NPR News Now — September 28, 2025, 7AM EDT

Overview

This five-minute NPR News Now segment delivers a succinct update on key national and international developments. Segments cover President Trump’s evolving stance on troop deployment to Portland, fallout from a shooting at a Dallas ICE office, looming U.S. government shutdown negotiations, the impact of slashed U.S. international aid, a deadly rally in India, elections in Moldova and Switzerland, and an obituary highlighting the legacy of Tess Johnston.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Portland Troop Deployment Controversy

[00:18–00:36]

• Portland’s Mayor Responds to President Trump
  • President Trump announced: “The number of necessary troops is zero.” (Trump, [00:27])
  • However, on social media, he defended the need to protect immigration facilities in Portland from protests.
  • Mayor Keith Wilson and Oregon Governor Tina Kotek argue that deploying troops would "only inflame tensions," emphasizing Portland is not a "military target."

2. Dallas ICE Office Shooting

[00:36–01:54]

• Victims Identified; Motive and Aftermath
  • ICE confirmed identities of three detainees shot at the Dallas field office:
    • Norlin Guzman Fuentes (El Salvador) — killed (homicide).
    • Miguel Garcia Hernandez (Mexico) — in grave hospital condition.
    • Jose Bordones Molina (Venezuela) — injured, condition unclear.
    • Toluwany Osi Bamawoh notes: “An ICE official confirmed the men's identities but did not not specify when or why they were taken into custody.” ([01:28])
  • Suspect: Joshua Yan, 29, from Fairview, targeted ICE agents and died by suicide.
  • DOJ: Attack was directed at ICE personnel.

3. Looming U.S. Government Shutdown

[01:54–02:28]

• Bipartisan Emergency Meeting
  • President Trump scheduled to meet with congressional leaders tomorrow.
  • House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer jointly confirm the meeting, which occurs one day before a federal funding deadline.

4. U.S. International Aid Cuts Shake Humanitarian Efforts

[02:28–03:11]

• Global Reverberations of Dismantling USAID
  • Michelle Kellerman highlights concern at the UN General Assembly over the rollback of U.S. aid.
  • Jan Eglin (Norwegian Refugee Council) underscores the impact:
    • “I’ve seen water towers not being filled anymore with drinking water to refugee camps because the one group that was responsible for that lost all U.S. funding overnight.” (Jan Eglin, [02:42])
  • Other countries, inspired by U.S. cuts, have closed borders and reduced aid, compounding difficulties for refugees.

5. Deadly Stampede at Indian Rally

[03:11–03:25]

• Tragedy in Tamil Nadu
  • At least 39 people killed, dozens injured after a crowd surge at a rally for an actor-turned-politician.
  • Investigation announced amid sweltering conditions that drew tens of thousands.

6. High-Stakes Elections: Moldova and Switzerland

[03:25–03:46]

• Moldova
  • Parliamentary election could determine the country's EU aspirations.
  • Russia is accused of vote buying and disinformation, which Moscow denies.
• Switzerland
  • Referendum on e-ID cards; prior attempt failed in 2021.

7. Remembering Tess Johnston

[04:12–04:53]

• Obituary: U.S. Foreign Service Officer and Shanghai Historian
  • As Frank Langford reports, Tess Johnston extensively documented Shanghai’s colonial architecture amid rapid modernization.
  • Langford notes: “It was a race against the wrecking ball.”
  • (Johnston, 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.” ([04:30])
  • Published numerous works with photographer Er Dongchang, preserving a fading architectural legacy.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• President Trump on Portland Deployment:
  • “The number of necessary troops is zero.” ([00:27])
• Jan Eglin on U.S. Aid Cuts:
  • “I’ve seen water towers not being filled anymore with drinking water to refugee camps because the one group that was responsible for that lost all U.S. funding overnight.” ([02:42])
• Tess Johnston on Shanghai:
  • “Where else in the world would you find such a variety of buildings? Maybe New York City. And it was just enchanting, really enchanting.” ([04:30])

Segment Timestamps

• [00:18] — Start of news: Trump’s stance on Portland
• [00:36] — Detainee shooting at Dallas ICE office
• [01:54] — Government shutdown negotiations
• [02:28] — Global aid cuts and impact
• [03:11] — India stampede update
• [03:25] — Moldova & Switzerland elections
• [04:12] — Obituary: Tess Johnston

This episode provides brief yet thorough updates on fast-moving stories with a focus on national security, humanitarian crises, and global politics, as well as a segment honoring the legacy of a notable American in international history.