NPR News Now – Summary

Episode: NPR News: 09-28-2025 5PM EDT
Host: Jeanine Herbst
Date: September 28, 2025
Duration: 5 minutes
Theme: A concise roundup of top national and international news stories, covering major developments in politics, public safety, global affairs, the economy, and the entertainment industry.

Key Stories and Discussions

1. Michigan Church Shooting ([00:16]–[01:16])

• Incident Overview:
  A tragic shooting occurred at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Grand Blanc, Michigan.
• Details of the Attack:
  • A 40-year-old suspect drove his vehicle into the church and opened fire on worshippers, also allegedly starting a fire.
  • At least two people were killed, and over six were injured.
  • The gunman was killed after a confrontation with two law enforcement officers.
• Ongoing Investigation:
  • No motive released.
  • Suspect’s relationship to local law enforcement is unknown.

Quote – Police Response
“They met the suspect and they engaged in gunf with that particular individual, neutralizing that suspect.”
– William Rennie, Grand Blanc Police Chief [01:00]

2. Eric Adams Withdraws from NYC Mayoral Race ([01:16]–[02:16])

• Announcement:
  New York City Mayor Eric Adams exits mayoral race, citing struggles stemming from investigations that impeded his campaign fundraising and activities.
• Adams’ Statement:
  Emphasized commitment to public service despite ending his campaign.
• Political Landscape:
  • Adam’s withdrawal shakes up the race, leading to a tighter contest between Zoran Mamdani, a Democratic Socialist, and former Governor Andrew Cuomo.
  • Cuomo, previously resigned amid scandal, positions himself as a centrist alternative.
  • Republican Curtis Sliwa remains a contender, making it a three-way race.
• Background:
  Adams previously faced federal charges of bribery and campaign finance offenses, later dropped.

Quote – Adams on Withdrawal
“Although this is the end of my re election campaign, it is not the end of my public service.”
– Eric Adams [01:38]

3. U.S.–Middle East Ceasefire Negotiations ([02:16]–[03:11])

• Upcoming Summit:
  Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu scheduled to meet with President Trump at the White House.
• Ceasefire Proposal:
  • U.S. is mediating a new ceasefire proposal in the Gaza conflict.
  • Plan reportedly includes Hamas releasing all hostages at the start of a ceasefire, with a multinational peacekeeping force gradually replacing Israeli troops in Gaza.
• Mixed Reactions:
  • Hamas claims it hasn’t received an official offer but has been informed by mediators.
  • Hamas reports loss of contact with two Israeli hostages in Gaza City due to bombardment.

Quote – Trump on Negotiations
“We have a real chance for greatness in the Middle East. All are on board for something special.”
– President Donald Trump [Paraphrased by Daniel Estrin, 02:23]

4. Record-High Beef Prices and USDA Response ([03:11]–[04:12])

• Economic Update:
  Beef prices reach all-time highs, challenging cattle farmers nationwide.
• Government Action:
  • The Department of Agriculture (USDA) plans to unveil measures to revitalize the cattle industry in October.
  • Farmers weigh holding back heifers to rebuild herds or continuing to sell at high prices.
• Producer Sentiment:
  Farmer Deb Thummel voices skepticism about direct government intervention.

Quote – Farmer’s Perspective
“Think any beef producers really want want the government to throw money at these high prices and lack of cattle.”
– Deb Thummel [03:54]

5. Weekend Box Office Highlights ([04:12]–[04:55])

• Top Performer:
  Warner Brothers’ "One Battle After Another" debuted at number one, earning $22 million.
  • Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson.
  • Star-studded cast includes Leonardo DiCaprio, Teyana Taylor, and Sean Penn.
  • Described as a contemporary American epic.
• Second Place:
  "Gabby’s Dollhouse, The Movie" from Universal Pictures/Dreamworks Animation made $13 million.
  • Based on the popular children’s series.
  • Had a production budget of $32 million.

Notable Quotes

• “They met the suspect and they engaged in gunf with that particular individual, neutralizing that suspect.”
  – William Rennie [01:00]
• “Although this is the end of my re election campaign, it is not the end of my public service.”
  – Eric Adams [01:38]
• “Think any beef producers really want want the government to throw money at these high prices and lack of cattle.”
  – Deb Thummel [03:54]

Important Timestamps

• [00:16] Michigan church shooting update
• [01:16] Eric Adams exits NYC mayoral race
• [02:16] Netanyahu–Trump White House summit preview
• [03:11] USDA tackles high beef prices
• [04:12] Box office results and film highlights

Summary

This episode of NPR News Now delivered a brisk, punchy summary of the day's most critical stories, emphasizing urgent updates on a Michigan church shooting, major political shakeups in New York City, high-stakes international diplomacy in the Middle East, economic pressure on cattle farmers, and fresh movie industry milestones. The reporting balanced rapid detail with direct quotes, letting listeners quickly grasp both breaking facts and the stakes involved.