NPR News Now – 09-28-2025 8PM EDT

Host: Jeanine Herbst
Date: September 29, 2025
Episode Overview:
This five-minute news bulletin delivers a concise roundup of major stories, including a tragic shooting in Michigan, developments on a US Middle East diplomacy bid, an update on Tropical Storm Imelda, looming government shutdown concerns, and a contentious Ryder Cup golf championship.

Michigan Church Shooting

Timestamps: 00:15 – 01:21

• Incident Summary:

  • A shooting at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Grand, Michigan (north of Detroit) leaves at least two dead and eight hospitalized.
  • The shooter, Thomas Jacob Sanford (40, from Burton, MI), rammed his truck into the church around 10:30 am before opening fire and setting the building ablaze.

• Law Enforcement Response:

  • Grand Blanc Township Police Chief William Renney stated:

    "The suspect again, we're in the preliminary stages right now, was neutralized at 10:33:44 in the parking lot of that church." (01:05)

• Status:

  • No motive disclosed; investigation ongoing.
  • "[The] church was also set on fire during the ordeal. Investigators believe Sanford deliberately started the blaze." – Alex McLennan (00:41)

US Middle East Diplomacy & Gaza Ceasefire Proposal

Timestamps: 01:21 – 02:21

• Background:

  • Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu set to meet President Trump at the White House.
  • The US is advancing a new proposal related to the war in Gaza.

• Diplomatic Details:

  • President Trump expressed optimism via social media, saying,

    "We have a real chance for greatness in the Middle East. All are on board for something special." – reported by Daniel Estrin (01:34)

  • Vice President J.D. Vance stated negotiations are ongoing with Arab and Israeli leaders regarding a ceasefire.
  • Proposal includes:
    • Hamas releases all hostages at the start of a ceasefire.
    • Multinational Arab and Muslim peacekeeping force to gradually replace Israeli troops in Gaza.

• Hamas Response:

  • Spokesperson told NPR they have not received an official offer but are in contact via mediators.
  • Hamas claims loss of contact with two Israeli hostages due to continued bombardment.

Tropical Storm Imelda Threatens Southeast US

Timestamps: 02:21 – 03:13

• Storm Update:

  • Imelda is currently over the Caribbean, already producing rain and possible flooding in the Bahamas.

• Forecast & Concerns:

  • Heavy rain and potential three-foot storm surge expected in the Bahamas.
  • Imelda may strengthen into a hurricane by Monday or Tuesday.
  • Coastal Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas preparing for rainfall and flooding.
  • South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster declared a state of emergency.
  • "The risk of strong wind impacts this week is dropping, but Imelda could still produce dangerous conditions along the shore." – Joe Hernandez (02:32)

Looming US Government Shutdown

Timestamps: 03:13 – 04:01

• Political Developments:

  • Funding for the federal government expires Tuesday at midnight.
  • President Trump set to meet four congressional leaders to attempt a budget deal.

• Key Issues:

  • Republicans push for a temporary spending bill with existing federal spending levels.
  • Democrats demand extension of Affordable Care Act subsidies and reversal of Medicaid cuts.

Ryder Cup Golf: Europe Defeats USA Amid Controversy

Timestamps: 04:01 – 04:44

• Match Result:

  • Team Europe defeats Team USA 15–13 at Ryder Cup in New York State.

• Fan Behavior:

  • Spectators' unruly behavior, including jeering at Rory McIlroy and his wife.
  • McIlroy responded with an expletive and halted play until crowd noise subsided.
  • Team USA captain Keegan Bradley commented,

    "The fans of New York all I've seen have been pretty good. You're always going to have a few people that cross the line, and that's unfortunate." (04:23)

  • Two spectators ejected after a verbal altercation; one person charged with stealing a golf cart.

Market Update

Timestamps: 04:44 – 04:57

• Current status:
  • US stock futures higher—Dow and S&P 500 up about 1.10%, Nasdaq up 0.2%.

Memorable Quotes

• Chief William Renney (on suspect neutralization):

  "The suspect again, we're in the preliminary stages right now, was neutralized at 10:33:44 in the parking lot of that church." (01:05)

• Daniel Estrin (quoting President Trump on Middle East diplomacy):

  "We have a real chance for greatness in the Middle East. All are on board for something special." (01:34)

• Keegan Bradley (on fan behavior at Ryder Cup):

  "The fans of New York all I've seen have been pretty good. You're always going to have a few people that cross the line, and that's unfortunate." (04:23)

Summary Flow & Tone

This episode succinctly covered the most pressing news stories with direct reporting and statements from key figures and NPR correspondents. The tone was factual, urgent, and informative, matching the nature of a rapid, five-minute newscast designed to quickly update listeners on diverse and critical topics.