NPR News Now: October 12, 2025, 12AM EDT

Host: Dale Willman | Duration: ~5 minutes

Episode Overview

In this concise news update, NPR’s Dale Willman delivers summaries of the day’s top stories, including judicial developments regarding the National Guard in Illinois, a tragic explosion in Tennessee, a ceasefire in Gaza, shootings in Mississippi, funding for rural air services, the death of actor Diane Keaton, and an update on Tiger Woods’ health. This episode maintains NPR’s signature tone: calm, factual, and empathetic.

Key Stories & Discussion Points

1. Illinois National Guard Deployment Dispute

[00:16 – 01:16]

• The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals has issued a temporary ruling on the Trump administration's attempt to federalize the National Guard in Illinois.
• The guard can remain under federal control and in the state.
• However, it cannot be deployed for active duty in Illinois while the legal case proceeds.
• The ruling followed an emergency request from the Trump administration, which argued not allowing deployment would cause "irreparable harm."
• Attribution: Chandelyse Duster reports for NPR.

Notable Quote:

• “The appeals court ruled that while the National Guard can be under federal control, it cannot be deployed for action in the state while the case continues.”
  — Chandelyse Duster [00:55]

2. Tennessee Explosives Plant Explosion

[01:16 – 02:11]

• No survivors have been found after a massive explosion at the Accurate Energetic Systems plant in rural Tennessee.
• The tragedy deeply affected the small local community, leading to emotional vigils.
• The plant processes a variety of explosive products for military, commercial, militia, and aerospace clients.
• The exact cause of the explosion remains unknown.

Memorable Moment:

• Local resident’s grief and the community’s close-knit nature emphasized:

  “People when all the names come out, because this is small and I've lived here, you know, all my life.”
  — Linda Sutton at the vigil [01:48]

3. Gaza Ceasefire and Hostage Update

[02:11 – 02:42]

• U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff visited Tel Aviv to mark a new ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
• Ivanka Trump addressed a rally, acknowledging the strength and resilience of Israeli families still hoping for the return of loved ones held by Hamas.
• Hostages are expected to be returned as soon as Monday under the ceasefire agreement.

Notable Quote:

• “As we stand here together in Tel Aviv, we honor the strength of every family waiting, praying and believing.”
  — Ivanka Trump [02:30]

4. Mississippi Homecoming Shootings

[02:42 – 03:26]

• Six people were killed, and twenty others injured, in a shooting following a high school homecoming football game in Leland, Mississippi.
• Four of the injured remain in critical condition.
• Two additional fatalities occurred at another homecoming shooting in eastern Mississippi.
• Ongoing investigation, crime scene remains active.

5. Federal Subsidies for Rural Airports Extended

[03:26 – 04:04]

• The Essential Air Service program, supporting flights to ~170 rural U.S. communities, will continue through at least November 2nd.
• The Trump administration had warned funding would expire over the weekend if the government shutdown persisted.
• Most airlines promise to continue service for now, notably Alaska Airlines and other regional carriers.
• Attribution: Report by Joel Rose.

6. Diane Keaton’s Passing

[04:04 – 04:25]

• Diane Keaton, beloved actress and Oscar winner (Annie Hall, 1978), has died at age 79.
• Noted for memorable roles in classics like “Annie Hall,” “Something’s Gotta Give,” and as Michael Corleone’s wife in “The Godfather.”
• A brief light-hearted audio clip is played in tribute:
  “Okay, pancakes, pasta, leftover coq au vin, grilled cheese, pancakes. Oh, totally what I wanted.”
  (Diane Keaton audio) [04:17]

7. Tiger Woods Undergoes Back Surgery

[04:25 – 04:54]

• Golf legend Tiger Woods has had his seventh back surgery due to pain and a collapsed disc.
• He has not played in a tournament since December of the previous year.

Notable Quotes & Moments

| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote/Context | |-----------|-------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 00:55 | Chandelyse Duster | “The appeals court ruled that while the National Guard can be under federal control, it cannot be deployed...” | | 01:48 | Linda Sutton | “People when all the names come out, because this is small and I've lived here, you know, all my life.” | | 02:30 | Ivanka Trump | “As we stand here together in Tel Aviv, we honor the strength of every family waiting, praying and believing.” | | 04:17 | Diane Keaton (clip) | “Okay, pancakes, pasta, leftover coq au vin, grilled cheese, pancakes. Oh, totally what I wanted.” |

Structured Timeline

• [00:16] Illinois National Guard legal update
• [01:16] Tennessee explosives plant tragedy & vigils
• [02:11] Tel Aviv ceasefire event; Ivanka Trump’s remarks
• [02:42] Mississippi homecoming shootings
• [03:26] Rural airport subsidy program extended
• [04:04] Diane Keaton remembered
• [04:25] Tiger Woods surgery update

This NPR News Now episode provides a succinct yet thorough roundup of critical national and international news, blending urgent updates with poignant moments and respectful tributes. The tone is measured and empathetic throughout, reflecting NPR’s commitment to reliable, human-centered reporting.