NPR News Now: September 24, 2025, 8AM EDT

Podcast: NPR News Now
Host: Korva Coleman
Date: September 24, 2025
Episode Theme: Top headlines in U.S. and global news, delivered in a concise five-minute update.

Overview

This NPR News Now episode delivers a swift rundown of critical stories from around the globe, including developments at the UN General Assembly, a shift in U.S. policy toward Ukraine, late-night TV controversy, a major trial verdict, new Pentagon changes, misinformation around Tylenol and autism, and updates on NASA’s lunar missions. The tone remains factual, direct, and focused on urgency and clarity.

Key Discussion Points by Segment

1. United Nations General Assembly & Ukraine’s War (00:16–01:36)

• UN General Assembly Update: Speeches and continued meetings, with a high-level climate summit convened by the Secretary-General.
• Ukraine’s Status: President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to address UN delegates.
• Policy Shift by Trump:
  • Trump suggests Ukraine could reclaim all territory if the West keeps up military support, marking a notable departure from his earlier calls for peace through Ukrainian concessions [[00:54], Charles Maines].
  • The Kremlin rejects these suggestions, with spokesperson Dmitry Peskov claiming Trump is "deeply misinformed" and insisting Russia will “press ahead with the war”.
• Internal Russian Analysis: Russian nationalists interpret Trump’s shift as distancing himself from the Ukraine issue after failed attempts at peace with the Kremlin.

Memorable Quote:

“Trump said all Ukraine needed was sustained military support from NATO using weapons sold by the U.S.”
— Charles Maines [00:54]

2. Jimmy Kimmel’s Return to TV & Free Speech Debate (01:36–02:35)

• Context: Jimmy Kimmel, suspended from ABC over remarks following the killing of activist Charlie Kirk, makes his on-air return.
• Kimmel’s Statement: Expresses gratitude for global support (even from ideological opponents) and clarifies he had no intention to mock the tragedy [[02:00], Jimmy Kimmel].
• Reactions:
  • Erica Kirk, widow of Charlie Kirk, is praised for her forgiveness.
  • Trump threatens ABC for rehiring Kimmel; Kimmel responds with humor targeting Trump.
• Wider Concerns: Kimmel notes anxiety about late-night hosts increasingly facing cancellation.

Notable Quotes:

“You understand that it was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man.”
— Jimmy Kimmel [02:00]

“He tried, did his best to cancel me. Instead, he forced millions of people to watch the show. That backfired bigly.”
— Jimmy Kimmel [02:20]

3. Trump Assassination Attempt Trial Verdict (02:35–03:08)

• Verdict: Ryan Ruth found guilty of attempted assassination and four other charges after trying to kill Trump at his Florida golf course.
• Trial Notes: Ruth represented himself; jury deliberated only two hours; he attempted self-harm upon hearing the verdict but was subdued.
• Sentencing: Scheduled for December; Ruth faces life in prison.

Memorable Moment:

“Upon hearing the verdict, Ruth tried to stab himself with a pen before federal marshals quickly subdued him.”
— Greg Allen [02:50]

4. Pentagon Committee on Women in Military Dissolved (03:08–03:56)

• Action: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth dissolves a longstanding Pentagon committee—established in 1951—to advise on women’s issues in the military.
• Reason Cited: The committee was allegedly focused “on a divisive feminist agenda that hurts combat readiness”.
• Recent Focus: Sexual assault prevention and military women’s well-being efforts, per Military Times.

5. Debunking Tylenol–Autism Link Warning (03:56–04:37)

• Context: President Trump warns against Tylenol use in pregnancy, claiming a link to autism.
• Expert Rebuttal: Pediatricians, citing FDA guidance, emphasize there is no evidence of such a risk.
• Analogy Used: Dr. Nicole Baldwin compares misleading correlations (like shark bites and ice cream sales) to underline the difference between causation and coincidence [[04:12], Dr. Nicole Baldwin].

Notable Quote:

“We don't want parents to just tough it out, you know, we want moms to be treated.”
— Dr. Nicole Baldwin [04:12]

6. NASA Artemis Lunar Mission Update (04:37–04:58)

• Update: Artemis 2, NASA’s first crewed lunar flight of the Artemis program, remains on track for launch in 2026, possibly moved up from April to February.
• Objective: Send four astronauts on a moon flyby mission and return.

Notable Quotes with Speakers & Timestamps

• “Trump said all Ukraine needed was sustained military support from NATO using weapons sold by the U.S.”
  — Charles Maines [00:54]
• “You understand that it was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man.”
  — Jimmy Kimmel [02:00]
• “He tried, did his best to cancel me. Instead, he forced millions of people to watch the show. That backfired bigly.”
  — Jimmy Kimmel [02:20]
• “Upon hearing the verdict, Ruth tried to stab himself with a pen before federal marshals quickly subdued him.”
  — Greg Allen [02:50]
• “We don't want parents to just tough it out, you know, we want moms to be treated.”
  — Dr. Nicole Baldwin [04:12]

Key Takeaways

• Ongoing international tensions and swift changes in U.S. policy rhetoric around the Ukraine war were a major focus.
• Free speech and its consequences in American popular culture remain contentious, as seen through Jimmy Kimmel’s controversy.
• The legal process following a high-profile attempted assassination drew strong attention due to courtroom drama.
• The Pentagon’s approach to gender and military readiness is shifting.
• Experts urge caution on unproven links between medications and developmental disorders.
• Space exploration optimism continues with progress on lunar missions.

This episode offers a rapid yet comprehensive update on several of today's prominent news stories, capturing both domestic and international headlines with hallmark NPR clarity and nuance.