NPR News Now: 10-10-2025, 9AM EDT

Host: Korva Coleman
Date: October 10, 2025
Duration: ~5 minutes

Episode Overview

This episode provides concise updates on major global and national news stories, including the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, Russian airstrikes in Ukraine, questions about assault statistics on ICE officers, the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to a Venezuelan opposition leader, and the passing of beloved basketball chaplain Sister Jean Delores Schmidt.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Ceasefire Between Israel and Hamas

[00:18–01:10]

• Host Korva Coleman reports the Israeli military has enacted a ceasefire with Hamas, pulling troops back in accordance with the agreement. Hamas is expected to begin releasing hostages as part of the deal.

• Daniel Estrin (NPR Reporter) shares cautious optimism after years of repeated failed ceasefire efforts, protracted conflict, and denied hopes of peace.

  Daniel Estrin [00:52]: "We've seen ceasefire efforts fall through again and again... it is incredible for me to say this, but for the first time, people here really are giving themselves permission to hope."

2. Russian Airstrikes in Ukraine

[01:10–02:12]

• Korva Coleman introduces the story: Russian attacks overnight targeted Ukraine's energy infrastructure, killing a child and injuring more than 20.

• Joanna Kakisis (NPR Reporter, Kyiv) details the strikes:

  • Over 460 drones and 32 cruise/ballistic missiles used in coordinated assault.
  • Loud explosions reported in Kyiv and Zaporizhzhia; a seven-year-old boy was killed.
  • Dtech, Ukraine’s largest private energy supplier, confirms several power stations damaged, worker injured.
  • Russia’s winter escalation of attacks on energy grids has become an annual occurrence since 2022.

  Joanna Kakisis [01:31]: "Ukraine's air force says Russia attacked using more than 460 drones and 32 cruise and ballistic missiles. Air defense teams tried to shoot them down before they hit."

3. Disputed ICE Assault Statistics

[02:12–03:14]

• Coleman reports on Trump administration claims that assaults on ICE officers have risen by 1,000%. No evidence has been provided.

• Allison Sherry (Colorado Public Radio/NPR) reviews federal data:

  • Found a 25% increase in prosecutions of assaults on ICE officers since Trump took office—not 1,000%.
  • Spike concentrated in cities with increased immigration enforcement (ex: Los Angeles).
  • No comment from the administration on the basis of the 1,000% figure.

  Allison Sherry [02:34]: "The administration has not only claimed an eye popping increase... but they've also assured the public that anyone who assaults an officer will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."

4. Nobel Peace Prize: Maria Corinna Machado

[03:14–03:35]

• Coleman notes this year's Nobel Peace Prize awarded to Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corinna Machado, applauding her for advancing democratic rights in Venezuela.

5. National Guard Troop Deployment Paused

[03:35–03:54]

• Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt expresses opposition to President Trump's deployment of Texas National Guard troops to Illinois.
• The troop deployments have been paused by a federal judge.
• Stitt, speaking in his personal capacity, says Oklahoma residents would be "furious" if it happened there.

6. Passing of Sister Jean Delores Schmidt

[04:10–04:50]

• NPR's Cheryl Corley memorializes Sister Jean, famed chaplain for Loyola University's men's basketball team.

  • Born 1919, lifelong educator and nun, she became internationally beloved when the Ramblers reached the NCAA Final Four in 2018.
  • Known for her school spirit, wisdom, and presence on the sidelines, she retired earlier in 2025 at age 106 due to health issues.

  Sister Jean Delores Schmidt [04:39]: "When I die, I want to go to heaven and I want my friends to be there, too."

Notable Quotes

• Daniel Estrin [00:52]: "...for the first time, people here really are giving themselves permission to hope."
• Joanna Kakisis [01:31]: "Ukraine's air force says Russia attacked using more than 460 drones and 32 cruise and ballistic missiles."
• Allison Sherry [02:34]: "The administration has not only claimed an eye popping increase... but they've also assured the public that anyone who assaults an officer will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."
• Sister Jean Delores Schmidt [04:39]: "When I die, I want to go to heaven and I want my friends to be there, too."

Timed Segment Highlights

• 00:18–01:10: Israel-Hamas ceasefire report and analysis
• 01:10–02:12: Details of Russian airstrikes in Ukraine
• 02:12–03:14: Examination of ICE assault statistics
• 03:14–03:35: Nobel Peace Prize awarded to Maria Corinna Machado
• 03:35–03:54: National Guard deployment dispute
• 04:10–04:50: Tribute to Sister Jean Delores Schmidt

Summary prepared to inform listeners and non-listeners alike of the most important news and memorable moments from the NPR News Now episode at 9AM EDT, October 10, 2025.