NPR News Now – October 3, 2025, 2AM EDT

Host: Shea Stevens
Duration: ~5 minutes
Summary Prepared: Episode covers major domestic and international headlines, focusing on the U.S. government shutdown, disaster funding, FDA action on abortion medication, a refinery fire in California, a terrorism arrest in the UK, French strikes, and Russia-US-Ukraine relations.

1. Government Shutdown Blame & Budget Negotiations

Main Summary:

• House Speaker Mike Johnson blames Democrats for the pain caused by the partial government shutdown, accusing them of hypocrisy.
• Congressional Democrats demand expiring health care tax credits be extended in exchange for supporting a temporary budget plan.
• President Trump sees the shutdown as an opportunity to cut spending, meeting with Budget Director Russ Vogt (author of "Project 2025") to seek further cuts.

Key Quotes:

• Mike Johnson (00:30):

  "It is selfish, it is reprehensible, and it is exactly the opposite of what they have all said themselves in their own words, very passionately every day until now."

Timestamps:

• 00:19–01:16: Coverage of House Speaker's remarks and shutdown negotiations.

2. Disaster Relief Concerns Amid Shutdown

Main Summary:

• North Carolina Senator Thom Tillis warns that the state’s fund for disaster relief is "dangerously low," threatening aid for hurricane victims if shutdown continues.
• Cites active storms in the Atlantic, heightening the risk for new disasters with inadequate federal response.

Key Quotes:

• Thom Tillis (01:31):

  "We have storms in the Atlantic and more storms forming off the coast of Africa, and we are not prepared for another major disaster should it hit this weekend, nor do we have the money that we need to help communities across this country."

Timestamps:

• 01:16–02:02: Discussion on disaster relief funding and the state’s vulnerability.

3. FDA Approves New Generic Abortion Pill

Main Summary:

• The FDA approves another generic version of mifepristone, the abortion medication, even amid ongoing legal and political controversy.
• HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. calls for a review of its "safety and efficacy," though studies affirm the drug’s safety.

Key Quotes:

• Katie Ariddle (02:15):

  "If a generic drug maker shows its version is equivalent to the original, the FDA, by law, has to act. But with mifepristone, the decision is controversial as it induces abortion—medication abortion account for more than half of the abortions in the United States."

Timestamps:

• 02:02–02:53: Overview of FDA’s decision and the landscape of abortion policy.

4. Chevron Refinery Fire in California

Main Summary:

• A massive fire breaks out at the Chevron oil refinery in El Segundo, near Los Angeles.
• No reported injuries; crews work to contain the fire and prevent its spread.
• Facility employs ~1500 people.

Timestamps:

• 02:53–03:15: Incident update.

5. UK Terrorism Arrests After Manchester Attack

Main Summary:

• Three people arrested in UK following a terrorist attack in Manchester.
• A motorist rammed a car into a crowd outside a synagogue and fatally stabbed two bystanders.
• Suspect, Jihad Al Shami, was killed at the scene.

Timestamps:

• 03:15–03:46: Summary of incident and response.

6. Mass Strikes in France Over New Prime Minister

Main Summary:

• Protests erupt across France over the appointment of Sebastian Lecornau as the fourth prime minister under President Macron in just over a year.
• Teachers, train drivers, and public sector workers joined over 250 union-led marches, calling for a left-wing premier and increased taxes on the wealthy.

Key Quotes:

• Eleanor Beardsley (03:46):

  "The head of France's largest and most left wing union said Macron cannot continue governing against the will of the people. Protesters want a premier from the left who will raise taxes on the rich to plug the deficit."

Timestamps:

• 03:46–04:25: Details of the strikes and political context.

7. Russia Critiques US Military Aid to Ukraine

Main Summary:

• President Vladimir Putin warns US military aid to Ukraine threatens U.S.-Russia relations, though claims it won't change battlefield dynamics.
• Putin also praises President Trump's efforts to broker an end to the war.

Timestamps:

• 04:25–04:57: Putin’s statement and ongoing diplomatic context.

Notable Moments

• Strong Partisan Accusations over Shutdown
• Concerns about Disaster Funding as Severe Weather Looms
• Contentious Approval of a New Abortion Pill Amid National Debate
• Rapid Turnover of French Prime Ministers and Mass Protests
• Ongoing International Tensions Over Ukraine

This episode delivers a brisk, comprehensive update on top U.S. and global headlines, emphasizing political conflict, public safety, and international relations.