NPR News Now — October 3, 2025, 3PM EDT

Host: Windsor Johnston (with field reports by Emily Wu Pears, Emily Feng, Lauren Frere)
Duration: 5 minutes

Episode Overview

This concise news rundown covers breaking national and international headlines. Key topics include the ongoing U.S. government shutdown and Congressional negotiations, the deportation of an Atlanta-based journalist, deadly violence in Gaza involving a humanitarian organization, shockwaves in the Church of England's leadership, and a looming Supreme Court case on gun rights.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. U.S. Government Shutdown: Funding Bill at an Impasse

[00:25]–[01:05]

• Update: The U.S. Senate is again voting on a short-term funding bill to reopen the government, as the federal shutdown extends into a third day.
• Political Divide: House Speaker Mike Johnson criticizes Senate Democrats, accusing them of hypocrisy regarding support for continuing resolutions (CRs).
  • Quote:

    “The Democrats who are voting against it in the Senate right now, every single one of them have given impassioned speeches about how you must pass continuing resolutions, you must pass CRs, you should never shut down the government because it's dangerous and destructive and selfish and wrong. Well, suddenly they've changed their tune.”
    — Mike Johnson, [00:49]

• Key Issue: Democrats demand the bill include an extension of federal healthcare subsidies (“Obamacare”). Republicans want a “clean” stopgap without additional provisions, preferring to debate healthcare later.

2. Deportation of Atlanta Journalist Mario Guevara

[01:05]–[02:17]

• Background: Mario Guevara, an immigrant from El Salvador and known for live-streaming ICE enforcement activities, was deported after months in federal custody.
• Timeline: Guevara came legally in 2004, applied for asylum in 2005 (denied, appealed), but his case was administratively closed until his 2025 arrest while covering an anti-Trump protest.
• Court Decision: A federal appeals court denied his emergency request to stay in the U.S., citing procedural issues.
• Allegations: Guevara’s lawyers claim he is being punished for his reporting, raising questions about press freedom.
  • Quote:

    “Mario Guevara is known for live streaming ICE and other law enforcement activity, often after getting tips from community members... Guevara's lawyers say he's being punished for his work as a journalist.”
    — Emily Wu Pears, [01:37]

3. Deadly Airstrike on Humanitarian Group in Gaza

[02:17]–[03:13]

• Incident: An Israeli military airstrike killed an employee (Omar Hayek) of Doctors Without Borders (MSF) and injured four others.

• Israeli Stance: Military claimed to target Hamas, but provided no details.

• Broader Context: MSF suspended Gaza City operations due to unsafe conditions. UN reports continued heavy strikes even in “safe” zones.

  • Quote:

    “Israel said they were aiming at a Hamas target but would not elaborate further... MSF shut down all of its Gaza City operations in the north of the enclave last week, saying Israeli expanded ground defensives there were making it too unsafe for its staff to work.”
    — Emily Feng, [02:33]

• Additional Notable: President Trump gives Hamas a Sunday deadline to accept a U.S.-brokered peace deal. (No direct quote; brief news mention)

4. School Collapse in Indonesia

[03:13]–[03:55]

• Update: Recovery workers found more bodies under the ruins of a school. At least 10 confirmed dead, more than 50 students are still missing. Rescue efforts switched from hand-digging to heavy equipment after days without signs of life.

5. Church of England Appoints First Female Archbishop

[03:55]–[04:35]

• Historic Shift: Sarah Mullally, a former nurse-turned-bishop, becomes the first female Archbishop of Canterbury in the church’s 1,400+ years.
  • Quote:

    “My commitment will be to ensure that we continue to listen to survivors, care for the vulnerable, and foster a culture of safety and well being for all.”
    — Sarah Mullally, [04:13]

• Scope of Role: Archbishop's responsibilities include oversight of some public schools and a seat (by bishops) in the House of Lords.
• Context: The church faces pressure over a child abuse scandal, which led to the previous archbishop’s resignation.

6. Supreme Court to Hear Hawaii Gun-Carrying Case

[04:35]–[05:04]

• Case: The Supreme Court will review Hawaii’s restrictions on carrying guns in public spaces (beaches, parks, bars, restaurants serving alcohol).
• Administration’s Position: Trump administration urges the Court to accept the case, arguing it may conflict with a landmark 2022 decision on public gun carrying rights under the Second Amendment.

Notable Quotes

• Mike Johnson on Democratic opposition to the funding bill:

  “...well, suddenly they've changed their tune.” ([00:49])

• Emily Wu Pears, reporting on Guevara:

  “Guevara's lawyers say he's being punished for his work as a journalist.” ([01:37])

• Emily Feng on MSF operations in Gaza:

  “MSF shut down all of its Gaza City operations in the north of the enclave last week, saying Israeli expanded ground defensives there were making it too unsafe for its staff...” ([02:33])

• Sarah Mullally, new Archbishop of Canterbury:

  “My commitment will be to ensure that we continue to listen to survivors, care for the vulnerable, and foster a culture of safety and well being for all.” ([04:13])

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:25] Government Shutdown & Funding Bill Debate
• [01:05] Healthcare and Political Demands
• [01:37] Deportation of Mario Guevara
• [02:17] Humanitarian Strike in Gaza
• [03:13] Indonesian School Collapse Update
• [03:55] First Female Archbishop of Canterbury
• [04:35] Supreme Court to Hear Hawaii Gun Law Case

This episode provides a concise, factual snapshot of major news events, marked by ongoing political gridlock in Washington, a spotlight on press freedom and immigration, continued Middle East conflict, and historic shifts in faith leadership.