NPR News Now – Episode Summary

Podcast: NPR News Now
Episode: 09-28-2025 10PM EDT
Air Date: September 29, 2025
Host: Jeanine Herbst

Episode Overview

This episode delivers the latest national news highlights in a concise five-minute update. Major stories include a deadly attack on a Michigan church, looming threats of a government shutdown, Missouri’s contentious new congressional map, the passing of a historic Tuskegee Airman, and a large nationwide food recall.

Key News Highlights and Insights

Michigan Church Shooting and Aftermath

• [00:20 – 01:24]
  • Authorities in Grand Blanc, Michigan, have recovered bodies from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, following a violent attack that claimed five lives, including the shooter.
  • Alex McLennan (WDET): “Thomas Jacob Sanford, a 40 year old military veteran, crashed his truck into the church before opening fire on the Mormon congregation and setting the building ablaze.” (00:44)
  • The FBI is investigating the incident as a targeted act of violence.
  • No motive has been announced. Subsequent bomb threats have further unsettled the community.
  • Reuben Coleman (FBI): “This act of violence has no place in our state or anywhere else in our country.” (01:07)

Government Shutdown Looms as Deadline Nears

• [01:24 – 02:17]
  • Top congressional leaders are set to meet with President Trump ahead of the September 30th deadline to fund the government and avoid a partial shutdown.
  • Republicans seek a stopgap bill through November 21st, while Democrats press for negotiations, especially concerning soon-to-expire Affordable Care Act tax credits.
  • Senate Majority Leader John Thune (via Leon Butler, Jr.): “Keep the government open. And let’s have a conversation about those premium tax credits. I’m certainly open to that.” (02:04)

Missouri Revises Congressional Map

• [02:17 – 03:04]
  • Missouri has drawn new congressional maps aiming to bolster the Republican majority for the midterm elections.
  • The redistricting splits the district of Democrat Emanuel Cleaver, potentially giving Republicans control of seven out of eight seats.
  • Rachel Lippman (St. Louis Public Radio): “The bill signing was closed to the media. The map already faces multiple legal challenges... Opponents are gathering signatures to force a statewide vote.” (02:33)
  • Voter approval may ultimately decide the fate of the new districts.

Mixed Asian Markets Update

• [03:04 – 03:32]
  • Japan’s Nikkei index fell nearly 0.8%, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng rose by 1.1%.

Legacy of Tuskegee Airman Lt. Col. George Hardee

• [03:32 – 04:18]
  • Lt. Col. George Hardee, the last Tuskegee Airman to fly combat missions in Europe during WWII, has died at 100.
  • Hardee completed 21 WWII missions and 45 missions in the Korean War, overcoming adversity both in combat and confronting racism.
  • Leon Butler, Jr. (Tuskegee Airmen Inc.): “He would tell young people, say, hey, serve your country. This is your country, too. I’m going to do my best to serve my country. And they sure did.” (04:01)
  • Hardee received several honors, including the Congressional Gold Medal.

Nationwide Corn Dog and Sausage Recall

• [04:18 – 04:58]
  • Nearly 60 million pounds of corn dogs and “sausage on a stick” products are recalled due to possible wood contamination.
  • The recall includes State Fair corn dogs and Jimmy Dean pancake-and-sausage sticks from Hillshire Brands (Tyson Foods).
  • Five injuries have been reported; products were widely distributed to retailers, schools, and the Defense Department.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Reuben Coleman, FBI ([01:07]):
  “This act of violence has no place in our state or anywhere else in our country.”
• Leon Butler, Jr., Tuskegee Airmen Inc. ([04:01]):
  “He would tell young people, say, hey, serve your country. This is your country, too. I’m going to do my best to serve my country. And they sure did.”
• Senate Majority Leader John Thune ([02:04], via Leon Butler, Jr.):
  “Keep the government open. And let’s have a conversation about those premium tax credits. I’m certainly open to that.”

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Michigan Church Attack: [00:20 – 01:24]
• Gov’t Shutdown Deadline: [01:24 – 02:17]
• Missouri Redistricting: [02:17 – 03:04]
• Asian Markets Update: [03:04 – 03:32]
• Tuskegee Airman Obituary: [03:32 – 04:18]
• Food Recall: [04:18 – 04:58]