NPR News Now – 09-17-2025 9PM EDT
Date: September 18, 2025
Host: Jael Snyder
Length: 5 minutes
Overview
This fast-paced “NPR News Now” episode covers the top headlines from late September 2025. The episode covers the sudden suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live after controversial comments, a deadly police shooting in Pennsylvania, a South Carolina Supreme Court ruling on gerrymandering, Congressional testimony by a former CDC director, President Trump’s state visit to the UK, and an environmental issue threatening a beloved Mexican holiday food.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. ABC Suspends Jimmy Kimmel Live After Controversial Comments
[00:00–01:02]
- Incident: ABC suspended Jimmy Kimmel Live after Kimmel made remarks regarding the political fallout from the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
- Kimmel’s Comments: Kimmel accused conservative groups of trying to exploit Kirk’s death for political purpose.
- Repercussions:
- Nexstar, owner of 200 TV stations (32 ABC affiliates), pulled Kimmel from its lineup.
- The FCC chairman joined in the criticism.
- ABC released a brief statement declaring the suspension was indefinite.
- Contextual Comparison: The move is compared to CBS discontinuing Stephen Colbert’s late night show, though that decision was cited for “financial reasons.” Both Kimmel and Colbert have been outspoken critics of President Trump.
Notable Quote:
“We hit some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and doing everything they can to score political points from.”
— Jimmy Kimmel ([00:27])
2. Police Shooting in Pennsylvania Results in Multiple Deaths
[01:02–02:05]
- Incident: Three officers were killed and two wounded in a domestic-related shooting near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The suspect was also killed by police.
- Aftermath: Officers mourned; nearby schools ordered students to shelter in place (order now lifted).
- Comment from Law Enforcement: Colonel Christopher Paris pledged a thorough investigation.
Notable Quote:
“The grief will be unbearable, but we will bear it and we will not rest until we've conducted a full, fair, competent and thorough investigation.”
— Colonel Christopher Paris ([01:39])
3. South Carolina Supreme Court Upholds Partisan Gerrymander
[02:05–02:57]
- Ruling: South Carolina’s Supreme Court denied an attempt to strike down a congressional district map favoring Republicans.
- Reason: The state’s constitution and laws do not ban partisan redistricting.
- Wider Implications: This aligns with a previous US Supreme Court ruling barring federal court interventions in partisan gerrymandering cases.
- Political Context: The decision comes amid a wider Republican push to redraw district maps ahead of the next midterm election.
Notable Fact:
“...South Carolina Supreme Court found the state has no laws or redistricting standards against the redrawing of voting districts to make congressional elections less competitive and help a particular political party win.”
— Hansi Lo Wang ([02:35])
4. Former CDC Director’s Testimony Criticizes Health Secretary RFK Jr.
[02:57–03:54]
- Who: Former CDC Director Susan Menarez testified before a Senate panel.
- Main Point: Menarez warned that the US public health system is in a "dangerous place" under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
- Allegations:
- Kennedy dismissed data on vaccine safety and efficacy.
- He demanded pre-approval for CDC panel recommendations.
- Upcoming Vote: The CDC panel is due to vote on new vaccine guidelines within the week.
Notable Quote:
"The public health system in the US is heading to what she called a dangerous place under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr."
— Jael Snyder ([02:59])
5. President Trump’s State Visit to the UK
[03:54–03:57]
- Activities: President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump attended a lavish state dinner at Windsor Castle as part of their UK visit.
- Next Steps: Scheduled meeting with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
6. Environmental Crisis Tied to Mexican Holiday Food
[03:54–04:36]
- Tradition At Risk: Mexico’s holiday season features stuffed poblano peppers containing acitron, a candied, endangered barrel cactus.
- Issue:
- Acitron is openly sold despite its protected status.
- The cactus grows extremely slowly—40 years to reach knee height—making sustainable cultivation infeasible.
- Biologists warn continued consumption may lead to extinction in the wild.
- Marketplace Perspective: Vendors remain fatalistic about the extinction risks.
Notable Quote:
"Well, our whole planet is going extinct,"
— Edith Hernandez Torres, acitron seller ([03:57])
Memorable Moments & Quotes
- Jimmy Kimmel’s Viral Remarks: “We hit some new lows over the weekend...doing everything they can to score political points from.” ([00:27])
- Law Enforcement Grief and Resolve: “The grief will be unbearable, but we will bear it and we will not rest...” — Colonel Christopher Paris ([01:39])
- Vendor’s Fatalism about Environmental Loss: “Well, our whole planet is going extinct.” — Edith Hernandez Torres ([03:57])
Timestamps for Important Segments
- 00:00: ABC suspends Jimmy Kimmel Live
- 01:02: Pennsylvania police shooting; three officers killed, suspect dead
- 02:05: South Carolina gerrymandering upheld
- 02:57: Former CDC director testifies; critiques Health Secretary RFK Jr.
- 03:54: President Trump’s state visit to the UK
- 03:57: Mexico's endangered cactus ingredient threatens traditional food
Summary
This bulletin-style episode concisely delivers a sweep of breaking news. The major national stories showcase tensions at the intersection of politics, media, and public health, while international reporting brings environmental concerns and presidential diplomacy into focus. Featuring direct commentary from key figures, the episode offers a snapshot of a complex and eventful news cycle.