NPR News Now – October 20, 2025, 5 PM EDT

Host: Ryland Barton
Duration: 5 minutes
Theme: Rapid-fire reporting on the day's most urgent political, legal, international, and health news.

Episode Overview

This NPR News Now segment provides concise updates on key national and global news: a federal appeals court ruling on presidential powers in Portland, the impact of the ongoing government shutdown on Capitol Police, a marijuana and gun rights case before the Supreme Court, a United Nations climate report, political controversies involving U.S. and foreign officials, and the science behind collagen supplements.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Federal Appeals Court Allows Trump to Deploy National Guard in Portland

Host: Ryland Barton [00:00]

• The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals reversed a lower court order, allowing President Trump to send National Guard troops into Portland, Oregon.
  • The panel cited that the president can deploy the Guard when “unable with regular forces to execute the laws of the United States.”
• Note: Another court has actively blocked the President from deploying the Guard, indicating ongoing legal complexity.

2. Capitol Police Work Without Pay During Shutdown

Reporter: Sam Gringlass [00:33]

• Capitol Police officers, like many federal workers, have missed paychecks due to the government shutdown.
• Lawmakers are particularly sensitive to this, given the visibility and role of the Capitol Police:
  • Former Chief Terry Gaynor emphasizes the multifaceted demands on the force:

    “You need to be ready at the drop of a hat, but you also need to be a person who welcome[s] the visitors and be a tour guide.”
    — Terry Gaynor, [00:44]

• The union calls for an end to the shutdown as officers face increased threats and post-incident stress after Trump’s pardoning of January 6th rioters.
• Trump administration claims it will repurpose funds for law enforcement, but details remain unclear.

3. Supreme Court to Consider Gun Rights for Marijuana Users

Reporter: Tolowani Osibemowo [01:13]

• Case revolves around Ali Daniel Hamani, charged under federal law for possessing a gun as a drug user.
  • Found with a gun, cocaine, and marijuana; initial indictment dismissed as unconstitutional blanket ban.
  • Fifth Circuit upheld dismissal; DOJ appeals, citing firearm safety risks.
• Defense highlights the broad scope of the law:

  “At least 20% of Americans have tried pot,”
  — Himani’s attorneys [01:25]

  • The case could impact millions, bringing attention to the overlap between drug laws and Second Amendment rights.

4. UN Study: Poorest Suffer Most from Climate Change

Reporter: Jeff Brady [02:03]

• A United Nations report, ahead of a major Brazil climate summit, notes that most people suffering from the effects of climate change are among the world’s poorest.

  “Eighty percent of the 1.1 billion people living in poverty also face extreme heat, flooding, drought, and air pollution.”
  — Jeff Brady [02:16]

• Wealthier nations (the U.S. as largest historical polluter, China as current top emitter) bear most responsibility for emissions.
• The Trump administration is planning to exit the international climate agreement intended to aid poorer countries — a major policy shift with global repercussions.

5. Additional Headlines & Reports

US Stock Market

• Stocks rallied close to record highs. [02:53]

Vermont Senator Resigns after Group Chat Scandal

• Sam Douglas resigns after being implicated in a Young Republicans chat with jokes about rape and gas chambers; cited GOP pressure and family concerns.

US-Colombia Diplomatic Row

• Escalating tensions after Trump alleged Colombian President Gustavo Petro is a drug leader; controversy over a fatal US strike on a Colombian boat.

6. Collagen Supplements: What the Science Says

Reporter: Maria Godoy [03:47]

• Collagen supplements are widely marketed for skin, hair, and nail health.
• Studies (8–12 weeks duration) show modest improvements in skin appearance, but:

  “High quality studies and studies not funded by industry did not show a significant association.”
  — Dr. Marianne Macrita Senna, Harvard Dermatologist [04:16]

• Dr. Senna recommends established skincare routines (sunscreen, retinol) over supplements.

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• “You need to be ready at the drop of a hat, but you also need to be a person who welcome[s] the visitors and be a tour guide.”
  — Terry Gaynor, former Capitol Police Chief [00:44]

• “Eighty percent of the 1.1 billion people living in poverty also face extreme heat, flooding, drought, and air pollution.”
  — Jeff Brady, NPR [02:16]

• “High quality studies and studies not funded by industry did not show a significant association.”
  — Dr. Marianne Macrita Senna, Harvard [04:16]

Notable Timestamps

• 00:00: Federal appeals court ruling on National Guard in Portland
• 00:33: Capitol Police and federal shutdown impacts
• 01:25: Supreme Court weighs guns and marijuana use
• 02:16: UN report – poverty and climate extremes
• 03:47: Collagen supplements research and recommendations

This episode delivers critical headlines and analysis, contextualizes ongoing legal and political disputes, and addresses consumer health trends, all within NPR’s signature succinct and authoritative style.