NPR News Now: September 28, 2025, 12PM EDT

Overview

In this crisp five-minute newscast, NPR delivers the top headlines from the United States and around the world. Today's coverage focuses on the looming threat of a partial U.S. government shutdown, tensions over federal troops potentially being sent to Portland, escalating international issues including Israel-Gaza and NATO’s Baltic deployments, urgent typhoon warnings in Vietnam, a notable shakeup in America’s beer market, and the lighter side of nature with Fat Bear Week.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Impending U.S. Government Shutdown

Host: Nora Raum
[00:21–01:04]

• The U.S. government faces a shutdown with funding bills stalled ahead of the Tuesday night deadline.

• President Trump scheduled a meeting with Congressional leaders, including Democrats Senator Chuck Schumer and Congressman Hakeem Jeffries, to discuss a stopgap funding bill.

• House Speaker Mike Johnson, speaking to CNN, accuses Democrats of using essential services as political leverage:

  "I'm telling you where his head is. He wants to bring in the leaders to come in and act like leaders and do the right thing for the American people. ... You don't hold the people hostage for their services to allow yourself political cover. And that's what Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries are doing right now."
  — House Speaker Mike Johnson [00:47]

• Democrats are pushing for an extension of health care subsidies for middle and low-income families, set to expire this year.

2. Federal Troops Threatened in Portland

Reporter: Matt Bloom
[01:04–02:09]

• President Trump announced plans to send federal troops to Portland, Oregon, citing the need to "protect war-ravaged Portland and any of its ICE facilities."

• Oregon officials dispute the necessity, noting only minor recent protests and arrests near Portland’s main ICE facility.

• Portland Mayor Keith Wilson, alongside the state governor, strongly rejects the intervention:

  "President Trump has directed all necessary troops to Portland, Oregon. The number of necessary troops is zero."
  — Mayor Keith Wilson [01:51]

• The state may pursue legal action if Trump proceeds, referencing earlier troop deployments to Los Angeles.

3. International Affairs & Security

a) Israel-Hamas War & U.S. Involvement

Host: Nora Raum
[02:09–02:37]

• Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to meet President Trump in Washington as pressure mounts to end the conflict in Gaza.
• Netanyahu recently told the UN General Assembly that Israel "must finish the job against Hamas."

b) NATO Response to Drone Incursions

Reporter: Terry Schultz
[02:37–03:15]

• NATO is increasing military resources in the Baltic Sea after repeated drone sightings over Denmark's airspace, particularly sensitive military locations.
• The reinforcements include intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance platforms, and at least one air defense frigate.
• Russia officially denies involvement in the drone activity.

4. Typhoon Forces Evacuations in Vietnam

Host: Nora Raum
[03:15–03:49]

• A powerful typhoon is approaching central and northern Vietnam, prompting mass evacuations and airport closures.
• The storm has already caused at least 10 deaths in the Philippines and is expected to bring destructive winds, rain, and life-threatening floods and landslides.

5. Michelob Ultra Becomes America’s Top-Selling Beer

Reporter: Ava Pukash
[03:49–04:35]

• Michelob Ultra overtakes Modelo Especial as the top beer brand in the U.S.
• Modelo’s previous surge followed backlash from a transgender influencer partnership with Bud Light.
• Constellation (Modelo’s parent company) notes shifting Hispanic consumer habits, influenced by President Trump's immigration policies, have impacted sales.
• Michelob Ultra’s growth is credited to sports sponsorships and its popular non-alcoholic variant.

6. Fat Bear Week in Alaska

Host: Nora Raum
[04:35–04:59]

• Katmai National Park’s beloved "Fat Bear Week" competition, celebrating Alaska's brown bears prepping for hibernation, is nearing its finale.
• Voting is open at explore.org until Tuesday night for the public to crown the fattest champion.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On Congressional gridlock:

  "You don't hold the people hostage for their services to allow yourself political cover."
  — House Speaker Mike Johnson [00:55]

• On Portland troop deployment:

  "The number of necessary troops is zero."
  — Mayor Keith Wilson [01:51]

• On shifting beer sales:

  "Michelob Ultra knocks Constellations Modelo Especial out of the top spot, according to data by market researcher company Circana."
  — Ava Pukash [03:49]

• On Fat Bear Week:

  "Only one bear will be crowned champion."
  — Nora Raum [04:54]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Government Shutdown: 00:21–01:04
• Oregon Troops/Portland: 01:04–02:09
• Israel, Gaza & NATO Baltic: 02:09–03:15
• Vietnam Typhoon: 03:15–03:49
• Beer Market Shakeup: 03:49–04:35
• Fat Bear Week: 04:35–04:59

This edition of NPR News Now delivers a rapid, balanced overview of urgent national policy disputes, international security tensions, impactful weather events, and a touch of cultural fun—all within five minutes.