NPR News Now — Summary

Episode: NPR News: 09-26-2025 4AM EDT
Date: September 26, 2025
Host: Shea Stevens (NPR)

Main Theme

This episode provides a brisk round-up of the most significant headlines at the start of September 26, 2025, centered on political and legal upheaval—both in the US and abroad—major legal settlements, international labor action, scientific advancements in space, and economic market updates. The news is presented in NPR’s clear, direct tone, with a focus on the implications of each unfolding story.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Indictment of Former FBI Director James Comey

• Summary:

  • Former FBI Director James Comey has been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of lying under oath and obstruction, with potential penalties up to five years in prison.
  • The case is stirring debate about government overreach and potential politicization of the justice system.

• Notable Insights & Quotes:

  • New York Congressman Dan Goldman warns of the global and domestic effects:
    • Quote (00:41):

      "The number one thing that our government insists upon in any other country that wants to be democratic, wants to get our support, is that the leaders do not use the criminal justice system to, to retaliate or to go after their political adversaries. This is open and shut that that is exactly what the Department of Justice has done. Donald Trump has laid it out."

    • Goldman further notes the indictment will undermine confidence in both the Justice Department and future FBI investigations.

2. Amazon Settles with Federal Trade Commission

• Summary:

  • Amazon agreed to pay $2.5 billion to settle FTC claims over misleading practices related to its Prime membership.
  • The settlement includes:
    • $1.5 billion in direct payments to Prime members (up to $51 credited to eligible users).
    • $1 billion in civil penalties.
  • Amazon does not admit wrongdoing.

• Key Details:

  • The FTC accused Amazon of using manipulative "dark patterns" to enroll users in Prime and of making cancellations overly complex.
  • A senior FTC official characterized Amazon’s response as their "backs were against the wall." (01:28)

3. Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy Sentenced

• Summary:

  • Nicolas Sarkozy is sentenced to five years in prison for accepting illegal campaign contributions from Libya's Gaddafi.
  • Sarkozy is the first modern French leader to face imprisonment; he vehemently denies the charges and plans to appeal.
  • The case has also implicated 11 co-defendants, including three ex-ministers.

• Notable Moments & Quotes:

  • NPR’s Eleanor Beardsley captures the shock in France:
    • Quote (02:28):

      "The news hit France like a bombshell. Sarkozy will become the first modern French leader to be imprisoned."

    • Sarkozy's response:

      "They want to humiliate me, but they humiliated France today, he said. They have betrayed the French people's trust in the justice system."

4. Starbucks Layoffs and Closures

• Summary:
  • Starbucks announces a second round of layoffs for 900 non-retail workers and plans to close hundreds of U.S. and Canadian stores.
  • Simultaneously, Starbucks is investing $1 billion in restructuring.

5. Canada Post Strike

• Summary:
  • 55,000 Canada Post workers go on strike after the government announces sweeping reforms, including a planned end to mail and package delivery in the next decade.
  • Postal operations are suspended amid the labor action.

6. Space Weather Tracking Missions Launched

• Summary:

  • Three spacecraft launched from Cape Canaveral will track the sun’s solar winds (affecting northern lights, satellite operations, and Earth’s power grid).
  • The mission is a collaboration between NASA and NOAA. All spacecraft are operating as planned.

• Notable Quotes:

  • Nikki Fox, NASA’s head of science:
    • Quote (04:29):

      "It's going to be providing really critical data to let us know about the radiation environments that our astronauts are traveling through."

7. Markets Update

• Summary:
  • U.S. futures are flat in after-hours trading.
  • Asia-Pacific markets show a downturn, with Hong Kong shares down 1%.

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• Dan Goldman on U.S. democracy and politicization of justice (00:41).
• Eleanor Beardsley’s evocative description of the Sarkozy verdict’s impact:

  "The news hit France like a bombshell. Sarkozy will become the first modern French leader to be imprisoned." (02:28)

• Nikki Fox on the significance of the new space weather mission:

  "It's going to be providing really critical data to let us know about the radiation environments that our astronauts are traveling through." (04:29)

Timestamps of Important Segments

• 00:15–01:08: James Comey indictment and political implications
• 01:08–02:11: Amazon-FTC settlement breakdown
• 02:11–03:11: Sarkozy sentencing and reaction in France
• 03:11–04:04: Starbucks layoffs, Canada Post strike
• 04:04–04:45: Space weather mission launch coverage

This five-minute news capsule efficiently covers several high-impact stories that frame emerging debates on justice, corporate responsibility, international politics, labor, science, and economics for the day.