NPR News Now – September 23, 2025, 9PM EDT

Host: Ryland Barton
Date: September 24, 2025
Duration: ~5 minutes

Episode Overview

This concise episode delivers key national and international news updates. Stories include President Trump’s address at the UN General Assembly, escalating tensions around Iran’s nuclear program, confusion over Tylenol and autism claims, education grant cancellations tied to diversity policies, and a surge in drug-resistant bacterial infections. The episode features strong reporting, direct quotes from newsmakers, and expert insight on pressing issues.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. President Trump at the UN General Assembly

[00:19–01:39]

• Trump Criticizes the UN:

  • President Trump described the United Nations as falling short of its potential and criticized other nations’ immigration policies.
  • Quote – President Trump [00:36]:
    “The UN has such tremendous potential, I’ve always said has such tremendous, tremendous potential, but it’s not even coming close to living up to that potential.”
  • He boasted about American business success and warned that some countries were “going to hell” due to immigration.

• Diplomatic Isolation:

  • The U.S. faces growing isolation at the UN as nations like the U.K., France, and Canada push for formal recognition of a Palestinian state—a move Trump opposes.

• Security Measures:

  • A massive illegal telecom network (SIM card farm) was dismantled by the Secret Service in New York as world leaders gathered, preventing potential chaos and disruption.

2. Iran’s Nuclear Program and International Diplomacy

[01:39–02:22]

• Iran Refuses Direct Talks With the US:
  • Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, publicly rejected direct negotiations with the U.S., citing broken promises and past aggression.
  • Quote – Ayatollah Ali Khamenei [Paraphrased by Jackie Northam]:
    Iran “would not surrender to pressure about uranium enrichment and that Iran neither wanted nor had nuclear weapons.”
  • Iranian officials met with European diplomats (Germany, France, U.K.) in efforts to avoid more sanctions; U.S. sanctions are likely to resume soon.

3. Tylenol and Autism: Misinformation and Medical Guidance

[02:22–03:14]

• Rebutting Misinformation:
  • President Trump’s comments on Tylenol and autism have caused uncertainty. Expert sources state there is no evidence linking Tylenol use in pregnancy to autism.
  • Quote – Dr. Nicole Baldwin [02:47]:
    “We don’t want parents to just tough it out, you know, we want moms to be treated.”
  • Correlation does not mean causation—used a memorable analogy comparing shark attacks and ice cream consumption in summer.
  • Quote – Allison Aubrey [02:52]:
    “Both shark bites and eating ice cream increase in summer, but that doesn’t mean that one causes the other.”

4. Education: GEAR UP Grants Canceled Over DEI Policies

[03:14–04:24]

• Federal Grant Cancellations:
  • The Department of Education has canceled nine GEAR UP college prep grants, affecting ~$170 million for 220 schools, due to conflicts with diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) focus.
  • Quote – Winter Mason, Counselor [03:53]:
    “Those students see you every day and they believed in you and you built that relationship with them. So it’s just an amazing feeling to have and we don’t want that to be removed.”
  • Largest impact in Cleveland and Akron, with additional cancellations in New Hampshire, Indiana, and California; most GEAR UP grants, however, continue.

5. Drug Resistant Bacteria: Alarming Rise

[04:24–04:59]

• Sharp Increase in Infection Rates:
  • CDC scientists report a 70% rise in infections from drug-resistant bacteria between 2019 and 2023.
  • Carriers often go unrecognized, increasing risk of community spread.
  • Doctors are concerned that previously routine infections, such as UTIs, could become persistent and far harder to treat.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• President Trump [00:36]: “The UN has such tremendous potential... but it’s not even coming close to living up to that potential.”
• Dr. Nicole Baldwin [02:47]: “We don’t want parents to just tough it out, you know, we want moms to be treated.”
• Allison Aubrey [02:52]: “Both shark bites and eating ice cream increase in summer, but that doesn’t mean that one causes the other.”
• Winter Mason [03:53]: “Those students see you every day and they believed in you and you built that relationship with them. So it’s just an amazing feeling to have and we don’t want that to be removed.”

Timestamps for Important Segments

• President Trump at UN / UN General Assembly: 00:19 – 01:39
• Iran Nuclear Program & Diplomacy: 01:39 – 02:22
• Tylenol, Autism & Medical Expertise: 02:22 – 03:14
• Education Grant Cancellations (GEAR UP): 03:14 – 04:24
• Drug Resistant Bacteria Surge: 04:24 – 04:59

This episode provides a rapid yet substantive sweep of major news stories with clarity and direct commentary from experts and primary figures, fitting NPR’s informative and balanced style.