NPR News Now – October 13, 2025, 12PM EDT

Host: Nora Rahm
Duration: 5 minutes
Main Theme:
A rapid update on global headlines, focusing on major political events in the Middle East, the ongoing U.S. government shutdown, key international developments, and awards.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. President Trump in the Middle East (00:15–01:13)

• President Trump's Multinational Diplomacy

  • President Trump is attending a summit in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, on Gaza’s future after visiting Israel.
  • Major development: The release of 20 Israelis held hostage by Hamas for over two years, along with the remains of two deceased hostages.

• Speech in Israeli Parliament

  • Trump addressed the Israeli parliament, calling it “an exciting time for Israel and across the Middle East,” and advocated for Israel-Iran peace.
  • Quote:

    “Generations from now, this will be remembered as the moment that everything began to change and change very much for the better.” – President Donald Trump (00:48)

  • Incident: Two left-wing Arab majority lawmakers displayed 'Recognize Palestine' signs and were ejected by the parliament’s speaker, to which Trump remarked:
    • Quote:

      “That was very efficient.” – President Donald Trump (01:12)

2. U.S.-Ukraine Support: Potential Tomahawk Missiles (01:15–02:13)

• Discussion with Ukraine
  • Trump disclosed a phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy about supplying Tomahawk missiles (American long-range cruise missiles).
  • He mentioned deliberating the issue, highlighting its potential as an escalation in the ongoing war.
    • Quote:

      “They'd like to have Tomahawks. That's a step up. They'd like to have Tomahawks. We talked about that.” – President Donald Trump (01:39)

    • Trump suggested he may discuss the weapons directly with Russian President Vladimir Putin:

      “I might say, look, if this war is not going to get settled, I'm going to send them Tomahawks. I may said that the Tomahawk is an incredible weapon, very offensive weapon.” – President Donald Trump (01:52)

  • Zelenskyy reportedly called the recent conversation “very productive,” marking their second discussion in two days.

3. U.S. Government Shutdown: Day 13 (02:13–02:48)

• Stalemate Continues
  • The government shutdown enters its 13th day with no clear movement.
  • Democrats’ Position: Any government funding bill must continue health care subsidies set to expire this year.
  • Republican Position: Favor a short-term measure maintaining current spending levels.
  • House Speaker Mike Johnson said the House will reconvene once the government reopens, emphasizing Republican readiness and criticizing Democrats.
    • Quote:

      “We will return to legislative session as soon as the Democrats come to their senses and open the government.” – Mike Johnson (02:34)

4. Nobel Prize in Economics (02:48–03:18)

• Award Announcement
  • Joel Mokor (Northwestern University), Peter Howitt (Brown University), and Philippe Agnion (College of France; LSE) awarded for research on technology-driven economic growth.

5. Global Regulation of Internet Content (03:18–03:55)

• UK Online Safety Act Enforcement
  • 4chan fined $26,644 by British authorities for not providing information on illegal online content—the first such penalty under the new Online Safety Act, aimed at protecting children and vulnerable users.

6. France’s Governmental Upheaval (03:55–04:35)

• Cabinet Reshuffle and Political Turmoil
  • French PM Sebastien Le Cornu announced a new cabinet after brief resignation and fast reinstatement, aiming to stabilize the government and pass a budget amid opposition threats of another no-confidence vote.
  • Quote (Rebecca Rossman):

    “The plan aims to rein in public spending as France faces one of the highest debt levels in the Eurozone.” (04:09)

7. Weather Update: Tropical Storm Lorenzo (04:35–04:53)

• Storm Not Expected to Threaten Land
  • Central Atlantic’s Tropical Storm Lorenzo becomes the 12th named storm of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season; no landfall forecast.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• President Trump on Middle East Peace:

  “Generations from now, this will be remembered as the moment that everything began to change and change very much for the better.” (00:48)

• Parliament Disruption in Israel:

  “That was very efficient.” – President Trump on lawmakers’ ejection (01:12)

• Trump on Ukraine Military Aid:

  “They'd like to have Tomahawks. That's a step up. They'd like to have Tomahawks. We talked about that.” (01:39) “I might say, look, if this war is not going to get settled, I'm going to send them Tomahawks.” (01:52)

• Mike Johnson on the Shutdown:

  “We will return to legislative session as soon as the Democrats come to their senses and open the government.” (02:34)

• Rebecca Rossman on France’s Budget:

  “The plan aims to rein in public spending as France faces one of the highest debt levels in the Eurozone.” (04:09)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Trump in Middle East & Israeli Parliament: 00:15–01:13
• U.S. Support for Ukraine (Tomahawks): 01:15–02:13
• U.S. Government Shutdown Updates: 02:13–02:48
• Nobel Prize in Economics: 02:48–03:18
• 4chan Fined for Online Safety Violation: 03:18–03:55
• French Politics & Cabinet Reshuffle: 03:55–04:35
• Tropical Storm Lorenzo Update: 04:35–04:53

Summary:
This NPR News Now episode provided a whirlwind of updates from critical diplomatic developments involving President Trump in the Middle East and with Ukraine, to the enduring U.S. government shutdown standoff, significant events in global governance (from a UK internet law enforcement to France’s volatile politics), scientific recognition, and a weather snapshot. The reporting is brisk, focused, and highlights the day’s most consequential events in concise terms.