NPR News Now – September 28, 2025, 12AM EDT

Host: Dale Willman
Duration: ~5 minutes
Main Theme:
A concise update on key domestic and international news in the United States and abroad, focusing on politics, protest movements, international crises, personal remembrances, and growing geopolitical concerns in Europe.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. National Guard Deployment Controversy

[00:20 – 00:46]

• President Trump announced plans to expand his deployment of National Guard troops to multiple cities, in particular targeting Portland, Oregon, citing the need to address "domestic terrorists."
• Oregon Governor Tina Kotek vocally opposed the move, deeming it an abuse of presidential power and insisting the concerns were overblown.
  Quote:

  “There is no insurrection, there is no threat to national security, and there is no need for military troops in our major city.”
  -- Tina Kotek, Governor of Oregon [00:36]

• Portland police officials echoed Governor Kotek’s stance, stating deployment was unnecessary.

2. Chicago Protests Against Immigration Agenda

[00:46 – 01:38]

• Hundreds of protestors marched in downtown Chicago, calling on Illinois officials to oppose the Trump administration's immigration policies.
• The demonstration featured a diverse crowd, from "babies in strollers to elders in wheelchairs," highlighting cross-generational concern.
  Quote:

  "Protesters ranged from babies in strollers to elders in wheelchairs. Cars honked in support, some walking by even joined the march."
  -- Summer Van Benten, NPR [01:03]

• Hussam Meraja (Chicago Coalition against the Trump Agenda) underlined the belief that the administration was targeting progressive, working-class cities.
  Quote:

  "The precedent that he's setting is that you're gonna make progress... and then we're gonna punish you."
  -- Hussam Meraja [01:26]

• Protesters demanded legislation to shield residents from federal agency actions.

3. Looming U.S. Government Shutdown

[01:47 – 02:08]

• With a potential government shutdown imminent, President Trump scheduled a high-stakes meeting with congressional leaders for the upcoming Monday.
• The impasse stemmed from Congress’s inability to agree on spending packages, threatening operations in the new fiscal year (beginning October 1).

4. Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza City

[02:08 – 03:13]

• Doctors Without Borders suspended all operations in Gaza City, citing the proximity of Israeli military forces and escalating violence.
• The closure means almost no access to healthcare for hundreds of thousands, including the shutdown of the last functioning pediatric hospital.
• Correspondent Anas Baba painted a grim scene of constant sirens and shelling:
  Quote:

  "Here in Gaza City, the sound of sirens and Israeli artillery is nearly constant..."
  -- Anas Baba, NPR [02:28]

• MSF staff could no longer guarantee safety or even "basic treatment" for critical patients.
• Urgent calls were made for the international community to guarantee humanitarian access.

5. Remembrance: Tess Johnston, Shanghai Architectural Historian

[03:13 – 04:12]

• Tess Johnston, a former American foreign service officer and documentarian of Shanghai’s colonial architecture, passed away.
• Frank Langfitt remembered her as a determined chronicler preserving the city’s heritage as modernization threatened its unique cityscape.
• Johnston’s quote from a 2016 interview:

  "Where else in the world would you find such a variety of buildings? Maybe New York City. And it was just enchanting, really enchanting."
  -- Tess Johnston [03:49]

• Johnston, with photographer Er Dongchang, published over two dozen books, preserving a fading architectural legacy.

6. Protests in Berlin for Gaza

[04:12 – 04:35]

• Tens of thousands marched in Berlin, demanding an end to fighting in Gaza and humanitarian action.
• Demonstrators urged Germany to halt arms exports to Israel and called for European sanctions against Tel Aviv, despite Germany’s historically strong support for Israel.

7. Drone Sightings Spark Danish Security Concerns

[04:35 – 04:58]

• The Danish Defense Ministry reported drone sightings over several defense installations, prompting temporary airport closures and alarm over possible Russian activity.
• Drones were spotted near Denmark’s largest military base, amplifying concerns about regional security.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Tina Kotek on military deployment:
  “There is no insurrection, there is no threat to national security, and there is no need for military troops in our major city.” [00:36]
• Summer Van Benten describing Chicago protests:
  “Protesters ranged from babies in strollers to elders in wheelchairs. Cars honked in support, some walking by even joined the march.” [01:03]
• Hussam Meraja on federal targeting of progressive cities:
  “If you’re gonna make progress... then we’re gonna punish you.” [01:26]
• Anas Baba on the situation in Gaza:
  “Here in Gaza City, the sound of sirens and Israeli artillery is nearly constant.” [02:28]
• Tess Johnston on Shanghai’s heritage:
  “Where else in the world would you find such a variety of buildings? Maybe New York City. And it was just enchanting, really enchanting.” [03:49]

Timeline of Major Segments

| Timestamp | Segment | |-----------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 00:20 | National Guard deployment; Oregon disputes military need | | 00:46 | Chicago immigration protest; local voices and organizing | | 01:47 | Looming U.S. government shutdown; leadership meeting scheduled | | 02:08 | Humanitarian crisis in Gaza; MSF pulls out, clinics close | | 03:13 | Remembrance: Tess Johnston, colonial architecture historian in Shanghai | | 04:12 | Berlin march for Gaza; protests demand German and EU action | | 04:35 | Danish drone sightings raise fears of Russian aggression |

Summary:
This NPR News Now edition provides crisp, impactful coverage on critical news stories, blending political developments, protest movements, humanitarian emergencies, and the passing of a noteworthy American cultural figure. The tone balances urgent reporting with moments of human interest, offering a snapshot of world events as the new week approaches.