NPR News Now – September 29, 2025, 1AM EDT

Host: Dale Willman
Duration: 5 minutes
Main Theme: Top news updates across the U.S. and the globe, covering major breaking stories in public safety, politics, weather, economics, and sports.

Major News Stories and Key Points

1. Michigan Church Attack

• Timestamps: [00:18]–[01:16]

• Summary:

  • A 40-year-old man, Thomas Jaco Sanford, attacked the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Grand Blanc, Michigan.
    • Sanford drove his truck into the church's entrance, opened fire, and set the building on fire.
    • Four people and the gunman died; authorities are still searching the burned church for additional victims.
    • The FBI is investigating, treating the attack as targeted violence.
    • Police and community members are celebrated for their bravery, particularly in protecting children.

• Notable Quote:

  "They were shielding the children who were also present within the church, moving them to safety. Just hundreds of people just practicing their faith."
  — Grand Blanc Township Police Chief William Renney (reported by Gavin Maguff) [00:50]

2. North Carolina Bar Shooting and Vigil

• Timestamps: [01:16]–[01:51]

• Summary:

  • Southport Baptist Church held a vigil for victims of a Saturday night shooting at a waterfront bar.
    • The attack resulted in three deaths and five injuries.
    • A suspect is in custody.
    • Community and first responders, including Chaplain CeCe McDonald, stressed the tragedy could have been worse and called for continued prayers.

• Notable Quote:

  "Was fortunate because this could have been way worse than what it was. But God showed up when we needed God. And yes, we've lost some loved ones and we need to remember them in prayer. But God has us."
  — CeCe McDonald, Brunswick County Sheriff's Department [01:35]

3. Tropical Storm Imelda

• Timestamps: [01:51]–[02:50]
• Summary:
  • Tropical Storm Imelda is approaching the southeastern U.S., already impacting the Bahamas with heavy rain and up to a 3-foot storm surge.
    • Imelda may strengthen into a hurricane early in the week.
    • Coastal Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas are preparing for possible flooding and dangerous shore conditions.
    • South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster declared a state of emergency.
    • Wind risk is reducing, but hazards like rip currents remain likely.

4. Missouri Political Redistricting

• Timestamps: [02:50]–[03:53]
• Summary:
  • Missouri’s governor has signed a redistricting measure that could flip a U.S. House seat from Democrat to Republican during the next midterm elections.
    • This change is part of former President Trump's broader plan to maintain the GOP’s majority.
    • Opponents are seeking a statewide referendum on the new map.

5. Gaza War Casualties and Peace Pressure

• Timestamps: [03:53]–[04:10]
• Summary:
  • Gaza health officials update the death toll in the Israel-Hamas war to more than 66,000—surpassing U.S. combat deaths in the Vietnam War.
    • Israeli PM Netanyahu is set to meet with President Trump to discuss a possible peace plan amid growing international calls to end the conflict.

6. Record U.S. Beef Prices and Cattle Industry Response

• Timestamps: [04:10]–[04:34]

• Summary:

  • Beef prices in the U.S. are at an all-time high.
    • The USDA will release a plan to help rebuild the cattle industry amid challenges.
    • Farmers are facing difficult decisions on herd management due to market uncertainty.
    • Some, like Missouri farmer Deb Thummel, are skeptical about government intervention.

• Notable Quote:

  "Think any beef producers really want the government to throw money at these high prices and lack of lack of cattle."
  — Deb Thummel, Missouri cattle farmer [04:17]

7. WNBA Semifinals: Indiana Fever vs. Las Vegas Aces

• Timestamps: [04:34]–[04:58]
• Summary:
  • All-Star center Aaliyah Boston led the Indiana Fever with 24 points and 14 rebounds to defeat the Las Vegas Aces, 90–83.
    • The win tied the semifinals series at 2-2.
    • Decisive Game Five will be played Tuesday in Las Vegas, with the winner moving on to the finals against Phoenix.

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• Police Rescues During Michigan Church Attack:

  "They were shielding the children... moving them to safety." — Chief Renney [00:50]

• Community Resilience After North Carolina Shooting:

  "God showed up when we needed God... we need to remember them in prayer." — CeCe McDonald [01:35]

• Farmers’ Skepticism on Government Aid:

  "Don't think any beef producers really want the government to throw money at these high prices..." — Deb Thummel [04:17]

Key Timestamps

• Michigan Church Attack: [00:18–01:16]
• North Carolina Shooting & Vigil: [01:16–01:51]
• Tropical Storm Imelda: [01:51–02:50]
• Missouri Redistricting: [02:50–03:53]
• Gaza War Death Toll & Peace Efforts: [03:53–04:10]
• Beef Prices & Industry Outlook: [04:10–04:34]
• WNBA Semifinals Recap: [04:34–04:58]

This fast-paced NPR News Now episode delivered concise, up-to-date coverage of national tragedies, political maneuvering, global conflict, economic challenges, and sports, with voices from law enforcement, faith leaders, farmers, and journalists contextualizing the headlines of September 29, 2025.