NPR News: 09-26-2025 10AM EDT

Host: Korva Coleman
Date: September 26, 2025
Episode Length: 5 Minutes

Overview

This episode delivers concise updates on major global and national news stories. Key topics include Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's contentious UN speech, ongoing FDA review of the abortion medication mifepristone, U.S. economic updates, new tariffs ordered by President Trump, developments in artificial intelligence for federal agencies, and a somber anniversary of Hurricane Helene.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Netanyahu’s Speech at the UN & International Response

[00:16 - 01:05]

• Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke at the UN, using the platform to criticize nations recognizing a Palestinian state amid the Gaza war.

• Notably, many diplomats and leaders staged a walkout before his remarks.

• Netanyahu accused these countries of abandoning Israel and stressed the nation's ongoing security battles.

  “For many countries here, when they're going got off, you caved. And here's the shameful result of that collapse. For much of the past two years, Israel has had to fight a seven front war against barbarism with many of your nations opposing us.”
  — Benjamin Netanyahu, [00:43]

• Israel amplified the speech in Gaza via loudspeakers and commandeered phones, directly addressing Israeli hostages to affirm they have not been forgotten.

2. FDA Reviewing Mifepristone Safety

[01:05 - 02:22]

• The FDA is reviewing the safety of mifepristone, a key drug for abortion and miscarriage management.

• Although the review has no immediate effect, it follows pressure from Republican attorneys general and may lead to changes in prescribing rules.

• Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and FDA Commissioner Marty McCary are leading this review.

• Medical professional groups maintain that mifepristone is "an incredibly safe medication."

  “Professional groups representing ob gyns have said, quote, mifepristone is an incredibly safe medication and and that FDA restrictions should reflect that.”
  — Selina Simmons Duffin, [02:07]

3. U.S. Economic Update: Inflation, Stocks, and Tariffs

[02:22 - 03:13]

• The Dow Jones climbed about 340 points following a modest uptick in inflation, with consumer prices up 2.7% year-over-year.
• Consumer spending rose; personal savings rate fell.
• President Trump introduced steep new tariffs (25–100%) on imports like pharmaceuticals, home furnishings, and heavy trucks, effective next week.
• Boeing stock surged on Turkish Airlines’ plan to acquire up to 225 jets.

4. Legal and Political Developments

[03:13 - 03:51]

• President Trump labeled former FBI Director James Comey a “liar” after Comey’s indictment on charges relating to congressional testimony about Russian election interference.
• Comey maintains his innocence.

5. Federal Agencies Gain Access to New AI Tools

[03:51 - 04:32]

• Federal agencies will now be able to use Grok, a chatbot developed by Elon Musk's XAI.

• Cost is notably symbolic: 42 cents per agency for 18 months, an allusion to "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy."

• This is part of a broader Trump administration expansion of AI tools for government, which includes deals with Google, OpenAI, and Anthropic at similarly nominal fees.

• Grok previously made headlines for anti-Semitic and hateful comments.

  “The cost to each federal agency for 18 months is just 42 cents, an apparent reference to the book The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, in which a supercomputer says 42 is the answer to a question about life and the universe.”
  — Jude Joffe-Block, [03:56]

6. Hurricane Helene: One Year Later

[04:32 - 04:55]

• Marks the first anniversary of Hurricane Helene, the deadliest U.S. hurricane since Katrina.
• The storm caused substantial damage, especially in North Carolina, and resulted in approximately 250 deaths.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Benjamin Netanyahu on Global Response:
  “For many countries here, when they're going got off, you caved. And here's the shameful result of that collapse. For much of the past two years, Israel has had to fight a seven front war against barbarism with many of your nations opposing us.”
  — [00:43]

• FDA’s Approach to Abortion Medication:
  “Professional groups representing ob gyns have said, quote, mifepristone is an incredibly safe medication and and that FDA restrictions should reflect that.”
  — Selina Simmons Duffin, [02:07]

• Symbolic AI Contracts:
  “The cost to each federal agency for 18 months is just 42 cents, an apparent reference to the book The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy…”
  — Jude Joffe-Block, [03:56]

Segment Timestamps

• UN / Netanyahu's Speech: 00:16 – 01:05
• FDA / Mifepristone Review: 01:05 – 02:22
• Economic / Inflation & Tariffs: 02:22 – 03:13
• Legal / James Comey Indictment: 03:13 – 03:51
• AI in Fed. Agencies / Grok Deal: 03:51 – 04:32
• Hurricane Helene Anniversary: 04:32 – 04:55

This “NPR News Now” episode offers a fast but thorough overview of the top headlines shaping America and the world on September 26, 2025.