NPR News Now: 09-28-2025 11AM EDT

Host: Nora Ramm
Date: September 28, 2025

Episode Overview

This brief five-minute news update delivers the top stories of the hour, focusing on mounting political tensions in Portland over potential federal troop deployment, President Trump’s ongoing attempts at political retribution, continuing violence in Ukraine from Russian attacks, Moldova's parliamentary election, the anniversary of mifepristone’s approval, and the current state of the Ryder Cup golf tournament.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Tensions Over Federal Troop Deployment in Portland

Timestamps: 00:21–01:01

• President Trump announced intentions to send federal troops to Portland, Oregon, aiming to "protect immigration facilities" and counter what he termed "domestic terrorists."
• Portland Mayor Keith Wilson and Oregon Governor Tina Kotek both strongly rejected the move.
  • Mayor Wilson: “The number of necessary troops is zero.” (00:38)
  • Governor Kotek: “Federal help is not needed.” (00:42)
• An NPR correspondent summarized regional perspectives:
  • “There is no insurrection. There is no threat to national security and there is no need for military in our major city.” (00:50)
• Any such deployment, officials say, “would be an abuse of power and a misuse of federal troops.” (01:01)

2. Government Funding and Political Retribution

Timestamps: 01:01–02:15

• Congress is deadlocked on funding, risking a government shutdown as the fiscal year ends soon. President Trump plans to meet with congressional leaders.
• The President escalates efforts at political retribution, targeting former officials and critics:
  • Mara Liasson reports Trump is directing the DOJ to prosecute various Democratic figures including former FBI Director James Comey, Senator Adam Schiff, and NY Attorney General Letitia James.
  • Fani Willis, Georgia district attorney prosecuting Trump, has received a subpoena.
  • Liasson comments:
    • “Although the Comey case is weak and may not end with a conviction, his indictment sends a message to Trump’s other adversaries that he can bankrupt them and ruin their careers.” (02:06)

3. Escalation of Attacks in Ukraine

Timestamps: 02:15–03:15

• Russian forces launched hundreds of drones and missiles overnight; at least four dead, including a 12-year-old girl.
• Kyiv and Zaporizhzhia suffered the heaviest casualties, with dozens injured.
• NPR’s Joanna Kakisses describes local rescue operations:
  • “Firefighters and medics worked throughout the attacks, which lasted for 12 hours.” (02:36)
• President Zelenskyy reports: “Russia launched almost 5,500 drones and more than 40 missiles at his country overnight and early this morning.” (02:51)
• Zelenskyy is quoted from last week’s UN meeting, warning that “Russia’s war on Ukraine has prompted a dangerous arms race, and that every year weapons get deadlier.” (03:06)

4. Moldova’s Parliamentary Election

Timestamps: 03:15–03:31

• Moldova is holding elections for its 101-seat parliament; a new prime minister will be nominated from the outcome.
• The pro-European government accuses Russia of trying to meddle in the country’s political affairs.

5. 25th Anniversary of Mifepristone Approval

Timestamps: 03:31–04:37

• On the 25th anniversary of the FDA approval for mifepristone, an NPR report highlights:
  • The review process was “longer and more thorough than usual because of political opposition.” (03:52)
  • Selena Simmons Duffin notes the pill’s use in medication abortion and miscarriage management, always paired with misoprostol.
  • “Mifepristone was approved and in use in Europe for years before it became available in the U.S.”
  • The medication remains controversial, with ongoing legal challenges; advocates cite “over 100 studies” showing safety.
  • “According to the FDA...it’s been used by nearly 6 million women.” (04:31)

6. Ryder Cup Update

Timestamps: 04:37–04:59

• The final day of the Ryder Cup; team Europe has a commanding lead.
• “The US trails 11 and a half to four and a half, the largest deficit under the current format since 1979.” (04:52)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Mayor Keith Wilson: “The number of necessary troops is zero.” (00:38)
• NPR Correspondent: “There is no insurrection. There is no threat to national security and there is no need for military in our major city.” (00:50)
• Mara Liasson: “Although the Comey case is weak...his indictment sends a message...that he can bankrupt them and ruin their careers.” (02:06)
• Joanna Kakisses: “Firefighters and medics worked throughout the attacks, which lasted for 12 hours.” (02:36)
• Selena Simmons Duffin: “According to the FDA, over the decades that it's been available, it’s been used by nearly 6 million women.” (04:31)

Useful Timestamps

• Portland/Federal Troops: 00:21–01:01
• Government Funding & Retaliation: 01:01–02:15
• Ukraine Attacks: 02:15–03:15
• Moldova Election: 03:15–03:31
• Mifepristone Anniversary: 03:31–04:37
• Ryder Cup: 04:37–04:59

This update succinctly covers today’s critical news with trademark NPR clarity and balance, offering a rapid but substantive briefing on complex, fast-moving stories.