NPR News Now – Episode Summary

Date: September 26, 2025
Host: Korva Coleman
Episode: NPR News: 09-26-2025 11AM EDT

Brief Overview

This five-minute NPR News Now episode, hosted by Korva Coleman, provides a concise update on significant global and domestic news. Key stories include President Trump’s denial of political targeting following James Comey’s indictment, reactions to Netanyahu’s U.N. address amid new recognitions of Palestinian statehood, evolving U.S. trade policy with Asia, looming U.S. government shutdown risks, a multinational crackdown on internet romance scams, and record-breaking feats on Mount Everest.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Trump and the Comey Indictment (00:13–01:15)

• President Trump denies having a list of people to be indicted but expresses hope for further indictments.

• James Comey, former FBI Director, is indicted for making false statements and obstructing justice regarding his congressional testimony about the Russian election interference probe.

• Comey maintains his innocence.

• Senator Tim Kaine criticizes U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi for politically motivated actions, calling the indictment process a “hatchet job.”

  “You don't indict them on a two page lack of details and then say you're going to follow the facts. This is a political hatchet job.”
  — Sen. Tim Kaine (00:51)

2. Netanyahu’s U.N. Speech and Palestinian Statehood (01:15–02:20)

• Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addresses the U.N., warning Hamas to free hostages and disarm.

• Follows recognition of Palestinian statehood by several U.S. allies.

• Diplomats stage a walkout in protest; Israel calls it a “cheap stunt”.

• Netanyahu accuses recognizing nations of “appeasing evil.”

• Israel uses loudspeakers in Gaza, hoping hostages hear Netanyahu’s reassurance.

  “We will not falter and we will not rest until we bring all of you home.”
  — Benjamin Netanyahu (01:57)

• Mahmoud Abbas (Palestinian Authority) denied U.S. visa, addresses U.N. by video, emphasizing exclusion of Hamas and calling for Gaza war’s end.

3. U.S. Foreign Trade Deals and New Tariffs (02:20–03:10)

• Trump announces new tariffs on selected imports: home furnishings, heavy trucks, and pharmaceuticals.

• Claims that Japan and South Korea pledged nearly $1 trillion in U.S. investment, implying a trade-off for lower tariffs.

  “We have, as you know, In Japan, it's $550 billion, South Korea's $350 billion. That's up front.”
  — President Trump (02:46)

• South Korea expresses concerns: large up-front payments may deplete currency reserves and spark a financial crisis.

• Economists challenge the figures: South Korea’s “commitment” is more than twice its yearly exports to the U.S.

4. Possible U.S. Government Shutdown (03:10–03:34)

• Funding talks stall between Republicans and Democrats.
• Trump warns he may fire federal employees affected by the shutdown if a spending bill isn’t passed.

5. Interpol-Led Operation Against Internet Romance Scams (03:34–04:28)

• Police in 14 African countries, with Interpol’s help, arrest 260 suspects linked to romance and sextortion scams.

• Over 1,000 victims identified, close to $3 million lost.

• Major efforts in Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire; most victims are young people based in the U.S.

  “Internet romance scams and sextortion are among the fastest growing online security threats in the world, and many victims are young people based in the U.S.”
  — Emmanuel Akinwotu (04:11)

6. Other Notable Stories (04:28–04:50)

• Hurricane Umberto has formed in the Atlantic; expected to intensify over the coming weekend.
• Andrzej Bargiel, Polish skier, becomes the first person to ski down Mount Everest’s side without bottled oxygen.

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• Sen. Tim Kaine on Comey’s indictment:
  “You don't indict them on a two page lack of details and then say you're going to follow the facts. This is a political hatchet job.” (00:51)

• Netanyahu promises to hostages:
  “We will not falter and we will not rest until we bring all of you home.” (01:57)

• Trump touts Asian trade ‘investments’:
  “We have, as you know, In Japan, it's $550 billion, South Korea's $350 billion. That's up front.” (02:46)

• Akinwotu on scam victim demographics:
  “Internet romance scams and sextortion are among the fastest growing online security threats in the world, and many victims are young people based in the U.S.” (04:11)

Timeline of Important Segments

| Timestamp | Segment | |-----------|---------| | 00:13 | Trump denies ‘enemies list’ after Comey indictment; Kaine criticizes DOJ | | 01:15 | Netanyahu warns Hamas at U.N.; diplomatic walkout; Palestinian Authority response | | 02:20 | Trump announces new tariffs; Japan/South Korea investment claims; economic analysis | | 03:10 | Looming U.S. government shutdown; Trump’s threats toward federal workers | | 03:34 | Interpol leads anti-scam crackdown; hundreds arrested; U.S. victims | | 04:28 | Hurricane Umberto update; Everest ski descent record | | 04:55 | (Sponsor message begins; content ends) |

Summary

In this fast-moving update, NPR covers high-level political drama in Washington, major international developments, financial and security threats, and remarkable human achievements. The reports maintain a neutral, direct tone, culled from both live quotes and correspondents’ concise insights. This episode is essential for listeners wanting a brisk, comprehensive briefing on the day's most pressing news.