NPR News: 09-29-2025 8AM EDT
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What is the main topic discussed in this episode?
Support for NPR comes from NPR member stations and Eric and Wendy Schmidt through the Schmidt Family Foundation, working toward a healthy, resilient, secure world for all. On the web at theschmidt.org.
Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Windsor Johnston. Congress is coming down to the wire to strike a bipartisan compromise on a temporary measure to keep the government funded.
What funding showdown are lawmakers racing to resolve before the government deadline?
The House passed a short-term spending bill that was rejected by the Senate. NPR's Barbara Sprunt reports lawmakers remain divided over a number of issues.
Number one, they want to undo some cuts to health care programs that were put in place as part of the major spending and tax bill that Republicans passed earlier this summer. And another big sticking point is that Democrats want to make some expanded tax cuts from the Affordable Care Act permanent. Those are on track to expire at the end of the year.
Which health care and tax provisions are dividing Democrats and Republicans in negotiations?
Thune has said that there's time to negotiate on that particular point later. He first wants to pass this stopgap bill and avoid a shutdown.
That's NPR's Barbara Sprunt reporting. The top four congressional leaders will meet with President Trump at the White House this afternoon, a day before the deadline to reach a deal. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth will address hundreds of admirals and generals at Marine Base Quantico in Virginia on Tuesday. NPR's Tom Bowman reports.
Secretary Hegseth and his staff have said little about the reason for ordering senior officers from around the world to attend the morning meeting.
Why are top congressional leaders meeting the president ahead of the spending deadline?
Sources tell NPR Hegseth is expected to talk about homeland defense and tell the admirals and generals about the ongoing plan to restore what he calls a warrior ethos. a move that includes toughening physical fitness standards for the troops. Hegseth has repeatedly said the military is too woke and focused on diversity. He has fired multiple senior officers citing these reasons or suggesting they got their jobs because of diversity. Hegseth has also said the military is top-heavy with senior officers and wants to cut their numbers by 20 percent. Tom Bowman, NPR News.
President Trump tells NBC News that he's planning to attend.
What changes is Defense Secretary Hegseth proposing for senior military leadership and readiness?
After a series of delays, the flotilla of dozens of boats carrying aid is heading to Gaza. NPR's Ruth Sherlock reports they're planning to challenge Israel's naval blockade.
Israel has said it will use any means to prevent the boats from reaching Gaza as it continues its offensive against Hamas there. Last week, drones hit the flotilla with stun grenades and caused damage but no injuries. In a social media post, the Global Samud flotilla organiser said they were continuing to Gaza with, quote, hope in our hearts. Some 40 Italians have joined the international activist mission, and Italy and Spain have deployed navy ships close by for rescues. But Italy has at the same time encouraged the activists to stop the mission. It has suggested the boats take the aid to Cyprus for eventual distribution in Gaza by the Roman Catholic Church.
What risks and international responses surround the flotilla attempting to deliver aid to Gaza?
But for now, the flotilla presses on. Ruth Sherlock, NPR News, Rome.
This is NPR News in Washington. Tropical storm Imelda is expected to strengthen as it moves off the southeast coast this week. The National Weather Service says the storm developed near the Bahamas on Sunday and could become a hurricane. Imelda's center is expected to stay offshore, but its wide reach will still bring impacts. Forecasters say heavy rainfall is expected along the coastal Carolinas through Tuesday, bringing the risk of flash flooding. Meanwhile, Hurricane Humberto is churning in the Atlantic. The Category 4 storm is making its way toward Bermuda with maximum sustained winds of 130 miles per hour. Team Europe is celebrating a win over the U.S.
How are storms and the Ryder Cup controversy affecting weather and sports headlines today?
at golf's Ryder Cup. NPR's Shondelise Duster reports the competition in New York was overshadowed by unruly fans.
Rory McIlroy faced the brunt of insults and cursing from unruly spectators who also jeered at his wife throughout the weekend during the Ryder Cup. At one point, McIlroy pushed back against the jeering using an expletive.
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Chapters
7 chapters
1
What is the main topic discussed in this episode?
0:00–0:28
2
What funding showdown are lawmakers racing to resolve before the government deadline?
0:28–0:55
3
Which health care and tax provisions are dividing Democrats and Republicans in negotiations?
0:55–1:31
4
Why are top congressional leaders meeting the president ahead of the spending deadline?
1:31–2:12
5
What changes is Defense Secretary Hegseth proposing for senior military leadership and readiness?
2:12–3:04
6
What risks and international responses surround the flotilla attempting to deliver aid to Gaza?
3:04–3:55
7
How are storms and the Ryder Cup controversy affecting weather and sports headlines today?
3:55–4:53