NPR News Now – 09-28-2025 5AM EDT

Host: Giles Snyder
Episode Date: September 28, 2025

Overview

This five-minute NPR News Now episode offers a rapid rundown of overnight and breaking national and international headlines. The main themes covered are escalating federal intervention in Democratic-led U.S. cities, international security concerns over Russian aggression, looming government shutdown in Washington, gun violence in North Carolina, and the anniversary of the abortion medication mifepristone’s approval.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Federal Troops in Portland, Oregon

[00:11–00:41]

• Context: President Trump announced intentions to send federal troops to Portland.
• State Pushback:
  • Oregon Governor Tina Kotek denounced the move, calling it “an abuse of power and misuse of federal troops.”
  • Quote – Gov. Kotek (00:31):

    “There is no direction, there is no threat to national security, and there is no need for military troops in our major city.”

• Reasoning from D.C.: Trump claimed on social media that Portland is "war ravaged" and troops are necessary to protect immigration facilities (which have been protest sites).
• Noted Uncertainty: No clear timeline or specifics about which units might be deployed.

2. Protests in Chicago over Trump Administration's Immigration Agenda

[01:11–01:46]

• Report from WBEZ’s Summer Van Benton:
  • Hundreds marched in downtown Chicago Saturday.
  • Protesters ranged "from babies in strollers to elders in wheelchairs," with broad public participation.
  • Cars honked in support; some passersby spontaneously turned marchers.
• Organizers’ Perspective (Hussam Meraja, US Palestinian Community Network/Chicago Coalition):
  • Trump is “punishing” progressive cities for their policies and working-class roots.
  • Quote – Hussam Meraja (01:35):

    “The precedent that he’s setting is that you’re gonna make progress and you’re gonna have these progressive mayors and progressive cities that come from like unions and working class people, then we’re gonna punish you.”

• Demands: Protesters want state and local officials to enact protections against federal overreach.

3. Russian Attacks on Ukraine and NATO's Baltic Response

[01:56–03:09]

• Ukraine Under Fire:
  • Russia launched "hundreds of drones and missiles overnight."
  • Kyiv was hardest hit: “strikes targeted residential, civilian infrastructure, a medical facility and a kindergarten.”
  • 4 people killed, at least 10 wounded.
• NATO Reacts to Drone Intrusions:
  • NATO is increasing military presence in the Baltic Sea after several days of drones spotted, particularly in Denmark.
  • Terry Schultz reports, ongoing drone sightings since Monday.
  • NATO Statement (Col. Martin O'Donnell): More intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance resources and “at least one air defense frigate” added.
  • Primary concern: defending infrastructure, especially undersea cables, from Russian interference.
  • Russia denies involvement with the drones.

4. Looming U.S. Government Shutdown

[03:09–03:52]

• Urgency: One day left before the government faces a partial shutdown due to stalled funding negotiations.
• Action: Top congressional Democrats announced a White House meeting (set for tomorrow) — President Trump to meet with Republican and Democratic leaders.
• Democrats’ Stand: House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer urge Republicans to negotiate a bipartisan spending plan.

5. Mass Shooting in Southport, North Carolina

[03:52–04:07]

• Incident: Mass shooting at a waterfront bar on the Cape Fear River. Shots fired from a boat.
• Casualties: 3 dead, 8 wounded.
• Update: A suspect is in custody.

6. Mifepristone: 25 Years Since FDA Approval

[04:07–04:51]

• Background: Mifepristone, used for medication abortion and miscarriage management, was approved 25 years ago today (September 28, 2000).
• FDA Review: The process was unusually long and rigorous due to political contention.
• Drug Facts:
  • Works by blocking progesterone; paired with misoprostol.
  • Was available in Europe before the U.S.
  • Used by nearly 6 million women in the U.S.
• Ongoing Debate: Legal challenges and new regulatory threats anticipated from the Trump administration.
• Advocates’ Position:
  • Quote – Selena Simmons Duffin (Reporter, 04:30):

    “The safety and efficacy of the medication has been proven in more than 100 studies, according to the FDA.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek (00:31):

  “There is no direction, there is no threat to national security, and there is no need for military troops in our major city.”

• Hussam Meraja, Chicago Protest Organizer (01:35):

  “The precedent that he’s setting is that you’re gonna make progress and you’re gonna have these progressive mayors and progressive cities that come from like unions and working class people, then we’re gonna punish you.”

• Selena Simmons Duffin (04:30):

  “The safety and efficacy of the medication has been proven in more than 100 studies, according to the FDA.”

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Oregon Pushes Back on Trump, Troop Deployment: 00:11–00:41
• Chicago Immigration Protests: 01:11–01:46
• Russian Attacks & NATO Response: 01:56–03:09
• Government Shutdown Deadline Looms: 03:09–03:52
• Mass Shooting in North Carolina: 03:52–04:07
• Mifepristone FDA Anniversary & Legal Debate: 04:07–04:51

For listeners and readers:
This NPR News Now update provides a concise overview of significant domestic and international news developments with verifiable reports, direct quotes, and real-time context, true to NPR's signature direct and objective tone.