NPR News Now – September 22, 2025, 2PM EDT

Host: Lakshmi Singh
Podcast: NPR News Now
Episode: NPR News: 09-22-2025 2PM EDT
Date: September 22, 2025

Episode Overview

In this concise five-minute episode, NPR News Now delivers a fast-paced update on major news stories and global developments. Key topics include White House controversies, new health claims by President Trump, TikTok’s ownership changes, free speech debates around Jimmy Kimmel, international maneuvering on the Israel-Palestine conflict, and recent cyberattacks disrupting major businesses and travel. The reporting is direct, non-sensational, and aims to provide just the facts.

Key Discussion Points

1. White House Supports Border Czar Amid FBI Sting Allegations

• Story: White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt addresses allegations against border czar Tom Homan, who was reportedly recorded taking $50,000 in cash during an FBI sting.
  • [00:22] Caroline Levitt: “The White House and the president stand by Tom Homan 100% because he did absolutely nothing wrong and he is a brave public servant who has done a phenomenal job in helping the president shut down the border.”
  • Allegations were initially reported by The New York Times, citing unnamed sources; NPR has not independently verified the claims.
  • Administration officials allegedly shut down the case.
• Tone: Defiant defense from the administration.

2. Trump’s Claim Linking Tylenol to Autism

• Story: President Trump is expected to propose that acetaminophen (Tylenol’s active ingredient) increases autism risk.
  • [01:09] John Hamilton: “The claim is based on several studies that found an association between acetaminophen used during pregnancy and autism. But other research, including a very large Swedish study, found no link.”
  • Even studies showing a connection suggest acetaminophen is a “relatively small contributor”; genetics remains a larger factor.
  • Hamilton points out diagnoses of autism have risen rapidly while acetaminophen use has remained steady.
• Tone: Skeptical and data-driven, clarifying the science is inconclusive.

3. TikTok’s U.S. Ownership and Security Overhaul

• Story: Announcement of a new U.S.-based joint venture to oversee TikTok’s algorithm and user data, in compliance with recent legislation.
  • Oracle will act as a security provider and investor, overseeing how the algorithm functions and how data is stored.
  • [02:08] Senior White House Official: “Some 170 million Americans use TikTok… The deal addresses concerns that TikTok's Chinese parent company, ByteDance, could help the Chinese government spy on US users or influence them.”
  • President Trump has paused enforcement of divestment orders while brokering the deal with Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s reported support.
• Tone: Pragmatic, focused on national security and user data safety.

4. Entertainment Industry Defends Free Speech After Jimmy Kimmel Suspension

• Story: Hundreds of entertainment figures sign an open letter condemning ABC’s suspension of Jimmy Kimmel, as defended by the ACLU.
  • [02:54] Lakshmi Singh: “The American Civil Liberties Union put out a letter lambasting the Disney owned network.”
  • Suspension followed Kimmel’s comments referencing MAGA rhetoric after conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s assassination.
• Tone: Emphasis on First Amendment rights and celebrity solidarity.

5. UN Diplomacy and Shifts on Israel-Palestine

• Story: Global leaders gather for the 80th UN General Assembly.
  • Security Council remains deadlocked over Gaza.
  • UK, Australia, Portugal, and Canada formally recognize a two-state solution; Israel and the U.S. oppose.
  • [03:35] Lakshmi Singh: “Secretary of State Marco Rubio says recognition of a Palestinian state makes negotiations to end the war in Gaza more complicated and emboldens Hamas.”
• Tone: Highlights growing global divergence from U.S. and Israeli positions.

6. Major Cyberattacks Disrupt Air Travel and Auto Manufacturing

• Story: Cyberattacks cause delays and production issues in Europe.
  • Heathrow Airport faces travel disruptions after a ransomware attack on Collins Aerospace’s flight check-in software.
  • Jaguar Land Rover’s cyberattack has led to a production shutdown and vehicle supply chain complications.
  • [04:10] Jenna McLaughlin: “If companies don’t prepare to bounce back after digital attacks, consumers will continue to pay the price.”
• Tone: Urgent, illustrating the rising cost and frequency of cybercrime.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Caroline Levitt (White House):

  “He is a brave public servant who has done a phenomenal job in helping the president shut down the border.”
  (00:25)

• NPR’s John Hamilton (on autism studies):

  “Even the studies that did find an association suggest that acetaminophen is a relatively small contributor to autism rates. Genetics is a much larger contributor.”
  (01:17)

• Senior White House Official (TikTok):

  “The deal addresses concerns that TikTok's Chinese parent company, ByteDance, could help the Chinese government spy on US users or influence them.”
  (02:13)

• Lakshmi Singh (on UN diplomacy):

  “Recognition of a Palestinian state makes negotiations to end the war in Gaza more complicated and emboldens Hamas.”
  (03:45)

• Jenna McLaughlin (on cyber risk):

  “If companies don't prepare to bounce back after digital attacks, consumers will continue to pay the price.”
  (04:42)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:20] White House defends Border Czar Tom Homan
• [01:00] Trump’s claim on Tylenol and autism, scientific analysis
• [01:55] TikTok to become U.S. joint venture, Oracle’s security role
• [02:54] Entertainment figures support Kimmel in free-speech letter
• [03:19] UN General Assembly, global stance on Israel/Palestine
• [03:57] Heathrow, Jaguar Land Rover hit by cyberattacks
• [04:51] Brief stock market update

Summary

This NPR News Now episode efficiently captures the latest high-stakes developments in U.S. politics, global affairs, and technology. The tone is brisk yet measured, with a clear commitment to factual reporting and context. For listeners wanting a well-rounded snapshot of the day's breaking stories—ranging from White House controversies and health debates to shifts in international diplomacy and technology—the episode serves as an essential briefing.