NPR News Now – October 11, 2025, 3AM EDT

Host: Dale Willman (NPR)
Duration: ~5 minutes

Episode Overview

This concise NPR News Now episode covers major national and international news developments as of early October 11, 2025. Stories include U.S. drug price negotiations, the ceasefire in Gaza, U.S.-West Africa relations, stock market reactions to U.S.-China tensions, a Tennessee plant explosion, public health guidance for flu season, and a record-setting baseball playoff game.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. U.S. Drug Price Deal with AstraZeneca

[00:17–01:10]

• Details of Deal:
  • The Trump administration announced a new agreement with AstraZeneca to lower prescription drug prices for Americans.
  • Lower prices (up to 80% off list price) will be available to Medicaid and directly to consumers.
  • In return, AstraZeneca receives a three-year exemption from certain tariffs.
  • The initiative is part of a broader effort to align U.S. drug prices with those in other developed countries.
• TrumpRx Website Launch:
  • A new government website, "TrumpRx," will help patients locate discounted drugs sold directly by manufacturers, bypassing insurance.
• Context:
  • Follows a previous similar deal with Pfizer.
• Notable Quote:
  • “The company says those prices would be up to 80% less than its list prices. In return, AstraZeneca will get a three year exemption from certain tariffs.”
    – Sydney Lupkin (01:00)

2. Ceasefire in Gaza & Humanitarian Movement

[01:10–01:49]

• Ceasefire Status:
  • Israel has fully implemented a ceasefire, ending recent fighting in Gaza.
  • Tens of thousands of displaced Palestinians are returning home, primarily heading north toward Gaza City.
• On-the-Ground Report:
  • Roads are crowded with civilians returning by foot, truck, and donkey carts, some carrying all their possessions.
• Broader Hopes:
  • The ceasefire and possible imminent hostage releases have raised hopes for an end to the two-year war.
• Memorable Moment:
  • “The main road on Gaza’s Mediterranean coast was absolutely clogged with Palestinian civilians heading north, hauling whatever belongings they could.”
    – Greg Myre (01:25)

3. Burkina Faso Rejects U.S. Deportee Proposal

[01:49–02:51]

• Diplomatic Tensions:
  • Burkina Faso’s government rejected a Trump administration request to accept deportees from the U.S.
  • Official remarks followed a suspension of most U.S. visa services in Burkina Faso, redirecting residents to the embassy in Togo.
• Background:
  • The Trump administration has previously tried to deport non-citizens to various African nations.
  • Human rights groups criticize the process, saying migrants lack opportunities to plead their cases.
• Notable Quote:
  • “Burkina Faso’s foreign Minister Karamo Kotrawe said that he had rejected the proposal, which he claims was made repeatedly during a meeting with US government officials earlier this week.”
    – Michael Kaloki (02:12)

4. Stock Market Drops After China Tariff Threat

[02:51–03:47]

• Market Performance:
  • Stocks tumble following President Trump’s renewed threat to increase tariffs on China.
  • S&P 500 falls by 2.71%, NASDAQ drops 3.56%—the worst day since April.
• Context:
  • Decline attributed to Trump’s dissatisfaction with China’s restrictions on exporting rare earth minerals.
• Notable Quote:
  • “Stocks had been on track for a modest gain Friday morning until Trump’s announcement.”
    – Dale Willman (03:10)

5. Tennessee Explosives Plant Explosion

[03:47–03:58]

• Incident Summary:
  • Explosion at a plant 60 miles southwest of Nashville.
  • 19 people reported missing and feared dead.
  • No additional danger of further explosions.
  • Plant processes ammunition and explosives for the military.

6. Flu Shot Advisory

[03:58–04:34]

• Health Recommendation:
  • Getting an annual flu shot is urged to prevent severe illness this fall.
  • Authorities recommend vaccination before Halloween for best effectiveness.
• Expert Testimony:
  • Dr. Fiona Havers (formerly CDC): Annual flu vaccination reduces the risk of severe disease, including hospitalization and death.
• Last Flu Season Data:
  • 43 million cases and over 500,000 hospitalized—the highest in a decade.
  • New vaccine reduced cases in the Southern Hemisphere by ~50%.
• Notable Quote:
  • “Every year, the flu vaccine is effective in decreasing your risk of severe disease, including hospitalization and death. And so people should get their flu vaccine every year.”
    – Fiona Havers (03:58)

7. Baseball: Mariners’ Historic Postseason Win

[04:34–04:56]

• Game Highlight:
  • Jorge Polanco delivers a walk-off single in the 15th inning.
  • Seattle Mariners beat the Detroit Tigers, 3–2, advancing to the AL Championship Series.
  • Game lasted 15 innings and set the record for the longest winner-take-all postseason game—472 pitches.

Notable Quotes

• On Drug Prices:
  “The company says those prices would be up to 80% less than its list prices. In return, AstraZeneca will get a three year exemption from certain tariffs.”
  — Sydney Lupkin (01:00)

• On the Gaza Ceasefire:
  “The main road on Gaza’s Mediterranean coast was absolutely clogged with Palestinian civilians heading north, hauling whatever belongings they could.”
  — Greg Myre (01:25)

• On Annual Flu Shots:
  “Every year, the flu vaccine is effective in decreasing your risk of severe disease, including hospitalization and death. And so people should get their flu vaccine every year.”
  — Dr. Fiona Havers (03:58)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:17] Trump Administration–AstraZeneca Drug Price Deal
• [01:10] Gaza Ceasefire and Return of Civilians
• [01:49] Burkina Faso Rejects Deportation Deal
• [02:51] Stock Market Drops After China Tariff Threat
• [03:47] Tennessee Explosives Plant Explosion
• [03:58] Flu Shot Advisory & Last Season Overview
• [04:34] Record-Setting Mariners Playoff Victory

This summary captures all major reporting and conversations, providing a fast yet thorough guide for listeners seeking up-to-date news from NPR News Now’s October 11, 2025, 3AM EDT broadcast.