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Top Headlines Today
A federal court issued a temporary injunction last night preventing the Trump administration from deploying National Guard troops to Oregon. This decision arrives as cities like Portland and Chicago prepare for the potential arrival of National Guard forces amid President Trump’s plan to send troops to Democratic-led urban areas. The president asserts that the deployment aims to curb crime and safeguard federal law enforcement personnel.
Federal agents from the Department of Homeland Security, Border Patrol, and local police work to control protesters outside a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) building in downtown Portland, Oregon, on October 5.
Spencer Platt/Getty Images
- 🎧 Oregon’s governor and Portland’s mayor have stated that daily life continues as normal, NPR’s Joe Hernandez reports on Up First. While protests have occurred near ICE offices, the presiding federal judge noted these gatherings have been limited and manageable by local law enforcement. Meanwhile, the administration has federalized over 300 Illinois National Guard members, who are expected to be deployed in Chicago. Discussions are also underway about sending federal forces to other cities such as New Orleans and Baltimore.
The Supreme Court commences a new session today. The docket primarily features cases examining the constitutional limits of presidential authority. Other significant cases include one that could dismantle remaining provisions of the historic Voting Rights Act and a challenge to tariffs imposed by the Trump administration.
- 🎧 Since President Trump’s return to office eight months ago, the Supreme Court has set a record for siding with the administration on emergency rulings, NPR’s Nina Totenberg explains. By last week, the court had granted 20 emergency requests from the president to stay lower court decisions unfavorable to the administration, while only denying three. These emergency rulings are temporary, as the court has yet to hear full arguments. Several cases are now scheduled for comprehensive review with full briefs and oral arguments.
Peace negotiations are set to begin today in Egypt, aiming to bring an end to the conflict in Gaza. The United States has proposed a ceasefire plan that Israel has accepted. The current discussions focus on securing agreement from both Hamas and Israel regarding the release of hostages still held in Gaza. Here’s what you should know about the ongoing ceasefire talks.
- 🎧 Hamas is anticipated to push for extensive concessions, while Israel is expected to demand minimal compromises, NPR’s Daniel Estrin reports. The U.S. and other mediators are working to reconcile these opposing positions. In Gaza, 31-year-old Mohammed Nassar, who escaped an Israeli airstrike just before Hamas announced willingness to free hostages, shared with NPR that the negotiations offer a hopeful sign for peace. Meanwhile, in Israel, families of hostages have gathered outside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s residence to maintain pressure on the government.
Living Expenses
Increasing expenses are prompting many Americans to reconsider their vacation plans.
Getty Images/Emily Bogle/NPR
NPR’s series Cost of Living: The Price We Pay explores the factors behind rising prices and how people are adapting after persistent inflation.
Travel remains a favorite pastime for many Americans, yet soaring costs have led numerous individuals to rethink their vacation plans. Prices for fuel, accommodations, and entertainment have all surged since the pandemic began. Data from the U.S. Travel Association and the Bureau of Labor Statistics reveal that travel expenses have climbed by 20% since August 2019. Here’s how this shift is affecting travelers:
- ✈️ Many respondents in an NPR online survey reported they cannot afford any trips this year, while those who do travel are scaling back their plans.
- ✈️ Road trips and car travel have become more popular as people seek to reduce transportation costs.
- ✈️ Travelers are favoring nearby destinations and domestic trips over international travel.
Discover more about how inflation is reshaping American travel habits. This week’s series will also delve into debt, inflation, and pricing trends. Stay informed with the latest updates here.
How have rising prices impacted your lifestyle? Share your experience by filling out this form to contribute your story to NPR.
Latest from NPR
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Managing credit card debt can feel overwhelming, especially amid rising living costs, inflation, and sluggish employment growth. To support Americans facing these challenges, Life Kit has launched a Guide to Paying Off Credit Card Debt. This month-long newsletter series features financial experts who share strategies for creating a debt repayment plan tailored to your budget. The aim is to help you save money and make significant progress in reducing your debt. Subscribers can expect guidance on:
- ➡️ Changing your mindset about debt
- ➡️ Immediate steps to slow debt accumulation
- ➡️ Budgeting tips to free up funds for debt repayment
- ➡️ Prioritizing which credit card to pay off first
Ready to take control of your finances and tackle credit card debt? Sign up for the Life Kit Guide to Paying Off Credit Card Debt today.
Three Things to Know Before You Head Out
Karla Tatiana Vasquez shops for avocados at the Salvadoran Street Food Market in Los Angeles, California, on Saturday, September 6, 2025.
Stephanie Noritz for NPR/NPR
- At this time of year, the flor de izote blooms in Los Angeles. This flower, El Salvador’s national emblem, is also a seasonal culinary treat. Salvadoran-American chef Karla Tatiana Vasquez shares that the flower helps her maintain a strong connection to her cultural roots.
- The beloved children’s program Reading Rainbow has returned with a fresh host, Mychal Threets, a librarian and social media influencer. To engage today’s youth, the show will be available on YouTube.
- Protests led by Gen Z across continents-from Africa to Asia-feature a shared emblem: a flag depicting a smiling skull and crossbones wearing a straw hat, inspired by the anime One Piece, which follows a group of pirates fighting against a tyrannical world government.
This newsletter was edited by Yvonne Dennis.
