NPR News Now — October 28, 2025, 4AM EDT

Host: Shea Stevens
Duration: 5 minutes
Theme: A concise roundup of the latest U.S. and international news headlines, with a focus on politics, healthcare, economy, science, and sports.

Main Theme & Purpose

This rapid-fire news episode provides a succinct but detailed overview of breaking events across the globe. Coverage centers on President Trump’s diplomatic trip to Japan, legal and political turmoil in Washington, ongoing challenges in healthcare, scientific advances and setbacks, and sports highlights. The episode aims to bring listeners up to speed on key issues shaping the day.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. President Trump’s Diplomatic Mission in Japan

• [00:18–01:23]
• President Trump is meeting with U.S. troops in Japan, the second stop of his week-long Indo-Pacific trip.
• Following a meeting with Japan’s new Prime Minister, Taikachi (the first woman in the role), Trump announces plans for an executive order to rebuild U.S. aircraft carriers using steam.
• The two leaders signed an agreement, affirming a “golden era” in U.S.-Japan relations and cooperation on rare earth minerals. A final trade deal is still in progress, with Japan indicating potential Ford F150 purchases.

Notable Quotes:

• [00:44] Trump, as cited by reporter Deepa Shivaram:
  “Japan is a U.S. ally on the strongest level.”
• [01:02] Trump, quoted:
  “Anything I can do to help Japan, we will be there.”
• [01:05] Trump:
  “We are an ally at the strongest level.”

2. Bipartisan Backlash over James Comey Prosecution

• [01:23–02:14]
• Over 100 former Justice Department officials, including ex-attorneys general and deputies, have publicly opposed the prosecution of former FBI Director James Comey.
• Their friend-of-the-court brief claims the case is driven by President Trump’s animosity toward Comey and warns of abuse of prosecutorial power.
• Comey, accused of misleading Congress, maintains his innocence and claims he’s being targeted for political reasons.

Notable Quote:

• [01:39] Anonymous NPR Reporter summarizing the brief:
  “That case appears to be motivated by President Trump’s animosity and a dangerous exercise of the power to prosecute.”

3. Political Attacks Impacting Rural Healthcare

• [02:14–03:07]
• Doctors report that political hostility toward science and medicine is directly harming patient care, particularly in rural areas.
• Example from Wyoming: Some cancer patients have fallen victim to conspiracy theories and misinformation, such as taking inappropriate drugs (e.g., Ivermectin) promoted by conservative media.
• Rural doctor shortages and recent Trump administration policies on immigration and healthcare are making recruitment and retention harder.

Notable Moments:

• [02:44] Dr. Symington’s concern relayed by NPR:
  “I have patients who are covertly taking Ivermectin and then they end up in the intensive care unit because of a complication from the ivermectin.”

4. Economic Update & Looming SNAP Funding Crisis

• [03:07–03:47]
• U.S. futures are flat; Asia-Pacific markets trending down.
• Federal funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is running out due to the ongoing government shutdown.
• 42 million Americans who rely on SNAP (1 in 8 residents) face losing their $187/month aid, as state funds are projected to exhaust imminently.

5. Experimental Pig-Kidney Transplant Fails After Record Duration

• [03:47–04:33]
• Doctors at Mass General Brigham in Boston removed a genetically modified pig kidney from a patient after 271 days—the longest such transplant to date.
• Organ function declined, prompting the removal. The patient will resume dialysis.
• While all previous pig-organ recipients have died or need removal of organs, researchers are determined to press forward.

Notable Quote:

• [03:47] Rob Stein:
  “The organ had functioned for 271 days, setting a record for genetically modified pig organs.”

6. World Series Update: Dodgers Clinch Thrilling Game 3

• [04:33–04:56]
• The Los Angeles Dodgers win Game 3 of the World Series, defeating the Toronto Blue Jays 6–5 in 18 innings.
• Dodgers aim for a second consecutive MLB championship.

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Segment | Start | |----------------------------------------------|--------| | President Trump in Japan | 00:18 | | U.S.–Japan relations, trade, and rare earths | 00:44 | | Justice officials decry Comey prosecution | 01:23 | | Healthcare misinformation in rural America | 02:14 | | Economic updates & SNAP crisis | 03:07 | | Pig kidney transplant update | 03:47 | | Dodgers win Game 3 World Series | 04:33 |

Additional Memorable Moments

• [01:08] Japanese PM Taikachi hints at “a purchase of Ford F150 trucks from the U.S.”—an unusual trade highlight.
• [02:52] Rural clinician shortages compounded by policy changes.
• [04:33] Dodgers achieve victory after a marathon 18-inning game.

This five-minute news brief is a rapid yet thorough sweep of high-impact stories, reflecting shifting political alliances abroad, growing legal controversies at home, deepening struggles in healthcare and hunger, and major developments in both science and sports. The tone stays factual, urgent, and authoritative, aiming to equip listeners with the essential updates of the early morning.