NPR News Now: September 23, 2025, 5AM EDT

Host: Dave Mattingly
Length: ~5 minutes

Episode Overview

This episode delivers a succinct update on overnight national and international news, touching on new health advisories from the Trump administration, political declarations on domestic terrorism, global reactions to Middle East developments, media industry controversy, book tour news from Kamala Harris, an automaker's cyberattack, and NASA’s new cadre of astronauts.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Trump Administration Links Acetaminophen to Autism

• [00:18–01:20]
• The Trump administration is publicly warning against acetaminophen (Tylenol) use during pregnancy, citing a possible link to autism.
  • President Trump: “So taking Tylenol is not good. I’ll say it, it’s not good.” ([00:41])
• Medical experts and autism advocates warn this claim is not strongly supported by research and advise against disregarding established medical guidance.
• The administration plans to:
  • Direct the FDA to change acetaminophen labeling to discourage use in pregnancy.
  • Endorse folinic acid for treating autism, again lacking strong scientific support.
• Quote:

  "Many physicians groups and autism advocates called the administration's claims potentially dangerous, saying research is far from conclusive..." — Yuki Noguchi ([00:50])

2. Executive Order Declares Antifa a Terror Organization

• [01:20–02:01]
• President Trump signed an executive order labeling Antifa a “domestic terror organization,” demanding investigations and prosecutions.
• Practical enforcement is unclear because of Antifa’s loose, decentralized structure.
• The move comes amid ongoing debates over the government’s approach to protest movements.

3. International News: Recognition of Palestinian Statehood

• [02:01–02:44]
• Israel criticizes several countries (including Britain and France) for formally recognizing Palestinian statehood.
  • Danny Danone, Israeli Ambassador to the UN: “Those who are recognizing Palestine as a state are simply rewarding Hamas, which attacked Israel two years ago and is still holding hostages.” ([02:01])
  • Unnamed Israeli official: “This is a show, but what we are doing on the ground, that’s for real.” ([02:14])
• The UN Secretary General is also expressing serious concerns over Israel’s operations in Gaza and potential annexations in the West Bank.
  • “And let’s be clear, statehood for the Palestinians is a right, not a reward.” ([02:31])
• The US and Israel boycotted the related UN conference.

4. Jimmy Kimmel Show Controversy

• [02:44–03:33]
• ABC announces the return of Jimmy Kimmel’s late night show after a week-long suspension stemming from his comments on the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
  • Disney says it made the decision following “thoughtful conversations” with Kimmel.
• Sinclair Broadcast Group, however, will not resume airing Kimmel’s show across its 30 ABC affiliates.

5. Kamala Harris Book Tour & Memoir

• [03:33–04:12]
• Kamala Harris, former Vice President, begins her US and international book tour for her memoir 107 Days.
  • The book covers tumultuous moments of her presidential campaign after Biden’s exit.
  • Details include a tense phone call with President Biden and her initial preference for Pete Buttigieg as running mate, noting concerns about public acceptance of such a diverse ticket.
  • Book tour stops: New York, London, Toronto.
• Quote:

  “She also writes about her own running mate selection process, revealing that her first choice was actually former Transportation Secretary Pete Booth. 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 ([03:52])

6. Jaguar Land Rover Cyberattack Halts Production

• [04:12–04:35]
• Jaguar Land Rover pauses operations until at least October 1st after a cyberattack, affecting over 30,000 employees in England.
• Details on the breach and possible suspects remain undisclosed.

7. NASA Introduces New Astronauts

• [04:35–04:57]
• NASA selects 10 new astronauts (6 women, 4 men) from 8,000+ applicants.
  • The recruits, including scientists, engineers, and test pilots, will train for two years to qualify for missions to the Moon and, eventually, Mars.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Trump on Tylenol:

  “So taking Tylenol is not good. I’ll say it, it’s not good.” — President Trump ([00:41])

• Israeli perspective on Palestinian statehood:

  “This is a show, but what we are doing on the ground, that’s for real.” — Israeli official ([02:14])
  “And let’s be clear, statehood for the Palestinians is a right, not a reward.” — Israeli official ([02:31])

• Kamala Harris candid on campaign ticket:

  “…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 ([03:52])

Timeline / Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:18] Trump administration’s health warning on acetaminophen
• [00:41] President Trump quote
• [01:20] Antifa designated a terror organization
• [02:01] Israel criticizes recognition of Palestinian statehood
• [02:31] Debate over Palestinian statehood at the UN
• [02:44] Jimmy Kimmel show reinstated
• [03:33] Kamala Harris memoir and tour
• [04:12] Jaguar Land Rover cyberattack halts factories
• [04:35] NASA unveils new astronaut class

This five-minute news summary gives a fast-paced, fact-driven snapshot of top stories shaping the day’s headlines, retaining NPR’s impartial and direct tone.