NPR News Now: 09-26-2025 1AM EDT

Date: September 26, 2025
Host: Shea Stevens, NPR
Duration: ~5 minutes

Episode Overview

In this rapid-fire news segment, NPR covers the day's most pressing stories in U.S. politics, international affairs, business, and health. The main theme centers around the indictment of former FBI Director James Comey, exploring its political ramifications and subsequent developments. Other news includes Israel's ongoing military actions in Gaza, major layoffs at Starbucks, the FDA's review of mifepristone, and a Canadian postal strike.

Key Stories & Insights

1. James Comey Indictment and Political Fallout

• [00:15] Shea Stevens reports on the indictment of former FBI Director James Comey, noting President Trump's vocal support for the charges.
• [00:32] Franco Ordoñez provides context:
  • Trump's Reaction: Immediately after the indictment was announced, President Trump took to social media, calling it a win for justice and labeling Comey "corrupt" and "one of the worst human beings this country has ever been exposed to."
  • Political Escalation: The indictment is the latest chapter in the ongoing feud between Trump and Comey. Trump has blamed Comey for initiating the special investigation into his alleged Russia ties. The move follows public pressure from Trump for the Justice Department to act against his critics.
  • Quote (Franco Ordoñez):

    "It represents the latest escalation in a years long war of words between Trump and Comey, who famously likened the president to a mob boss." (00:46)

2. Concerns Over Justice System Weaponization

• [01:20] Significant alarm voiced by public and private officials regarding the potential politicization of the Justice Department.
  • Obstruction and Perjury: Comey is accused of obstruction and lying under oath during a 2020 Senate hearing on the Russia probe.
  • Senator Amy Klobuchar's Critique:

    "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 and these… that is why this is so troubling for the justice system." (Sen. Amy Klobuchar, 01:38)

  • Comey's Family Fallout:
    • Son-in-law Troy Edwards resigns as senior prosecutor in Virginia.
    • Daughter Maureen Comey sues DOJ after alleged wrongful termination in Manhattan.

3. Escalation in Gaza Conflict

• [02:24] NPR’s Anas Baba reports from Gaza:
  • Rising Civilian Casualties: 95 Palestinians killed by Israeli airstrikes since Wednesday.
  • Targeting of Civilian Areas: Airstrikes have hit encampments—13 displaced people killed in one attack.
  • Hospitals Impacted: Several hospitals have ceased operations amid bombardment.
  • Rescue Efforts: One particularly tragic story—rescue teams lost contact with a woman trapped beneath rubble for three days, after her home was bombed again before she could be reached.
  • Military Statement: Israel claims to have struck 170 Hamas targets in the past 24 hours.

4. Business Headlines

• [03:02] Financial Update:
  • U.S. Futures are flat after Thursday's losses; Dow Jones dropped 173 points.
• [03:20] Starbucks Restructuring:
  • Announces 900 non-retail layoffs and hundreds of store closures in the U.S. and Canada—the second major staff cut this year.
  • Plans to allocate $1 billion for restructuring.

5. FDA Review of Mifepristone

• [03:40] Selena Simmons-Duffin reports:
  • Abortion Access: Patients in restrictive states have relied on telemedicine and mailed medications, including mifepristone.
  • Regulatory Review: Republican attorneys general are pressuring the FDA to restrict access. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and FDA chief Marty McCary are reviewing safety data and may amend prescribing rules.
  • Medical Endorsement: OBGYN groups assert:

    “Mifepristone is an incredibly safe medication and that FDA restrictions should reflect that." (04:20)

6. Canada Post Strike

• [04:27]
  • Canadian Union of Postal Workers begins a strike—prompted by plans to end door-to-door delivery for most households within a decade.
  • Canada Post halts mail and parcel processing for the strike’s duration.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• President Trump's Statement (as summarized):

  "Justice in America…[Comey is] corrupt and one of the worst human beings this country has ever been exposed to." (Summarized by Franco Ordoñez, 00:32-00:46)

• Senator Amy Klobuchar on DOJ Politicization:

  "There is a clear through line…that is why this is so troubling for the justice system." (01:38)

• OBGYN Groups’ Support for Mifepristone:

  "Mifepristone is an incredibly safe medication and that FDA restrictions should reflect that." (04:20)

• Personal Tragedy from Gaza:

  “A woman buried under rubble who had been pleading for help on the phone for three days has not been found. Her home was bombed a second time while she was waiting to be rescued.” (Anas Baba, 02:56)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:15] — Main news: James Comey indicted
• [00:32-01:20] — Trump’s reaction, political history, ramifications
• [01:20-01:54] — Reactions from officials, comments by Sen. Klobuchar, impact on Comey’s family
• [02:24-03:02] — Update on Gaza airstrikes and humanitarian crisis
• [03:02-03:20] — Business update: US Markets, Starbucks layoffs
• [03:40-04:27] — FDA review of mifepristone and legal pressures
• [04:27-04:55] — Canada Post strike announcement

Summary

This edition of NPR News Now delivers concise but comprehensive updates on shifting political dynamics in Washington following Comey’s indictment, rising tensions in the Middle East, major U.S. business restructurings, regulatory debates around reproductive health, and significant labor action in Canada. The episode captures both the high-level implications and the deeply personal stories within the day’s headlines, giving viewers a snapshot of a news-heavy period.