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]

• 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.

• Press Secretary’s Outline:

  • Trump will "tout the administration's accomplishments" and address the "decay" of world order by "globalist institutions."

• Diplomatic Meetings: Trump has scheduled meetings with leaders from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Ukraine, and the EU.

• 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]

• 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.

• Resolution: After discussions, Disney allows Kimmel to return, cheered by free speech advocates and late-night peers like Stephen Colbert.

• 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]

• Core Finding: Rivers are experiencing heat waves more intense and longer-lasting than those in the air, per research in PNAS.

• Consequences:

  • Threat to cold-water fish (e.g., salmon, trout)
  • Increased water treatment costs
  • More frequent toxic algae blooms

• 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.