NPR News Now – September 25, 2025, 4PM EDT
Host: Lakshmi Singh
Duration: 5 minutes
Episode Overview
This rapid-fire NPR News Now episode covers top headlines for the afternoon of September 25, 2025. Key stories include updates on the Dallas ICE facility shooting, a rare high-level military meeting in Virginia, Amazon’s record settlement with the federal government, a former French president’s conviction, the identification of a decades-old murder victim, and recent U.S. economic data.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
1. Dallas ICE Facility Shooting Update
[00:18] Major Development:
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Federal authorities revealed that the suspect in the shooting, Joshua Yan, acted alone.
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The incident resulted in the death of a detainee and injuries to two others at a Dallas ICE facility.
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Acting U.S. Attorney Nancy Larson provided further detail about the investigation and the suspect's intent.
“Larson says the notes indicate the gunman did not intend to harm detainees but was targeting ICE personnel.”
— Lakshmi Singh [00:58] -
FBI executed search warrants at the suspect's residence, uncovering notes that suggested a focused intent against ICE staff.
“We obtained and executed multiple search warrants yesterday for devices and locations associated with the sniper. FBI agents executed a search warrant at the sniper's residence yesterday and there found a collection of notes.”
— Monica Nickelsberg [00:39]
2. Unprecedented Military Meeting Called by Defense Secretary
[01:17] Noteworthy Event:
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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has summoned hundreds of generals and admirals for a meeting in Quantico, Virginia, with no public explanation.
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Pentagon spokesperson confirmed the meeting, characterizing it as an “extremely rare” event with significant logistical and operational challenges.
“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.”
— Greg Myhre [01:30] -
The move follows recent major leadership shakeups in the military, with speculation about further changes.
3. Historic Amazon-FTC Settlement over Prime Membership
[01:58] Major Consumer News:
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Amazon agrees to a $2.5 billion settlement with the federal government over its Prime membership practices.
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$1.5 billion allocated directly to Prime members, with possible payments up to $51 per qualifying user; the remainder is civil penalties.
“A two and a half billion dollar settlement is one of the largest consumer redresses in FTC history.”
— Monica Nickelsberg [02:00]“Amazon Prime members will get $1.5 billion in payments under the settlement... The other billion is in civil penalties.”
— Monica Nickelsberg [02:17] -
The FTC alleges Amazon used manipulative web design (“dark patterns”) to trick users into signing up for Prime and made cancellation difficult.
“The Federal Trade Commission says Amazon used manipulative Web design to trick millions of people into signing up for Prime and also claims Amazon made them jump through hoops to unsubscribe.”
— Monica Nickelsberg [02:29] -
Amazon denies wrongdoing, stating the settlement will allow the company to move forward.
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Notable government comment:
“A senior FTC official said after the testimony Amazon's quote, backs were against the wall.”
— Monica Nickelsberg [02:33]
4. Former French President Sentenced
[03:00] International News:
- Nicolas Sarkozy sentenced to five years in prison in Paris for criminal conspiracy, calling the ruling a “scandal.”
- The episode briefly highlights the global impact and Sarkozy’s immediate reaction.
5. Identification of Decades-Old Barcelona Murder Victim
[03:24] Cold Case Breakthrough:
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A woman found dead in Barcelona in the early 2000s, known only as the "Woman in Pink," has been identified as Lyudmila Savada, a 31-year-old from Russia.
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The case is part of Interpol’s Operation Identify Me, which has now resolved the identities of three suspected murder victims.
“Interpol says she's the third suspected murder victim whose identity was uncovered since the 2023 launch of Operation Identify Me...”
— Lakshmi Singh [03:37]
6. U.S. Housing and Economic Data
[04:11] Economic Snapshot:
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Existing home sales fell 0.2% in August, continuing a downward trend, though average selling prices remain high at over $422,000.
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GDP growth for spring revised upward to 3.8% (previously 3.3%).
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Trade deficit narrowed in August, attributed to higher tariffs prompting importers to act quickly.
“Sales of existing homes fell by 0.2% in August, extending a months long slump... Revised figures from the Commerce Department show the US economy grew faster during the spring than had been reported.”
— Scott Horsley [04:11]“The nation's trade deficit narrowed in August as higher tariffs took effect.”
— Scott Horsley [04:31] -
Market update:
- Dow closed down 185 points (another market update at [04:47] reports Dow closed down 173; possible correction within the live feed).
- NASDAQ closed down 113 points.
Memorable Quotes & Notable Moments
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On Prime settlement:
“Amazon admits no wrongdoing under the settlement and in a statement says the settlement allows the company to move forward.”
— Monica Nickelsberg [02:46] -
On criminal conspiracy verdict:
“He called today's ruling a scandal.”
— Lakshmi Singh [03:03]
Timestamps of Key Segments
- Dallas ICE Facility Shooting: [00:18]–[00:58]
- Military Meeting in Virginia: [01:17]–[01:58]
- Amazon Prime Settlement: [01:58]–[03:00]
- Sarkozy Sentenced: [03:00]–[03:09]
- Interpol Victim Identification: [03:24]–[03:47]
- Economic Data & Markets: [04:11]–[04:47]
Overall Tone and Presentation
The episode maintains NPR’s signature straightforward, fact-driven, concise, and neutral tone. The flow is brisk, efficiently covering the highest-priority news stories and providing essential context for each.
This summary provides a full briefing on the episode’s substantive content, useful for anyone seeking a quick but comprehensive rundown of the news as covered by NPR on September 25, 2025, at 4PM EDT.