NPR News Now – September 29, 2025, 7AM EDT

Podcast: NPR News Now
Host: Windsor Johnston
Length: 5 minutes

Episode Overview

This episode covers the latest breaking news in the U.S., highlighting these main stories:

• The aftermath of a deadly church shooting in Grand Blanc, Michigan
• Ongoing congressional budget standoff threatening a government shutdown
• Updates in the New York City mayoral race, including the departure of Eric Adams
• Legal developments in the case of Charlie Kirk’s killing
• The battle over the federal education budget
• Missouri’s Republican-favoring redistricting law

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Grand Blanc, Michigan Church Shooting

[00:16 – 01:27]

• Schools in Grand Blanc closed after a violent attack at a local Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
• Steve Carmody reports:
  • 40-year-old Thomas Jacob Sanford drove his truck into the church, opened fire, and set it ablaze.
  • Police Chief William Renney commended the congregation’s bravery during the attack:

    "They were shielding the children who are also present within the church, moving them to safety. Just hundreds of people just practicing their faith." – William Renney [01:01]

  • Sanford died in a shootout with police; FBI is investigating as targeted violence.

2. Looming Federal Government Shutdown

[01:27 – 02:00]

• Congress faces a tight deadline to avoid a government shutdown.
• Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R):

  "The ball is in their court. There is a bill sitting at the desk in the Senate right now. We could pick it up today and pass it." [01:40]

• Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D):

  "It depends on the Republicans. You know, we need the meeting is a first step, but only a first step. We need a serious negotiation." [01:53]

• Top congressional leaders to meet with President Trump for negotiations at the White House.

3. New York City Mayoral Race Shake-up

[02:00 – 03:13]

• Mayor Eric Adams drops his third-party bid amid scandals.
• Brian Mann reports:
  • Main contenders: Assemblyman Zoran Mamdani, a 33-year-old Democratic Socialist, and former Governor Andrew Cuomo, seeking a comeback.
  • Cuomo warns of "destructive extremist forces."
  • Mamdani responds, referencing Cuomo’s past sexual assault scandal:

    "New York City, quote, deserves better than trading in one disgraced corrupt politician for another," – Zoran Mamdani [02:57]

  • Republican Curtis Sliwa remains in the race.

4. Charlie Kirk Murder Case Court Update

[03:13 – 03:53]

• Tyler Robinson, 22, charged with the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, faces another court appearance.
• Judge will decide if the case proceeds to trial; prosecutors seeking the death penalty.

5. Federal Education Budget Clash

[03:53 – 04:35]

• Three competing K-12 funding proposals from the White House, Senate, and House Republicans.
• Cory Turner reports:
  • The bipartisan Senate plan maintains current funding.
  • The Trump proposal ends support for English learners and scales back rural/teacher funding.
  • House Republican plan would cut $4.7 billion from funds aiding high-poverty schools.
  • Analyses show biggest cuts would hit the poorest schools.

6. Missouri Congressional Redistricting

[04:35 – 04:58]

• Missouri governor signs a congressional map favoring Republicans for the 2026 midterms.
• The move aligns with President Trump’s strategy to bolster the GOP’s narrow House majority.

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• “They were shielding the children who are also present within the church, moving them to safety. Just hundreds of people just practicing their faith.”
  – William Renney (Grand Blanc Township Police Chief) [01:01]
• “The ball is in their court. There is a bill sitting at the desk in the Senate right now. We could pick it up today and pass it.”
  – John Thune (Senate Majority Leader) [01:40]
• “It depends on the Republicans. You know, we need the meeting is a first step, but only a first step. We need a serious negotiation.”
  – Chuck Schumer (Senate Minority Leader) [01:53]
• “New York City, quote, deserves better than trading in one disgraced corrupt politician for another,”
  – Zoran Mamdani [02:57]

Segment Timestamps

• Michigan Church Shooting: [00:16 – 01:27]
• Government Shutdown Talks: [01:27 – 02:00]
• NYC Mayoral Race Update: [02:00 – 03:13]
• Charlie Kirk Murder Case Update: [03:13 – 03:53]
• Federal Education Budget Debate: [03:53 – 04:35]
• Missouri Redistricting: [04:35 – 04:58]

This concise newscast delivers a fast-moving update on major national headlines, emphasizing the intensity and stakes of both political negotiations and community tragedies. The reporting showcases direct language from leaders and provides a snapshot of the current U.S. political landscape as of late September 2025.