Gaza Ceasefire Tested, Shutdown Stalemate, SCOTUS Voting Rights

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🗓️ 15 October 2025

⏱️ 15 minutes

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Summary

Hamas hands over more bodies of deceased hostages as tensions rise in Gaza over the next phase of the ceasefire deal. The government shutdown stretches into its third week with no negotiations underway, as pressure builds on both parties to break the stalemate. And the Supreme Court takes up a major case on Louisiana’s congressional map that could weaken the Voting Rights Act nationwide.

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Transcript

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0:00.0	Israel says it will retaliate if Hamas does not hand over more bodies of deceased hostages.
0:07.4	Trump is demanding that the Palestinian militant group put down their weapons.
0:11.0	If they don't disarm, we will disarm them.
0:13.9	I am Michelle Martin with Laila Fadol, and this is up first from NPR News.
0:20.8	It's day 15 of the government's shutdown and lawmakers on both sides aren't even talking about
0:25.5	how to end it.
0:26.3	So when you ask what negotiation, there's nothing to negotiate.
0:30.3	Federal workers are bracing for missed paychecks.
0:33.0	What will it take to break the deadlock?
0:34.7	And Supreme Court justices hear a case that could weaken what's left
0:38.8	of the Voting Rights Act. The case is about Louisiana's congressional map, but the outcome could
0:43.7	reshape districts across the country. Stay with us. We've got the news you need to start your day.
1:00.4	This message comes from The Economist. Introducing The Economist Insider, a new video offering with twice-weekly shows featuring in-depth analysis and expertise to make sense of an increasingly
1:05.9	complex and dangerous world. More at Economconomist.com slash insider.
1:16.5	Our common nature is a musical journey with Yo-Yo Ma and me, Ana Gonzalez, through this complicated country.
1:20.2	We go into caves, onto boats, and up mountain trails
1:23.2	to meet people, hear their stories, and of course, play some music, all to reconnect to nature.
1:31.8	Listen to Our Common Nature from WNYC, wherever you get podcasts.
1:35.9	In the U.S., national security news can feel far away from daily life.
1:40.7	Distant wars, murky conflicts, diplomacy behind closed doors on our new show,
1:46.2	Sources and Methods. NPR reporters on the ground bring you stories of real people,
1:51.0	helping you understand why distant events matter here at home.
	...

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