NPR News Now – Episode Summary

Episode: NPR News: 09-18-2025 5PM EDT
Air Date: September 18, 2025
Host: Jael Snyder (NPR)
Length: 5 minutes

Overview

This episode of NPR News Now delivers concise, timely updates on major world developments, including President Trump’s UK visit, ongoing conflict in Gaza, domestic terrorism policy debates, controversy over Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension, protests in France, and a major athletics achievement.

Key Stories and Discussion Points

1. President Trump’s State Visit to the UK

• [00:24] Main Event: President Trump returns to the White House after a state visit to the UK, marked by meetings with Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
• Foreign Policy Disagreement:
  • Gaza Conflict: Both Trump and Starmer support ending the conflict and releasing hostages.
    • Quote [01:12] Donald Trump: “I have a disagreement with the prime minister on that score, one of our few disagreements, actually.”
  • Palestinian State Recognition: Starmer supports recognition; Trump opposes, arguing it would “reward Hamas.”
  • International Context: France, Canada, and Australia also favor recognizing Palestine.

2. US Blocks UN Resolution on Gaza

• [01:30] The US vetoes a UN Security Council resolution for the sixth time.
  • Resolution sought a ceasefire and the release of hostages.
• Domestic Response:
  • After activist Charlie Kirk’s killing, Trump vows to designate antifa as a major terrorist group.
• [01:53] Legal Hurdles:
  • Odette Youssef, NPR: The US can designate foreign, but not domestic, terrorist organizations.
  • Expert View:
    • [02:08] NPR Announcer (paraphrasing Jason Blazakis): “The US Government has a definition of domestic terrorism, but does not have the legal authorities to designate entire organizations as domestic terrorist groups.”
  • Historical Note: Trump attempted this in 2020, but failed due to lack of authority and antifa’s decentralized nature.

3. Jimmy Kimmel Suspension Controversy

• [02:37] ABC suspends Jimmy Kimmel’s show after FCC Chairman Brendan Carr threatens regulatory action.
  • Public & Political Reaction:
    • Labor unions, actors, politicians accuse the Trump administration of censorship.
    • House Democratic leadership demands Carr’s resignation.
    • [02:45] Representative Robert Garcia: Announces plans to investigate “efforts to censor opposition to the president of the United States.”

4. Shooting of Police Officers in Pennsylvania

• [03:21] Three police officers shot and killed while serving a warrant.
  • Suspect identified as Matthew James Ruth, 24.
  • Another officer hospitalized.

5. Strikes & Protests in France

• [03:56] France faces major strikes and protests—students and workers unite against President Macron’s economic policies.
  • [04:05] Mila Schenck, 12th grader: “Cut the Social Security system, that wants to cut in health and in education, which would only weigh heavy on the people that are already vulnerable.”
  • Criticism extends to Macron’s governance style:
    • Continues to appoint prime ministers from his party despite lacking parliamentary majority.
    • Uses constitutional emergency powers to pass reforms.
  • [04:22] Mila Schenck: “He went against people's opinion and is governing with a minority and is trying to pass budgets while having a minority.”

6. World Athletics Championships

• [04:39] Sydney McLaughlin-LaRonnie wins gold in the 400m, running fastest time in 40 years.
  • Time: Under 48 seconds.
  • Only Marita Koch (1985, East Germany) has run faster, with caveats about historical doping.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• [01:12] Donald Trump:
  “I have a disagreement with the prime minister on that score, one of our few disagreements, actually.”
  (On recognizing a Palestinian state)

• [02:08] NPR Announcer (on authority to designate domestic terrorism):
  “The US Government has a definition of domestic terrorism, but does not have the legal authorities to designate entire organizations as domestic terrorist groups.”

• [04:05] Mila Schenck, French Student Protester:
  “Cut the Social Security system, that wants to cut in health and in education, which would only weigh heavy on the people that are already vulnerable.”

• [04:22] Mila Schenck:
  “He went against people's opinion and is governing with a minority and is trying to pass budgets while having a minority.”

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:24] Trump’s UK Visit & Israeli-Palestinian Tensions
• [01:30] US Blocks UN Gaza Resolution/Antifa Terrorist Designation Debate
• [02:37] Jimmy Kimmel Suspension & Censorship Claims
• [03:21] Pennsylvania Police Officers Shot
• [03:56] French Strikes & Student Protests
• [04:39] Sydney McLaughlin-LaRonnie’s 400m World Lead

Tone & Style

The episode is delivered in NPR’s classic, measured, and factual tone, highlighting diverse viewpoints and maintaining journalistic composure throughout. Speaker quotes reflect candor and urgency, especially from political figures and activists.

This summary captures the core updates and key moments of the September 18, 2025, 5PM EDT NPR News Now episode, providing context, detail, and clear navigation for listeners and readers alike.