NPR News Now – September 29, 2025, 11PM EDT

Overview

This NPR News Now episode provides a concise roundup of major U.S. and international news stories as of September 29, 2025. Highlights include President Trump’s newly announced plan to end the Gaza war, looming threats of a government shutdown, new government action on prescription drug prices, a Justice Department lawsuit over sanctuary policies in Minnesota, and ongoing recovery struggles in Asheville, North Carolina, after Hurricane Helene.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. President Trump’s Gaza Peace Plan

[00:18-01:20]

• Announcement: President Trump has released a 20-point plan aimed at ending the war in Gaza and fostering broader Middle East peace.
• Main Components:
  • Immediate Release of Hostages within 72 hours.
  • Creation of a "de-radicalized, terror-free zone" in Gaza.
  • Opening Gaza to UN and international aid, overseen by a new transitional authority.
  • Exclusion of both Hamas and the Palestinian Authority from governing Gaza.
• Reactions:
  • Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has accepted the proposal, saying it accomplishes Israel’s war goals.
  • The U.S. administration awaits a response from Hamas.

Memorable Quote:
“They say too, please get the hostages back and please end the war. They’ve had it.”
— President Trump (paraphrased by Shea Stevens), 01:02

2. Government Shutdown Looms

[01:20-02:16]

• Context: The White House and Congress appear braced for a federal government shutdown, with parties far apart after a meeting with President Trump.
• Key Disagreements:
  • Democrats want the temporary funding bill to include an extension of health insurance subsidies.
  • Republicans oppose including those subsidies.
• Direct Comments:
  • Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticizes the proposed bill’s lack of Democratic input.
  • Vice President Vance predicts a shutdown, blaming Democrats.

Notable Quotes:
“I think for the first time the president heard our objections and heard why we needed a bipartisan bill. Their bill has not one iota of Democratic input.”
— Chuck Schumer (relayed by Shea Stevens), 01:43

“I think we’re headed to a shutdown because the Democrats won’t do the right thing. I hope they change their mind…”
— Vice President Vance, 02:04

• Shutdown Deadline: 12:01am on Wednesday.

3. Drug Price Reductions Stalled

[02:16-03:09]

• Update: Pharmaceutical companies faced a deadline today to reduce U.S. prescription drug prices, under pressure from the Trump administration.
• Government Approach:
  • Letters sent to 17 companies to align U.S. prices with international levels.
  • Threats of administrative action for non-compliance.
• Outcomes:
  • Some action: AstraZeneca offers a diabetes drug (Farsiga) at a discount directly to consumers.
  • No significant, broad reductions yet.

4. DOJ Lawsuit Against Minnesota Sanctuary Policies

[03:09-03:53]

• Action: The Justice Department is suing Minnesota officials and the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul.
• Reason: Sanctuary policies allegedly interfere with federal immigration enforcement.
• Context: Minnesota added to a list of sanctuary jurisdictions by U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi in August.

5. Asheville’s Struggles After Hurricane Helene

[03:53-04:41]

• Economic Impact: The tourism sector in Asheville, NC, remains severely affected a year after Hurricane Helene.
• Personal Stories:
  • Workers like Claire Winkler report paychecks are down 20%.
  • Many local businesses depend on upcoming “leaf season” to rebound.
• Overall Losses: The region has lost over $500 million in sales since the hurricane.

Memorable Quotes:
"It feels like the disaster is ongoing… Because none of us are making as much money as we normally would."
— Claire Winkler, 04:06-04:12

6. Financial Markets Update

[04:41-04:56]

• Wall Street: Dow Jones up by 68 points, Nasdaq up by 107; U.S. futures flat after hours.
• Asia-Pacific: Markets mixed.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “They say too, please get the hostages back and please end the war. They’ve had it.”
  — President Trump (paraphrased), [01:02]
• “I think for the first time the president heard our objections and heard why we needed a bipartisan bill. Their bill has not one iota of Democratic input.”
  — Chuck Schumer, [01:43]
• “I think we’re headed to a shutdown because the Democrats won’t do the right thing. I hope they change their mind…”
  — Vice President Vance, [02:04]
• "It feels like the disaster is ongoing… Because none of us are making as much money as we normally would."
  — Claire Winkler, [04:06-04:12]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Gaza Peace Plan: [00:18-01:20]
• Government Shutdown Talks: [01:20-02:16]
• Prescription Drug Prices: [02:16-03:09]
• DOJ Sanctuary Lawsuit: [03:09-03:53]
• Asheville After Hurricane Helene: [03:53-04:41]
• Financial Markets Update: [04:41-04:56]

Summary prepared for listeners seeking a quick, comprehensive briefing of the top news stories covered in the September 29, 2025, 11PM EDT edition of NPR News Now.