NPR News Now – October 13, 2025, 6AM EDT

Host: Louise Schiavone
Duration: ~5 minutes

Episode Overview

This NPR News Now episode delivers top headlines of the morning, focusing on the historic release of Israeli hostages by Hamas, international diplomatic responses, escalating US-China trade frictions, the awarding of the Nobel Prize in Economics, hazardous weather on the US East Coast, and the legacy of actress Diane Keaton.

Key News Segments & Insights

1. Middle East – Historic Release of Hostages

[00:18–01:30]

• Event: All 20 remaining living Israeli hostages have been freed by Hamas in a major development in the ongoing conflict.
  • The hostages are described as “all men, mostly in their 20s and 30s.”
  • The remains of 28 deceased hostages are also set for transfer, though not all have been located.
• Release Process:
  • Hostages are turned over to the International Committee of the Red Cross and escorted by the Israeli military across the border.
  • Emotional scenes reported as families reunite; crowds celebrate in Tel Aviv’s “Hostages Square.”
• Broader Context:
  • In Gaza, preparations are underway for the release of 2,000 Palestinian prisoners from Israeli custody, signaling a large-scale exchange.
• Notable Quote:
  • Carrie Khan: “One mother says she, quote, screamed to the sky seeing her son. Cheers erupted as the images of the released hostages are transmitted to tens of thousands gathering in a downtown Tel Aviv plaza dubbed Hostages Square.” [00:54]

2. International Diplomacy – Trump in Israel & Peace Efforts

[01:30–02:23]

• US Leadership: President Trump arrives in Israel coinciding with the release, to meet with officials and participate in peace talks.
  • President Trump to reporters aboard Air Force One:

    “Everybody is happy, whether it’s Jewish or Muslim or the Arab countries. Every country is dancing in the streets and it’s a point in time I don’t think you’d ever see it again.” [01:37]

• Peace Summit:
  • Plans for President Trump to address Israeli Parliament and then attend a peace summit in Egypt.
  • Egyptian President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu to join, aiming to “consolidate the ceasefire agreement in Gaza and reaffirm commitment to it.” [01:55]

3. Economy – Renewed US-China Trade Tensions

[02:23–03:11]

• Economic Data:
  • Chinese exports rose 8.3% in September (year-over-year), beating expectations and marking the fastest growth in six months.
  • Imports also surged, supporting China’s trade position ahead of US meetings.
• Diplomatic Tensions:
  • A scheduled summit between President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea looms as tensions rise.
  • Beijing recently imposed new restrictions on rare earth mineral exports; the US responded with increased tariffs and software export bans.
• Notable Quote:
  • John Ruich: “The strong numbers could be wind in the sails of Chinese trade negotiators as the two countries face an impasse ahead of a planned meeting...” [02:40]

4. Science & Achievement – Nobel Prize in Economics

[03:11–03:56]

• Award Announcement:
  • The Nobel Prize in Economics awarded for theories of innovation-driven growth and creative destruction.
  • Recipients: Joel Moker (for prerequisites for sustained growth through technological progress), Philippe Aguion & Peter Howitt (for theory of sustained growth via creative destruction).
  • Citation: “...explained innovation driven economic growth... for the theory of sustained growth through creative destruction.” [03:16]

5. Weather – East Coast Storms

[03:56–04:41]

• Storm System:
  • Severe weather stretches from the Carolinas to New England: heavy rain, gusty winds (>55mph), risk of coastal flooding.
  • Effects:
    • Rip currents, major flooding threats in Virginia, New Jersey.
    • Some Delaware towns under voluntary evacuation.
    • Disrupted air travel; major airports under ground delays (Washington DC, Philadelphia, New York, Boston).
• Notable Quote:
  • Joe Hernandez: “The storm is creating especially hazardous conditions along the shore, including rip currents. Major coastal flooding is also a concern from Virginia to New Jersey.” [04:09]

6. Arts & Culture – Diane Keaton Remembered

[04:41–04:57]

• Tribute:
  • Hollywood and fans recall Oscar-winner Diane Keaton, whose “performances live on in film classics including The Godfather and Annie Hall.”
  • Announcement comes days after her passing.

Memorable Quotes (with Timestamps)

• Carrie Khan [00:54]:
  “One mother says she, quote, screamed to the sky seeing her son. Cheers erupted as the images of the released hostages are transmitted to tens of thousands gathering in a downtown Tel Aviv plaza dubbed Hostages Square.”
• President Donald Trump [01:37]:
  “Everybody is happy, whether it’s Jewish or Muslim or the Arab countries. Every country is dancing in the streets and it’s a point in time I don’t think you’d ever see it again.”
• John Ruich [02:40]:
  “The strong numbers could be wind in the sails of Chinese trade negotiators as the two countries face an impasse ahead of a planned meeting between Chinese leaders Xi Jinping and President Trump in South Korea around the end of the month...”
• Joe Hernandez [04:09]:
  “The storm is creating especially hazardous conditions along the shore, including rip currents. Major coastal flooding is also a concern from Virginia to New Jersey.”

Summary Table of Timestamps

| Segment | Time | |---------------------------------------|-----------| | Middle East hostage release | 00:18–01:30| | Trump in Israel / Peace efforts | 01:30–02:23| | US-China trade update | 02:23–03:11| | Nobel Prize in Economics | 03:11–03:56| | East Coast storm and travel impacts | 03:56–04:41| | Diane Keaton's legacy | 04:41–04:57|

This summary covers essential headlines and moments, reflecting the urgency and tone of each report as delivered by NPR’s correspondents.