NPR News Now – September 30, 2025, 12PM EDT

Host: Amy Held
Episode Overview:
In this edition of NPR News Now, NPR covers the impending federal government shutdown, a controversial gathering of military leaders, National Guard deployments to multiple cities, the Taliban’s nationwide internet shutdown, updates on Major League Baseball playoffs, and the annual Fat Bear Week in Alaska.

1. Looming Federal Government Shutdown

[00:18–01:29]

• Main Point:
  Federal agencies face a midnight deadline to secure funding, with a shutdown likely to disrupt various public services and affect federal workers' pay.
• Key Issues:
  • Ongoing partisan gridlock between Republicans and Democrats over budget priorities.
  • Specifically, Democrats, led by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, demand that any funding deal address expiring health care subsidies.
    • Memorable Quote:

      "And the reality is that in a matter of days, notices are going to go out to tens of millions of Americans making clear that their health care is about to become dramatically more expensive."
      — Hakeem Jeffries, [00:48]

  • Republicans accuse Democrats of “hostage taking,” arguing health care should be a separate negotiation.
  • The Senate is set to vote on two proposals:
    • A House-passed bill to extend funding to Nov 21.
    • A Democratic plan attaching health care changes.
  • Both proposals have failed previously and are expected to fail again as the deadline approaches.
• Reporter: Deirdre Walsh

2. Military Gathering & National Policy Shifts

[01:29–02:11]

• Main Point:
  A high-profile, unusual meeting of U.S. military leaders took place in Virginia, marked by overtly political commentary from President Trump and policy remarks by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
• Key Issues & Quotes:
  • Trump delivered a “rambling and political” speech, referencing internal enemies and proposing that military training occur in Democratic-run cities.
  • Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth criticized the current state of the military and called for a return to stricter standards.
    • Memorable Quote:

      "Standards must be uniform, gender, neutral and high. If not, they're not standards, they're just suggestions, suggestions that get our sons and daughters killed."
      — Pete Hegseth, [01:55]

  • Hegseth urges a “return to the highest male standard” for combat positions.
• Reporter: Amy Held

3. National Guard Deployments to Multiple Cities

[02:11–03:11]

• Main Point:
  Deployment orders for the National Guard are issued for Portland, Oregon (and potentially other cities), spurring logistical and political questions.
• Key Issues:
  • Over 160 Oregon National Guard members have volunteered, but deployment is delayed by a mandatory 96-hour vetting process.
    • Notable Statement:

      "The earliest would be shortly after that 96 hour mark, but I do not see that happening in this case."
      — Lt. Col. Stephen Bomar, [02:44]

  • Lack of clear communication between the National Guard and local officials.
  • Missions will focus on protecting federal property and staff.
  • Similar National Guard deployments are expected in Chicago and Memphis.
• Reporter: Troy Brennelson (Oregon Public Broadcasting)

4. Taliban Orders Nationwide Internet Shutdown in Afghanistan

[03:11–03:53]

• Main Point:
  The Taliban imposes an indefinite nationwide internet blackout, further isolating Afghanistan.
• Key Implications:
  • Internet loss is a blow to ordinary Afghans’ connections to the outside world.
  • Comes four years into Taliban rule, which has seen sharp restrictions on girls’ and women’s rights.
  • The UN warns the Afghan people face “significant risk.”

5. Major League Baseball Playoff Previews

[03:53–04:34]

• Main Point:
  The MLB Playoffs kick off, with hopes high for teams with long championship droughts.
• Key Highlights:
  • Padres (27 years), Brewers (43 years), and Mariners (never) are all hoping for a first title.
  • No clear dominant team: Brewers had the most wins (97), Phillies close behind.
  • Top American League seed: Toronto Blue Jays; AL #2: Seattle Mariners.
  • Both last year’s contenders, Dodgers and Yankees, face wild card matchups.
  • Memorable Quote:

    “It was a season with no big dominant super team on top.”
    — Becky Sullivan, [03:53]

• Reporter: Becky Sullivan

6. Fat Bear Week Returns

[04:34–04:57]

• Main Point:
  The quirky and beloved Fat Bear Week voting is underway in Alaska’s Katmai National Park.
• Key Details:
  • Bears like “Chunk” and “Grazer” among the fan favorites.
  • For the public it’s entertainment, but for the bears it’s “about survival” as they prepare for winter hibernation.
• Notable Moment:

  “Will it be Chunk or maybe Grazer? Two of the contestants among the dozen in the running for fan favorite in Fat Bear week today. Polls close.”
  — Amy Held, [04:34]

End of Summary

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