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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
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