NPR News Now – September 26, 2025, 12PM EDT

Host: Lakshmi Singh
Episode Theme: A concise roundup of the hour’s major news events including the DOJ charges against James Comey, President Trump’s new tariffs, changes in Oklahoma education leadership, protests in Madagascar, and an update on US economic trends.

1. Department of Justice Charges Former FBI Director Comey

Time: 00:19 – 00:56

• Summary:
  The Justice Department’s decision to charge former FBI Director James Comey with making false statements and obstruction of justice triggered strong criticism, particularly from Democratic leaders.

• Key Details:

  • Senator Amy Klobuchar accused President Trump of weaponizing the Justice Department against his adversaries.
  • Comey is accused in a process that critics argue is politically motivated, tied to lingering tensions over the Russia investigation during Trump’s first term.

• Notable Quote:

  "There is a clear through line that everyone sees where he is going after people that he doesn't like or who have said things that he doesn't like or who have done things to him in the past... That is why this is so troubling for the justice system."
  — Senator Amy Klobuchar, 00:40

2. President Trump Announces Major New Tariffs

Time: 00:56 – 02:12

• Summary:
  President Trump unveiled a broad suite of new import tariffs covering several sectors, citing national security and the need to protect U.S. industries.

• Key Details:

  • 25% tariff on imported large trucks (targeting foreign competitors of U.S. companies like Kenworth and Mack)
  • 50% tariff on kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities
  • 30% tariff on upholstered furniture
  • 100% tariffs on branded or patented pharmaceuticals not produced in the U.S.
  • Tariffs take effect October 1

• Notable Quote:

  "Trump says the new import taxes must be applied for national security and other reasons and will take effect October 1st."
  — Ayanna Archie, 01:56

3. Oklahoma State Education Superintendent Steps Down

Time: 02:12 – 03:12

• Summary:
  Ryan Walters, Oklahoma’s Superintendent of Public Education known for his ultraconservative and controversial policies, announced he will resign to lead the Teacher Freedom Alliance.

• Key Details:

  • Walters’ initiatives met controversy due to sweeping school policy changes and threats to revoke licenses/accreditation.
  • Oklahoma’s education rankings have declined; Walters blames teachers’ unions.
  • As incoming CEO of the Teacher Freedom Alliance, Walters aims to fight unions nationwide.

• Notable Quote:

  "We will build an army of teachers to defeat the teachers unions once and for all. So this fight's going national and we will get our schools back on track."
  — Ryan Walters, 02:53

4. Protests and Curfew in Madagascar

Time: 03:12 – 04:10

• Summary:
  Large protests erupted in Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar, over chronic water and power outages, prompting authorities to impose a nighttime curfew.

• Key Details:

  • Hundreds demonstrated, some clashing with police and looting stores and banks.
  • Protesters used symbols borrowed from international protest movements, displaying black flags with the "One Piece" skull logo.
  • No clear end date for curfew; situation remains tense.

• Notable Quote:

  "...police engaged protesters in running battles with reports of looting of retail stores and banks in various localities... Madagascar's chief of police announced that a nighttime curfew would be put in place until order was restored."
  — Michael Kaloki, 03:29

5. Economic Update: Inflation and Stock Market

Time: 04:10 – 04:47

• Summary:
  US stocks opened higher, reflecting fresh economic data showing a marginal uptick in inflation and consumer spending.

• Key Details:

  • Commerce Department reported a 2.7% annual rise in consumer prices for August.
  • Consumer spending up, personal savings rate down.
  • Boeing stock rose on news of a major order from Turkish Airlines.

• Notable Quote:

  "Consumer prices in August were up 2.7% from a year ago, according to the Commerce Department's inflation yardstick, which is closely watched by the Federal Reserve..."
  — Scott Horsley, 04:23

Additional Markets Note

Time: 04:47 – 04:57

• Summary:
  Brief recap: Dow up 160 points, Nasdaq down 39, as of broadcast’s end.

Memorable Moments & Tone

• The episode maintains NPR’s factual, measured approach, covering diverse news stories in a rapid yet informative manner.
• Senator Klobuchar’s comments stand out for their sharp criticism of the Trump administration’s actions.
• Walters’ declaration of a “national fight” against teachers unions signals a dramatic escalation in the education policy debate.
• Protests in Madagascar highlight the global resonance of protest symbols and the fragility of public services.

For those who missed it:
This five-minute broadcast offers a snapshot of U.S. political tensions, new economic policies, major personnel shifts, international unrest, and economic trends as of mid-day, September 26, 2025.