NPR News Now — September 24, 2025, 1PM EDT

Overview

This fast-paced episode of NPR News Now delivers a comprehensive update on significant national and global news. It covers a targeted shooting at a Dallas ICE facility, developments at the UN General Assembly including remarks from President Zelensky, major business headlines with Alibaba’s AI investment, the latest on U.S. monetary policy, a lawsuit stemming from a devastating air collision, and policy changes at YouTube around misinformation.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Targeted Shooting at Dallas ICE Facility

[00:17–01:13]

• The FBI is investigating a deadly attack at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Dallas, TX, treating it as an act of targeted violence.
• Three people were shot, one fatally. The assailant was found dead with a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
• Correspondent Caroline Love (KERA) draws a connection to a similar attack on July 4 in Alvarado, TX.
  • At least 17 people have been charged in connection with that earlier event.
  • A local police officer was seriously injured but recovered.
  • Federal agents were targets, and several individuals now face attempted murder charges.

Notable Quote:

“There was a shooting late night on July 4th in Alvarado at a detention facility there… several people, at least 17 people so far, have been charged…”
— Caroline Love [00:42]

2. Zelensky Addresses UN General Assembly

[01:13–02:10]

• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky voices frustration at the UN’s inability to halt Russian aggression or resolve major global conflicts.
• Zelensky emphasizes Ukraine’s dependence on international allies and weapons for security.
• Ukraine has developed and is ready to export advanced, “battle tested” drones, a necessity in lieu of traditional military might.
• Zelensky reported a positive discussion with President Trump during the assembly, with Trump later dismissing Russia as a “paper tiger.”

Notable Quotes:

"Ukraine doesn't have the big fat missiles dictators love to show off in parades, but we do have drones that can fly up to 2,3000 km. We had no choice but to build them."
— Ukrainian official/reporter, paraphrasing Zelensky [01:40]

3. Alibaba Expands into Artificial Intelligence

[02:10–03:01]

• Chinese e-commerce leader Alibaba announces a robust partnership with AI chipmaker Nvidia.
• Plans are in place to allocate more than $50 billion in AI investments as Alibaba expands its global data center operations.
• Investors have reacted positively, with Alibaba shares surging.
• In economic news, Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell signals a cautious approach to further interest rate cuts after the recent decrease, balancing inflation concerns and the risk of weakening job growth. An inflation update is expected later in the week from the Commerce Department.

Notable Quotes:

“Stock in Alibaba jumped sharply after the e commerce company announced a new partnership with AI chipmaker Nvidia.”
— Scott Horsley [02:20]

“Powell told a business group in Rhode Island the Fed is trying to guard against a softening job market while also battling stubborn inflation.”
— Scott Horsley [02:44]

4. Lawsuit Over Reagan National Airport Mid-Air Collision

[03:01–03:41]

• A family member of one of the 67 victims from a January 29th mid-air collision outside Washington, D.C., has filed suit against the U.S. government, the FAA, the Army, American Airlines, and PSA Airlines.
• Federal investigations reveal the Army helicopter involved was flying above authorized altitude at the time of collision with a regional jet.

5. YouTube’s Reversal on Misinformation Bans

[03:41–04:50]

• YouTube will reinstate some previously banned accounts, including figures like Steve Bannon, RFK Jr. (now Secretary of Health and Human Services), and Dan Bongino (now FBI deputy director).
• The move is part of a broader retreat from aggressive misinformation policies as sought by the Trump administration.
• A Google lawyer stated YouTube values conservative voices and is adjusting its platform rules accordingly.

Notable Quotes:

“Those who are kicked off YouTube will soon have a way to come back… Google says it has retired a number of rules that had cracked down on YouTube channels that pushed Covid and election misinformation.”
— Bobby Allen [04:10]

“The Google lawyer wrote to the Judiciary Committee that YouTube values conservative voices on its platform.”
— Bobby Allen [04:41]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Dallas ICE Facility Shooting: [00:17–01:13]
• Zelensky’s UN Address: [01:13–02:10]
• Alibaba’s AI Investment & Fed Policy: [02:10–03:01]
• Reagan National Mid-Air Collision Lawsuit: [03:01–03:41]
• YouTube Policy Shift on Misinformation: [03:41–04:50]

Memorable Moments

• Zelensky’s blunt statement about Ukraine’s reliance on allies and weapons and the country’s pivot to drone warfare highlights the continued impact of the conflict on global security discourse.
• The decision by YouTube to reverse misinformation bans signals a shifting landscape in tech policy, coinciding with changes in U.S. administration.

For listeners, this five-minute news summary efficiently outlines the key stories shaping national and international conversation on September 24, 2025.