NPR News Now – September 25, 2025, 4AM EDT

Episode Overview

This 5-minute NPR News Now episode delivers a fast-paced roundup of major headlines and breaking news from the U.S. and around the world. Core stories include looming threats of a government shutdown, updates on a fatal shooting at a Dallas immigration facility, 9/11 defendants' court appeals, the latest sexually transmitted infection trends, developments in a high-profile murder case, a new affordable HIV prevention drug, and a significant earthquake in Venezuela.

1. Political Standoff and Looming Government Shutdown

Key Points & Developments:

• The White House warns of "mass firings" if a shutdown occurs on October 1st.
• Democrats tie their support to legislation averting the shutdown to "lower health care costs."
• Partisan tensions intensify after President Trump cancels a planned meeting with Democrats.
• House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries voices sharp criticism over Trump's cancellation.

Notable Quote:

• "The White House is threatening mass firings if there is a government shutdown on October 1st. Democrats are insisting on lower health care costs in exchange for their support for legislation to avert a shutdown."
  — Shea Stevens (00:19)

2. Dallas Immigration Detention Shooting

Summary:

• The gunman identified as Joshua John, 29, fired into a van outside a Dallas facility, killing one and injuring two, before taking his own life.
• Vice President J.D. Vance comments on the event during a visit to North Carolina, citing possible political motives.

Notable Quote:

• "There's some evidence that we have that's not yet public, but we know this person was politically motivated. They were politically motivated to go after law enforcement. They were politically motivated to go after people who are enforcing our border."
  — Vice President J.D. Vance (01:08)

• Vance attributes the incident to "anti law enforcement rhetoric."

3. 9/11 Defendants Seek to Reinstate Plea Deals

Key Developments:

• Three men charged in the 9/11 attacks, including alleged ringleader Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, appeal to reinstate rescinded plea deals.
• If denied at the D.C. circuit level, they may appeal to the Supreme Court.
• Plea deals would allow life imprisonment instead of the death penalty.
• Prosecutors favor plea deals due to the case’s excessive duration—nearly 25 years since the attacks.

Notable Quote:

• "Prosecutors have said plea deals would be the best resolution since the case has still not gone to trial nearly a quarter century after the attacks."
  — Sacha Pfeiffer (01:38)

4. U.S. Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Trends

Key Findings:

• Newborn syphilis cases rose for the twelfth consecutive year, up 2% (nearly 4,000 cases in 2024).
• Positive news: 10% drops in both gonorrhea and chlamydia cases.
• Overall STI rates remain high; "about 1 in 5 people in the US are estimated to have an STI."
• Disproportionate impacts continue for communities of color and gay/bisexual men, though recent CDC reports omit explicit mention of these disparities.

Notable Quote:

• "Though unlike in years past, the latest numbers from the CDC did not include any mention of these disparities."
  — Will Stone (02:27)

5. Updates on Market, High-Profile Murder Case, and DOJ Conduct

Business Update:

• U.S. futures remain flat after previous market losses.

Murder Case Developments:

• Judge Margaret Garnett warns Justice Department officials to stop public commentary about Luigi Mangione, accused of murdering United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
• At least two DOJ officials have violated court rules regarding prejudicial comments.
• Mangione pleads not guilty to murder/stalking.

6. New HIV Prevention Drug—Global Access Efforts

Major Advances:

• Lenacapavir, a new injectable HIV prevention drug, offers "almost complete protection" with two doses per year.
• Major philanthropic foundations and Indian manufacturers are working together to develop an affordable generic version, aiming for a $40/year price.
• Generic version expected as soon as 2027—on par with costs of existing oral medications.

Notable Quote:

• "The hope is that the generic injectable will be available in 2027."
  — Gabrielle Emanuel (03:59)

7. Venezuela Earthquake

Latest Event:

• 6.5 magnitude earthquake strikes northwestern Venezuela (Sulia state).
• The tremor is felt in Colombia; no significant injuries or damage are reported.

Timeline of Key Segments

• 00:19 – Shea Stevens: Shutdown threat, political standoff
• 01:08 – VP J.D. Vance: Dallas shooting motives
• 01:38 – Sasha Pfeiffer: 9/11 plea deal appeals
• 02:27 – Will Stone: STI trends report
• 03:09 – Market and legal updates (DOJ warning, CEO murder case)
• 03:59 – Gabrielle Emanuel: HIV prevention medication news
• 04:40 – Venezuela earthquake coverage

Memorable Moments

• Vice President Vance’s direct connection of political motivations to violence against law enforcement (01:08).
• Historic 25-year delay and ongoing legal wrangling in the 9/11 case—an emblem of legal complexity (01:38).
• The global health community’s push to deliver cutting-edge HIV prevention to the world’s poorest regions (03:59).

This episode offers a brisk, dense sweep of news—balancing U.S. politics, legal drama, public health, global events, and cutting-edge medical hope—keeping listeners informed on the most pressing matters at the dawn of September 25th, 2025.