NPR News Now – 8AM EDT, October 14, 2025

Host: Korva Coleman
Podcast: NPR News Now
Date: October 14, 2025

Episode Overview

This five-minute NPR News Now episode delivers concise updates on major domestic and international stories. Key topics include ongoing hostilities between Israel and Hamas, the widening impact of the U.S. federal government shutdown, political shifts in Maine’s Senate race, newly enacted tariffs from the Trump administration, children’s screen time guidance, and a SpaceX Starship launch.

Key Stories and Insights

1. Gaza Hostages – Bodies Returned

[00:16–01:16]

• Four hostages’ bodies handed over by Hamas in Gaza have been identified by Israeli authorities; 24 hostages’ bodies remain in Gaza, with uncertainty over their whereabouts.

• Israeli military accuses Hamas of failing to provide medical care to one Israeli hostage, who died from wounds received in the October 7, 2023, attack.

• Another returned hostage, a Nepalese citizen, "was killed in captivity during the first months of the war."

• Hostage families in Israel express “surprise and anger” over the limited number of remains returned.

• International efforts are anticipated to recover additional bodies; the exact number of bodies retained by Hamas is unclear.

  Memorable quote:

  • “Families of Israeli hostages have expressed surprise and anger that Hamas did not hand over more bodies. Some bodies are missing or under rubble, and there will be an international effort to recover their remains.”
    — Daniel Estrin ([00:55])

2. U.S. Government Shutdown – Economic and Social Impact

[01:16–02:27]

• Federal government shutdown enters its third week; Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant warns the shutdown is affecting the economy.
• “To pay the US Military, the Trump administration is holding back payments to other federal workers and services.”
• Over 40 million Americans are at risk of losing food assistance (SNAP and WIC programs).
• Taylor Grant, a mother of five, shares her family's struggle:
  • “Last month we went two weeks, maybe more, with barely making it, barely eating. So it's really hard and then hearing the government shut down. And if they don't open back up soon, I don't know if I'm going to get benefits after this month until they reopen.”
    — Taylor Grant ([01:59])
• There has been no legislative action to maintain SNAP past October.
• The Trump administration has promised to use tariff revenue to maintain WIC temporarily.

3. Maine Senate Race – Janet Mills’ Candidacy

[02:27–02:55]

• Maine Governor Janet Mills (Democrat) announces Senate run, challenging incumbent Republican Susan Collins and President Trump.
• Mills positions herself as an advocate for Maine residents against the current political establishment:
  • “I won't sit idly by while Maine people suffer, and politicians like Susan Collins bend the knee as if this were normal... This election will be a simple choice. Is Maine going to bow down or stand up? I know my answer.”
    — Janet Mills ([02:38])
• Mills must first contend with the Democratic primary against Graham Platner, backed by Senator Bernie Sanders and with significant fundraising.

4. New U.S. Tariffs and China Response

[02:55–03:51]

• President Trump’s new tariffs (20–50%) now apply to lumber, imported furniture, and kitchen cabinets, with the threat of a 100% tariff on Chinese goods starting November 1.
• China retaliates by introducing new export restrictions on rare earth minerals, critical for electronics manufacturing.

5. Screen Time Toolkit for Childcare Providers

[03:51–04:33]

• The American Academy of Pediatrics launches a toolkit for early childcare providers and families to manage children’s screen time and select quality content.
• The toolkit encourages active media engagement, not passive consumption:
  • “We want kids to build a relationship with media where their mind is going to be engaged. We don't want them on autopilot all the time when they're engaging with screens just following a feed.”
    — Dr. Jenny Radesky ([04:14])
• Dr. Radesky urges families to consider alternative activities:
  • “We hope to get families thinking, what would we rather be doing with our time than scrolling?”
    — Maria Godoy ([04:24])

6. SpaceX Starship Launch Success

[04:33–04:56]

• SpaceX successfully launched its massive Starship spacecraft, which made it to space and landed in the Indian Ocean as planned.
• Previous four launches this year saw failures, including one launchpad explosion.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• “Families of Israeli hostages have expressed surprise and anger that Hamas did not hand over more bodies. Some bodies are missing or under rubble...” — Daniel Estrin ([00:55])
• “Last month we went two weeks, maybe more, with barely making it, barely eating... I don't know if I'm going to get benefits after this month...” — Taylor Grant ([01:59])
• “Is Maine going to bow down or stand up? I know my answer.” — Janet Mills ([02:38])
• “We want kids to build a relationship with media where their mind is going to be engaged. We don't want them on autopilot all the time when they're engaging with screens just following a feed.” — Dr. Jenny Radesky ([04:14])

Timestamps for Major Segments

• [00:16] – Gaza Hostages' remains identified
• [01:16] – Shutdown impacts food assistance
• [02:27] – Janet Mills enters Maine Senate race
• [02:55] – New U.S. tariffs and China’s rare earth restrictions
• [03:51] – Screen time toolkit for children
• [04:33] – SpaceX Starship achievement

For those seeking a brisk, comprehensive overview of top headlines as of October 14th, 2025, this NPR News Now episode concisely delivers essential updates on global crises, American politics, economic policy shifts, and advancements in technology and family health.