NPR News Now: September 18, 2025, 1PM EDT

Host: Lakshmi Singh (NPR News)

Overview

This NPR News Now episode provides a brisk yet comprehensive update on major national and international developments as of September 18, 2025. Topics include legal maneuvering by the Trump administration regarding the Federal Reserve, international stances on Palestinian statehood, U.S. immigration court decisions, medical research on skin cancer prevention, shifting mortgage rates, and the whimsical Fat Bear Week competition.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Trump Administration and Federal Reserve Controversy

[00:18]

• The Trump administration asks the U.S. Supreme Court to approve the firing of Lisa Cook from the Federal Reserve’s board after a federal appeals court blocked her dismissal.
  • Trump accuses Cook of mortgage fraud but there is no public evidence.
  • This event highlights ongoing tensions about presidential influence over the Fed’s independence.

2. UK and U.S. Discord on Palestinian Statehood

[00:18]–[01:32]

• British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government threatens to recognize a Palestinian state unless Israel commits to peace in Gaza.
• In a joint press conference, President Trump disagrees with Starmer, insisting recognition would “reward Hamas.”
  • Other nations (France, Canada, Australia) considering recognition, showing growing global pressure on Israel.
• Tense but civil disagreement between leaders on Middle East policy.

Notable Quote:

“I have a disagreement with the prime minister on that score. One of our few disagreements, actually.”
—President Trump ([01:13]-[01:18])

3. Judicial Halt on Deportation of Unaccompanied Minors

[01:32]–[02:30]

• Federal judge Timothy Kelly (a Trump appointee) extends legal protection for Guatemalan and Honduran children, blocking their deportation.
  • The children’s lawyers argue that deportation violates their due process and federal law.
  • Guatemalan President Arevalo expresses concern over child detainee conditions.
• Most affected children are residing in shelters in Arizona.
• The injunction remains indefinite while the U.S. government considers appeal.

Notable Quote:

“Their removal would be a violation of their due process rights and federal law.”
— Ximena Bustillo, NPR ([01:47])

4. Medical Research: Vitamin B3 and Skin Cancer

[02:30]–[03:15]

• New study with 33,000 veterans confirms that nicotinamide (vitamin B3) supplements significantly reduce skin cancer recurrence.
  • Study finds a 53% risk reduction in non-melanoma skin cancers.
  • 500 mg twice daily dosage; supplement is over-the-counter.

Notable Quote:

“A 53% reduction in the risk of skin cancers among patients taking nicotinamide B3.”
— Study referenced by Allison Aubrey ([02:59]-[03:05])

5. Mortgage Rate Decline & Fed Interest Rate Cut

[03:15]–[04:08]

• 30-year mortgage rates fell to 6.26% (from 6.35% last week) and 15-year rates to 5.41%.
  • Triggered by the Fed lowering short-term interest rates for the first time this year.
• Rates drop amid criticism of Trump’s attempts to influence Fed independence.

6. Fat Bear Week: Fat Bear Junior Competition

[04:08]–[04:55]

• Katmai National Park’s annual event showcases brown bears bulking up for winter.
  • Cubs compete in “Fat Bear Junior,” many related to past champions (e.g., Cub 128 Junior).
  • Voting opens for the public to choose the “fattest” bear cub, who advances to the full bracket next week.
  • Celebrates wildlife resilience in an accessible, lighthearted way.

Notable Quote:

“The National Park Service encourages voters to vote for the bear they best believe exemplifies fatness and success in brown bears.”
— NPR ([04:08])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Trump said… it’s important to remember the Hamas-led attacks against Israel on October 7, 2023. He acknowledged, though, that he had a different opinion regarding recognizing the Palestinian state.” ([00:48])
• On deportations: “Guatemalan President Bernardo Arevalo has told reporters he wanted to prevent vulnerable children from being sent to ICE detention centers.” ([01:47])
• On skin cancer study: “Supplements are widely available over the counter. The participants took 500 milligrams twice a day for at least 30 days.” —Allison Aubrey ([03:05])

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Trump vs. Fed & Lisa Cook – [00:18]
• UK/US Clash on Palestine – [00:18]–[01:32]
• Deportation Blocked for Minors – [01:32]–[02:30]
• Vitamin B3 Skin Cancer Study – [02:30]–[03:15]
• Mortgage Rate Drop & Fed Cut – [03:15]–[04:08]
• Fat Bear Week Junior – [04:08]–[04:55]

This concise and informative bulletin captures pivotal developments in U.S. governance, international relations, legal action on immigration, medical research, economic shifts, and cultural celebrations—all in under five minutes.