NPR News Now – October 5, 2025, 8PM EDT

Host: Jeanine Herbst
Date: October 6, 2025

Episode Overview

This five-minute NPR News Now segment delivers concise coverage of the day's top stories, highlighting ongoing political conflicts between state and federal governments over National Guard deployment, a preview of a consequential Supreme Court term, developing peace talks over Gaza, retraction of a widely-cited medical study, and details about the first supermoon of 2025. The episode moves rapidly across domestic, international, health, and science news.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. California to Sue Trump Administration Over National Guard Deployment

[00:15–01:26]

• Main Story: California Governor Gavin Newsom has announced intentions to sue the Trump administration to regain control of 300 California National Guard troops diverted to Oregon.

• Context:

  • Governor Newsom claims the Trump administration is using state troops as a "political weapon" (00:36).
  • The move is a response to the troops being placed under federal control months earlier due to unrest in Los Angeles.
  • A recent court decision blocked a similar federal call-up in Oregon.
  • The White House argues President Trump is acting within his authority to "protect federal assets and personnel in Portland from so-called violent riots."

• Notable Quote:

  • "California's troops were placed under Trump's control months ago in response to unrest in Los Angeles and are now being used as a political weapon against Americans."
    —Sarah Hosseini summarizing Governor Newsom's position (00:36)

2. Supreme Court Prepares for A Consequential Term

[01:26–02:17]

• Main Story: The Supreme Court is set to open a new term that may reshape the boundaries of presidential power.

• Key Issues:

  • President Trump’s agenda includes limiting birthright citizenship and increasing presidential power over independent regulatory agencies.
  • The conservative majority may overturn a century-old precedent barring presidents from firing agency commissioners without cause.
  • If changed, independent agencies could come under direct presidential control—a significant shift in U.S. governance.

• Notable Quote:

  • "That would mean that the agencies that Congress established to be independent nearly a century ago would now be subject to presidential control."
    —Nina Totenberg (01:56)

3. Gaza Peace Negotiations and Ongoing Violence

[02:17–03:13]

• Main Story: Critical negotiations in Egypt are commencing regarding President Trump's new peace plan for Gaza. Hamas has signaled willingness to release all hostages.

• Details:

  • Despite President Trump's call for Israel to pause bombing during talks, airstrikes continue.
  • Gaza health officials report high casualties from recent Israeli strikes.
  • There is cautious optimism in both Gaza and Israel that peace talks could signal “the beginning of the end” of the nearly two-year conflict.

• Memorable Moment:

  • NPR airs actual audio from overnight airstrikes in Gaza, stressing the ongoing violence and civilian impact (02:50).

• Notable Quote:

  • "There really is now hope in Gaza and in Israel that this could be the beginning of the end."
    —Anas Baba, from Gaza (03:06)

4. Medical Journal Retracts Apple Cider Vinegar Weight Loss Study

[03:13–04:13]

• Main Story: A high-profile study suggesting apple cider vinegar aids weight loss has been retracted due to scientific critique and errors.

• Background:

  • The BMJ-published study claimed significant weight loss in Lebanese adults given apple cider vinegar.
  • Scientists quickly challenged its findings as implausible and flawed.
  • The paper was formally retracted in September 2025, but the remedy remains popular, promoted by celebrities such as Kim Kardashian and Dr. Oz.

• Notable Quote:

  • "Scientists began posting critiques, saying the results were implausible and marred by errors… The paper was retracted in September of this year."
    —Jon Hamilton (03:43)

5. Supermoon Event—A Night to Watch the Skies

[04:13–04:58]

• Main Story: The first supermoon of 2025 occurs tomorrow, with the moon appearing up to 14% larger and 30% brighter.

• Details:

  • NASA explains the supermoon appears closer because of the moon’s position in its orbit.
  • No equipment needed—visible to all if skies are clear.
  • The moon will be just 244,600 miles from Earth.
  • Two additional supermoons expected this year (in November and December).

• Notable Quote:

  • "Everyone will be able to experience this super moon event as long as the sky is clear."
    —Derek Pitts of the Franklin Institute (04:36)

Timestamps for Important Segments

| Segment | Timestamp | |----------------------------------------------|-------------| | CA Sues Trump Over National Guard | 00:15–01:26 | | Supreme Court Term Preview | 01:26–02:17 | | Gaza Negotiations & Continued Strikes | 02:17–03:13 | | Retraction of Vinegar Weight Loss Study | 03:13–04:13 | | First Supermoon of 2025 | 04:13–04:58 |

Closing

While brief, this episode captures urgent legal, political, and global issues—from constitutional questions in the Supreme Court to hopes for the end of a long-standing war and the public’s ongoing quest for trustworthy health information. The lighter segment on the supermoon ends the fast-paced update on an awe-inspiring note.