NPR News Now: 10-11-2025 4AM EDT

Host: Dale Willman
Date: October 11, 2025
Format: Top national and world news in 5 minutes

Overview

This episode delivers the latest overnight and early morning headlines, focusing on escalating US-China trade tensions, devastation and aftermath in Gaza during a new ceasefire, a deadly munitions plant explosion in Tennessee, mass federal employee firings, diplomatic tensions with Burkina Faso, the death of a music legend, and WNBA championship results.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Escalating US-China Trade Tensions

• [00:17]-[01:17]
  President Trump announced a new 100% tariff on Chinese imports after a sharp market drop, in retaliation for China's restrictions on rare earth exports.

  • After Trump's threats, the Dow dropped 878 points (almost 2%).
  • Trump warned that a scheduled meeting with Xi Jinping might be canceled.
  • Potential for further US-imposed export restrictions.
  • Scott Horsley notes recent optimism about US-China trade had faded.

  “Trump described that as a hostile act that could clog commercial flows around the world.”
  — Scott Horsley, [00:42]

2. Ceasefire and Aftermath in Gaza

• [01:17]-[01:45]
  Tens of thousands of Palestinians return to northern Gaza after a ceasefire, facing devastation from Israeli airstrikes.

  • President Trump expresses optimism for broader Middle East peace.
  • Israeli PM Netanyahu threatens to resume offensive if Hamas doesn't disarm.

  “This is beyond Gaza. Gaza is very important, but this is beyond Gaza. This is peace in the Middle east and it is a beautiful thing.”
  — President Donald Trump, [01:41]

3. Tennessee Munitions Plant Explosion

• [01:45]-[02:47]
  A major explosion in a Tennessee munitions plant leaves 19 missing, compounding the area's history of tragedies.

  • Caroline Eggers interviews State Rep. Jodi Barrett about the impact on the community.
  • The community previously suffered fatal flooding and gas explosions.
  • Emotional toll on emergency responders who worked both disasters.

  “This county has dealt with a lot of tragic loss like this, more than their fair share.”
  — Rep. Jodi Barrett, [02:14]

  “Probably still struggling with some of the PTSD dealing with pulling bodies out of trees.”
  — Rep. Jodi Barrett, [02:33]

4. Mass Firings of Federal Employees

• [02:47]-[03:15]
  4,200 federal employees fired; heavy impact on the Health and Human Services, Education, and Treasury Departments.
  • Democrats and unions protest and initiate legal action.
  • The White House labels the move "substantial."

5. Diplomatic Dispute with Burkina Faso

• [03:15]-[03:35]
  Burkina Faso refuses to accept US deportees who are not its own citizens after a Trump administration request.
  • US suspends most visa services to Burkina Faso, seen as pressure.
  • The Burkina Faso foreign minister comments on diplomatic pressures.

6. Death of John Lodge (Moody Blues)

• [03:55]-[04:35]
  Music legend John Lodge, bassist and songwriter for The Moody Blues, dies at 82.

  • Lodge credited with writing several hits, known for on-stage joy.
  • Segment features appreciation by Elizabeth Blair.

  “John Lodge was never happier than being on stage.”
  — Elizabeth Blair (reading family statement), [04:26]

7. WNBA Finals: Las Vegas Aces' Championship

• [04:35]-[04:56]
  The Las Vegas Aces win their third WNBA title in four years, defeating the Phoenix Mercury.
  • Aces clinch the league’s first ever best-of-seven finals in just four games.
  • Asia Wilson notches 31 points; team scored 54 points in the first half.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Trump described that as a hostile act that could clog commercial flows around the world.”
  — Scott Horsley, [00:42]
• “This is peace in the Middle east and it is a beautiful thing.”
  — President Donald Trump, [01:41]
• “This county has dealt with a lot of tragic loss like this, more than their fair share.”
  — Rep. Jodi Barrett, [02:14]
• “Probably still struggling with some of the PTSD dealing with pulling bodies out of trees.”
  — Rep. Jodi Barrett, [02:33]
• “John Lodge was never happier than being on stage.”
  — Elizabeth Blair (family statement), [04:26]

Segment Timestamps

• US-China Trade & Market Fallout: [00:17]–[01:17]
• Gaza Ceasefire & Aftermath: [01:17]–[01:45]
• Tennessee Explosion & Community Impact: [01:45]–[02:47]
• Federal Employee Firings: [02:47]–[03:15]
• Burkina Faso Deportee Dispute: [03:15]–[03:35]
• John Lodge Obituary: [03:55]–[04:35]
• WNBA Finals Recap: [04:35]–[04:56]