NPR News Now — October 13, 2025 5PM EDT

Host: Ryland Barton
Episode Theme: A concise update of global and domestic news, including a major ceasefire in Gaza, ongoing U.S. government shutdown, Georgia's heated elections, a coup attempt in Madagascar, rising global antibiotic resistance, and an upcoming shift in the NBA All-Star Game.

Main News Segments & Insights

1. Gaza Ceasefire and Prisoner Exchange

[00:24 – 01:28]

• Key Developments:

  • Around 1,700 Palestinians released back into Gaza; were held by Israeli troops without charge during the two-year war with Hamas.
  • The release is part of a broader ceasefire deal, also yielding the return of the last 20 hostages to Israel.
  • Emotional Reunions:
    • Families welcomed released individuals with flags, flowers, and tears—evoking both joy and the heavy toll of war.
    • Released prisoners appeared physically weak and pale after years without sunlight.

• Notable Quote:

  • “The freed prisoners appear totally and extremely pale here as they haven't seen the sunlight for years ... They are just embracing each other with big smiles and at the same time tears all over their cheeks.”
    — Anas Baba [00:49]

2. U.S. Government Shutdown Continues

[01:28 – 02:14]

• Key Developments:

  • The government shutdown may become the longest ever, with ongoing legislative stalemate.
  • House Speaker Mike Johnson refuses to call the House back until Democrats “stop making demands for extending health care subsidies.”
  • The Senate remains closed due to the federal holiday; funding negotiations stalled.

• Speaker Perspectives:

  • Mike Johnson:
    • Stresses that House members are “doing very productive work,” and blames Democrats for ongoing closure.

• Quote:

  • “We will return to legislative session as soon as the Democrats come to their senses and open the government.”
    — Mike Johnson [01:48]

• Impact:

  • Routine government operations halted.
  • Airports facing flight disruptions.
  • Hundreds of thousands of federal workers furloughed without pay.
  • Trump administration using shutdown as grounds for mass layoffs.

3. Vernon Jones Bids for Georgia Secretary of State

[02:14 – 03:15]

• Key Developments:

  • Vernon Jones, a former Democrat-turned-Trump loyalist, announces run for Georgia’s top elections official.
  • Jones embraced Trump’s false election claims during a previous Congressional run.
  • Campaign focuses on stricter voting requirements (paper ballots, limiting mail voting, voter ID).

• Jones’ Campaign Stance:

  • “We need a secretary of state who will fight for paper ballots, limit mail and enforce strong voter ID laws.”
    — Vernon Jones [02:53]

• Context:

  • Jones aiming to replace Brad Raffensperger, who resisted Trump’s efforts to overturn Georgia’s 2020 election results and now runs for governor.

4. Global News Snapshot

a. Madagascar Coup Attempt

[03:15 – 04:01]

• President claims attempted coup after an elite army unit sides with youth protestors, calls for his resignation.
• Army unit has installed new military leader; president’s whereabouts unconfirmed, rumors of his fleeing.

b. Rising Global Antibiotic Resistance

[04:01 – 04:38]

• WHO Report:

  • Nearly 1 in 6 bacterial infections globally show resistance to antibiotics.
  • Resistance rates topping 40% for many pathogens, particularly high in Southeast Asia and the Eastern Mediterranean.

• Contributing Factors:

  • Overuse and misuse of antibiotics.
  • Lack of access to advanced antibiotics in low-income nations exacerbates spread.

• Quote:

  • “The increase has been driven in part by misuse of antibiotics ... But diminished access plays a role. Too many lower income countries don't have the more sophisticated antibiotics that can treat resistant infections ...”
    — Jonathan Lambert [04:01]

5. NBA All-Star Game Changes

[04:38 – 05:09]

• New Format:
  • U.S. players to face international stars.
• Aim:
  • To heighten intensity and fan excitement.
• Support:
  • International stars Giannis Antetokounmpo (Greece) and Nikola Jokic (Serbia) publicly back the plan.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “The freed prisoners appear totally and extremely pale ... They are just embracing each other with big smiles and at the same time tears all over their cheeks.”
  — Anas Baba (Khan Yunis) [00:49]

• “We will return to legislative session as soon as the Democrats come to their senses and open the government.”
  — Mike Johnson (House Speaker) [01:48]

• “We need a secretary of state who will fight for paper ballots, limit mail and enforce strong voter ID laws.”
  — Vernon Jones (Georgia Secretary of State Candidate) [02:53]

• “The increase [in antibiotic resistance] has been driven in part by misuse of antibiotics ... But diminished access plays a role.”
  — Jonathan Lambert [04:01]

Major Takeaways

• Middle East: Significant movement on the Gaza war front with mass prisoner and hostage exchanges.
• U.S. Politics: Congressional standoff deepens, severely disrupting federal operations.
• Georgia Elections: Race for Secretary of State highlights ongoing election integrity battles.
• International: Madagascar faces political instability; antibiotic resistance poses urgent global threat.
• Sports: The NBA aims for renewed fan engagement with a bold new All-Star Game format.

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