NPR News Now – September 25, 2025 8AM EDT

Host: Korva Coleman
Duration: 5 Minutes

Episode Overview

This concise news update covers several major world and U.S. stories, highlighting tensions over suspected drone attacks in Denmark, a looming federal government shutdown in the U.S., a targeted shooting at a Dallas ICE facility, the conviction of former French President Nicolas Sarkozy, China's new climate targets, and a significant infrastructure incident in Bangkok.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Drone Swarm Incidents in Denmark and Regional Tensions

[00:16 – 01:17]

• After additional drone swarms temporarily closed Marborg Airport and threatened smaller airports in Denmark, officials are considering seeking NATO guidance.
• The recent activity follows the closure of Copenhagen’s main airport earlier in the week under similar circumstances.
• Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen called the Copenhagen drone incursion "the most severe attack on Danish infrastructure so far," raising suspicions of Russian involvement.
• The Kremlin firmly denies any connection, calling allegations "unfounded”.
• The region is on high alert, with Estonia and Poland last week also requesting NATO consultation after accusing Russia of their own airspace violations.

Key Quote:

"Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen called that incident the most severe attack on Danish infrastructure so far. She said Russian involvement could not be ruled out." (Rob Schmitz, 00:35)

2. U.S. Federal Government Shutdown Looming

[01:17 – 02:10]

• The standoff is over a federal spending bill.
• Democrats, led by House Leader Hakeem Jeffries, demand restoration of cuts to federal healthcare programs.

Key Quote:

"Democrats do not support the partisan Republican spending bill because it continues to gut the health care of the American people." (Hakeem Jeffries, 01:34)

• Senate Majority Leader John Thune argues Republicans are proposing a stopgap measure; criticizes the cost and lack of reform in a proposed ACA extension.

Key Quote:

"What they're talking about is a straight up extension, which, as I said, costs $365 billion, has no reforms in it. And this is a program that's desperately in need of reform." (John Thune, 01:56)

3. Dallas ICE Facility Shooting

[02:10 – 03:12]

• The FBI investigates a shooting at a Dallas Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility; labeled as targeted violence.
• One immigration detainee killed, two in critical condition.
• The shooter, identified as Joshua John, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. His motive remains unclear.
• Five unspent bullet casings found, one with "anti ICE" written on it.

Key Moment:

"I would have never imagined that such a thing, you know, someone that felt so disenfranchised would live so close to me." (Neighbor Sherry Davis, 02:50)

4. Nicolas Sarkozy Convicted in France

[03:12 – 03:32]

• France’s former president Nicolas Sarkozy convicted of criminal association in a campaign finance scheme, sentenced to five years in prison.
• Sarkozy is required to report to prison regardless of appeal.

5. China’s Announced Climate Goals

[03:32 – 04:32]

• President Xi Jinping states China will cut greenhouse gas emissions by 7–10% from peak levels by 2035.
• Experts hoped for a more ambitious cut (15–20%); many believe the target is a minimum rather than a cap.
• Decline in Chinese carbon emissions attributed to massive domestic growth in solar, wind, and battery production. Chinese firms now produce 80% of solar panels and 60% of wind turbines worldwide.
• Xi pledges further increases in EV sales and renewable energy; the U.S. has exited the global climate agreement.

Key Quote:

"Experts say it's likely China is under promising and that the pledge is probably a floor, not a ceiling." (Julia Simon, 03:47)

6. Bangkok Sinkhole Incident

[04:32 – 04:56]

• Massive sinkhole opens near a hospital in the Thai capital, demolishing part of a road, estimated as “dozens of feet deep.”
• Authorities suspect a burst water pipe in a subway tunnel as the cause.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote/Highlight | |-----------|-------------------|-------------------------------------------------------| | 00:35 | Rob Schmitz | "Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen called that incident the most severe attack on Danish infrastructure, infrastructure so far. She said Russian involvement could not be ruled out." | | 01:34 | Hakeem Jeffries | "Democrats do not support the partisan Republican spending bill because it continues to gut the health care of the American people." | | 01:56 | John Thune | "What they're talking about is a straight up extension, which, as I said, cost $365 billion, has no reforms in it." | | 02:50 | Sherry Davis | "I would have never imagined that such a thing, you know, someone that felt so disenfranchised would live so close to me." | | 03:47 | Julia Simon | "Experts say it's likely China is under promising and that the pledge is probably a floor, not a ceiling." |

Important Segments & Timestamps

• [00:16] Denmark, NATO, suspected Russian drone activities
• [01:17] U.S. federal spending standoff and healthcare
• [02:10] Dallas ICE facility shooting
• [03:12] Sarkozy conviction in France
• [03:47] China’s climate commitment announcement
• [04:32] Bangkok sinkhole emergency

Engaging and informative, this episode provides rapid updates on major international security developments, political standoffs in Washington, a high-profile shooting, climate diplomacy, and urban infrastructure threats—essential morning context in just five minutes.