 2025

Overview

This NPR News Now episode provides a rapid-fire update on the day's leading national and international stories. Coverage focuses on the U.S.-brokered ceasefire plan in Gaza, a high-profile legal development involving New York Attorney General Letitia James, community action to keep a cherished national park open during the government shutdown, corporate news, and updates from business icons.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Israel-Gaza Ceasefire Plan and Hostage Release

[00:20–01:09]
The Israeli Cabinet has approved the first phase of a U.S.-brokered plan to end the war in Gaza, with President Trump involved directly in negotiations:

• President Trump anticipates that Israeli hostages may be freed by Monday or Tuesday and says he may travel to Egypt and Israel.
• Netanyahu is working closely with Trump’s team, including envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
• The deal is only in its first phase, with many points left to negotiate.

Notable Quote:

• “I think Monday is going to be a very big day. Monday, Tuesday, but… it’s going to be a day of great celebration.” — President Donald Trump [00:59]

2. Indictment of New York Attorney General Letitia James

[01:20–01:56]
A grand jury has indicted New York Attorney General Letitia James for alleged mortgage fraud. This follows President Trump’s frequent calls for prosecution of political adversaries.

• James strongly denies the charges, citing political motivations and “weaponization of our justice system.”
• She previously sued Trump for inflating property values, securing a $450 million win.
• At campaign rallies, Trump called for James and the presiding judge to be arrested.

Notable Quote:

• “This is nothing more than a continuation of the president’s desperate weaponization of our justice system. He is forcing federal law enforcement agencies to do his bidding. All because I did my job as the New York State attorney general.” — Letitia James [01:39]

3. Local Governments Keep Great Smoky Mountains National Park Open

[01:56–03:08]
Despite a federal government shutdown now in its ninth day, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park remains open—thanks to creative local action:

• Seven local governments and a nonprofit raised close to $2 million to pay staff and keep attractions open.
• Sevier County fronted much of the funds, highlighting the park’s vital economic role.
• Local governments can keep the park running for “about a month,” hoping for reimbursement post-shutdown.

Notable Quotes:

• “If that place is not open, the perception amongst a lot of folks is, well, then Sevier county must be closed. And so we have to make sure that that opens to drive that economy.” — Brian McCarter, Vice Mayor of Sevier County [02:45]

4. Business and Regulatory Headlines

[03:08–04:36]

Stock Market Update

• The S&P 500 dropped 0.3%, and the Dow Jones fell by 0.5%—a comedown after reaching all-time highs.

Federal Investigation into Tesla Self-Driving Tech

• Regulators have opened a new probe into nearly 3 million Teslas after “dozens of incidents” where vehicles ran red lights or drove on the wrong side of the road.

PepsiCo’s Push for Healthier Snacks

• PepsiCo faces sales declines and pressure from activist investors.
• The company responds by adding protein to Doritos and removing artificial ingredients from Cheetos and Lays.
• Healthier oils like avocado and olive will replace older formulas; snacks with extra fiber are in development.

Quote:

• “Pepsi says it will add protein to Doritos chips and test out Cheetos and Lays without artificial colors or flavors. The company will also use more of the healthier oils like avocado and olive.” — Alina Selyuk [03:55]

5. Dolly Parton Health Rumors Addressed

[04:36–end]
Dolly Parton responds to public speculation about her health after postponing her Las Vegas residency:

• She reassures fans: “she ain’t dead yet.”
• Her doctors have advised she’s not facing any major health issues.

Quote:

• “Dolly Parton says she ain’t dead yet.” — Ryland Barton [04:36]

Timestamps of Important Segments

• 00:20 – Israel-Gaza ceasefire plan
• 01:20 – Indictment of NY AG Letitia James
• 01:56 – Local governments keep Great Smoky Mountains National Park open
• 03:08 – Market update, Tesla probe, PepsiCo snack changes
• 04:36 – Dolly Parton’s health update

Memorable Moments

• President Trump’s optimistic framing of the upcoming hostage release as “a day of great celebration.” [00:59]
• Letitia James’ forceful denunciation of federal charges as politically motivated. [01:39]
• Vice Mayor Brian McCarter describing how critical the national park is to his community’s economy. [02:45]
• Dolly Parton’s witty reassurance about her health making light of rumors. [04:36]

The episode moves swiftly through major news headlines, blending official statements, economic updates, and lighter moments with the clear, authoritative tone NPR is known for.