NPR News Now: September 23, 2025, 7PM EDT

Episode Overview

This five-minute NPR News Now update covers the latest breaking stories in U.S. and global politics, media developments, public health, and a tribute to a legendary film icon. The episode surveys major headlines including a significant foreign policy reversal by President Donald Trump on Ukraine, looming government shutdowns over budget disputes, controversy surrounding the return of Jimmy Kimmel Live, a consequential Arizona special election, alarming global hypertension statistics, and the passing of Italian actress Claudia Cardinale.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. President Trump’s Reversal on Ukraine (00:17–01:07)

• Key Event: President Trump now believes Ukraine could reclaim all territory occupied by Russia, reversing his earlier stance.
• Meeting: The reversal follows discussion with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the United Nations.
• Implications: Raises questions about actual policy actions—such as sanctions or military support—that might follow this rhetorical shift.

Notable Quote:

"It appears to be a 180 degree reversal in Trump's view of the war in Ukraine... Now he says Russia looks like a paper tiger that is in big economic trouble."
– Mara Liasson (00:29)

2. Rising Potential for U.S. Government Shutdown (01:07–01:58)

• Meeting Cancelled: President Trump called off a planned meeting with top Democratic leaders over government funding negotiations.
• Contention: Trump labeled Democratic demands as “unserious and ridiculous”; House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries accused the President of “chickening out.”
• Impasse: House passed a stopgap funding bill, but it failed in the Senate; shutdown could begin by October 1.
• Room for Dialogue: Trump said he’s open to rescheduling if Democrats change their position.

Memorable Moment:

"Jeffrey says the president chickened out."
– Deirdre Walsh (01:17)

3. Return of Jimmy Kimmel Live & Broadcast Controversy (01:58–03:12)

• Show Returns: Jimmy Kimmel Live returns to ABC as some affiliates decline to broadcast after controversy.
• FCC Critique: FCC Chair Brendan Carr praised affiliates for pulling the show over Kimmel’s comments on Charlie Kirk’s alleged assassin.
• Affiliate Decisions: Nextstar, a major broadcaster, seeks assurance of “respectful, constructive dialogue” before resuming; Sinclair stations continue to preempt the show.

Notable Quote:

"Local TV stations, not national programmers, quote, have public interest obligations."
– Brendan Carr, FCC Chair, via Chloe Veltman (02:26)

• Industry Context: Nextstar is awaiting FCC approval for a merger with Tegna, possibly influencing programming decisions.

4. Arizona Special Election & Epstein Files Petition (03:12–03:55)

• Election: Arizona voters select a replacement for the late Congressman Raul Grijalva.
• Front-runner: His daughter, Adelita Grijalva, is favored and, if elected, pledges to support a bipartisan petition for a Congressional vote to release the “Epstein files.”
• Petition Status: The petition is one signature short; she could provide the deciding support.

5. WHO Report: Global High Blood Pressure Crisis (03:55–04:32)

• Scope: Over 1.3 billion worldwide live with uncontrolled high blood pressure.
• Health Impact: Leading contributor to heart attack, stroke, dementia; claims over 10 million lives annually.
• Economic Cost: $3.7 trillion estimated loss since 2020 due to hypertension.
• Global Gap: Many affected people lack access to adequate treatment.

Memorable Quote:

"So the human and economic cost is just immense."
– Leanne Riley, World Health Organization (04:08)

6. Remembering Claudia Cardinale (04:32–04:57)

• Obituary: Italian actress Claudia Cardinale dies at 87.
• Career Highlights: Over 100 films, with iconic roles in “Eight and a Half” and “Once Upon a Time in the West.”
• Early Start: Launched career at 17 after winning a beauty contest in Tunisia.

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• "It appears to be a 180 degree reversal in Trump's view of the war in Ukraine."
  – Mara Liasson (00:29)

• "Jeffrey says the president chickened out."
  – Deirdre Walsh (01:17)

• "Local TV stations, not national programmers, quote, have public interest obligations."
  – FCC Chair Brendan Carr (02:26, via Chloe Veltman)

• "So the human and economic cost is just immense."
  – Leanne Riley, WHO (04:08)

Important Segments & Timestamps

• Trump on Ukraine Reversal – 00:17–01:07
• Government Shutdown Prospects – 01:07–01:58
• Jimmy Kimmel Live Controversy – 01:58–03:12
• Arizona Special Election/Epstein Files – 03:12–03:55
• WHO on Global Hypertension – 03:55–04:32
• Claudia Cardinale Tribute – 04:32–04:57

This episode offers a crisp, informative synthesis of key political stances, media clashes, public health alarms, and cultural farewells—capturing the urgency and complexity of today’s news.