NPR News Now – October 11, 2025, 12PM EDT

Host: Nora Ram
Length: 5 minutes
Episode Purpose:
To present a concise and up-to-date roundup of major national and international news stories, including developments on the Israel-Gaza ceasefire, the US government shutdown's impact on farmers, National Guard deployments, a Tennessee munitions plant explosion, mayoral elections in New Orleans, and a North Korean military parade.

Main Stories and Key Insights

1. Israel-Hamas Ceasefire and Hostage Deal

[00:16-01:12]

• Ceasefire Status:
  The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza is holding for a second day.

  • The first phase features a partial Israeli withdrawal and a mutual release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian detainees.

• Expert Insight:
  Shibley Telhami, University of Maryland, highlights limited progress.

  "This is not a peace deal, but essentially a hostage release deal, that there's no movement towards a permanent two state solution."
  — Shibley Telhami, [00:36]

• US Government’s Role:
  Telhami underscores the influence of the US:

  "What we have is an increasing international recognition of two states, including in Europe. But the US is the main party here. Preventing it from happening... by not allowing the Security Council to administate a Palestine and recognizing it, but also essentially in enabling Israeli action."
  — Shibley Telhami, [00:44]

• Domestic US Politics:
  Israeli war policy becomes politically fraught in the US:

  "President Trump acted to end the war because half the American people now believe what's happening in Gaza is genocide. And his own supporters are divided on the issue."
  — Nora Ram, [01:12]

2. US Government Shutdown Worsens Farmers’ Struggles

[01:12-02:17]

• Agricultural Crisis:
  The ongoing government shutdown (day 11) is exacerbating already dire outcomes for Midwest farmers confronted by:

  • Low crop prices due to trade wars
  • High costs for fertilizer and equipment due to shortages and tariffs

• Impact on Farmers:
  Many rely on USDA loans to weather tough times, yet the USDA remains largely closed.

  "I've literally done this for 55 years. It's been something that has always been there."
  — Richard Oswald, Missouri farmer, [01:52]

• Future Outlook:
  President Trump has pledged a bailout, but it’s both delayed and uncertain while the USDA is shuttered.
  Economists warn of increasing farm foreclosures if the shutdown persists.

3. National Guard Deployed to Memphis

[02:17-03:12]

• Recent Deployment:
  National Guard troops arrived yesterday in Memphis, Tennessee, supporting local police, particularly near major downtown attractions.

  • Troops are in military police uniforms and limited to a support role.

• Political Response:
  While other cities have sued to block Guard deployments, Memphis has not.

  "I didn't request the outside troops since crime was already on the decline. But instead of fighting the deployment... Memphis is instead working to make sure it benefits the community."
  — Mayor Paul Young, paraphrased by Debbie Elliott, [02:49]

• Role Limitations:
  Mayor Young emphasizes that guardsmen won’t make arrests or issue warrants.

4. Tennessee Munitions Plant Explosion

[03:12-03:41]

• Explosion Details:
  An explosion at a munitions plant 60 miles southwest of Nashville leaves 18 people missing, feared dead.
  • The plant handles military explosives and ammunition.
  • The cause remains under investigation.

5. New Orleans Mayoral Election

[03:41-04:22]

• Election Context:
  Over ten candidates vie to replace outgoing Democratic Mayor Latoya Cantrell, who is term-limited and faces federal corruption allegations.

  • The city has been in the national news for a major jailbreak and is among those under consideration for possible National Guard deployment by President Trump.

• National Significance:
  This is part of a larger cycle with major cities like New York and Detroit also holding mayoral elections this fall.

6. North Korean Military Parade

[04:22-04:56]

• Event:
  North Korea marks the 80th anniversary of the Workers’ Party with a large military parade.

  • New intercontinental ballistic missile showcased, labeled “the most powerful nuclear strategic weapons system.”

• Kim Jong Un's Speech:
  Kim calls for the military to become "an invincible entity that destroys all threats," but avoids naming the US or South Korea.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Shibley Telhami on Two-State Solution:

  "What we have is an increasing international recognition of two states, including in Europe. But the US is the main party here. Preventing it from happening."
  — [00:44]

• Missouri Farmer on USDA Loans:

  "I've literally done this for 55 years. It's been something that has always been there."
  — Richard Oswald, [01:52]

• Mayor Paul Young on Guard Deployment:

  "I didn't request the outside troops since crime was already on the decline."
  — Paraphrased by Debbie Elliott, [02:49]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Israel-Hamas Ceasefire & US Policy: [00:16–01:12]
• Midwest Farmers & Government Shutdown: [01:12–02:17]
• National Guard in Memphis: [02:17–03:12]
• Tennessee Munitions Plant Explosion: [03:12–03:41]
• New Orleans Mayoral Race: [03:41–04:22]
• North Korea Military Parade: [04:22–04:56]

This episode delivers a succinct update on critical global and domestic events with insight from expert sources and those directly affected. The reporting retains an urgent, factual tone, embodying NPR’s trademark clarity and thoroughness.