NPR News Now: September 27, 2025 – 1PM EDT

Host: Nora Ramm
Date: September 27, 2025
Duration: 5 minutes

Episode Overview

This episode of NPR News Now delivers a concise update on the hour's biggest headlines, focusing on political developments in Oregon, controversy involving the Des Moines superintendent and ICE, major Supreme Court decisions, international cybercrime crackdowns, and a historic rail anniversary.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Federal Troops Sent to Oregon

[00:18–01:03]

• President Trump's Announcement:
  President Trump declares he will send troops to Oregon to "protect immigration facilities," particularly referencing “war-ravaged Portland.”

  • “He said he’s directing officials to provide all necessary troops to what he described as war ravaged Portland.” – Nora Ramm ([00:18])

• Criticism from Local Authorities:
  Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley (Democrat) challenges the president’s claims, alleging that Trump’s federal agents are instigating the chaos.

  • “The president has sent agents here to create chaos and riots in Portland to induce a reaction, to induce protests, to induce conflicts. His goal is to make Portland look like what he's been describing it as.” – Senator Jeff Merkley ([00:40])

• Portland Mayor Responds:
  Mayor Keith Wilson emphasizes local capacity to handle the situation, affirming that federal intervention is unnecessary and that Portland safeguards freedom of expression.

2. Arrest of Des Moines Superintendent by ICE

[01:03–02:11]

• Incident Details:
  Superintendent Ian Roberts of Des Moines, originally from Guyana and noted as the city’s first Black superintendent, is arrested by ICE after fleeing a traffic stop. ICE cites a final removal order and the discovery of a loaded gun; prior weapons charges are invoked.

• Community Response:
  School Board Chair Jackie Norris acknowledges the uncertainty around the case but praises Roberts’s contributions.

  • “There is much we do not know. However, what we do know is that Dr. Roberts has been an integral part of our school community since he joined over two years ago.” – Jackie Norris ([01:52])

• Significance:
  The news highlights tensions between immigration policy enforcement and local community leadership, particularly in educational settings.

3. Supreme Court and Foreign Aid Withholding

[02:11–03:13]

• Supreme Court Ruling:
  The Supreme Court extends the Trump administration’s ability to withhold $4+ billion in foreign aid, pending ongoing litigation. The Court’s conservative majority supports the administration’s foreign policy authority, while the liberal justices dissent.

  • “In its latest ruling, the Supreme Court's conservative majority said Trump's foreign policy authority outweighs the harm claimed by the group suing. The court's three liberal justices dissented…” – Matt Bloom ([02:25])

• Dissenting Opinion:
  Justice Elena Kagan criticizes the emergency relief granted “with a scant briefing and no oral argument.”

4. Executive Order on Birthright Citizenship

[03:13–03:57]

• Supreme Court Request:
  The Trump administration appeals to the Supreme Court to uphold an executive order restricting birthright citizenship, which three lower courts have blocked. The proposal would deny citizenship to some U.S.-born children unless at least one parent is a citizen or a lawful permanent resident.

• Constitutional Context:
  The segment references the 14th Amendment, which guarantees citizenship to anyone born in the U.S., highlighting the legal and societal stakes.

5. International Sting on Internet Romance Scams

[03:57–04:36]

• Operation Details:
  Police in 14 African countries, supported by Interpol, arrest hundreds involved in romance scams and sextortion between July and August. Over 1,000 victims lost nearly $3 million.

• Notable Results:

  • Ghana: 68 suspects arrested, $70,000 recovered

  • Cote d’Ivoire: Over 800 victims identified

  • Many victims are young people based in the U.S.

  • “Internet romance scams and extortion are among the fastest growing online security threats in the world, and many victims are young people based in the U.S.” – Emmanuel Akimotu ([04:24])

6. 200-Year Railway Anniversary

[04:36–04:57]

• Historical Note:
  The episode closes with a mention of the 200th anniversary of the first standard-gauge steam-powered railway trip in northeast England, marked by a replica journey attended by thousands.

  • “It was 200 years ago today that a steam powered engine made its way in the northeast of England... Thousands turned out today to watch a replica recreate the trip.” – Nora Ramm ([04:36])

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• Senator Jeff Merkley on federal intervention in Portland:
  “The president has sent agents here to create chaos and riots in Portland to induce a reaction, to induce protests, to induce conflicts. His goal is to make Portland look like what he's been describing it as.” ([00:40])

• Jackie Norris, School Board Chair on Superintendent Roberts:
  “There is much we do not know. However, what we do know is that Dr. Roberts has been an integral part of our school community since he joined over two years ago.” ([01:52])

• Justice Elena Kagan (via Matt Bloom):
  “...the Trump administration's request for emergency relief was granted with a scant briefing and no oral argument.” ([02:42])

• Emmanuel Akimotu on internet romance scams:
  “Internet romance scams and extortion are among the fastest growing online security threats in the world, and many victims are young people based in the U.S.” ([04:24])

Timestamps for Major Segments

• Federal Troops to Portland: 00:18–01:03
• Des Moines Superintendent ICE Arrest: 01:03–02:11
• Supreme Court on Foreign Aid: 02:11–03:13
• Birthright Citizenship Controversy: 03:13–03:57
• Interpol Cybercrime Sting: 03:57–04:36
• Railway Anniversary: 04:36–04:57

This summary encapsulates the pressing news highlights covered in the brief, fast-paced midday NPR News Now update for September 27, 2025.