NPR News Now – October 3, 2025, 5AM EDT

Host: Nora Ramm
Duration: 5 minutes

Overview

This NPR News Now episode delivers a concise roundup of the latest headlines, including the ongoing U.S. government shutdown, recent FDA approval of a new generic abortion drug, controversy at the Eisenhower Presidential Library, drone-related airport disruptions in Europe, a deadly attack outside a Manchester synagogue, hip hop mogul Sean Combs’ sentencing, and the 50th anniversary of Bruce Springsteen’s landmark album "Born to Run."

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. U.S. Government Shutdown Enters Third Day

• Stalemate & Blame:
  The impasse continues in Washington, with no indication of resolution. Both major parties continue to blame each other.
• Speaker’s Criticism:
  House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican, emphasizes public suffering, attributing it to Democratic opposition.

  “Real pain is being inflicted upon the American people because 44 Democrats in the Senate have voted for the third time to reject the completely nonpartisan, completely clean, very simple 24 page continuing resolution that we passed in the House here two weeks ago.”
  — House Speaker Mike Johnson [00:35]

• Democrats’ Stance:
  Democrats advocate for extending expiring health care subsidies, noting millions could face higher premiums if these are not renewed.

2. FDA Authorizes Generic Abortion Drug Amid Political Controversy

• Background:
  The FDA has approved an additional generic version of mifepristone, a common medication used in more than half of U.S. abortions.
• Political & Legal Context:
  Approval comes amid ongoing efforts by abortion opponents to restrict availability; HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. recently called for a review of the drug's “safety and efficacy.”
  • “These kinds of approvals are typical when a drug's patent is up... But with mifepristone, the decision is controversial as it induces abortion. Medication abortion accounts for more than half of the abortions in the United States.”
    — Katya Riddle, NPR [01:17]
• Scientific Consensus:
  Despite the debate, numerous studies confirm the drug's safety and efficacy.

3. Eisenhower Presidential Library Controversy

• Incident:
  Todd Arrington, now former director of the Eisenhower Presidential Library, lost his job after refusing to surrender one of Eisenhower’s swords for President Trump to give as a diplomatic gift.
  • Arrington insisted the artifacts belong to the American people and facilitated a replica saber instead.
  • “I was obviously shocked and saddened and heartbroken.”
    — Todd Arrington [02:33]
• Government Shutdown Impact:
  Official press inquiries were stymied by the broader shutdown, with National Archives and White House offices closed.

4. Munich Airport Drone Disruption

• Event:
  Munich Airport reopens after a shutdown caused by drone sightings that led to dozens of diverted or canceled flights, stranding thousands on the eve of a national holiday.
• Wider Trend:
  Similar drone disruptions recently affected airports in Denmark and Norway.

5. Manchester Synagogue Attack

• Details:
  British police report a fatal car and knife attack outside a Manchester synagogue, perpetrated by a man of Syrian descent. The attack resulted in two deaths and three injuries before the assailant was killed by police.

6. Sean Combs Sentencing

• Legal Updates:
  Hip hop mogul Sean Combs faces sentencing in New York for two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution, with possible 10-year sentences per count. He was acquitted on more serious charges related to sex trafficking and racketeering.

7. 50th Anniversary of Springsteen’s “Born to Run”

• Cultural Moment:
  The landmark album turns 50. For the first time, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band reflect together on its creation.
  • “We were born to run.”
    — Bruce Springsteen [03:56]
  • Studio anecdotes highlight Springsteen’s perfectionism:
    • “I never met a person before or after that can say the same word over and over and over and over and over. Two words: no and again.”
      — Studio engineer Jimmy Iovine (quoted by NPR) [04:27]
  • Outcome: “The album peaked at number three on the Billboard chart and launched Springsteen to stardom.”
    — Frank Langford, NPR [04:46]

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• “Real pain is being inflicted upon the American people…”
  — House Speaker Mike Johnson [00:35]
• “I was obviously shocked and saddened and heartbroken.”
  — Todd Arrington [02:33]
• “These kinds of approvals are typical when a drug's patent is up... But with mifepristone, the decision is controversial…”
  — Katya Riddle [01:17]
• “We were born to run.”
  — Bruce Springsteen [03:56]
• “I never met a person before or after that can say the same word over and over and over and over and over. Two words: no and again.”
  — Jimmy Iovine (via NPR) [04:27]

Quick Reference – Major Segments & Timestamps

| Segment | Timestamp | |------------------------------------------------------|------------| | Government Shutdown: Standstill & Blame | 00:20–01:17| | FDA Approves Generic Mifepristone | 01:17–01:55| | Eisenhower Library Sword Controversy | 01:55–02:49| | Munich Airport Drone Disruption | 02:49–03:11| | Manchester Synagogue Attack | 03:11–03:36| | Sean Combs Sentencing | 03:36–03:56| | Bruce Springsteen’s “Born to Run” Turns 50 | 03:56–04:54|

Summary Tone:
Factual, brisk, and attentive to the impact and human elements behind the news.

For listeners who missed the episode, this summary delivers a clear picture of the morning’s top stories, spotlighting both the pressing political happenings and moments of cultural significance.