NPR News Now – 10-12-2025 8PM EDT

Host: Jeanine Herbst
Date: October 13, 2025
Duration: 5 minutes

Episode Overview

This NPR News Now episode provides concise updates on major domestic and international news as of October 13, 2025. Key stories covered include the ceasefire and peace deal in Gaza, continuation of federal subsidies for rural air service, a deadly explosion at a Tennessee munitions plant, a powerful nor’easter affecting the U.S. East Coast, and troubling new findings about rising death rates among young North Americans.

Key News Segments & Insights

1. Ceasefire & Peace Deal in Gaza

[00:18 – 01:11]

• Announcement: President Trump states the war in Gaza is now over, and hostages may be returned ahead of schedule.
• Location: President Trump was speaking to reporters while en route to Egypt aboard Air Force One.
• Peace Deal Details:
  • Trump gives credit to his administration and to the leaders of Qatar and Turkey for brokering the deal.
  • Trump expresses a desire to someday visit Gaza, hinting at optimism for the region’s future.
• Quote:
  • “I’d like to do it. I’d like to put my feet on it at least. But I think it’s going to be a great miracle over the coming decades.” – President Donald Trump [00:46]
• Redevelopment in Gaza:
  • Previously, Trump advocated for transforming Gaza into the “Riviera of the Middle East.”
  • Now, he tempers expectations, focusing on humanitarian priorities:
    • “The Riviera for a while, because you take a look at what you have, you have to get people taken care of first. But it’s going to start really essentially immediately.” – President Donald Trump [01:02]
• Upcoming Diplomacy:
  • Trump is scheduled for high-profile visits: Israel, meetings with hostage families, a Knesset address, then Egypt for a Middle East peace ceremony.

2. Rural Airport Subsidies Extended

[01:20 – 02:14]

• Background: The Essential Air Service (EAS) program subsidizes flights to nearly 170 rural U.S. communities.
  • Serves over 60 airports in Alaska.
  • Threatened by potential government shutdown.
• Update: Department of Transportation extends funding through November 2nd; previously anticipated to expire imminently.
• Impact: Most passengers likely won’t notice changes immediately, and major carriers like Alaska Airlines pledge to continue service even without immediate subsidies.
• Quote:
  • “It’s not clear if passengers would notice any change even then… smaller regional carriers would likely do the same, at least in the short run.” – Joel Rose [01:48]

3. Tennessee Munitions Plant Explosion

[02:14 – 03:14]

• Incident: Powerful explosion struck a small town’s munitions factory in Tennessee, leaving 16 people unaccounted for and feared dead.
  • Blast vibrations recorded hundreds of miles away.
  • Factory largely destroyed; chemical evidence scattered across the area.
• Investigation: Ongoing. Site remains unstable due to the presence of explosive materials.
  • Governor Bill Lee emphasizes the need for a full investigation for closure and safety.
    • “To get the answers that people need for closure, for understanding and just to make sure that there’s full awareness of what’s taking place on this tragic spot in this beautiful community.” – Governor Bill Lee [02:46]
• Next Steps: After the area is secured, cause of the explosion will be investigated.

4. Nor’easter Hits the East Coast

[03:14 – 04:08]

• Impact Area: Mid-Atlantic up through New England; significant flooding in Norfolk, VA. New Jersey declares a state of emergency.
• Concerns:
  • Winds up to 60 mph
  • Several inches of rain
  • Coastal flooding and widespread power outages expected through tomorrow
  • Airports from D.C. to Boston seeing delays and cancellations
• Current Alerts:
  • New York City under a coastal flood warning and wind advisory.

5. Rising Deaths Among Young North Americans: Global Study

[04:08 – 04:51]

• Findings:
  • Death rates among adolescents and young adults are increasing in North America, reversing decades of decline.
• Drivers:
  • Ages 5–19: Gun violence, road injuries, suicide primary causes.
  • Ages 25–39: Mostly attributed to drug overdoses.
• Additional Note: Increases in depression and anxiety among youth highlighted.
• Quote:
  • “There are two age groups that are dying younger in recent years in North America... The main drivers are gun violence, road injuries and suicide.” – Dr. Christopher Murray, Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation [04:08, 04:30]
• Publication: Results published in The Lancet.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On Gaza Peace:
  • “I’d like to do it. I’d like to put my feet on it at least. But I think it’s going to be a great miracle over the coming decades.” – President Donald Trump [00:46]
  • “The Riviera for a while... you have to get people taken care of first. But it’s going to start really essentially immediately.” – President Donald Trump [01:02]
• On Tennessee Tragedy:
  • “To get the answers that people need for closure, for understanding and just to make sure that there’s a full awareness of what’s taking place on this tragic spot in this beautiful community.” – Tennessee Governor Bill Lee [02:46]
• On Youth Mortality Rates:
  • “There are two age groups that are dying younger in recent years in North America... The main drivers are gun violence, road injuries and suicide.” – Dr. Christopher Murray [04:08, 04:30]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Ceasefire in Gaza and Trump reaction: [00:18 – 01:11]
• Rural Airport Subsidy Funding Extended: [01:20 – 02:14]
• Tennessee Munitions Plant Explosion: [02:14 – 03:14]
• Nor’easter Impacts and Warnings: [03:14 – 04:08]
• Rising Deaths in North American Youth (Lancet Study): [04:08 – 04:51]

This episode delivered clear, fast-moving updates on developing stories both at home and abroad, marked by direct presidential quotations, on-the-ground reporting, and insightful expert commentary.