NPR News Now – September 26, 2025 (9AM EDT)

Episode Overview

This episode of "NPR News Now," hosted by Korva Coleman, delivers a concise five-minute round-up of the latest global and national headlines as of 9AM EDT on September 26, 2025. Topics include major diplomatic developments involving Israel and Palestine, new U.S. tariffs announced by President Trump, looming government shutdown concerns, inflation news, President Trump's appearance at the Ryder Cup, protests in Madagascar, and severe weather updates in the Philippines and Atlantic Ocean.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Israeli-Palestinian Diplomacy at the United Nations

• Benjamin Netanyahu (Israeli Prime Minister) is expected to criticize Western governments for their recognition of a Palestinian state during his speech at the UN General Assembly.

• President Trump claims to have had productive talks with Arab and Muslim leaders regarding the Gaza conflict and affirms he will not allow Israel to annex parts of the West Bank.

• Regional Diplomacy Highlight: Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan al Saud, joined by other diplomats, underscores Arab and Muslim opposition to Israeli annexation plans, reinforcing the need for U.S. caution.

  Quote [01:03] – Prince Faisal bin Farhan al Saud:
  “And I feel confident that President Trump understood the position of the Arab and Muslim countries, and I think the president and the US Understands very well the risks and dangers of annexation in the West Bank.”

• Outcome: President Trump publicly commits to blocking Israeli annexation efforts in the West Bank.
  (Reporting by Michelle Keleman, NPR)

2. Announcement of New U.S. Tariffs by President Trump

• President Trump introduces a slate of steep new import tariffs, effective October 1:

  • 25% on imported large trucks (to protect U.S. manufacturers like Kenworth and Mack)
  • 50% on kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities
  • 30% on upholstered furniture
  • 100% on branded or patented pharmaceutical products not made in the USA

• Trump describes these measures as necessary for "national security and other reasons."

  (Reporting by Ayanna Archie, NPR)

3. Looming U.S. Government Shutdown

• The government faces a shutdown next week unless Congress resolves its budget impasse.

• Democrats demand reversal of GOP cuts to federal health care programs before compromising on a plan.

• President Trump cancels a meeting with Democrats, claiming it would not be productive.

• Hakeem Jeffries (House Democratic Leader) criticizes the administration’s posture:

  Quote [02:31] – Hakeem Jeffries:
  “We will meet and sit down anytime, any place, with anyone, including the president who canceled the meeting because the Republicans have determined that they want to shut down the government and hurt the American people. That's an unacceptable and irresponsible president.”

• President Trump escalates tensions by threatening to fire some federal workers if Democrats don’t comply.

4. Economic Update: Inflation

• The Federal Reserve’s closely watched inflation gauge rose by 2.7% compared to the previous year.

5. President Trump at the Ryder Cup Golf Tournament

• President Trump becomes the first sitting U.S. president to attend the Ryder Cup, which opens this year in New York.

• The PGA of America, which previously distanced itself from Trump after January 6, 2021, now welcomes him.

• Trump’s affinity for golf is well-known; his courses have hosted major competitions, and international leaders—such as South African President Cyril Ramaphosa—have engaged with golf as diplomatic currency.

  (Reporting by Deepa Shivaram, NPR)

6. Unrest in Madagascar

• Protests erupt in Antananarivo, Madagascar’s capital, over persistent power and water shortages.
• Government responds with an overnight curfew after clashes and incidents of looting in the city.

7. Severe Weather in the Philippines and Atlantic

• Typhoon Boloi: Striking the Philippines just days after Typhoon Ragasa, which caused at least 25 fatalities in the Philippines and Taiwan.
• Atlantic Hurricane Update: Tropical Storm Umberto strengthens into a hurricane, expected to become a major hurricane over the weekend.

Notable Quotes

• Prince Faisal bin Farhan al Saud [01:03]:
  “And I feel confident that President Trump understood the position of the Arab and Muslim countries, and I think the president and the US Understands very well the risks and dangers of annexation in the West Bank.”

• Hakeem Jeffries [02:31]:
  “We will meet and sit down anytime, any place, with anyone, including the president who canceled the meeting because the Republicans have determined that they want to shut down the government and hurt the American people. That's an unacceptable and irresponsible president.”

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:15 – Israel/Palestine/UN General Assembly/Trump’s stance (Michelle Keleman reporting)
• 01:23 – New tariffs announced by President Trump (Ayanna Archie reporting)
• 02:08 – U.S. government shutdown threat and party negotiations (Hakeem Jeffries quote at 02:31)
• 02:52 – Inflation update
• 03:36 – Ryder Cup and Trump’s golf diplomacy (Deepa Shivaram reporting)
• 04:11 – Madagascar protests and curfew
• 04:30 – Philippines typhoons and Atlantic hurricane outlook

Episode Tone

The reporting is direct, fact-driven, and urgent—typical of NPR’s breaking news style—while also highlighting diplomatic nuance, political tension, and global events. The language remains formal but accessible, prioritizing clarity and context for major news developments.

This summary covers all major news stories between the paid sponsorship messages, providing clarity for time-strapped listeners and readers.