NPR News: 09-30-2026 12PM EDT
Sep 30, 2026 · 4m
Summary
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is expected to announce a 20% cut in senior military ranks, while US forces officially withdraw from Iraq after 23 years. Additionally, NPR reports on a proposed massive nuclear data center in Utah, a federal court ruling allowing the deportation of a Wisconsin mosque leader, and UK universities cutting ties with a Chinese research institute. The episode also notes strong US economic growth and highlights Backpack, a 20-year-old bear who won Alaska’s Fat Bear Week.
Topics discussed
Defense Secretary Hegseth announces cuts to senior military ranks
DoD ends civilian faculty appointments at military academies
US forces officially withdraw from Iraq after 23 years
Proposal for massive nuclear-powered data center in Utah
Federal judges rule on deportation of Wisconsin mosque leader
UK advises universities to cut ties with Chinese research institute
US economy expands 2.2% in second quarter
Alaska's 'Backpack' bear wins Fat Bear Week competition
Promo for Shortwave podcast on inflammation
Listen ad-free on Castria