NPR News Now — 8PM EDT, October 15, 2025
Host: Ryland Barton (with reporting from Franco Ordonez, Lionel Ramos, Nell Greenfield Boyce)
Theme: The latest top US and world news, politics, science, and human interest stories
Episode Overview
This NPR News Now episode delivers the day’s most significant news in five minutes, including breaking developments in US foreign policy, the ongoing government shutdown, contentious education policy changes in Oklahoma, new scientific findings on climate and human evolution, and a remarkable historical discovery in New Orleans.
Key Stories & Insights
1. US Authorizes Covert CIA Operations in Venezuela
Reporting by Franco Ordonez
- [00:19] Ryland Barton: President Trump confirms he approved covert CIA operations in Venezuela as part of a campaign against drug trafficking.
- [00:32] Franco Ordonez:
- The move is part of heightened efforts to destabilize the Maduro regime.
- Trump claims the US "almost totally stopped" trafficking by sea and is now taking action by land.
- He releases a rare public rationale for the operation:
- “They have emptied their prisons into the United States of America.”
- He also ties this action to broader concerns over narcotics entering the US.
- Trump dismisses criticism over lack of transparency regarding these measures.
Notable Quote
- Trump ([00:44]): “I authorized for two reasons, really. Number one, they have emptied their prisons into the United States of America.”
(Franco Ordonez quoting President Trump)
2. Court Ruling on Government Firing During Shutdown & Health Care Stalemate
- [01:17] Ryland Barton:
- Federal judge orders President Trump to halt federal employee firings during the ongoing government shutdown.
- The decision by Judge Susan Ilston follows agency layoffs targeting so-called “Democrat agencies.”
- Political stand-off:
- Democrats, led by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, demand extension of health care subsidies.
- Schumer criticizes Republicans for inaction:
- Quote ([01:45]): “Neither Trump nor congressional Republicans are even trying to solve the health care crisis that is just a horror for the American people.”
- Republicans remain steadfast, refusing to negotiate.
Notable Quotes
- Sen. John Thune ([02:00]): “I think the American people are one when the Senate Democrats are going to end their temper tantrum and vote to reopen the government.”
- Ongoing gridlock: Yet another attempt to pass a temporary government funding bill fails in the Senate.
3. Oklahoma Halts Mandatory Biblical Instruction Plan
Reporting by Lionel Ramos (KOSU)
- [02:26] Lionel Ramos:
- Newly appointed State Superintendent Lyndall Fields cancels prior requirement for Bibles and Ten Commandments in all classrooms.
- The controversial policy had led to a legal challenge still pending before the state Supreme Court.
- The Department of Education prepares to seek case dismissal, signaling a break with past administration’s direction.
Notable Quotes
- Tara Thompson, Dept. of Ed. spokesperson ([02:49]):
“Are we spending taxpayer dollars wisely and as good stewards? And if the answer to that is no. Then we need to start looking at rescinding or making changes to things that have been put in place.” - Lionel Ramos ([02:58]): “It’s a stark shift away from what Field’s predecessor, Ryan Walters, intended and what prompted a coalition of parents, teachers and faith leaders to file the lawsuit last year.”
4. Record CO₂ Increase and Its Impact on Climate
- [03:12] Ryland Barton:
- UN weather agency reports atmospheric CO₂ saw its highest-ever annual jump last year.
- Levels are now three times what they were in the 1960s.
- Results: Accelerating extreme weather due to climate change.
5. Lead Exposure in Human Ancestors
Reporting by Nell Greenfield Boyce
- [03:46] Nell Greenfield Boyce:
- Study of fossil teeth shows Neanderthals and other ancient humans suffered significant lead exposure.
- Allison Muotri (UC San Diego) investigates genetic differences in brain development:
- Suggests evolutionary mutation in modern humans provided some protection against lead, possibly driven by environmental pressures.
Notable Quote
- Allison Muotri ([04:09]), via Franco Ordonez:
“The question was why we modern humans acquired that mutation. There must be a strong selective pressure.” - [04:17] Lab tests show human gene variant helps shield the brain from lead more than the Neanderthal version.
6. Historic Roman Artifact Found in New Orleans
- [04:36] Ryland Barton:
- Local family finds a 1,900-year-old marble Roman grave marker in their backyard.
- The Latin-inscribed tablet commemorates Sextus Congenius Verus, a Roman sailor.
- The artifact was transported from Italy post-WWII by the previous homeowner, adding an unexpected twist to local history.
Segment Timestamps Overview
- [00:19] President Trump’s covert CIA directive in Venezuela (Franco Ordonez reporting)
- [01:17] Court ruling on worker firings during government shutdown and political health care standoff
- [02:26] Oklahoma repeals mandatory biblical education (Lionel Ramos reporting)
- [03:12] Record atmospheric CO₂ surge and climate impacts
- [03:46] Study: Lead exposure in ancient humans (Nell Greenfield Boyce reporting)
- [04:36] Family discovers Roman grave marker in New Orleans
Memorable Moments & Tone
- The news is delivered in NPR’s signature concise, objective style, with occasional direct quotes providing punch and immediacy.
- Key political moments: Exchanges between Democratic and Republican Senate leaders highlight the entrenched nature of current US political divides.
Summary
In a brisk five minutes, NPR News Now covers significant developments at the intersection of US foreign policy, domestic governance, education, science, and history. Listeners are brought up to speed on controversial interventions abroad, high-stakes political standoffs at home, the reversal of divisive state-level education policies, sobering scientific warnings, evolutionary insights, and a remarkable archaeological find—each story reinforcing the show’s promise of timely, authoritative reporting.