Podcast Summary: Here's the Scoop – September 22, 2025

Episode Title: The Palestinian state; Pills, politics and the autism debate
Host: Yasmin Vossoughian | Contributors: Matt Bradley, Andrea Mitchell, Dr. Natalie Azar

Episode Overview

In this issue-packed episode of "Here's the Scoop," Yasmin Vossoughian leads a brisk tour through the day’s most urgent stories—from dramatic global shifts at the United Nations and the US’s stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to a headline-grabbing claim from the Trump administration about autism and acetaminophen (Tylenol). Expert guests provide essential context on international diplomacy and the science behind autism, culminating with a rapid-fire update on hot-button headlines, including changes in US immigration policy and the fate of TikTok.

United Nations & Recognition of Palestinian Statehood

[01:04 – 09:14]

Key Points

• Backdrop: The ongoing war in Gaza and growing famine inform the proceedings at the 80th UN General Assembly, held amidst unprecedented international divisions.
• Major shift: UK, Canada, Australia, and France have formally recognized a Palestinian state, a move characterized as “a major policy shift” and “a clear break with the US, Israel’s closest ally.” (Yasmin Vossoughian, [01:39])
• Israeli Response:
  • Israel is considering retaliatory measures, particularly against France, such as shutting its Jerusalem consulate or potentially annexing parts of the West Bank—an act that could threaten existing normalization deals with Arab neighbors.
  • “Retaliation is very much something they’re considering... options include shutting France’s consulate in Jerusalem... or even annexing the entire West Bank.” (Matt Bradley, [02:13])

US Position & Global Fallout

• The US now stands almost alone among G7 nations in steadfast support for Israel.
• The Trump administration has denied visas for Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and his delegation—contrary to 80-year UN hosting agreements.
  • “The fact that Abbas, who speaks every year, is being denied that forum, is really notable.” (Andrea Mitchell, [04:50])
• Abbas will address the Assembly via video, limiting his diplomatic reach.
  • “He can’t participate in meetings along the margins, and those are among the most important.” (Andrea Mitchell, [05:22])

Impact on US Standing

• The US has withheld funding from UN agencies, causing a “profound budget crisis.”
• Despite demands for tough action against Russia, the US’s unilateral positioning—framed as “America first” or even “America alone”—is increasing its isolation.
  • “The war in Gaza is the dividing line as well as, of course, what’s happening with Russia.” (Andrea Mitchell, [06:31])
• The limitations of the UN’s Security Council—especially the repeated use of the US (and Russian) veto—are seen as stalling effective action on Ukraine and Gaza.
  • “As long as that Security Council restriction is in place, [the UN] can’t prevent wars.” (Andrea Mitchell, [08:11])

The Autism–Acetaminophen Debate

[11:26 – 18:36]

The Administration’s Announcement

• President Trump claims a causal link between prenatal acetaminophen (Tylenol) use and autism, thrusting federal health research into the spotlight.
  • “President Trump announcing the findings, saying there's a link between autism and pregnant women's use of acetaminophen.” (Yasmin Vossoughian, [11:26])

Science Behind the Claim

What is Acetaminophen?

• “It's probably one of the most common and widely used over-the-counter medications...[for pregnant women] really, we are only talking about acetaminophen, which is available and recommended.” (Dr. Natalie Azar, [12:07])

Complexities of Autism Causes

• Autism risk is influenced by over 100 genes, with environmental triggers possibly playing a role.
  • “Like many conditions... genetics are maybe necessary but not sufficient... no one thing has been implicated.” (Dr. Azar, [12:37])

Evaluating the Evidence

• Drexel/Sweden Study: The most robust study found "no link" between prenatal acetaminophen exposure and later autism.
  • “In this study... there was not an increased risk of autism seen in children exposed to Tylenol in utero.” (Dr. Azar, [13:56])
• Mount Sinai Review: Of 40+ studies, findings are mixed, half suggesting a potential link, half not—no definitive causality.
  • “They were very clear: they didn’t want people to take away from their work that Tylenol caused autism...” (Dr. Azar, [15:16])
• Expert Consensus: No single study proves a causal relationship, so leading OBGYN authorities, including the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, continue to recommend acetaminophen as safe for most pregnant women.

Bottom Line for Expectant Mothers

• “If we're talking about fever, especially Yasmin, there is no doubt that the fever is far worse for the developing baby than a low dose of Tylenol.” (Dr. Azar, [16:29])
• Notable quote: “The balance of benefit outweighs any potential harm to the mom or the baby to treat two very important conditions in pregnancy, pain and fever.” (Dr. Azar, [16:49])

Leucovorin and Autism

• Leucovorin (folinic acid) is being explored for autism, with small studies showing potential improvement in behavior and speech in some children.
  • “It’s safe... not a novel or new or expensive medicine... it would be nice to see a large, really robust, good study.” (Dr. Azar, [17:22])

Industry Response

• Tylenol’s manufacturer, Kenview, rebutted the administration’s claim:
  • "We believe independent, sound science clearly shows that taking acetaminophen does not cause autism." (Kenview spokesperson, [18:37])

Key Headlines & News Recap

[18:37 – 22:42]

• Charlie Kirk Memorial: Over 78,000 gather for the conservative activist’s memorial in Arizona. Erica Kirk’s public forgiveness of her husband’s accused killer stands in stark contrast with President Trump’s partisan remarks:
  • “I forgive him. I forgive him because it was what Christ did and is what Charlie would do.” (Erica Kirk, [19:19])
  • “I hate my opponents, and I don’t want the best for them. I’m sorry. I am sorry, Erica.” (President Trump, [19:44])
• Trump Administration Immigration Policy: New $100,000 fee on select H1B visa applications sparks panic and confusion in the tech sector—after clarification, it’s a one-time fee, not retroactive.
• China's Move: As US tightens skilled worker visas, China launches competing visa programs to attract talent.
• TikTok Update: The app will become a US-based company, with ByteDance retaining less than 20% ownership. Majority-American investors and Oracle will oversee operations and security. Trump plans to extend the TikTok ban pause during the transition.
  • “For users, that means your For You Page is safe, at least for now.” (Yasmin Vossoughian, [22:32])

Light Moment: Welcoming Fall

[22:42 – 23:42]

• The episode ends on a lighter note:
  • “It is the first day of fall… break out those cardigans and maybe swap out that iced coffee for a hot one.” (Yasmin Vossoughian, [22:49])

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• “This is a major policy shift. I cannot overstate that.” (Yasmin Vossoughian, [01:37])
• “Retaliation is very much something they’re considering.” (Matt Bradley, [02:09])
• “He can’t participate in any of the meetings along the margins. And those are among the most important.” (Andrea Mitchell, [05:22])
• “The balance of benefit outweighs any potential harm to the mom or the baby.” (Dr. Natalie Azar, [16:49])
• “He did not hate his opponents. He wanted the best for them. That’s where I disagreed with Charlie. I hate my opponents, and I don't want the best for them.” (President Trump, [19:44])

Timestamps:

• UN/Palestinian State: [01:04 – 09:14]
• Autism–Acetaminophen Debate: [11:26 – 18:36]
• Charlie Kirk Memorial/Headlines: [18:37 – 22:42]
• Fall & Closing: [22:42 – 23:42]

Tone & Style

The show balances rapid-fire news delivery with insightful, accessible expert analysis. It tackles sensitive topics with authority and occasional warmth, especially in the personal testimony and science segments. Moments of candor and sharp contrast—such as at the Kirk memorial—highlight the current polarization and urgency of today’s headlines.