NPR News Now – October 15, 2025, 11AM EDT

Host: Korva Coleman
Duration: 5 minutes

Overview

This episode delivers a concise roundup of the day’s most pressing national and international headlines. Centered on the ongoing federal government shutdown, the episode also touches on legislative gridlock, military personnel issues, tensions in Gaza, a new leader for the LDS church, and weather-driven crises in Alaska.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Federal Government Shutdown and Worker Layoffs

• [00:18] Federal government shutdown enters its second week
  • President Trump is firing federal workers amid the shutdown.
  • Federal employee unions have sued, seeking a court order to halt layoffs and new reduction-in-force notices.
  • The Trump administration argues the judge lacks jurisdiction; suggests such decisions belong to federal agencies.
  • President Trump claims the shutdown is a chance to eliminate "Democrat programs."
  • Quote:
    • “President Trump continues to blame Democrats for the shutdown and says it’s an opportunity for him to end, quote, Democrat programs, those he never wanted and will probably never allow back.”
      — Andrea Hsu, [00:52]

2. Legislative Stalemate and Arizona Congressional Seat

• [01:16] House Speaker Mike Johnson’s actions during the shutdown
  • The House has passed a spending bill, but the Senate has not.
  • Speaker Johnson refuses to swear in newly elected Democratic congresswoman Adelita Grijalva of Arizona, elected three weeks earlier.
  • Grijalva criticizes the Speaker for a lack of communication and announces legal involvement.
  • Grijalva’s swearing-in is pivotal as she would cast a deciding vote on releasing the Epstein files.
  • Quote:
    • “I have not had one word from Speaker Johnson. Not one word. We sent a letter. Now our attorney general is getting involved because this is taxation without representation.”
      — Adelita Grijalva, [01:38]

3. Military Pay and National Guard Troops

• [01:50] Military pay maintained amid shutdown; Texas National Guard controversy
  • Treasury Secretary Scott Besant asserts military paychecks will be issued due to internal fiscal maneuvering.
  • Some Texas National Guard members sent home from Chicago for failing fitness standards following viral images online.
  • Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth criticizes troops for not meeting physical standards.
  • Quote:
    • “If the secretary of war can do regular hard pt, so can every member of our joint force. Frankly, it’s tiring to look out at combat formations or really any formation and see fat troops.”
      — Pete Hegseth, [02:52]

4. Gaza Ceasefire and Humanitarian Aid

• [03:14] Tensions rise in Gaza despite ceasefire
  • Israel disputes the identity of one of eight bodies returned by Hamas.
  • Israel closes Rafah crossing, further limiting relief aid to Palestinians.

5. LDS Church’s New Leadership

• [03:50] Dallin H. Oaks becomes president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
  • Succeeds the late Russell M. Nelson; background as a Utah Supreme Court justice.
  • Religious commentator Jana Reese cites Oaks’ awareness of political authoritarianism and emphasis on law and order.
  • His stance on social and political issues, including same-sex marriage, remains to be seen in this new role.
  • Quote:
    • “He could serve as a reminder of justice and law and order and precedent and a lot of things that in America people have been throwing out the window.”
      — Jana Reese, [04:08]

6. Disaster Strikes Western Alaska

• [04:31] Typhoon remnants cause destruction and displacement
  • Severe flooding leaves one dead, two missing; survivors cling to debris as homes are swept away.
  • Hundreds displaced and seeking shelter.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Federal Worker Layoffs:
  “They argue that the Trump administration has overstepped its authority in telling agencies to carry out the reductions in force, or rifs.”
  — Andrea Hsu, [00:38]

• On Military Fitness:
  “Last week, the National Guard issued a statement saying all troops had to meet height, weight and fitness standards.”
  — Andrew Schneider, [03:05]

• On LDS Church Leadership:
  “Ochs has also long been outspoken about his beliefs against same sex marriage. Reese says it’s yet to be seen if he’ll continue that trajectory as president.”
  — Ciara Hewlett, [04:19]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:18] Federal shutdown & federal worker layoffs
• [01:16] Legislative gridlock & Adelita Grijalva situation
• [01:50] Military pay during shutdown; fitness controversy in National Guard
• [03:14] Gaza ceasefire strains; Israel closes Rafah crossing
• [03:50] LDS church names Dallin H. Oaks as new president
• [04:31] Typhoon impacts in Alaska

Summary

This episode of NPR News Now presents a snapshot of American political turmoil during a prolonged government shutdown, spotlights legal and military accountability, summarizes international strife, covers a notable leadership transition for a major religious institution, and details the devastating aftermath of a natural disaster in Alaska—all tightly woven into NPR’s signature objective, urgent tone.