NPR News Now - NPR News: 10-04-2025 10PM EDT

Episode Date: October 5, 2025

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In the U.S., national security news can feel far away from daily life. Distant wars, murky conflicts, diplomacy behind closed doors on our new show, Sources and Methods. NPR reporters on the ground bring you stories of real people, helping you understand why distant events matter here at home. Listen to sources and methods on the NPR app or wherever you get your podcasts. Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Janine Hurst, a federal judge. in Oregon today temporarily block the Trump administration from deploying 200 national troops to Portland, a city president Trump calls a war-ravaged area. Portland mayor, Keith Wilson. Put simply, we won through peace. And we've shown we can hold those who engage in violence

or destruction accountable. I've said from the very beginning the number of federal troops that are needed or wanted is zero. U.S. District Judge Karen Immigate, ruled the Constitution says Congress has the power to call up the troops, and the Trump's attempts to federalize the National Guard without congressional authority undermines Oregon's sovereign interests. The order expires October 18th, but it could be extended. Governor Tina Kotech says justice has been served and the truth prevailed. Trump has sent National Guard troops to Los Angeles, Washington, and soon to Memphis. He's vowed to send them to Chicago over the objection of officials there. President Trump says Israel,

has agreed to the initial withdrawal line outline in his proposed ceasefire plan for Israel and Hamas. In Pierce Franco, Ordonez reports the administration is now waiting for confirmation from Hamas. President Trump says as soon as Hamas agrees, a ceasefire would immediately go into effect and a hostage and prisoner exchange would begin. Trump went on to write on social media that the U.S. and regional partners will then, quote, create the conditions for the next phase of withdrawal. which will bring us close to the end of this 3,000-year catastrophe. While much remains to be seen before anything is signed,

the proposal reflects a potentially significant breakthrough toward ending the conflict. Hamas also agreed to hand over control of the Gaza Strip to an independent Palestinian body, but did not agree to hand over its weapons. Franco, Ordonez, NPR News. The party of a billionaire christened the Czech Trump, has taken the top spot in Czech elections. Terry Schultz has more.

Populist ex-prime minister Andre Babbage has made a political comeback, with his party winning more than a third of the votes cast in a two-day election for parliament. Babish, who even adopted a maga-like red baseball cap with white lettering for the campaign, has pledged to reduce his country's support for Ukraine and to oppose some EU policies on migration and environmental protection. Center-right Prime Minister Petrofiela conceded defeat, but vowed continued activism. I will not give up the fight against populism and extremism, who told supporters, I'm not giving up the fight.

A Czech online research group found hundreds of anonymous TikTok accounts were getting millions of views for pro-Russian anti-government posts in the run-up to the vote. For NPR News, I'm Terry Schultz. You're listening to NPR News from Washington. Marine Land, the now closed tourist attraction in Niagara Falls on Territ. is asking Ottawa for urgent financial support to care for 30 beluga whales. As Dan Carpentuck reports, the amusement park says, without help, it will have no choice but to euthanize the whales.

The Canadian government denied an export permit that would allow marine land to send the 30 belugas to an aquarium theme park in China. Canada's fisheries minister said she could not approve the whales for a life of further exploitation. Marine land, which closed last year, says it doesn't have the resources to provide adequate care for the whales, and time is running out. It adds that euthanizing the whales will be a direct consequence of Ottawa's decision to withhold the export permits. Canada's law banning whale captivity does not apply to existing populations, but its breeding ban hurt the park's business model. The cost of caring for the whales is estimated at about $2 million a month. For NPR News, I'm Dan Carpenchuk in Toronto. Meanwhile, today is World Animal Day, designed to protect the rights and needs of animals holding that every creature is entitled to respect.

It started in Germany in 1925, and it's grown to a global phenomenon to bring awareness to animal welfare issues and make the world a better place for animals. Dozens of cities around the world held events today celebrating the animals. The theme this year is Save the Animals, Save the Planets. The group says saving animal lives. creates a healthier, more sustainable world. I'm Janine Hurst, and you're listening to NPR News from Washington. We all wonder about life's big questions. Why are we here? What are we to do and how to make sense of it all? On Ye gods with Scott Carter, I talk with Politico's, priests, actors, and atheists on how they wrestle with life's mysteries.

Their stories will spark reflection, challenge assumptions, and maybe even bring you some clarity on your own journey. Listen to Ye Gods, part of the NPR Network, wherever you get your podcasts.