NPR News Now — September 23, 2025, 5PM EDT

Host: Ryland Barton

Overview

This fast-paced NPR News Now episode provides succinct updates on major domestic and international news, ranging from diplomatic shifts in U.S.-Ukraine relations, media industry developments, and pressing science topics, to sports and business highlights. The broadcast is structured to deliver the most current news in under five minutes.

Key News Highlights & Insights

1. U.S.-Ukraine Relations Shift Dramatically

• [00:18] President Trump announced that he now believes Ukraine can reclaim all territory lost to Russia—a reversal from his earlier stance that concessions would be required to end the conflict.
• This statement was made on social media after a sideline meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the United Nations General Assembly.
• UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres opened the assembly with a firm call for upholding international human rights.

Notable Quote

“We see countries acting as if the rules don't apply to them. We see humans treated as less than human and we must call it out. Impunity is the mother of chaos, and it has spawned some of the most atrocious conflicts of our times.”
—Antonio Guterres, UN Secretary General [00:47]

2. International Focus: Israel-Hamas Conflict & Palestinian Statehood

• [01:05] The ongoing war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza is anticipated to be a central issue at the UN meeting.
• Global support for a Palestinian state is reportedly growing.
• President Trump contends that recognition of a Palestinian state would “reward Hamas.”

3. Media Industry: 'Jimmy Kimmel Live' Pulled from Major Affiliates

• [01:17] Major broadcasters Sinclair Broadcast Group and Nexstar Media Group are no longer airing ABC’s "Jimmy Kimmel Live," affecting over 20% of ABC affiliates.
• The decision follows FCC Chair Brendan Carr’s expressed concerns and comes as Nexstar seeks approval for a major merger.

Notable Details

• Nexstar seeks assurances that the show will promote "respectful, constructive dialogue."
• The show remains accessible on Disney-owned streaming services.

Notable Quote

“Nexstar needs FCC 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 News [01:33]

4. Science & Health News: Acetaminophen in Pregnancy

• [02:10] Prominent physician groups contested President Trump’s claim that acetaminophen use during pregnancy increases autism risk.
• The Society for Maternal Fetal Medicine and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists both assert:
  • Existing studies are inconclusive.
  • The administration’s position is not supported by the full body of scientific evidence.
  • Untreated fever during pregnancy poses greater risks, including miscarriage and birth defects.

Notable Quote

“The position taken by the administration is not backed by the full body of scientific evidence…
untreated fever in pregnancy can be harmful and can increase the risk of miscarriage, birth defects and premature birth.”
—Nell Greenfield Boyce, NPR News [02:20]

5. Financial Markets

• [03:00] The Dow Jones closed down 88 points to 46,292; the NASDAQ dropped 215 points to 22,573.

6. Public Health: Drug-Resistant Bacteria on the Rise

• [03:14] CDC researchers reported nearly a 70% rise in infections from drug-resistant bacteria between 2019 and 2020.
• Many people may be undiagnosed carriers, risking community spread.
• Routine infections like UTIs could become chronic and difficult to treat.

7. Major League Baseball: Automated Ball-Strike Challenge System

• [04:00] Starting next season, MLB will let players challenge umpire calls on balls and strikes. Each team gets two challenges at the start.
• Challenges are signaled by tapping the top of the head; outcomes are decided with instant review tech.
• Testing in minor leagues and special events (spring training, All-Star Game) found catchers most successful at challenging, pitchers the least.

Notable Quote

“A team's pitcher, catcher or batter must be the one to challenge the call, and they'll do so by tapping the top of their head. Then an automated review system powered by a dozen cameras placed around each ballpark will show on the big screen whether the pitch passed through the strike zone or not.”
—Becky Sullivan, NPR News [04:00]

8. Business Spotlight: Build-A-Bear’s Unexpected Success

• [04:37] Shares of Build-A-Bear have surged more than 60% since the start of the year.
• The toy industry is generally down, but the company excels with its customizable, in-store experience.

Memorable Moments & Direct Quotes

• Antonio Guterres on global human rights:
  “Impunity is the mother of chaos, and it has spawned some of the most atrocious conflicts of our times.” [00:47]
• Neta Ulaby on local media decisions:
  “Nexstar needs FCC approval right now to finalize a merger that would make it the largest owner of local stations in the country.” [01:33]
• Nell Greenfield Boyce on medical evidence:
  “The position taken by the administration is not backed by the full body of scientific evidence…” [02:20]
• Becky Sullivan on baseball’s tech revolution:
  “Catchers were the best at challenging. Pitchers were the worst.” [04:31]

Episode Structure: Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:18] U.S.-Ukraine policy reversal, UN assembly context
• [01:05] Israel-Hamas-Gaza developments, global support for Palestine
• [01:17] 'Jimmy Kimmel Live' pulled from affiliates
• [02:10] Pushback on acetaminophen-autism claim
• [03:00] Market closes, public health alert on superbugs
• [04:00] MLB challenge system debut
• [04:37] Build-a-Bear’s financial rise

For listeners:
This concise update packed a breadth of topics—from diplomatic reversals, scientific skepticism, and baseball’s tech future to corporate news—into a five-minute news sprint, reflecting NPR’s signature commitment to clarity, balance, and current affairs.