NPR News Now - NPR News: 09-25-2025 11PM EDT

Episode Date: September 26, 2025

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Support for NPR and the following message come from the estate of Joan B. Kroc, whose bequest serves as an enduring investment in the future of public radio and seeks to help NPR produce programming that meets the highest standards of public service in journalism and cultural expression. Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Shay Stevens. A federal grand jury in Virginia has indicted former FBI director James Comey on charges of obstruction in making false statements. NPR's Kerry Johnson reports. The charges against Jim Comey come after days of pressure from President Trump, who urged the Justice Department to hurry up and build a criminal case against him.

The statute of limitations had been set to expire next week. The charges stem from Senate testimony Comey gave in September 2020 about the FBI investigation into Russian election interference and a leak to the news media. The White House recently forced down a longtime prosecutor after he cast doubt on the strength of any case against Comey. This week, Lindsay Halligan, an insurance lawyer with no experience as a prosecutor, but who had earlier ties to Trump became U.S. attorney in Virginia. The president posted, quote, justice in America after the indictment became public. Carrie Johnson and PR News, Washington. Less than one week before federal agencies run out of money, a Trump administration memo was threatened.

threatening mass layoffs. And P.R. Deirdre Walsh explains. The Office of Management and Budget released a memo, indicating if the government shuts down next week, it will fire some federal workers instead of putting them on unpaid leave. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries says OMB has already been engaging in what he called mass firings throughout the year, and Democrats will continue to pursue legal challenges. His message to OMB Chief Ross vote was get lost. We will not be intimidated by these threats coming from the most extreme parts of the Trump administration. President Trump called Democrats' demands to address health care costs as part of a funding deal on serious and says they will be blamed for a shutdown. There are no talks and no clear path to avoid a shutdown that could start October 1st.

Deirdre Walsh, NPR News, the Capitol. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hague, Seth, has summoned hundreds of generals and admirals to Virginia for meeting next week. As NPR's Greg Myrie reports, the reason for the unusual gathering is not clear. The meeting will take place next week at a military base in Quantico, Virginia, outside Washington. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell confirmed the meeting but gave no details on what would be discussed. It's extremely rare to call in hundreds of military leaders from around the globe to one central location on short notice. This presents challenges ranging from logistics to maintaining ongoing operations.

Heg-Seth has already shaken up the top ranks of the military, dismissing many senior officers. Next week's meeting raises the possibility that more high-level changes could be in the offing. Greg Myrie, NPR News, Washington. U.S. futures are flat and after-hours trading. This is NPR. President Trump has imposed 100 percent terrorists on imported pharmaceuticals. The order also calls for a range of... other levies, including a 50% tariff on kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities. Heavy trucks and

upholstered furniture are also subject to new tariffs. Trump says the import levies are needed for national security and other reasons. Amazon has agreed to pay $2.5 billion to settle a federal trade commission claim that it duped customers into signing up for prime memberships. The FTC says the online retailer also made it difficult for customers to cancel. It's been a big week for for rock and roll on the Billboard albums chart. The familiar band debuts at number one. NPR Stephen Thompson has details. If you were listening to Pop and Rock Radio a decade ago,

chances are you're very familiar with this song. That is stressed out by 21 pilots, one of three songs by the band to reach the top five in 2015 and 2016. This week the group is back on top of the charts. Its album Breach debuts at number one, while the song City Walls cracks the Hot 100 singles chart. Still, the album has yet to produce a major pop hit. Its chart success is due primarily to a huge flood of record sales,

including 72,000 copies sold on vinyl. Stephen Thompson, NPR News. You're listening to NPR. This message comes from Wise, the app for using money around the globe. When you manage your money with Wise, you'll always get the mid-market exchange rate with no hidden fees. Join millions of customers and visit wise.com. T's and Cs apply.