NPR News: 10-02-2025 3PM 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.
How is the government shutdown affecting federal workers and SNAP/WIC benefits?
Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Windsor Johnston. It's day two of the government shutdown, and the standoff shows no signs of easing. Hundreds of thousands of federal workers are furloughed, while others remain on the job without pay. Senate Democrats are holding firm on extending Obamacare subsidies, which Republicans refuse to negotiate as part of a short-term government funding measure. Essential services like Social Security, Medicare, and national security operations continue. But as NPR's Greg Allen reports, many agencies are shut down or operating at a skeleton level.
Among the things most at risk are federal food assistance programs. Those are SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and the program for women, infants, and children, WIC. There are staffing reductions and concerns that the programs could run out of money if the shutdown doesn't end soon.
That's NPR's Greg Allen reporting.
What did the White House warn about deeper cuts and what is the Memphis federal task force doing?
The White House is warning that deeper cuts and layoffs could follow if the closure drags on. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Attorney General Pam Bondi met with members of President Trump's federal task force this week in Memphis, including troops from the Tennessee National Guard. NPR's Kat Lonsdorff reports more than 90 arrests have been made since the federal intervention began in the city this week.
Speaking in front of both state and federal law enforcement, as well as members of the National Guard, Defense Secretary Hegseth said they had his support, as well as that of President Trump.
We're not here to second guess you. We're here to have your back, to unleash you, to do your job so you come home safely.
Trump announced the federal task force to fight crime in the city, which is one of the highest violent crime rates in the country, although those numbers have been declining recently. Officials from more than a dozen federal agencies are out on the streets, and city leaders say National Guard troops are expected within the next two weeks. Democratic Memphis Mayor Paul Young, while unhappy about the deployment, has largely been conciliatory. Kat Lonsdorff, NPR News, Memphis.
Why was the civilian flotilla to Gaza intercepted and what happened to the aid and activists?
A convoy of civilian ships trying to break through Israel's blockade and sail to Gaza to deliver food has been intercepted. NPR's Emily Fang reports the flotilla group argues the passage of humanitarian aid is guaranteed under international law.
The flotilla's organizers say the aid on board, including food, baby formula and medicine, has been confiscated from about 40 boats that Israel has seized. Organizers say some of the boats and their crew were doused with water cannons and some were stopped by a chain-like barrier in the sea outside of Israel's territorial waters. Video they published online shows Israeli soldiers boarding a few of the vessels and the crew with their hands up. Israel says that they'll take all the boats and the activists to the port city of Ashdod, and they'll eventually deport them to their home countries. Emily Fang, NPR News, Tel Aviv.
On Wall Street, the Dow was up 116 points. This is NPR News from Washington.
Why is the Eiffel Tower closed and what are French unions protesting under Macron?
The Eiffel Tower is closed because of another day of strikes. NPR's Eleanor Beardsley reports the protests are aimed at France's new prime minister, who has not yet named a government.
Sébastien Lecornu is Macron's fourth prime minister in a little over a year. He, too, is from the president's center-right camp. The last two prime ministers were deposed in no-confidence votes. Teachers, train drivers and other public sector workers have walked off the job and into the streets to protest for the second time since the beginning of the school year. There are some 250 union-led marches across France. The head of France's largest and most left-wing union said Macron cannot continue governing against the will of the people. Protesters want a premier from the left who will raise taxes on the rich to plug the deficit.
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Chapters
6 chapters
1
What is the main topic discussed in this episode?
0:00–0:15
2
How is the government shutdown affecting federal workers and SNAP/WIC benefits?
0:15–1:12
3
What did the White House warn about deeper cuts and what is the Memphis federal task force doing?
1:12–2:14
4
Why was the civilian flotilla to Gaza intercepted and what happened to the aid and activists?
2:14–3:15
5
Why is the Eiffel Tower closed and what are French unions protesting under Macron?
3:15–4:06
6
How do permethrin‑treated baby wraps reduce malaria in Uganda and are there side effects?
4:06–4:53