NPR News Now — Episode Summary
Podcast: NPR News Now
Host: Lakshmi Singh
Episode: 09-23-2025 2PM EDT
Air Date: September 23, 2025
Duration: ~5 minutes
Overview
This episode delivers a concise update on key national and international news. Topics include the fallout over Jimmy Kimmel Live’s broadcast restrictions, Donald Trump's address at the UN, renewed US-China engagement, a high-profile criminal trial, insights from Kamala Harris’s campaign memoir, and the current performance of US stock markets.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Jimmy Kimmel Live Pulled from Major Networks (00:18-01:24)
- Context: Jimmy Kimmel’s late night show has been reinstated on ABC but remains off the air on affiliates owned by Sinclair and Nexstar, accounting for over 20% of ABC stations nationwide.
- Details:
- Nexstar and Sinclair pulled the show under pressure from FCC Chair Brendan Carr.
- Nexstar, amid merger approval proceedings, stated it needed “assurance that Jimmy Kimmel Live will foster what it called respectful, constructive dialogue.”
- Kimmel’s show is still available on Disney-owned streaming services.
- Ongoing discussions between Sinclair and ABC.
Notable Quote:
“Nexstar needs FTC approval right now to finalize a merger that would make it the largest owner of local stations in the country. In a statement, the company said it needed assurance that Jimmy Kimmel Live will foster what it called respectful, constructive dialogue.”
— Neta Ulaby, NPR Reporter [00:41]
2. Trump’s Speech at the United Nations (01:24-02:04)
- Context: At the 80th UN General Assembly, Former President Trump sharply criticized the United Nations and European allies.
- Key Points:
- Accused UN of not reaching its potential.
- Criticized Europe for immigration policies, Palestinian state support, and clean energy advocacy.
- Labeled climate change mitigation as a "con job."
- Trump referenced his reputation for predictions, adding personal anecdotes.
Notable Quote:
“If you don’t get away from this green scam, your country is going to fail. And I’m really good at predicting things. … Trump was right about everything. And I don’t say that in a braggadocious way, but it’s true.”
— Donald Trump [01:47]
- Additional Note: Trump scheduled to meet leaders from Ukraine, EU, and Argentina; publicly endorsed libertarian President Javier Milei.
3. US-China Relations and Boeing Deal (02:04-03:13)
- Context: A bipartisan US Congressional delegation visits China, pushing for better engagement and Boeing aircraft sales.
- Key Details:
- Visit is the first by such a delegation since 2019, seeking to reduce tensions and support dialogue.
- Representative Adam Smith emphasized the need for military-to-military communication due to close encounters between planes and ships.
- Meetings held with Premier Li Qiang and Defense Minister Dong Jun.
- US Ambassador David Perdue stated that a major Boeing deal is in final negotiation stages.
- Trump and Xi Jinping expected to meet in South Korea next month.
Notable Quote:
“Representative Adam Smith said more dialogue is needed because right now the two countries are essentially talking past each other.”
— Anthony Kuhn, NPR Reporter [02:31]
4. Presidential Assassination Attempt Trial (03:13-03:32)
- Context: Jury deliberates the fate of Ryan Routh, accused of plotting to kill Trump at his Florida golf club last year.
- Key Details:
- Closing arguments concluded.
- Routh represents himself, argues prosecutorial failure to prove intent.
- Routh refers to himself in third person.
- Quote:
“Probably.”
— Ryan Routh, Defendant (in response to questioning) [03:31]
5. Kamala Harris Memoir and Book Tour (03:32-04:42)
- Context: Kamala Harris begins a book tour promoting “107 Days,” recounting her 2024 presidential campaign after Joe Biden’s withdrawal.
- Key Insights:
- Harris candidly discusses chaos and frustrations from the campaign.
- Recounts a pivotal conversation with Biden questioning her loyalty.
- Reveals her original vice presidential pick was Pete Buttigieg but feared the nation wasn’t ready for a “black woman president, a Jewish first gentleman and a gay vice president” ticket.
- Book tour includes national and international stops.
Notable Quote:
“She also writes about her own running mate selection process, revealing that her first choice was actually former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, but she didn't think America would support a ticket with a black woman president, a Jewish first gentleman and a gay vice president.”
— Deepa Shivaram, NPR Reporter [04:02]
6. US Stock Market Update (04:42-04:58)
- Brief Update:
- Dow down over 100 points to 46,262.
- NASDAQ down over 200 points.
- S&P lost 38 points.
Memorable Moments & Quotes
- “Probably.” — Ryan Routh [03:31] (A strikingly terse and ambiguous self-defense in a high-stakes trial.)
- Trump’s combative rhetoric doubling as self-promotion, underscoring the UN address.
- Kamala Harris’s revealing reflection on campaign dynamics and ticket strategy.
Timestamps for Key Segments
- 00:18-01:24 — Jimmy Kimmel pulled from major affiliates
- 01:24-02:04 — Trump’s UN address and agenda
- 02:04-03:13 — US-China talks and Boeing deal
- 03:13-03:32 — Assassination attempt trial update
- 03:32-04:42 — Kamala Harris memoir and tour
- 04:42-04:58 — Stock market update
This summary highlights the episode's major stories, political drama, media developments, and global diplomacy, making it an essential five-minute digest for listeners following US and international news.