NPR News Now: 09-23-2025 7AM EDT
Host: Korva Coleman
Date: September 23, 2025
Length: ~5 minutes
Overview
This episode of NPR News Now delivers a concise yet comprehensive update on the morning's major US and global news. It covers President Trump’s upcoming speech at the UN, a controversial health advisory regarding Tylenol, the return of "Jimmy Kimmel Live" after a suspension, negotiations over the US operation of TikTok, an impending government shutdown, groundbreaking research into aquatic heat waves, and a severe typhoon in Asia.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. President Trump at the United Nations
Segment: [00:19–01:24]
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Main Story: President Trump is set to address the UN General Assembly in New York, with expectations that he’ll challenge Western allies recognizing a Palestinian state and criticize international organizations.
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Press Secretary’s Outline:
- Trump will "tout the administration's accomplishments" and address the "decay" of world order by "globalist institutions."
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Diplomatic Meetings: Trump has scheduled meetings with leaders from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Ukraine, and the EU.
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Backdrop: Trump is described as increasingly "isolated in the UN" amidst global efforts to recognize a Palestinian state.
Notable Quote:
"The president will... articulate his straightforward and constructive vision for the world."
— NPR Reporter/Analyst, [00:48]
2. Trump’s Tylenol-Advisory Controversy
Segment: [01:24–02:02]
- Announcement: Trump warns pregnant women against Tylenol, claiming it causes autism.
- Medical Community Response: Doctors and autism activists are alarmed, asserting the claim is not backed by science.
- Advice from Trump: He recommends pregnant women take Tylenol "only for pain or fever if they can’t tough it out."
3. "Jimmy Kimmel Live" Returns After Suspension
Segment: [02:02–02:46]
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Why Suspended: ABC (owned by Disney) pulled the show after Kimmel, during an episode, made remarks about Trump's reaction to the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
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Resolution: After discussions, Disney allows Kimmel to return, cheered by free speech advocates and late-night peers like Stephen Colbert.
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Ongoing Fallout: Sinclair Broadcasting Group refuses to air the show in 30 markets.
Memorable Moment:
Stephen Colbert celebrates Kimmel’s return in his monologue.
— [02:32]
4. US Bid for TikTok and Content Control
Segment: [02:46–03:00]
- Business Proposal: US-based joint venture seeks control of TikTok, addressing content algorithm concerns, in ongoing negotiations with China.
- National Security: Modifying TikTok’s algorithm to use US data is a key demand.
- Background: TikTok faced a potential ban over security, a move Trump has repeatedly postponed since returning to office.
5. Looming US Government Shutdown and Budget Negotiations
Segment: [03:00–03:24]
- Imminent Deadline: Congressional Democrats will meet with President Trump to avert a shutdown.
- Points of Contention: Democrats demand reversal of health care spending cuts; Trump doubts negotiations will be successful.
6. Study: Heat Waves in Rivers and Streams
Segment: [03:24–04:38]
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Core Finding: Rivers are experiencing heat waves more intense and longer-lasting than those in the air, per research in PNAS.
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Consequences:
- Threat to cold-water fish (e.g., salmon, trout)
- Increased water treatment costs
- More frequent toxic algae blooms
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Global Impact: Researchers suggest such trends are worldwide.
Notable Quote:
"Rising river temperatures are dangerous for many aquatic species... and can cause toxic algae blooms."
— Nate Rott, [03:59]
7. Super Typhoon Ragasa Threatens Southern China
Segment: [04:38–04:58]
- Update: Typhoon Ragasa, with sustained winds of 138 mph, is approaching southern China and may affect Hong Kong.
- Source: Joint Typhoon Warning Center.
Notable Quotes & Moments
-
UN Diplomacy:
"He will articulate his straightforward and constructive vision for the world."
— NPR Reporter/Analyst, [00:48] -
Colbert Reacts:
"Come on.”
— Stephen Colbert’s celebratory response to Kimmel’s return, [02:32] -
River Heat Study:
"Rising river temperatures are dangerous for many aquatic species... and can cause toxic algae blooms."
— Nate Rott, [03:59]
Timestamps for Key Segments
- President Trump at UN: 00:19–01:24
- Trump on Tylenol & Autism: 01:24–02:02
- Jimmy Kimmel Live Suspension & Return: 02:02–02:46
- TikTok US Control Proposal: 02:46–03:00
- Congress, Budget, Shutdown: 03:00–03:24
- River Heat Waves Study: 03:24–04:38
- Super Typhoon Ragasa: 04:38–04:58
Summary prepared for listeners who want a comprehensive yet concise briefing on the news, as delivered in NPR’s clear, factual tone.
