NPR News Now — September 23, 2025, 11PM EDT

Host: Shea Stevens (NPR)
Date: September 24, 2025
Episode Theme:
A concise roundup of late-breaking U.S. and world news, with updates on political developments, international diplomacy, tech threats, media industry shifts, court outcomes, and sports.

Main Segments and Key Discussion Points

1. U.S.-Ukraine Relations at the UN General Assembly [00:15–01:16]

• President Trump’s Optimism on Ukraine Regaining Territory

  • Trump met with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.
  • He expressed belief that, with European aid, Ukraine could "retake all of its territory... in its original form."
    • Quote: “Russia’s economy is in big trouble and Ukraine could win back its territory, in its original form.” – President Trump (paraphrased by Michelle Kellerman) [00:33]
  • Trump made these remarks via a social media post after the meeting.

• Zelenskyy’s Comments at the UN Security Council

  • Zelenskyy highlighted constructive dialogue with Trump, expecting “America’s actions to push Russia toward peace.”
    • Quote: "Moscow fears America and always pays attention to it." – Volodymyr Zelenskyy [00:51]
  • Zelenskyy criticized Putin for his absence at the UN and for perpetuating "the largest war in Europe since World War II."

2. Government Shutdown Looms After Canceled White House Meeting [01:16–02:09]

• CANCELED: President Trump Withdraws from Bipartisan Negotiations
  • Trump canceled a scheduled White House meeting with Democratic leaders.
  • Democrats were pressing to lower healthcare costs as part of a government funding package.
  • Trump dismissed their demands on social media as "unserious and ridiculous," saying no meeting could be productive.
  • The House passed an extension of current funding, but it failed in the Senate; without a deal, a government shutdown could start October 1.
    • Quote: “The president chickened out.” – Hakeem Jeffries (reported by Deirdre Walsh) [01:27]
  • Trump indicated he may meet again if Democrats adjust their positions.

3. ABC Affiliates Drop Jimmy Kimmel Live Amid FCC Pressure [02:09–03:01]

• ABC Show Pulled from Major Broadcasters Over ‘Constructive Dialogue’ Concerns
  • Although ABC reinstated Jimmy Kimmel Live, it won’t be aired on Nexstar or Sinclair-owned affiliates.
  • The decision follows FCC Chair Brendan Carr’s pressure, with Nexstar seeking FCC approval for a major merger.
    • Nexstar’s statement: they want assurance the show will foster “respectful, constructive dialogue.” [02:25]
  • Over 20% of ABC affiliates are affected.
  • Viewers can still access the show via Disney’s streaming platforms.

4. Headlines & Briefs [03:01–03:55]

• Stock Market Recap:
  • Dow Jones down 88 points, NASDAQ down 215 points. [03:01]
• Telecommunications Security Threat:
  • Secret Service dismantled a large network of electronic devices (300+ servers, 100,000 SIM cards), focused around the UN General Assembly in NYC; these posed threats to senior U.S. officials.
• Criminal Conviction:
  • Ryan Ruth convicted of attempting to assassinate Donald Trump on a Florida golf course last year.
  • After the verdict, Ruth attempted self-harm in court; sentencing set for December.

5. MLB Introduces Challenge System for Balls and Strikes [03:55–04:47]

• Major Change in Baseball Umpiring Announced
  • Next season, Major League Baseball will allow teams to challenge called balls and strikes after successful trials in minor leagues.
  • Details:
    • Each team starts with two challenges.
    • Challenges retained if successful.
    • Pitchers, catchers, or batters can challenge by tapping their head.
    • 12-camera system instantly determines call via video review.
    • In spring training, catchers had the highest challenge success rate, pitchers the lowest.
    • Quote: “In spring training, there were about four challenges per [game]; just over half were successful. Catchers were the best at challenging. Pitchers were the worst.” – Becky Sullivan [04:10]

6. Closing Financial Note [04:47–04:54]

• U.S. Stock Futures: Flat in after-hours trading on Wall Street.

Notable Quotes

• President Trump (via Michelle Kellerman):
  “Russia’s economy is in big trouble and Ukraine could win back its territory, in its original form.” [00:33]

• President Zelenskyy:
  "We expect America's actions to push Russia toward peace. Moscow fears America and always pays attention to it." [00:51]

• Hakeem Jeffries (via Deirdre Walsh):
  "The president chickened out." [01:27]

• Nexstar Statement (via Neta Ulaby):
  "Needed assurance that Jimmy Kimmel Live will foster respectful, constructive dialogue." [02:25]

• MLB Umpiring Changes (Becky Sullivan):
  “In spring training, there were about four challenges per [game]; just over half were successful. Catchers were the best at challenging. Pitchers were the worst.” [04:10]

Summary

This NPR News Now edition delivers a rapid yet detailed look at major developments on the evening of September 23, 2025. It covers President Trump's evolving stance on Ukraine with European support, the rising risk of a U.S. government shutdown due to partisan gridlock, pivotal media industry shifts surrounding Jimmy Kimmel Live, security threats near the UN General Assembly, the conviction of a would-be presidential assassin, and sweeping changes to how baseball games will be officiated next season. The episode is concise, news-rich, and reflects the fast-paced tone of NPR’s headline programming.