NPR News Now – October 10, 2025, 10AM EDT

Host: Korva Coleman
Length: 5 minutes

Overview

This fast-paced NPR News Now episode, anchored by Korva Coleman, delivers key updates from Washington and around the world. The segment covers President Trump’s medical checkup and ongoing Middle East diplomacy, the continuing federal government shutdown, economic updates, high-profile international news from Venezuela and Peru, and new California legislation on school nutrition. The coverage highlights vital political and social developments with concise reporting and expert commentary.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. President Trump’s Routine Physical and Mideast Diplomacy

• [00:13] President Trump prepares to leave for his second physical of the year at Walter Reed; the White House calls it routine, and Trump reports feeling fine.
• President Trump expresses hopes to travel to the Mideast this weekend.
• The development comes amid news that Israel and Hamas have enacted a ceasefire. Israeli troops are withdrawing to agreed areas in Gaza.
• Critical next steps: Hamas is to release remaining hostages.

Expert Analysis

• [00:53] Michael Oren (former Israeli ambassador to the U.S.):
  • "And we move from those two stages, the return of hostages and the IDF withdrawal, to the disarmament of Hamas. And if that cannot be accomplished within a certain amount of time, there's going to be a tremendous challenge for American, Israeli and indeed Middle Eastern diplomacy."

2. Ongoing Federal Government Shutdown

• [01:08] The shutdown has reached day 10, with no agreement between Republicans and Democrats.
• President Trump promises to cut "Democrat programs" but hasn’t specified which.
• Social Security checks are still being issued, but the shutdown hampers agency services.

Impact on Public Services

• [01:41] Ashley Lopez (NPR):
  • Social Security office operations are highly restricted: only automated or online access for benefit verification letters.
  • Vulnerable populations—especially elderly people unfamiliar with technology—face significant obstacles.
  • [02:07] Christine Lazott (claims representative):
    • "This is the most vulnerable population. These are elderly people who've never used a computer."
  • Employees report an “uptick of frantic and upset callers” while working without pay.

3. Economic Updates: Markets and Inflation

• [02:20] The stock market opens higher; some government officials briefly return to work to finalize the delayed September inflation report, which is crucial for Social Security cost-of-living adjustments.
• [02:32] Scott Horsley (NPR):
  • “The Dow Jones industrials are up about 140 points.”
  • Gasoline prices fall: average now $3.10/gallon; under $3 in more than half the states.
  • Federal regulators investigate Tesla for numerous reports of vehicles running red lights or committing other traffic violations while in self-driving mode.

4. International News

Nobel Peace Prize

• [03:14] The Nobel Peace Prize is awarded to Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corinna Machado for advancing democratic rights.

Peru’s Presidential Turmoil

• [03:14] Dina Boluarte, Peru’s first female president, is impeached after failing to handle a surge in crime and facing multiple scandals.
• [03:42] John Otis (NPR):
  • Boluarte was under investigation for bribery (accepting Rolex watches) and human rights abuses during crackdowns.
  • “She is under investigation for accepting Rolex watches as bribes and for human rights abuses during a government crackdown on protests.”
  • Jose Jerry, her replacement, was previously accused of rape (charges dropped).
  • Political instability: Peru has had eight presidents in eight years.

5. Health & Society: California School Lunch Law

• [04:30] California adopts a law requiring public schools to phase out ultra-processed foods within four years.
  • Ultra-processed foods defined as those with one or more additives, like non-nutritive sweeteners.
  • State officials will set implementation guidelines.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• [00:53] Michael Oren: "If [disarmament of Hamas] cannot be accomplished within a certain amount of time, there's going to be a tremendous challenge for American, Israeli and indeed Middle Eastern diplomacy."
• [02:07] Christine Lazott: "This is the most vulnerable population. These are elderly people who've never used a computer."
• [03:42] John Otis: "Boluarte was the first woman to serve as Peru's president, but she faced controversy from the start... Peru's eighth president in the past eight years."

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:13]–[01:08]: President Trump health & Israel-Hamas ceasefire
• [01:08]–[02:20]: Federal shutdown & Social Security impact
• [02:20]–[03:14]: Stock market, inflation, gas prices, Tesla investigation
• [03:14]–[03:42]: Nobel Peace Prize to Venezuela's Machado
• [03:42]–[04:30]: Political crisis in Peru
• [04:30]–[04:56]: California bans ultra-processed foods in schools

Conclusion

This episode offers a tightly packed round-up of major U.S. and global stories, balancing political, economic, humanitarian, and social developments with on-the-ground perspectives and expert voices. It highlights ongoing geopolitical tensions, domestic governance issues, infrastructure strains from the shutdown, and meaningful legislative advances in public health.