NPR News Now – 09-29-2025 12PM EDT

Host: Luis Schiavone
Date: September 29, 2025
Duration: 5 Minutes

Overview

This NPR News Now episode delivers the latest headlines as of noon EDT, focusing on the looming government shutdown in Washington, Middle East peace initiatives, a tragic church shooting in Michigan, President Trump's deployment of the National Guard, advice for coping with seasonal affective disorder, and entertainment news regarding the next Super Bowl halftime show.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Looming Government Shutdown: High-Stakes Congressional Negotiations

• [00:14]-[01:15]

  • President Trump is set to meet with top congressional leaders at the White House as lawmakers face a critical deadline to pass a temporary spending bill and avert a partial government shutdown.
  • The meeting is a rescheduling after a previously canceled session with Democrats.
  • The Senate is expected to vote on a House-passed continuing resolution to fund the government through late November.
  • Major sticking points:
    • Senate Democrats previously blocked the bill, seeking negotiation on expanded Affordable Care Act subsidies.
    • Republicans want to pass the stopgap bill first, then negotiate other issues.

  Notable Quote:

  "If Congress fails to reach a bipartisan compromise, the government could partially shut down at midnight."
  — Barbara Sprunt, NPR News [00:34]

2. Middle East Peace Framework: Netanyahu at the White House

• [01:15]-[02:06]

  • Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is at the White House to discuss a framework to end fighting in Gaza with President Trump.
  • Daniel Estrin reports the plan, confirmed by a source, includes:
    • Hamas releasing all 48 remaining hostages, both alive and deceased.
    • Gradual introduction of a multinational Arab and Muslim peacekeeping force into Gaza.
    • Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza.
  • The proposal was presented by Trump to Arab leaders in New York last week, marking the most serious post-war planning efforts for Gaza since Trump's inauguration.

  Notable Quote:

  "It is the most serious effort yet since Trump entered the office to end the war and to chart a post war future for Gaza."
  — Daniel Estrin, NPR News [01:50]

3. Michigan Church Shooting: FBI Investigation

• [02:06]-[03:13]

  • A deadly attack occurred at a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Grand Blanc, Michigan.
    • The attacker, Thomas Jacob Sanford, allegedly crashed his truck into the building, opened fire, set the church on fire, and was killed in a shootout with police.
    • At least 4 people died, and 8 others were injured.
  • The FBI, now leading the investigation, calls it a targeted act of violence but have not released a motive.

  Notable Quote:

  "Sanford died after exchanging gunfire with police." — Steve Carmody, Michigan Public [02:50]

4. Federal Troop Deployment in Portland

• [03:13]-[03:54]

  • President Trump has ordered a 60-day deployment of Oregon National Guard troops to Portland, citing ongoing protests against immigration enforcement and a demonstration at an ICE facility.
  • Oregon Governor Tina Kotek strongly opposes the move, calling it an abuse of power; the state’s attorney general has filed suit.
  • Both federal agents and protestors have been injured in prior confrontations.

  Notable Quote:

  "Trump cited protests against immigration enforcement there and demonstrations at a single ICE facility... Oregon Governor Tina Kotek called the move an abuse of power and the state's attorney general has filed suit."
  — Luis Schiavone, NPR News [03:20]

5. Coping with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

• [03:54]-[04:35]

  • As daylight decreases, NPR’s Allison Aubrey reports on the onset of seasonal affective disorder and recommends starting bright light therapy in early fall.
  • Dr. Dorothy Sitt of Northwestern University notes that light therapy is as effective as antidepressants and can rapidly improve symptoms.

  Notable Quotes:

  "Bright light therapy in the morning can be extremely helpful to reverse some of the symptoms of seasonal depression."
  — Dr. Dorothy Sitt [04:15]

  "Studies show it can start to reduce depression symptoms within one week."
  — Allison Aubrey, NPR News [04:33]

6. Super Bowl Halftime Performer Announced

• [04:35]-[04:57]

  • Puerto Rican rapper and singer Bad Bunny will headline this season’s Super Bowl halftime show.
  • Notably, Bad Bunny has previously excluded the U.S. mainland from his world tours over concerns for his fans' safety due to ICE raids.

  Notable Quote:

  "The artist has previously said he excluded the US Mainland from his upcoming world tour over concerns his fans would be subject to ICE raids."
  — Luis Schiavone, NPR News [04:50]

Timestamps for Important Segments

| Time | Segment | |----------|----------------------------------------------| | 00:14 | Government shutdown negotiations | | 01:15 | Netanyahu’s White House visit – Gaza plan | | 02:06 | Michigan Church shooting details | | 03:13 | Trump deploys National Guard to Portland | | 03:54 | Seasonal affective disorder & light therapy | | 04:35 | Bad Bunny Super Bowl announcement |

This summary condenses all major news points from the original NPR News Now episode, providing essential context for each headline and direct speaker insights for quick reference.