NPR News Now — 09-22-2025 5PM EDT
Overview
This five-minute episode of NPR News Now, hosted live from Washington by Ryland Barton, delivers concise updates on major national and international news stories. The report covers developments in global diplomacy, security tensions between NATO and Russia, technology industry changes regarding TikTok, entertainment news involving Jimmy Kimmel, agricultural disease concerns at the US-Mexico border, political unrest in Moldova, and NASA’s announcement of a historic astronaut class.
Key News Highlights & Discussion Points
1. French Recognition of Palestinian State [00:24]
- Context: French President Emmanuel Macron announces official recognition of a Palestinian state, deepening Israel’s diplomatic isolation amid continuing conflict in Gaza.
- Global Response: The move is timed with the United Nations General Assembly in New York City.
- Other countries joining the recognition: United Kingdom, Canada, Australia.
- Quote:
- “French President Emmanuel Macron says France is officially recognizing a state of Palestine, further isolating Israel as it continues to wage war against Hamas in Gaza.” — Ryland Barton [00:24]
2. Tensions at the UN Over Russian Airspace Violations [01:03]
- Estonian Airspace Incident: Emergency UN Security Council meeting convened after three Russian fighter jets violated Estonian airspace.
- US Ambassador to the UN, Mike Waltz: Recently confirmed, warns Russia about repeated incursions, referencing both Estonia and a recent drone event in Poland.
- Quote:
- “The United States and our allies will defend every inch of NATO territory. Russia must urgently stop such dangerous behavior.” — Mike Waltz, US Ambassador to the UN [01:20]
- Implications:
- Signs of Russian escalation or lack of control over its military assets.
- Heightened anxieties over potential spillover from the Ukraine conflict.
3. US-Led Takeover of TikTok [01:47]
- Joint Venture Announced: New US-owned entity formed to control TikTok's American operations.
- Key Features:
- Oracle as major investor and security provider.
- Use of a copy of TikTok's algorithm, trained on US data.
- Enhanced control over data storage, updates, and algorithm oversight.
- Addresses concerns over Chinese government access through ByteDance.
- Legislative Context: Law requiring ByteDance to divest or face shutdown in the US. President Trump temporarily suspended the law while seeking a deal, reportedly with China’s approval.
- Quote:
- “Oracle will be one of the investors and it’ll act as TikTok’s security provider, overseeing things like how the algorithm works, how the app is updated, and how Americans' data is stored.” — John Ruich [02:00]
4. Jimmy Kimmel’s Show Returns After Suspension [02:43]
- Background: Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show will resume after ABC (owned by Disney) suspended it due to inflammatory comments regarding political reactions to the assassination of activist Charlie Kirk.
- ABC’s Stance:
- Suspension intended “to avoid further inflammation… at an emotional moment for our country.” [02:43]
- Decision made after discussions with Kimmel.
- Market Update: Dow up 66 points to 46,381, Nasdaq up 157 to 22,788.
5. New World Screwworm Detected Near Texas Border [03:36]
- Location: Sabinas Hidalgo, Nuevo León, Mexico—less than 70 miles from Texas, near the busy Laredo trade route.
- Threat: The screwworm is a flesh-eating parasite dangerous to livestock, pets, and wildlife.
- Response:
- US ports still closed to cattle, bison, and horse imports from Mexico.
- USDA investing in Texas to breed and disperse sterile flies as biological control.
- Quote:
- “The flesh-eating larval parasite is considered a threat to livestock, pets and wildlife. US Ports remain closed to imports of cattle, bison, and horses from Mexico.” — Marianne Navarro [03:36]
6. Moldova: Crackdown on Alleged Russia-Backed Riot Plot [04:15]
- Details: Moldovan authorities conducted 250 raids, detaining dozens in a probe into a Russia-backed plan to incite mass riots before elections.
- Political Context: Upcoming legislature election seen as a pivotal choice between EU integration and closer Russian ties.
- Quote:
- “Moldovans are set to elect a new 101 seat legislature later this week. Many view the election as a choice between EU membership or closer ties with Russia.” — Ryland Barton [04:15]
7. NASA’s New Astronaut Class [04:15]
- Announcement: NASA introduces 10 new astronauts, chosen from over 8,000 applicants.
- Milestone: For the first time, women outnumber men in a NASA astronaut class.
- Looking Forward: The group will spend two years training for possible lunar and Martian missions.
Notable Quotes & Moments
- Mike Waltz: “The United States and our allies will defend every inch of NATO territory. Russia must urgently stop such dangerous behavior.” [01:20]
- ABC Statement: “To avoid further inflammation… at an emotional moment for our country.” [02:43]
- Marianne Navarro: “The flesh-eating larval parasite is considered a threat to livestock, pets and wildlife. US Ports remain closed to imports of cattle, bison, and horses from Mexico.” [03:36]
- Ryland Barton: “Many view the election as a choice between EU membership or closer ties with Russia.” [04:15]
Timestamps for Key Segments
| Segment Description | Speaker/Reporter | Timestamp | |--------------------------------------------------------|------------------------|-------------| | French recognition of Palestine, UN General Assembly | Ryland Barton | 00:24 | | Russian airspace violations, UN Security Council | Michelle Kellerman | 01:03 | | US action on TikTok, Oracle's security role | John Ruich | 01:47 | | Jimmy Kimmel show returns post-suspension | Ryland Barton | 02:43 | | New World screwworm detection near Texas border | Marianne Navarro | 03:36 | | Moldova raids before election, Russia influence | Ryland Barton | 04:15 | | NASA new astronaut class announced | Ryland Barton | 04:15 |
This episode provides a brisk, informative roundup of critical developments in world affairs, technology, entertainment, agriculture, and space exploration—delivered in NPR’s measured, factual style.