NPR News Now – September 25, 2025, 2AM EDT
Host: Shea Stevens (NPR News Anchor)
Duration: ~5 minutes
Main Theme:
A concise roundup of urgent U.S. and global news, covering political gridlock in Washington, violence outside an ICE detention facility, protests in Israel, 9/11 plea developments, a landmark Colorado wildfire settlement, and the international response to Russia’s war in Ukraine.
1. Looming U.S. Government Shutdown
Key Points:
- The White House warns of mass federal firings if Congress fails to avert a government shutdown.
- President Trump canceled a scheduled meeting with Democratic leaders regarding a stopgap budget, less than a week before the deadline.
- Democrats remain open to negotiations, prioritizing health care and Medicaid reversals in the funding bill.
- Trump labels Democratic demands "unserious."
Notable Quote:
"We are here today in the Capitol ready to get to work, ready to meet with anyone, anytime, any place in order to avoid a painful Republican-caused government shutdown."
– Hakeem Jeffries, House Minority Leader [00:47]
Timestamps:
- White House warning & meeting cancellation: [00:19]
- House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries’ response: [00:47]
2. Deadly Shooting at Dallas ICE Facility
Key Points:
- Investigation ongoing into a deadly shooting outside a Dallas ICE detention center.
- At least one person killed, two critically injured, gunman died by suicide.
- All victims were ICE detainees; gunman’s motive appears to be anti-ICE based on messages found.
- Eyewitness account from Maira, a detainee and Nicaraguan immigrant.
Notable Moment:
"There were like 20 shots… I froze and got scared for my daughter who was waiting for me outside."
– Maira, unnamed due to immigration status [01:42]
Timestamps:
- Shooting report and witness account: [01:26] – [02:22]
3. Israeli Protests Over Gaza Hostages and War
Key Points:
- Outside Ben Gurion Airport, demonstrators called for a ceasefire and return of hostages as PM Netanyahu leaves for the UN.
- Western nations express support for Palestinian statehood.
- Growing frustration with Netanyahu’s perceived obstruction.
Notable Quote:
"Netanyahu stops and blocks every chance to do an agreement and to save our hostages and to stop the war."
– Yuval Suhr, protester [02:46]
Timestamps:
- Protest coverage and Suhr’s statement: [02:22] – [02:57]
4. Updates: Markets and 9/11 Plea Negotiations
Key Points:
- U.S. stock futures are flat after losses; Asia Pacific markets mostly higher.
- 9/11 attack suspects seek reinstatement of a plea offer for federal trials.
- Past guilty plea deals (avoidance of death penalty) were recently rescinded.
Timestamps:
- Markets and 9/11 trial updates: [02:57] – [03:52]
5. Colorado Wildfire Settlement
Key Points:
- Xcel Energy and telecom companies reach a tentative settlement over the devastating 2021 Marshall Fire.
- $640 million expected payout, addressing damages from Colorado’s most destructive wildfire.
- Terms are confidential and pending court finalization.
- Jury selection for related lawsuits was imminent, pressuring quick agreement.
Timestamps:
- Settlement details: [03:52] – [04:33]
6. Ukraine and the International Community
Key Points:
- President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urges world leaders at the UN to confront Putin and halt Russian expansion in Ukraine.
- Recent shift by President Trump now supporting Ukraine’s territorial integrity after meeting with Zelenskyy.
Timestamps:
- Zelenskyy’s UN speech & Trump’s position: [04:33] – [04:55]
Notable Quotes & Moments
- Hakeem Jeffries (Democratic leadership stance): [00:47]
- Maira (ICE detention shooting survivor account): [01:42]
- Yuval Suhr (Israeli protester frustration): [02:46]
Summary Tone:
Urgent and authoritative, the episode highlights the interconnectedness of U.S. political impasses, violence tied to immigration, the complexities of war and peace efforts abroad, and legal and environmental accountability at home. The news is presented in NPR’s concise, factual style, featuring voices directly impacted by or influencing the day’s major stories.