NPR News Now – 10-05-2025 10PM EDT

Overview
This five-minute NPR News Now episode provides a concise update on major national and international stories as of October 6, 2025. Topics include Israel-Hamas peace negotiations, potential National Guard deployments in U.S. cities, the ongoing federal government shutdown, a mass shooting in Alabama, rising skepticism about college tuition values, and a brief financial market update.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Israel-Hamas Negotiations in Egypt

• [00:15–01:24]
  • Representatives from Israel, the U.S., and Hamas are heading to Egypt to negotiate as both sides accept the first phase of a U.S.-brokered peace deal, centered on the release of hostages.
  • U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner (President Trump's son-in-law) are in Egypt to facilitate the talks.
  • Key outstanding issues include the terms and timeline for Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and whether or not Hamas will be disarmed—a demand reiterated by Israel.
  • “Hamas says it needs more details on how and when Israel’s forces would withdraw from Gaza.” — Emily Feng [01:04]
  • Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserts continued military presence and insists on Hamas disarmament through diplomacy or military force.

2. National Guard Deployment to Portland and Chicago

• [01:24–02:25]
  • The Trump administration has federalized at least 300 Illinois National Guard members, meant to protect federal personnel and property amid rising urban tensions.
  • A federal judge in Oregon temporarily blocked National Guard deployment to Portland, but movements reportedly continue.
  • Political leaders, such as Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker and California Governor Gavin Newsom, strongly oppose these federal actions; Newsom pledges to sue if California Guard is sent to Oregon.
  • “Trump has been threatening to send the National Guard to Chicago for months in a move that’s been widely criticized by state and local leaders...” — Joe Hernandez [01:52]

3. Federal Government Shutdown Continues

• [02:25–02:55]
  • The shutdown enters its fifth day with Senate deadlocked over proposals; the House remains adjourned until the Senate can resolve funding.
  • Disagreements are centered on health care subsidy extensions: “Democrats want an extension of health care tax credits. Republicans say that’s too expensive.” [02:48]
  • The White House warns of potential federal layoffs and agency closures if funding is not approved.

4. Mass Shooting in Montgomery, Alabama

• [02:55–04:00]
  • At least two people (a male teenager and an adult woman) have died, and about a dozen others injured, some critically, following a mass shooting near the state Capitol.
  • Police report no suspects in custody nor clear motive at present.

5. College Tuition Discounts Cause Confusion

• [04:00–04:44]
  • Public universities are adopting tuition “discounting” practices, once common in private colleges, in response to funding caps and enrollment declines.
  • New research from the Strada Education Foundation highlights increased financial aid and discounting, leaving families uncertain about true college costs.
  • “Average discount rates also jumped from 24 to 31%. The result? Families are left confused and skeptical about the real cost and value of college.” — Kirk Carapezza [04:29]

6. Markets Brief

• [04:44]
  • U.S. futures trade higher in after-hours: “Dow futures up around one tenth of a percent. NASDAQ futures are ahead by about 0.3%.” — Jeanine Herbst [04:47]

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On Israel-Hamas Talks:
  “There are still open questions about their acceptance of the next phases.” — Jeanine Herbst [00:37]

• On National Guard Deployments:
  “California Governor Gavin Newsom says Trump is sending National Guard members from California to Oregon and that California plans to sue.” — Joe Hernandez [02:18]

• On the Government Shutdown:
  “There doesn’t really seem to be an end in sight here.” — Deepa Shivaram [02:33]

• On College Financing:
  “Families are left confused and skeptical about the real cost and value of college.” — Kirk Carapezza [04:29]

Timestamps for Major Segments

• [00:15] Start of news content, headline: Israel-Hamas negotiations
• [01:24] National Guard deployments in Portland and Chicago
• [02:25] Federal government shutdown update
• [02:55] Montgomery, Alabama mass shooting
• [04:00] College tuition discounting and skepticism
• [04:44] Market update and episode close

This news brief maintains a factual and neutral tone throughout, highlighting evolving political, social, and economic events in a succinct and clear manner.