NPR News Now – October 5, 2025, 5PM EDT

Host: Jeanine Herbst
Podcast: NPR News Now
Duration: 5 minutes
Summary prepared for listeners seeking a thorough rundown of the day’s news, key quotes, important moments, and timestamps.

Episode Overview

This fast-paced NPR episode delivers essential news highlights from across the U.S. and around the world. Main topics include the National Guard’s possible deployment to major U.S. cities, the ongoing federal government shutdown, developments in Middle East peace negotiations, a major scientific study retraction, and the weekend’s box office results.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. National Guard Deployment to Cities

[00:17–01:32]

• Portland and Chicago are preparing for the possible deployment of the National Guard amid Trump administration efforts to utilize federal forces in American cities.
• At least 300 Illinois National Guard members have been federalized for the protection of federal property and law enforcement in Illinois.
• Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker and other state/local leaders criticize the move.
• In Oregon, a federal judge temporarily blocked the deployment of National Guard members to Portland, but troops appear to still be en route.
• California Governor Gavin Newsom announced intent to sue the Trump administration for sending California National Guard members to Oregon.

Notable Quote:

• “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, including Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker.” — Joe Hernandez, NPR Correspondent [00:59]

2. Federal Government Shutdown

[01:32–02:03]

• The shutdown has entered its fifth day without resolution.
• The Senate failed to advance funding proposals on Friday; the Senate returns the next day, but the House remains out of session.
• Speaker Mike Johnson will call the House back when the Senate reaches a funding deal.
• Key divide: Democrats want to extend health care tax credits; Republicans say it's too costly.
• The White House threatens layoffs and agency closures if a bill isn’t passed.

Notable Quote:

• “There doesn't really seem to be an end in sight here. I mean, the Senate failed to move forward on funding proposals on Friday. Senate members are expected to return to the Hill tomorrow to try again, but the House will actually remain out of session…” — Deepa Shivaram, NPR [01:41]

3. Gaza Peace Negotiations

[02:03–03:23]

• Negotiations begin in Egypt over President Trump’s peace plan for Gaza.
• Hamas indicates willingness to release all hostages; it is described as a pivotal moment in the two-year war.
• President Trump asked Israel to pause bombing during negotiations, yet Israeli airstrikes continue.
• Israeli officials claim activities are “defensive,” not “offensive,” though this is not clearly defined.
• Optimism in both Gaza and Israel that this could signal the beginning of the end of the conflict.

Memorable Moment:

• Anas Baba played audio of an airstrike live on air.
• “So you hear the sound of a warplane and an airstrike… there really is now hope in Gaza and in Israel that this could be the beginning of the end.” — Anas Baba, NPR [02:57]

4. Study Retraction – Apple Cider Vinegar & Weight Loss

[03:23–04:23]

• The BMJ group retracted a 2024 study claiming apple cider vinegar helps with significant weight loss.
• The study, conducted in Lebanon with 120 participants, claimed a 9% weight loss over three months.
• Scientists quickly criticized the study’s credibility and errors, raising concerns to the journal, leading to retraction.
• Despite retraction, celebrity endorsements keep apple cider vinegar popular.

Notable Quote:

• “Apple cider vinegar remains a popular remedy, though, thanks to endorsements from celebrities including Kim Kardashian, Katy Perry, and Dr. Mehmed Oz.” — John Hamilton, NPR [04:19]

5. Weekend Box Office Results

[04:23–05:04]

• Taylor Swift’s new film "The Official Release Party of a Showgirl" debuts at No. 1, earning $33 million in ticket sales.
  • Companion to her 12th studio album, features music videos and behind-the-scenes footage.
• Second Place: “One Battle After Another” (Paul Thomas Anderson; stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, Regina Hall) with $11 million.
• Third Place: “The Smashing Machine” (Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson) with $6 million.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote | |-----------|--------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 00:59 | Joe Hernandez | “Trump has been threatening to send the National Guard to Chicago for months...” | | 01:41 | Deepa Shivaram | “There doesn't really seem to be an end in sight here…” | | 02:57 | Anas Baba | “So you hear the sound of a warplane and an airstrike… there really is now hope…” | | 04:19 | John Hamilton | “Apple cider vinegar remains a popular remedy, though, thanks to endorsements…” |

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:17] National Guard deployments and controversy
• [01:32] Federal government shutdown update
• [02:03] Gaza peace talks and developments
• [03:23] Retraction of apple cider vinegar weight-loss study
• [04:23] Box office report

Overall Tone

The episode maintains a brisk, factual tone typical of NPR News updates, focusing on delivering timely, high-stakes developments concisely, with moments of on-the-ground immediacy (notably the live airstrike sound from Gaza).

This episode provides a compact yet comprehensive overview of the day’s top news stories, striking a balance between quick updates and meaningful context.