NPR News Now — 09-26-2025, 7AM EDT

Host: Korva Coleman
Duration: 5 minutes
Summary Compiled: September 26, 2025

Episode Overview

This NPR News Now episode covers major headlines from Washington, D.C., legal actions involving former FBI Director James Comey, President Trump's latest executive order on domestic terrorism, a legal dispute concerning Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, the looming government shutdown, the anniversary of Hurricane Helene, and a rock chart update.

Key News Segments and Insights

1. James Comey Indicted

• [00:17] Korva Coleman reports that a federal grand jury in Virginia indicted former FBI Director James Comey on two criminal counts, linked to his 2020 congressional testimony regarding Russian election interference.

  • The indictment follows President Trump's public demand for the Justice Department to "move against Comey quickly."

• Comey's Response:

  • Comey maintains his innocence and issued a public statement.

    "My family and I have known for years that there are costs to standing up to Donald Trump, but we couldn't imagine ourselves living any other way. We will not live on our knees, and you shouldn't either."
    —James Comey [00:43]

• Family Connections:

  • Comey’s son-in-law, Troy Edwards (a prosecutor in the office filing the charges), resigns.
  • Comey's daughter, Maureen Comey, a federal prosecutor, is suing after being fired by the Justice Department.

2. Trump Signs Executive Action on Domestic Terrorism

• [00:56] President Trump signs an executive action directing a federal response to domestic terrorism and political violence, alleging that "radical left" funders are backing agitators.

• Agencies Involved:

  • Justice Department, Department of Homeland Security, and Treasury will participate via the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force.

• Trump's Accusations:

  • He attributes recent unrest to wealthy individuals funding anarchists.

    "These are anarchists and agitators, professional anarchists and agitators, and they get hired by wealthy people."
    —Donald Trump [01:45]

• Backdrop:

  • Comes a day after a fatal shooting at an ICE building in Dallas and the earlier killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

• Lack of Evidence:

  • Trump names two billionaires who support liberal causes but offers no evidence connecting them to extremism.

3. Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook’s Job Uncertainty

• [02:03] A bipartisan group of former treasury secretaries, central bankers, and top economists asks the Supreme Court to block Trump from firing Fed Governor Lisa Cook.
  • Signatories include Ben Bernanke, Alan Greenspan, Hank Paulson, and Jack Lew.
• Legal Argument:
  • Removing Cook would jeopardize the Fed’s independence and credibility, possibly undermining anti-inflation efforts.
  • Trump’s attempt to dismiss her was triggered by a political ally’s allegation of false statements, which Cook denies.
• Court Status:
  • Federal courts are temporarily blocking Cook’s firing; Supreme Court may treat the Fed’s independence as a unique case.

4. Impending Government Shutdown

• [03:13] Congressional impasse on a spending bill risks a federal government shutdown in the coming days.
  • President Trump threatens to fire federal workers impacted by a shutdown unless Democrats agree to his bill terms.
• Context:
  • Disagreement persists between Republicans and Democrats on budget priorities.

5. Anniversary of Hurricane Helene

• [03:40] One year since Hurricane Helene made landfall as a Category 4 storm, mainly affecting Florida and the Southern Appalachians.
  • North Carolina suffered significant damage.
  • The National Hurricane Center estimates 250 deaths, making it the deadliest US hurricane since Katrina (2005).

6. Rock and Roll Chart Update

• [04:03] Stephen Thompson highlights the return of Twenty One Pilots to the top of the Billboard albums chart.

  "If you were listening to pop and rock radio a decade ago, chances are you're very familiar with this song."
  —Stephen Thompson [04:03]

  • The band’s new album, Breach, debuts at #1.
  • Lead single "City Walls" charts on the Hot 100, though there is not yet a standout pop hit.
  • Success driven by strong physical sales: 72,000 vinyl copies sold.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• James Comey’s Defiance:

  "We will not live on our knees, and you shouldn't either."
  —James Comey [00:43]

• President Trump’s Blame:

  "These are anarchists and agitators, professional anarchists and agitators, and they get hired by wealthy people."
  —Donald Trump [01:45]

• Stephen Thompson’s Nostalgia:

  "If you were listening to pop and rock radio a decade ago, chances are you’re very familiar with this song."
  —Stephen Thompson [04:03]

Timestamps of Key Segments

| Segment | Timestamp | |-----------------------------------------------|----------------| | James Comey indicted, family fallout | 00:17 – 00:56 | | Trump’s domestic terrorism order | 00:56 – 02:03 | | Fed Governor Lisa Cook legal battle | 02:03 – 03:13 | | Government shutdown looming | 03:13 – 03:40 | | Hurricane Helene anniversary & death toll | 03:40 – 04:03 | | Twenty One Pilots top Billboard chart | 04:03 – 04:53 |

This concise but comprehensive newscast provides a rapid overview of major political, legal, weather, and cultural stories shaping the headlines as the U.S. heads into late September 2025.