NPR News Now – September 22, 2025, 4PM EDT

Overview

This five-minute newscast, hosted by Lakshmi Singh, delivers key headlines and developments in the U.S. and globally as of the late afternoon. Today's segment covers the Trump administration's warning on acetaminophen use during pregnancy, the return of Jimmy Kimmel to late night, the future of Turning Point USA after Charlie Kirk's death, heightened synagogue security for the Jewish High Holidays, a Supreme Court case on presidential authority, global gathering at the United Nations, and climate threats facing Tangier Island, Virginia.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Acetaminophen During Pregnancy and Autism Risk

• President Trump's statement: Expected announcement linking acetaminophen (Tylenol) use during pregnancy to higher autism risk.
  • (00:18) Lakshmi Singh: “President Trump's expected to announce this afternoon that pregnant women who take acetaminophen...run a higher risk their babies will develop autism spectrum disorder.”
• Scientific consensus questioned:
  • (00:38) Liz Eslie White, Wall Street Journal): “I would not say there is scientific consensus. In fact, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists...still recommend Tylenol acetaminophen to treat fever during pregnancy...it's a real pickle for pregnant women, [and] the doctors who treat them.”

2. Jimmy Kimmel's Return After Suspension

• Disney reinstates Kimmel: Announced following backlash to ABC's suspension after his remarks perceived as critical of MAGA rhetoric, post Charlie Kirk's assassination.
  • (01:04) Lakshmi Singh: “Disney says it's putting Jimmy Kimmel back on the air tomorrow night. The announcement comes hours after more than 400...signed an open letter...to condemn Disney owned ABC's decision to suspend [him]...”
• Context: This development comes in the wake of national debate following conservative activist Charlie Kirk's death.

3. The Future of Turning Point USA After Charlie Kirk

• Leadership transition: Kirk's widow, Erica Kirk, named CEO.
  • (02:03) Andrew Colvitt, TPUSA spokesperson: “Last week, Erica Kirk, his widow, became the new CEO of the organization. She's pledged to continue turning points on campus events and keep airing Kirk's popular podcast...”
• Maintaining Kirk’s legacy:
  • (01:53, Unnamed Right-Wing Leader): “The right way to analyze this situation...is to say what can I do? And I will tell you, it's a total refrain in the office right now. It's like, what would Charlie have wanted in this moment?”

4. Security Heightened for Jewish High Holidays

• Rising Antisemitism: Focus on recent attacks and increased threats surrounding Rosh Hashanah.
  • (02:31) Jason DeRose: “From attacks on Jews in Boulder, Colorado...to the killings outside a Jewish museum in Washington, D.C. anti Semitic Acts of violence have been on the rise.”
• Enhanced security protocols:
  • (02:50) Julie Platt, Jewish Federation of North America: “What we had once done in an abundance of caution has become a deadly serious effort to ensure that no hater who wants to cause harm will succeed in turning a holiday into a tragedy.”

5. Supreme Court and the FTC

• Presidential authority at stake: The Supreme Court permits President Trump to immediately dismiss Rebecca Slaughter (Democrat, FTC) as it reviews executive power over agency heads.
  • (03:13) Lakshmi Singh: “The U.S. supreme Court is allowing President Trump to fire for now, Rebecca Slaughter...while it hears arguments...in December. At issue is whether the president has the authority to dismiss the heads of those agencies that are protected by Congress.”

6. Global and Environmental News

• UN General Assembly: Heightened security as world leaders gather.
  • (03:34) Lakshmi Singh: “Heavy security surrounds United nations headquarters in New York. Leaders...preparing to attend the 80th UN General Assembly High level Week...”
• Tangier Island’s Climate Crisis:
  • Ongoing loss of land threatens community survival.
  • (04:05) Julie Deppenbrock: “Tangier island sits just three feet above sea level. Every year, the waters rise by at least a quarter of an inch.”
  • Community voice:
    • (04:27) James Eskridge, Mayor of Tangier: “It's a lot of money for us, but to the government, it's just pocket change. When I talk about saving Tangier, I'm not just talking about a small piece of land. I'm talking about a culture, a way of life.”

7. Closing Market Update

• Dow Jones: Closed up 66 points.
  • (04:51) Lakshmi Singh: “The Dow's closed up 66 points. It's NPR News.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On scientific consensus and pregnancy health:
  (00:38) Liz Eslie White:
  “I would not say that there is scientific consensus...they still recommend Tylenol acetaminophen to treat fever during pregnancy because a risk that you run up against is that fever during pregnancy can also harm develop infants.”

• On leadership after tragedy:
  (01:53) Unnamed Right-Wing Leader (on Charlie Kirk's legacy):
  “It's a total refrain in the office right now. It's like, what would Charlie have wanted in this moment?”

• On evolving security needs:
  (02:50) Julie Platt:
  “What we had once done in an abundance of caution has become a deadly serious effort to ensure that no hater who wants to cause harm will succeed in turning a holiday into a tragedy.”

• On preserving island culture:
  (04:27) James Eskridge, Mayor of Tangier Island:
  “When I talk about saving Tangier, I'm not just talking about a small piece of land. I'm talking about a culture, a way of life.”

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Acetaminophen & Autism Warning: 00:18–01:04
• Jimmy Kimmel Suspension & Return: 01:04–01:38
• Turning Point USA Future Post-Kirk: 01:38–02:23
• Jewish High Holidays Security: 02:23–03:13
• Supreme Court & FTC Case: 03:13–03:34
• UN General Assembly Security: 03:34–04:05
• Tangier Island Climate Threat: 04:05–04:51
• Dow Jones Update: 04:51–04:56

This episode offers concise updates on evolving political, cultural, and environmental issues in the U.S. and beyond, while providing the voices of journalists and individuals directly impacted by major events.