NPR News Now – October 5, 2025, 2AM EDT

Host: Dwahali Sai Kowtel
Location: New York City
Duration: ~5 minutes

Episode Overview

This hourly news update covers major U.S. and international headlines as of early October 5, 2025. Key topics include a legal block on National Guard deployment in Portland, latest efforts toward a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, the impact of a continued U.S. government shutdown on national parks, the death of a prominent Ukrainian journalist, and violent crime concerns in Charlotte, NC.

Major News Highlights

1. Federal Judge Blocks National Guard Deployment in Portland

[00:19–01:10]

• A federal judge in Oregon has issued a temporary restraining order, blocking the Trump administration’s attempt to deploy the National Guard to Portland.
  • Judge Inut (a Trump appointee) ruled that protests outside a Portland ICE facility did not meet the threshold of a "rebellion."
  • The decision followed a request by the city and the Oregon Department of Justice.
• Notable Quote:
  • Dan Rayfield, Oregon Attorney General, underscores the stakes:

    “We're an incredibly dangerous place in America right now, and today's ruling is an important wakeup call for for the United States president. No president is allowed to make up facts or rely on social media trolling or posts when deploying the United States military in our cities.” — Dan Rayfield [00:49]

• The Trump administration may appeal, as it has in similar situations across the nation.

2. U.S.-Brokered Peace Plan: Israel and Hamas

[01:10–02:17]

• Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed hopes that Hamas would return all remaining hostages by October 13 (the end of an upcoming Jewish holiday) as outlined in a new U.S.-led proposal.
  • If hostages are returned, Israel would end its ongoing war.
• NPR’s Emily Feng reports on skepticism about the durability of the potential ceasefire:
  • The peace plan involves two phases: (1) return of hostages; (2) Hamas disarmament (voluntary or by force).
  • Hamas has not agreed explicitly to disarm.
  • At an anti-war protest in Tel Aviv, demonstrators voiced cautious optimism.
• Memorable Moment:
  • Gabriella Goldschmidt, protester:

    “Yes, there is hope, but it's a very cautious hope because we don't know what kinds of tricks Netanyahu has in his pocket.” [02:00]

  • Emily Feng notes ongoing public skepticism about government intentions.

3. National Parks Impacted by Ongoing Government Shutdown

[02:17–03:12]

• Reporter: Ilana Wise
• U.S. national parks are facing major disruptions due to lack of federal funding amid the ongoing government shutdown:
  • Parks drastically reducing staff or seeking outside funding; some have closed entirely.
  • Basic access to roads, lookouts, and trails remains, but essential services (like trash collection and maintenance) are halted.
  • Lack of oversight has led to past issues: vandalism, sanitation, environmental damage.
  • Park advocates urge for full closure until government funding is restored.

4. Ukrainian Journalist Oleksa Zelesky Dies

[03:12–03:36]

• Oleksa Zelesky, prominent journalist and co-founder of an anti-corruption initiative in Ukraine, has died of natural causes at 58.
  • His investigative project, Nashi Grossi, led to criminal probes involving Ukrainian officials.
  • The Institute of Mass Information commended his legacy as "the voice of conscience, intolerant of injustice."

5. Charlotte Police Union Seeks National Guard to Address Violent Crime

[03:36–04:53]

• Reporter: Gwendolyn Glenn
• Increasing violent crime and a police staffing shortage have led the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Fraternal Order of Police to request National Guard deployment:
  • Since July, Charlotte has seen 25 homicides, including the high-profile killing of Ukrainian refugee Aryna Jeruska.
  • President Trump called for the death penalty for her attacker.
  • The city has responded by bolstering security and raising police salaries.
  • Charlotte's mayor objects to the necessity for National Guard assistance.

Notable Quotes

• Dan Rayfield (Oregon AG) on military deployment:

  “No president is allowed to make up facts or rely on social media trolling or posts when deploying the United States military in our cities.” [00:49]

• Gabriella Goldschmidt (Tel Aviv protester) on the peace process:

  “Yes, there is hope, but it's a very cautious hope because we don't know what kinds of tricks Netanyahu has in his pocket.” [02:00]

Timestamps for Major Segments

• National Guard in Portland blocked: [00:19–01:10]
• Israel/Hamas ceasefire hopes & doubts: [01:10–02:17]
• National Parks & shutdown effects: [02:17–03:12]
• Death of journalist Oleksa Zelesky: [03:12–03:36]
• Violent crime & National Guard in Charlotte: [03:36–04:53]

Episode Tone

The episode remains concise, factual, and measured—reflecting NPR's commitment to balanced news reporting, and features a blend of direct reporting, urgent updates, and the voices of people directly affected by current events.