NPR News Now – October 14, 2025, 2PM EDT

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This concise NPR News Now episode delivers rapid updates on U.S. government-media relations, high-profile court cases, the ongoing Israel-Hamas ceasefire, international sports controversy, and the legacy of a Grammy-winning R&B artist. The reporting is clear, direct, and balanced, capturing the major headlines of the afternoon.

1. Major News Outlets Reject Pentagon Press Restrictions

• [00:17–01:14]

Key Points:

• The Pentagon introduced new restrictions on press access, aiming to clamp down on leaks.
• A "broad group" of major news organizations, including NPR and Fox News, have refused to sign on.
• Reporters express concern that agreeing to these terms would concede too much control to the Pentagon and wrongly suggest they've compromised national security.

Memorable Quotes:

“There's the concern that if you were to sign up for this that you would be, in a sense, acceding to the Pentagon's interpretation of what would be a violation of policy...”
— David Folkenflik, NPR ([00:46])

“Major news organizations, reporters covering Pentagon would argue...they help national security by explaining to Americans what the Pentagon is doing in our name…”
— David Folkenflik, NPR ([00:58])

2. Pennsylvania Governor Firebombing Case Concludes

• [01:14–02:03]

Key Points:

• Cody Ballmer pleaded guilty to firebombing Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro's residence in April.
• Ballmer will serve 25–50 years in prison for charges ranging from attempted murder to terrorism.
• Shapiro and guests were at home during the attack, which took place after Passover celebrations.
• The governor highlights the ongoing threat of political violence.

Memorable Quotes:

“Governor Shapiro...said he's grateful to have closure after learning Cody Ballmer will spend 25 to 50 years in prison as part of a plea deal.”
— Tom Reese, WESA ([01:28])

“I think it's important that in this time of rising political violence that none of us grow numb to it or accept this as the normal course of doing business for elected officials.”
— (Voiceover from News Conference) ([01:50])

3. Alex Jones’ Supreme Court Appeal Rejected

• [02:10–02:18]

Key Points:

• Supreme Court declined to hear Alex Jones’ appeal in the defamation case over false claims about the Sandy Hook shooting.
• Jones remains liable for spreading misinformation regarding the 2012 tragedy.

4. Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Incident in Gaza

• [02:18–03:12]

Key Points:

• Israeli troops fired on suspects near Gaza’s “yellow line” boundary during a U.S.-brokered ceasefire.
• Israel claims individuals were violating the ceasefire by approaching troops; Hamas says Israel broke the truce, resulting in several deaths.
• Gaza’s health authority reports six Palestinians killed in two incidents, though overall the ceasefire remains largely intact.

Memorable Quotes:

“The military asked Gaza residents not to approach troops in this area and said those individuals were violating the ceasefire agreement. Hamas, in a statement, said it was Israel who violated the truce...”
— Ruth Sherlock, NPR ([02:42])

5. Indonesian Ban on Israeli Gymnasts

• [03:12–04:14]

Key Points:

• Israeli gymnasts denied visas to compete in the upcoming Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Jakarta.
• Indonesia, critical of Israel amid the Gaza war, faces calls from Israeli athletes and their federation for the International Gymnastics Federation to intervene.
• The Court of Arbitration for Sport declined to take emergency action before the event but is still reviewing the case.
• The competition begins October 19th.

Memorable Quotes:

“Despite the US Brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, Indonesia is denying visas to gymnasts from Israel. Indonesia is the world's most populous Muslim country, and its government has been fiercely critical of Israel over the war in Gaza.”
— Brian Mann, NPR ([03:31])

6. R&B Star D’Angelo Passes Away

• [04:14–04:55]

Key Points:

• Grammy-winning artist D’Angelo (Michael Eugene Archer) has died after a battle with cancer at age 51.
• Remembered for deeply influential work, particularly the “How Does It Feel” video, which famously sparked dialogue about sexuality, vulnerability, and representation for Black men.
• His family honors his legacy of moving music and cultural impact.

Memorable Quotes:

“One of the most notable moments was D’Angelo’s video of ‘How Does It Feel’ in 2000, which touched off conversations around sexuality and vulnerability and Black male representation.”
— Lakshmi Singh, NPR ([04:39])

Episode Highlights Timeline

• 00:17 – News organizations oppose Pentagon restrictions
• 01:14 – Pennsylvania governor firebombing plea deal
• 02:10 – Supreme Court rejects Alex Jones appeal
• 02:18 – Israel-Gaza ceasefire incident
• 03:12 – Israeli gymnasts denied entry to Indonesia
• 04:14 – D’Angelo’s death and legacy

This summary captures all consequential topics and notable remarks, organized for easy review by those unable to listen.