NPR News Now — September 24, 2025, 6AM EDT

Host: Korva Coleman
Theme: The top national and world headlines in five minutes

Episode Overview

This episode of NPR News Now delivers rapid-fire updates on significant political, social, and sports developments overnight and early morning. Stories include Jimmy Kimmel’s return to TV after suspension, President Trump's changing position on Ukraine, a historic Arizona election outcome, new MLB game rules, and the passing of Italian film legend Claudia Cardinale.

Key Discussion Points & Timestamps

1. Jimmy Kimmel Returns to Air After Suspension

[00:14–01:17]

• Context:
  • Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel returned to his ABC show after a brief suspension.
  • The suspension followed backlash from Trump administration officials regarding Kimmel’s comments on the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
• Kimmel's Response:
  • Addressed the controversy directly in his monologue.
  • Quote:
    • “You understand that it was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man. I don't think there's anything funny about it. 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.”
      — Jimmy Kimmel [00:37]
• Free Speech Debate:
  • Kimmel defended free speech, criticizing the FCC chair’s suggestion of punishment.
  • Thanked Republicans for defending his right to speak, even if they disagreed with him.
• Political Response:
  • President Trump criticized both Kimmel and ABC, warning of possible legal action over Kimmel’s return.

2. UN General Assembly & Climate Summit

[01:17–02:19]

• UN Activities:
  • Ongoing general debate at the UN General Assembly.
  • Key side meetings and a climate change summit hosted by the UN Secretary-General.
• Trump’s New Position on Ukraine:
  • Report by Mara Liasson:
    • Trump’s stance on Ukraine has shifted dramatically.
    • After a meeting with Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy, Trump posted that Ukraine, supported by EU and NATO, could win back all its Russian-occupied territory.
    • Previous Position: Trump had supported a peace deal allowing Russia to retain some seized land.
    • New Tone: “Now he says Russia looks like a paper tiger that is in big economic trouble.” — Mara Liasson [01:59]
    • Uncertainty remains on whether Trump will increase sanctions or provide more arms to Ukraine.

3. Historic Arizona Special Election

[02:19–03:12]

• Election Results:
  • Adelita Grijalva, daughter of late Congressman Raul Grijalva, wins a special election in Arizona’s southern border district.
• Significance:
  • Quote (Adelita Grijalva addressing supporters):
    • “A last name alone doesn't earn you the trust from the community service does. And my dad's legacy is one of service to Southern Arizona.”
      — Adelita Grijalva [02:42]
  • Becomes the first Latina to represent Arizona in Congress.
  • Her victory narrows the Republican House majority as a government shutdown looms.
  • Plans to sign a discharge petition to force a vote releasing the Epstein files.

4. Severe Weather & Community Impacts

[03:12–03:56]

• Texas Camp Flood Recovery:
  • Camp Mystic, devastated by summer floods (27 fatalities, mostly girls), will reopen next year.
• Oklahoma Wind Damage:
  • Straight-line winds tore the roof off a hospital in Sallisaw, Oklahoma; no injuries reported.

5. MLB Adopts Automated Ball/Strike Challenges

[03:56–04:33]

• New Rule Implementation:
  • MLB to introduce a challenge system for balls and strikes next season.
• System Details:
  • Each team: two challenges per game (retain challenge if successful)
  • Only pitcher, catcher, or batter may challenge—signal by tapping top of the head
  • Automated review system will provide immediate, on-screen rulings
• Testing History & Success Rates:
  • Trialed during minor league games, spring training, and the All-Star Game.
  • Four challenges per game on average during trials; slightly over 50% success rate.
  • Catchers have the best batting average on challenges; pitchers, the worst.
  • Quote:
    • “Catchers were the best at challenging. Pitchers were the worst.” — Becky Sullivan [04:26]

6. Obituary: Claudia Cardinale

[04:33–04:57]

• Death Announcement:
  • Famed Italian actress Claudia Cardinale has died in France at 87.
• Career & Legacy:
  • Over 100 film credits, notable for 8½ and The Leopard.
  • Served as a UN Goodwill ambassador for women's rights.

Notable Quotes

• Jimmy Kimmel on Charlie Kirk controversy:
  “[...] it was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man. I don't think there's anything funny about it. [...] I meant it and I still do.”
  — Jimmy Kimmel [00:37]

• Mara Liasson on Trump’s Ukraine shift:
  “Now he says Russia looks like a paper tiger that is in big economic trouble.”
  — Mara Liasson [01:59]

• Adelita Grijalva on her father’s legacy:
  “A last name alone doesn't earn you the trust from the community service does. And my dad's legacy is one of service to Southern Arizona.”
  — Adelita Grijalva [02:42]

• Becky Sullivan on MLB’s testing:
  “Catchers were the best at challenging. Pitchers were the worst.”
  — Becky Sullivan [04:26]

Episode Flow & Tone

The coverage is brisk, sober, and informative—matching NPR News Now’s signature style. Key voices (correspondents and newsmakers) are given space to clarify context or defend their actions, while the host, Korva Coleman, efficiently transitions between stories.

End of summary.