NPR News Now — September 25, 2025, 10PM EDT

Hosted by: Ryland Barton
Producer: NPR News
Duration: ~5 minutes

Episode Overview

This episode covers major headlines in domestic and international politics, business, and culture. Key stories include the indictment of former FBI Director James Comey, significant Amazon settlement with the FTC, a prison sentence for former French President Nicolas Sarkozy, major restructuring at Starbucks, and new words added by Merriam-Webster.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Indictment of Former FBI Director James Comey

• Trump’s Reaction

  • President Trump lauds the Justice Department's indictment of Comey, describing him as "corrupt" and "one of the worst human beings" in the country ([00:34]).
  • Trump has been actively pushing for prosecutions against political opponents:
    • "It represents the latest escalation in a years long war of words between Trump and Comey, who famously likened the president to a mob boss." — Franco Ordonez ([00:34]–[01:21])

• Context

  • Charges follow recent public pressure from Trump for action against Comey and other critics.
  • Trump blames Comey for initiating the Russia probe into his 2016 campaign ([00:34]).

• Comey’s Response

  • Comey posts a video on Instagram:
    • "My heart is broken for the Department of Justice, but I have great confidence in the federal judicial system and I'm innocent, so let's have a trial." — James Comey ([01:30])

• Fallout

  • Comey's son-in-law, Troy Edwards, resigns as U.S. attorney, citing his oath to the Constitution ([01:39]).

2. New Trump Tariffs

• Announcement of import taxes:
  • 100% on pharmaceuticals
  • 50% on kitchen cabinets
  • 25% on heavy trucks
• Begins October 1.
• Trump claims it is necessary due to "foreign manufacturers…flooding the US," emphasizing national security needs ([01:39]).

3. Amazon and FTC Settlement

• Settlement Details

  • Amazon agrees to a $2.5 billion settlement, one of the largest in FTC history ([02:29]).
  • Prime members will receive up to $1.5 billion in payments, with individual credits up to $51 ([02:29]).
  • $1 billion marked as civil penalties.

• FTC Accusations

  • Amazon used manipulative web design to trick users into Prime and made unsubscribing difficult.
  • A senior FTC official remarked Amazon’s "backs were against the wall" after testimony ([02:29]).

• Amazon’s Response

  • Admits no wrongdoing; statement calls the settlement a chance to move forward ([02:29]).

4. International: Sarkozy Sentenced

• Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy sentenced to 5 years in prison for criminal conspiracy ([03:11]).
  • Guilty of attempting campaign finance violations using Libyan funds in 2000.
  • The sentence will be served even if he appeals.
  • Sarkozy denounces the ruling as a "scandalous injustice" ([03:11]).

5. Starbucks Corporate Restructuring

• Starbucks will cut 900 more corporate jobs, following 1,100 layoffs earlier this year ([03:56]).
• Store upgrades prioritized; stores unsuited for upgrades will close (potential minimum: 200 locations).
• CEO Brian Nichol: Cost reductions meant to channel funds back into stores and spur customer loyalty ([03:56]).
  • Strategy: Add baristas during peak times, trim menu, revamp ambiance ([03:56]).

6. Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary Update

• Over 5,000 new terms added. Notable definitions featured:
  • "Beast mode": An extremely aggressive or energetic style or manner adopted temporarily to overpower an opponent ([04:37]).
  • "Riz": Romantic appeal or charm ([04:37]).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• President Trump’s reaction on social media:
  "[Trump] declared justice in America. He went on to call Comey corrupt and one of the worst human beings this country has ever been exposed to." — Franco Ordonez ([00:34])

• James Comey addresses indictment:
  "I have great confidence in the federal judicial system and I'm innocent, so let's have a trial." — James Comey ([01:30])

• Troy Edwards’s resignation letter:
  "...to uphold my oath to this Constitution and the country." — Troy Edwards ([01:39])

• Amazon’s FTC settlement statement:
  "A senior FTC official said after the testimony Amazon's 'backs were against the wall.'" — Monica Nickelsberg ([02:29])

• Sarkozy’s response:
  "He denounced today's ruling as a scandalous injustice." — Ryland Barton ([03:11])

Timestamps for Major Segments

• 00:14: NPR News begins, Trump praises Comey indictment
• 00:34: Franco Ordonez reports on Trump’s response
• 01:21: Comey’s Instagram video reaction
• 01:39: Troy Edwards resigns; Trump tariffs announced
• 02:29: Amazon FTC settlement coverage
• 03:11: Nicolas Sarkozy sentenced to prison
• 03:56: Starbucks layoffs and store closures
• 04:37: Merriam-Webster dictionary additions

This summary encapsulates the fast-paced, factual reporting style of NPR News Now, providing a concise digest of top stories and their developments for listeners who missed the episode.