NPR News Now — October 13, 2025, 1AM EDT

Host: Dale Willman
Length: 5 Minutes
Theme: Brief comprehensive update on key national and international news stories

1. Gaza Ceasefire and Peace Developments

• [00:17] The Gaza ceasefire has entered its fourth day with optimism for the imminent release of living hostages held by Hamas.
• President Trump's Role and Comments:
  • [00:34] President Trump celebrated the peace deal between Israel and Hamas, crediting his administration alongside Qatar and Turkey for their roles.
  • Trump, speaking from Air Force One en route to Israel, expressed desire to visit Gaza:
    • 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 [00:44]
  • Asked about his past proposal to turn Gaza into the "Riviera of the Middle East":
    • Quote:
      • "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 [01:01]
• [01:09] President Trump itinerary: visits Israel, meets hostage families, speaks at the Knesset, and then heads to Egypt for a Middle East peace ceremony.

2. Tensions Between President Trump and Illinois Governor Pritzker

• [01:19] Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker responds forcefully to President Trump's threats of arrest amid accusations of failing to protect ICE officials.
• Governor Pritzker's Statement:
  • Quote:
    • "He does not have the power to overcome the Constitution. And so am I afraid. I am not afraid. Do I think that he could do it? He might. But as I've said before, come and get me. I mean, you're dead wrong, Mr. President and Mr. Vice President and I will stand up for the law and the Constitution. That's what we do in the state of Illinois."
      — Governor J.B. Pritzker [01:30]
• Ongoing dispute: Trump continues attempts to send National Guard to Chicago, a point of friction with Pritzker.

3. Government Shutdown and Health Care Policy Stalemate

• [01:53] The government shutdown is approaching day 13.
• Core issue: extension of Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies, with open enrollment looming.
• [02:17] Selena Simmons Duffin:
  • 24 million are enrolled in ACA plans, many of whom are small business owners.
  • Pandemic-era increased subsidies end this year, causing potential spikes in premiums—hundreds or thousands more per month for some.
  • Democrats: demand extension of subsidies before reopening government.
  • Republicans: want negotiations post-shutdown.
  • Quote:
    • "Democrats say they won't vote to reopen the government until there's a plan to extend those subsidies. Republicans say any negotiations over the policy have to come after the shutdown ends. And so far, there's no sign that either party is going to blink."
      — Selena Simmons Duffin [02:17]

4. South Carolina Shooting Incident

• [02:57] At least 4 dead and 20 injured after a shooting outside a crowded bar during a high school alumni event on St. Helena Island, South Carolina.
• Police have yet to release a cause for the shooting.

5. US–Russia–Ukraine Relations and Danish Military Response

• Trump Warns Russia:
  • [02:57] From Air Force One, President Trump threatens to send long-range Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine if Russia does not end its war.
  • Dialogue follows a call with President Zelensky and follows a major Russian attack on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, knocking out power for ~800,000.
  • Quote:
    • "[Trump] said Russia doesn't need that kind of escalation."
      — Dale Willman [02:57]
• [03:53] Denmark Defense Boost:
  • In reaction to Trump’s continued interest in acquiring Greenland, Denmark commits nearly $9 billion to defense.
  • New security for Greenland:
    • Arctic command HQ in Nuuk
    • New patrol vessels (icebreaker-capable), drones, maritime surveillance aircraft
    • Undersea communication cable, expanded F-35 fighter jet fleet
  • Quote:
    • "President Trump has said multiple times that he wants the world's largest island to become part of the US and wouldn't rule out using force to make that happen."
      — Terry Schultz [03:53]
  • Denmark to purchase 16 more F-35s, total fleet increasing to 43.

6. Penn State Football Coach Fired

• [04:33] James Franklin, Penn State’s coach, is fired less than 24 hours after a 22-21 home loss to Northwestern.
• The Nittany Lions, previously national title favorites, have now dropped out of the top 25.
• Flashback: Penn State reached the College Football Playoff semifinals just 10 months prior.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “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 Trump on Gaza [00:44]
• "He does not have the power to overcome the Constitution. ... As I've said before, come and get me. I mean, you're dead wrong, Mr. President." — Gov. Pritzker [01:30]
• “There's no sign that either party is going to blink.” — Selena Simmons Duffin on the government shutdown standoff [02:17]
• "President Trump ... wouldn't rule out using force to make that happen." — On Greenland, Terry Schultz [03:53]

Quick Reference - Timestamps for Key Segments

• Gaza Ceasefire & Trump’s Comments: [00:17]–[01:09]
• Illinois Gov. Pritzker v. Trump: [01:19]–[01:53]
• Government Shutdown & ACA Subsidies: [01:53]–[02:57]
• South Carolina Shooting: [02:57]–[03:53]
• US–Russia–Ukraine and Danish Response: [02:57]–[04:33]
• Penn State Coach Fired: [04:33]–[04:56]

Summary prepared for listeners who want a brisk but thorough walk through the hour’s biggest stories—politics, conflict, public health, and sports—without the need to listen to the episode.