NPR News Now — September 28, 2025, 4PM EDT

Host: Nora Ram
Episode Theme:
A succinct update on major national and international events, with a focus this hour on breaking news from Michigan, U.S. government shutdown negotiations, the war in Gaza, a looming typhoon in Vietnam, the passing of a renowned chronicler of Shanghai’s architecture, and a significant political development in New York City’s mayoral race.

Key News Stories & Discussion Points

1. Church Shooting and Fire in Michigan

[00:16–01:15]

• Incident Overview:
  A tragic attack at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Grand Blank, Michigan, where a gunman drove his vehicle into the church, opened fire on congregants, and set the building alight.
• Casualties:
  At least one civilian killed; the suspect (an unidentified 40-year-old man) was shot dead by responding police.
• Damage:
  Fire consumed much of the church; authorities are searching damaged areas.
• Community Reaction:
  • Scott Bennett, Grand Blank Township supervisor:

    "This kind of violence doesn't happen in our community and we are heartbroken that it came to Grand Blank Township." [01:00]

• Reporter: Steve Carmody, NPR Michigan correspondent.

2. Impending Federal Government Shutdown

[01:15–01:57]

• Deadline:
  The fiscal year ends Tuesday night; Congress has yet to pass funding bills to avoid a partial shutdown.
• White House & Congressional Talks:
  President Trump to meet with congressional leaders, including Democrats Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries.
• Speaker Mike Johnson’s Position:
  • On CNN, he expressed the President’s urgency and frustration:

    "He wants to bring in the leaders to come in and act like leaders and do the right thing for the American people. And it's fine to have partisan debates and squabbles, but 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." [01:44]

• Sticking Point:
  Democrats are demanding an extension for health care subsidies benefiting middle and low-income families.

3. Gaza Conflict: Heavy Casualties and Market Strike

[01:57–03:12]

• Rising Death Toll:
  Gaza health officials report more than 66,000 Palestinians killed by Israeli fire since the war began nearly two years ago.
• Recent Strikes:
  • An Israeli airstrike on a crowded market killed at least 19 people and injured over 70; casualties included women and children.
  • Israel claimed the strike targeted a Hamas militant involved in a previous incident linked to the rescue of Israeli hostages.
• Ongoing Displacement:
  Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians displaced to south Gaza; the south is also under regular bombardment.
• Reporter: Anas Baba, NPR Gaza correspondent.

4. Vietnam Braces for Powerful Typhoon

[03:12–03:49]

• Evacuations & Preparations:
  Thousands evacuated in central and northern Vietnam as a severe typhoon approaches, bringing winds, heavy rains, and possible flash floods and landslides. Airport closures reported.
• Regional Impact:
  The typhoon previously struck the central Philippines, leaving at least 10 dead.

5. Remembering Tess Johnston: Chronicler of Shanghai Architecture

[03:49–04:30]

• Obituary:
  Tess Johnston, notable for her work documenting and preserving the colonial-era architecture of Shanghai, died this month in Washington, D.C.
• Legacy:
  • Johnston partnered with photographer Er Dongchang to publish over two dozen books, educating new generations on architecture nearly lost to modern development.
  • She described Shanghai’s architectural diversity as unique and enchanting:

    “Where else in the world would you find such a variety of buildings? Maybe New York City. And it was just enchanting, really enchanting.” — Tess Johnston [04:07]

  • Expressed gratitude for witnessing Shanghai’s architectural history.
• Reporter: Frank Langford, NPR Washington correspondent.

6. New York City Mayoral Race Update

[04:30–04:55]

• Eric Adams Withdraws:
  Mayor Eric Adams, running as an independent after being a Democrat, exits the race amid lagging poll numbers.
• Current Field:
  • Democratic nominee: Zoran Mandani
  • Former Governor Andrew Cuomo (independent), left office after a sexual misconduct scandal
  • Republican Curtis Sliwa
• Significance:
  Race now narrows to a three-way contest as Adams concedes.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “This kind of violence doesn't happen in our community and we are heartbroken that it came to Grand Blank Township.”
  — Scott Bennett, Grand Blank Township supervisor [01:00]

• “He wants to bring in the leaders to come in and act like leaders and do the right thing for the American people...”
  — House Speaker Mike Johnson [01:39]

• “Where else in the world would you find such a variety of buildings? Maybe New York City. And it was just enchanting, really enchanting.”
  — Tess Johnston, on Shanghai’s architecture [04:07]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Michigan church shooting & fire: [00:16–01:15]
• Government shutdown negotiations: [01:15–01:57]
• Gaza war updates and market strike: [01:57–03:12]
• Vietnam typhoon warning: [03:12–03:49]
• Tess Johnston remembrance: [03:49–04:30]
• New York mayoral campaign shakeup: [04:30–04:55]

Summary prepared for NPR News Now listeners and readers seeking a concise yet thorough account of the hour’s major news stories.