NPR News Now – September 25, 2025, 9PM EDT

Host: Ryland Barton (NPR)
Episode Theme:
A concise update on the day's top U.S. news stories, including political indictments, national security developments, local headlines, public safety incidents, and an unusual wildlife report.

Main Headlines & In-Depth Segments

1. James Comey Indictment

(00:15 – 01:21)

• Summary:
  Former FBI Director James Comey has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Virginia on charges of obstructing justice and making false statements.
• Background:
  • Charges relate back to Comey's 2020 Senate testimony about the FBI’s investigation into Russian election interference and alleged leaks to the media.
  • Intense pressure came from President Trump, who pushed the Justice Department to expedite the case as the statute of limitations was set to expire.
  • A longtime prosecutor was recently replaced by Lindsey Halligan, a Trump ally with no prior prosecutorial experience.
• Notable quotes:
  • "The charges against Jim Comey come after days of pressure from President Trump, who urged the Justice Department to hurry up and build a criminal case against him." — Carrie Johnson (00:33)
  • President Trump’s social media reaction: “Justice in America” (reported by Carrie Johnson, 01:12)

2. TikTok U.S. Takeover Approved

(01:21 – 02:20)

• Summary:
  President Trump has approved a deal for predominantly U.S. investors to acquire TikTok from Chinese parent company ByteDance.
• Key Deal Points:
  • ByteDance will reduce its U.S. stake to under 20%.
  • Ensures U.S. control of TikTok's algorithm and user data.
  • Responds to national security and privacy concerns regarding Chinese influence.
  • Vice President J.D. Vance said the deal values TikTok at $14 billion.
• Notable quotes:
  • "A law passed last year requires ByteDance to divest or see the app go dark in the United States." — John Ruich (01:44)
  • "The deal safeguards U.S. users' data and ensures that Americans are in control of TikTok's prized content recommendation algorithm.” — Vice President J.D. Vance (reported by John Ruich, 02:09)

3. ICE Facility Check-ins After Shooting

(02:20 – 03:15)

• Summary:
  Migrants in Dallas arrived for required ICE check-ins the day after a shooting that injured three detainees.
• Details:
  • Many, like 53-year-old Benjamin Bellorin, did not know appointments had been postponed.
  • Authorities said the gunman targeted ICE agents, but all victims were detainees.
  • ICE postponed this week's check-ins to next week.
• Notable quotes:
  • "I just wanted them to see that I showed up. He says he does not want to get in trouble." — Benjamin Bellorin (translated and reported by Sergio Martinez Beltran, 02:51)
  • "Authorities say the gunman who opened fire this week was targeting ICE agents, but the people he shot were all detainees." — Sergio Martinez Beltran (03:03)

4. San Francisco Jewelry Heist & Squirrel Attacks

(03:15 – 04:33)

• Jewelry Heist:
  • A group of about two dozen masked individuals armed with pickaxes robbed a Bay Area jewelry store, stealing around $1 million in jewelry.
  • Police tracked and arrested several suspects after a car chase.
• Squirrel Attacks:
  • In San Rafael, a notably aggressive squirrel has attacked several residents, sending at least three to the ER.
  • Residents have posted warnings describing a “very mean squirrel.”
• Memorable moments:
  • "It was very heavy and I looked down and it was a squirrel." — Joan Heblack, attack victim (03:57)
  • "It just clung more and I was swinging my leg around and screaming." — Joan Heblack (04:08)
  • Reporter notes, "Luckily, the odds of getting rabies from a squirrel are extremely low." — Katie DiBenedetti (04:13)

5. Marine Life Thriving on WWII Explosives

(04:33 – 04:58)

• Summary:
  Scientists observed crabs, worms, and fish flourishing on old WWII munitions dumped in the Baltic Sea, an unexpected ecological find.
• Details:
  • A German weapons dump site showed more marine life on discarded warheads than the surrounding seabed.
  • Filmed networks include anemones, starfish, and other creatures.
• Notable insight:
  • Odd juxtaposition between expected toxicity and vibrant marine ecosystems.

Memorable Quotes

• "Justice in America." — President Trump (Carrie Johnson, 01:12)
• "It was very heavy and I looked down and it was a squirrel." — Joan Heblack (03:57)
• "It just clung more and I was swinging my leg around and screaming." — Joan Heblack (04:08)
• "The deal safeguards U.S. users' data and ensures that Americans are in control of TikTok's prized content recommendation algorithm.” — Vice President J.D. Vance (reported by John Ruich, 02:09)

Important Timestamps

• 00:15 – Ryland Barton opens with Comey indictment news
• 00:33 – Carrie Johnson explains the charges and political influence
• 01:21 – TikTok deal coverage begins
• 01:36 – John Ruich details national security background and deal particulars
• 02:20 – Dallas ICE facility shooting aftermath
• 02:35 – Sergio Martinez Beltran relays migrants’ confusion post-shooting
• 03:15 – Bay Area jewelry robbery and follow-up
• 03:51 – Katie DiBenedetti on the infamous Bay Area squirrel
• 04:33 – Marine life thriving on WWII munitions
• 04:58 – Episode closes

Tone and Delivery

The reporting is urgent but measured, with a focus on delivering the most pressing facts in a limited timeframe. Occasional participant quotes and on-the-ground reporting add color and humanity to the news, especially in the local segments.

For listeners seeking a rapid, fact-first news digest, this episode packs political drama, tech intrigue, local color, and surprising scientific discovery into just five minutes, each story marked by precision and clarity.