NPR News Now – September 19, 2025, 9AM EDT

Host: Kristen Wright
Duration: ~5 minutes
Overview:
This episode delivers a succinct, up-to-the-minute roundup of national and international news, highlighting key developments in international diplomacy, the Gaza conflict, U.S. immigration policy, DC crime and policing, global health strategy, Congressional negotiations over a government shutdown, and a headline from Major League Baseball.

Key Stories and Insights

1. US-China Diplomacy and TikTok (00:01-00:43)

• Phone Call Between Leaders: Chinese state media reports a recent phone conversation between President Xi Jinping and President Trump.
• TikTok Crisis: The backdrop is U.S. efforts concerning the future of TikTok, with Trump having extended the deadline for the social media app to be sold to a U.S. company.

2. Gaza Conflict Intensifies (00:43-01:28)

• Civilian Casualties: At least 50 Palestinians reportedly killed in the past 24 hours during Israeli attacks, while Israeli forces mourn four military fatalities.
• On-the-ground Report:
  • "That's the sound of Israeli warplanes bombing Gaza City with at least 60 missiles back to back. The intense bombardments came without warning, rattling the skies and causing widespread destruction on the ground." — Anas Baba [00:44]
• Humanitarian Crisis:
  • Many in Gaza City remain or return due to inhospitable conditions or lack of resources to relocate.
• Ceasefire Developments: A UN Security Council resolution for an immediate ceasefire was vetoed by the United States despite 14 countries backing it.

3. Immigration Enforcement Expansion (01:28-02:10)

• ICE Infrastructure Moves: Following congressional approval of additional funding, the Trump administration seeks permanent, furnished office spaces for immigration agents nationwide.
• Pushback from Public:
  • "Polls suggest those efforts are increasingly unpopular among Americans." — Jenna McLaughlin [02:05]
• Sources Speak Anonymously: Details come from sources within the General Services Administration who wish to remain unnamed.

4. Crime and Policing in Washington, DC (02:10-02:53)

• Congressional Hearing: Republicans assert crime is out of control in DC but claim recent Trump administration actions improved safety.
• Mayor’s Response:
  • "It is true that we experience, like many places, a spike in 2023." — Mayor Muriel Bowser [02:32]
  • "I can say unequivocally this is not 2023." — Unspecified speaker, emphasizing current improvements [02:37]
• Federal Presence: Although federal control of DC’s police has ended, National Guard troops and federal agents remain. Trump continues to threaten the deployment of troops to other Democrat-led cities.

5. Global Health Aid Strategy Shift (03:15-03:58)

• New Approach: The State Department rolls out a plan to work directly with foreign governments on health initiatives, bypassing NGOs.
• Critical Voices:
  • "How does it get implemented? Who are the partners? The do you have the structure to do this or do you all of a sudden have to kind of rebuild what you just tore down?" — Elisha Dun Giorgio, Global Health Council [03:39]
• Recent Cuts: The Trump administration has already eliminated billions from global health programs.

6. Congressional Budget Standoff (03:58-04:40)

• Impending Shutdown: Vote expected today on competing stopgap funding measures; risk of government shutdown looms.
• Contention Points: Speaker Mike Johnson expresses confidence in passing a measure, but both hardline Republicans and Democrats threaten to withhold support without clear action on rising healthcare costs.
• Recess Deadline: Lawmakers are scheduled to leave town next week, raising stakes.

7. Sports Headline: Kershaw Retirement (04:40-04:53)

• Baseball News:
  • "Louisiana Dodger Clayton Kershaw is retiring. The two time World Series winner will make his final regular season start tonight against the Giants. Kershaw is walking away from the game after 18 years. He says he's going to spend more time with family.” — Kristen Wright [04:40]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Anas Baba on Gaza Bombardment:
  "The intense bombardments came without warning, rattling the skies and causing widespread destruction on the ground." [00:44]

• Jenna McLaughlin on ICE moves:
  "Polls suggest those efforts are increasingly unpopular among Americans." [02:05]

• Elisha Dun Giorgio on US Global Health Strategy:
  "How does it get implemented? Who are the partners?...do you all of a sudden have to kind of rebuild what you just tore down?" [03:39]

• Kristen Wright on Kershaw’s retirement:
  "Kershaw is walking away from the game after 18 years. He says he's going to spend more time with family." [04:44]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• US-China Phone Call/TikTok: 00:01-00:43
• Gaza Conflict and UN Vote: 00:43-01:28
• ICE Expansion and Political Fallout: 01:28-02:10
• DC Crime Debate: 02:10-02:53
• Global Health Policy (US Foreign Aid): 03:15-03:58
• Congressional Budget Showdown: 03:58-04:40
• Kershaw Retirement: 04:40-04:53

Tone:
Direct, concise, and news-focused, with brief moments of reflection and critique from correspondents and guests. The set of stories covers both urgent international events and domestic policy, underscoring rising tensions and significant policy shifts as portrayed by NPR’s seasoned correspondents.