NPR News Now – September 24, 2025, 4AM EDT

Host: Shea Stevens
Episode Overview:
This episode delivers the latest global and national headlines, including heightened NATO-Russia tensions, President Trump's controversial health comments, the reinstatement of Jimmy Kimmel’s late night show, education developments in Oklahoma, a remembrance of civil rights pioneer Bobby Kane, and political maneuvering ahead of a potential government shutdown.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. NATO's Warning to Russia

[00:19–01:19]

• Background: Recent Russian military activity prompted an urgent NATO meeting.
• Trigger Event: Three Russian fighter jets entered Estonian airspace for twelve minutes last week.
• Key Speakers & Remarks:
  • NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte characterized Russian airspace violations as “either intentional or...blatant incompetence,” expressing that NATO cannot discount either scenario.
    • Quote (Rutte): "Even if it is incompetence, we still have to defend ourselves." [00:45]
  • Poland’s Response: Prime Minister Donald Tusk declared, “the Polish Air Force would shoot down flying objects as and when they violate Polish territory without discussion.”
  • NATO’s Stance: While no immediate threat was assessed in Estonia's case, Rutte emphasized NATO’s readiness to respond proportionally: “NATO allies will act according to the threat level.”
• Reporting: Esme Nicholson summarized the tension from Berlin.

2. Zelenskyy Addresses the UN on Prolonged War

[01:19–01:46]

• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned Russia for perpetuating "the longest war in Europe since World War II," criticizing Moscow’s disregard for international norms.
  • Quote (Zelenskyy): “Russia is using every chance to keep the conflict going. There are no signs that Russia will ever return to the principles of the UN Charter.” [01:21]

3. Global Health Officials Refute Trump’s Tylenol Claim

[01:46–02:25]

• President Trump alleged that acetaminophen (Tylenol) causes autism and hinted at changing FDA guidelines for use during pregnancy.
• International Response:
  • European Medicines Agency & World Health Organization dismissed the claims, affirming Tylenol's safety for pregnant women when used appropriately.
  • Health authorities from the UK, Australia, and Spain criticized Trump’s assertions as “unfounded and dangerous.”
• Summary by Jonathan Lambert: No scientific evidence supports Trump's statements; global health guidance remains unchanged.

4. Jimmy Kimmel’s Return After Suspension

[02:25–02:57]

• Background: Jimmy Kimmel’s show was suspended indefinitely after remarks linked to the murder of Charlie Kirk.
• Kimmel’s Public Statement:
  • Quote (Kimmel): “You understand that it was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man.” [02:36]
  • Audience Reaction: “I don't think there's anything funny about it.” [02:47]
  • Kimmel further clarified: “I posted a message on Instagram of the day he was killed, sending love to his family and asking for compassion. And I meant it, and I still do.” [02:49]
• Show Status: Kimmel thanked supporters, emphasizing free speech and confirming his return on ABC stations.
• Political Response: President Trump incorrectly claimed ABC had canceled the show entirely.

5. Oklahoma Schools Partner with Turning Point USA

[02:57–03:52]

• Initiative: Oklahoma public schools will form chapters of Turning Point USA, a conservative advocacy group co-founded by Charlie Kirk, in every high school.
• Official Justification: State superintendent Ryan Walters accused teachers’ unions of “woke indoctrination” and historical revisionism.
  • Quote (Walters): Teachers unions are “lying about American history.” [03:43]

6. Remembrance: Civil Rights Pioneer Bobby Kane

[03:52–04:36]

• Historical Impact: Bobby Kane, one of the first Black students to integrate a Southern high school, has died at 85.
• Personal Story:
  • Kane integrated Clinton High School in Tennessee in 1956, a year before the Little Rock Nine.
  • Suffered exclusion and violence, including being assaulted at graduation.
  • Later served in the military and in the Tennessee state government.
    • Quote (Mariana Bacall): “Kane didn’t have a choice in being one of the first black students...He would spend his last year of high school unable to play on the football team, unable to go to school dances and, as it turns out, unable to walk at graduation without being assaulted by white classmates.” [03:52]

7. Government Shutdown Talks Collapse

[04:36–04:57]

• Political Development:
  • President Trump canceled a meeting with Democratic leaders originally intended to negotiate health care spending and prevent a government shutdown on October 1st.
    • Quote (Shea Stevens): “The gathering had been billed as a chance to negotiate Democratic demands for health care spending in exchange for supporting legislation that would avert a government shutdown on October 1st.” [04:36]

Notable Quotes by Timestamp

• NATO Official: "Even if it is incompetence, we still have to defend ourselves." [00:45]
• Zelenskyy: "There are no signs that Russia will ever return to the principles of the UN Charter." [01:23]
• Jonathan Lambert, summarizing experts: Trump's comments "unfounded and dangerous." [02:18]
• Jimmy Kimmel: "You understand that it was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man." [02:36]
• Ryan Walters: Teachers unions are “lying about American history.” [03:43]
• Mariana Bacall (about Bobby Kane): "Unable to walk at graduation without being assaulted by white classmates." [03:56]

Episode Flow & Tone

The episode maintains NPR’s journalistic, straightforward style, alternating crisp news summaries with direct quotes and on-the-scene reporting. The focus remains on facts and direct statements from key figures, ensuring clarity and context for listeners seeking the essentials of today’s headlines.

Note: All times approximate based on provided transcript.