NPR News Now: September 26, 2025, 3AM EDT

Episode Overview

This fast-paced edition of NPR News delivers an essential five-minute briefing on the latest national and international headlines. This segment covers major political and legal developments in the U.S., international tensions, economic policy shifts, and a quirky local story, all delivered with NPR's signature concise reporting style.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. James Comey Faces Criminal Charges

• [00:19] Former FBI Director James Comey has been charged with lying to Congress and obstruction.
  • The charges are connected to Comey's sworn statements regarding the 2016 Russian election interference investigation.
  • Comey maintains his innocence and expresses readiness to defend himself in court.
    • Notable Quote:
      "Comey says he's innocent and ready to go to trial." (NPR News Anchor, 00:19)

2. DOJ Action & Political Context

• [00:52] The Department of Justice filed these charges just days after President Trump publicly demanded criminal action against his political rivals, labeling the Russia investigation a "witch hunt."
• President Trump signed an executive order to coordinate federal agencies in combating domestic terrorism and political violence, including looking into group funding.
• [01:19] NPR’s Deepa Shivaram reports:
  • The Justice Department, DHS, and Treasury are uniting under an FBI-led joint terrorism task force.
  • Trump accuses affluent "radical left" members of financing protests.
• [01:36] Vice President J.D. Vance comments:
  • Notable Quote:
    "These are anarchists and agitators, professional anarchists and agitators, and they get hired by wealthy people." (J.D. Vance, 01:36)
• [01:43] Vice President Vance cites recent anti-ICE protests in Oregon and references fatal violence at ICE facilities and the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk as illustrations of escalating political violence.

3. Middle East Diplomacy & Gaza Crisis

• [02:04] President Trump announces productive discussions with Arab and Muslim leaders about the Gaza war, insisting he will block Israel from annexing parts of the West Bank. This was reportedly a crucial demand from Arab interlocutors.
• [02:18] Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan al Saud, stands with regional and European counterparts at the UN, reiterating that Israeli annexation of the West Bank would jeopardize peace efforts.
• [02:40] NPR’s Michelle Keleman notes Arab leaders' confidence that Trump understands the dangers of Israeli annexation.
  • Notable Quote:
    "I feel confident that President Trump understood the position of the Arab and Muslim countries and I think the president and the US understands very well the risks and dangers of annexation in the West Bank." (Michelle Keleman quoting Saudi FM, 02:40)
• [02:53] The Saudi Foreign Minister underscores Trump's public stance against West Bank annexation.

4. Korean Peninsula Tensions

• [03:00] South Korea fires warning shots after a North Korean merchant vessel briefly crosses the disputed maritime boundary. The area has a history of military skirmishes.

5. Major Economic Moves

• [03:15] President Trump imposes sweeping 100% tariffs on imported pharmaceuticals, plus heavy levies (50% or more) on kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities, heavy trucks, and upholstered furniture.
  • Rationale: National security and economic protection.
• [03:34] Trump signs an executive order facilitating a group of U.S.-led investors to gain a majority share in TikTok. The proposed deal is valued at $14 billion, though details are scant.

6. Offbeat: Wild Squirrel Attacks in the Bay Area

• [04:06] Katie DiBenedetti from KQED reports on an unusually aggressive squirrel in San Rafael, California, with at least five reported attacks in the neighborhood.
  • Notable Quote:
    "It was very heavy and I looked down and it was a squirrel." (Joan Heblock, 04:12)
  • Memorable Moment:
    Joan Heblock’s vivid recounting of the squirrel clinging to her leg—swinging and screaming until it let go.
  • Safety Note: The rabies risk is very low; public warnings remain posted.

7. Financial Markets Brief

• [04:48] U.S. futures remain flat in after-hours trading; Asia-Pacific shares are on a downward trend.

Memorable Quotes

• James Comey:
  "Comey says he's innocent and ready to go to trial." (NPR News Anchor, 00:19)
• Vice President J.D. Vance:
  "These are anarchists and agitators, professional anarchists and agitators, and they get hired by wealthy people." (01:36)
• Saudi Foreign Minister (via Michelle Keleman):
  "I feel confident that President Trump understood the position of the Arab and Muslim countries..." (02:40)
• Joan Heblock (on the squirrel attack):
  "It wouldn't get off. It just clung more and I was swinging my leg around and screaming." (04:23)

Segment Timestamps

| Segment | Timestamp | |---------------------------------------------|:----------:| | James Comey charges | 00:19 | | DOJ action/Trump comments | 00:52 | | Trump’s domestic terrorism executive order | 01:19 | | Vice President Vance statement | 01:36 | | ICE protest shooting, Kirk killing | 01:43 | | Trump on Gaza & West Bank | 02:04 | | UN/Arab leaders on Israel | 02:18 | | Saudi FM on U.S. position | 02:40 | | Korean maritime incident | 03:00 | | Pharma & import tariffs | 03:15 | | TikTok investor deal | 03:34 | | Squirrel attacks in San Rafael | 04:06 | | Financial markets update | 04:48 |

This NPR News Now episode delivers a brisk, comprehensive update, balancing momentous political news, global affairs, and lighter local stories—all with clarity and efficiency.