NPR News Now — September 29, 2025, 4AM EDT

Host: Dale Willman
Episode Theme:
A concise roundup of major overnight news headlines, including a deadly attack in Michigan, another shooting in North Carolina, updates from the ongoing conflict in Gaza, U.S. budget negotiations, global election results, entertainment news featuring Bad Bunny, and highlights from women's basketball.

Key News Stories & Discussion Points

1. Tragedy at an LDS Church in Grand Blanc, Michigan

• [00:20] Reported by Dale Willman and Liz Baker

  • At least four people confirmed dead after a violent attack at the church.
  • Suspect, Thomas Jacob Sanford (age 40), reportedly crashed a vehicle into the church, opened fire, and then set the building on fire using an accelerant.
  • Some victims died from gunfire, others from the resulting fire.
  • Several explosive devices were found; bomb threats led to searches at other local churches.

  Notable Quote:

  • William Renney, Grand Blanc Township Police Chief:

    "The entire church has not been cleared because it's a total loss due to the fire. So these first responders right now, they're in recovery mode. They're trying to fight through all the debris." [00:48]

2. Shooting in Southport, North Carolina

• [01:10] Reported by Dale Willman

  • Nigel Edge, the alleged shooter, used a boat to approach a riverside bar, opening fire and injuring eight in addition to the three killed.

  • No motive has been provided by police.

  • Community's Response:
    CeCe McDonald, assistant senior chaplain, praised solidarity at a vigil.

    Notable Quote:

    • CeCe McDonald:

      "We are a community and look at this in here. We are Southport Strong. Absolutely." [01:32]

3. Gaza Conflict Update

• [01:39] Reported by Dale Willman and Anas Baba

  • Gaza health officials state over 66,000 Palestinians killed in nearly two years of war with Israel.
  • Recent Israeli airstrike hit a crowded outdoor market, killing at least 19 (including women and children) and wounding 70+.
  • Israel claims it was targeting a Hamas militant involved in a prior deadly raid.
  • Central Gaza and southern regions remain under near-daily bombardment, with hundreds of thousands displaced.

  Notable Context:

  • Reference to Israel's 2024 raid in central Gaza, which freed four hostages but resulted in a high Palestinian death toll.

4. U.S. Federal Budget Standoff

• [02:50] Reported by Dale Willman
  • President Trump set to meet with Congressional leaders to negotiate a temporary budget.
  • Without a deal, government faces shutdown at midnight Tuesday.

5. Global and Financial Updates

• [03:10]

  • Asian stock indexes mostly higher; Tokyo’s Nikkei drops 0.7%.
  • U.S. stock futures rise; oil prices fall.
  • Moldova’s pro-Western Party of Action and Solidarity wins parliamentary majority, signaling geopolitical orientation.
  • Puerto Rican artist Bad Bunny announced as Super Bowl 60 halftime headliner; skips Mainland U.S. on world tour over ICE raid concerns.

  Notable Quote:

  • Bad Bunny (in statement on Super Bowl announcement):

    “What I'm feeling goes beyond myself. It's for those who came before me and ran countless yards so I could come in and score a touchdown... This is for my people, my culture and our history.” [03:49]

6. Sports Highlights: WNBA Playoffs

• [04:39] Reported by Dale Willman
  • Despite Asia Wilson scoring 31 points, her Las Vegas Aces lost to the Indiana Fever, tying the series 2-2.
  • Phoenix Mercury defeat Minnesota Lynx, advancing to WNBA Finals.

Timestamps & Segment Highlights

• [00:20] Michigan church shooting and fire – Details, casualties, investigation
• [01:10] North Carolina riverside bar shooting – Attack, vigil, response
• [01:39] Gaza market airstrike and ongoing war – Civilian impact, Israel’s targeting rationale
• [02:50] Washington budget crisis – Leaders meet ahead of shutdown deadline
• [03:10] Markets, Moldova election results, Super Bowl halftime show featuring Bad Bunny
• [04:39] WNBA playoffs results and next games

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• William Renney on church tragedy recovery:

  "The entire church has not been cleared because it's a total loss due to the fire. So these first responders right now, they're in recovery mode. They're trying to fight through all the debris." [00:48]

• CeCe McDonald at Southport vigil:

  "We are a community and look at this in here. We are Southport Strong. Absolutely." [01:32]

• Bad Bunny on representing his culture at the Super Bowl:

  "This is for my people, my culture and our history." [03:49]

Overall Tone

Straightforward, serious, and empathetic—delivering hard news with occasional humanizing quotes that highlight community resilience and cultural pride.

Note: This episode covered multiple breaking stories across national and international topics, with succinct but impactful reporting aimed at keeping listeners informed.