Up First – September 24, 2025

Government Shutdown Looms, UNGA: Trump Slams Russia, Jimmy Kimmel Returns

Episode Overview

This episode delivers the three top news stories of the day: a looming government shutdown and failed negotiations in Washington, President Trump’s dramatic shift on Russia at the United Nations General Assembly, and Jimmy Kimmel’s emotional return to late-night television after controversy. The episode unpacks partisan standoffs in Congress, how U.S. foreign policy is fluctuating under Trump, and free speech debates in entertainment.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Looming Government Shutdown

Timestamps: 02:25–06:07

• Negotiations to prevent a government shutdown are stalled.
  • President Trump cancels talks with Democratic leaders.
  • Democrats led by Hakeem Jeffries prioritize health care provisions.
  • Congressional reporter Deirdre Walsh clarifies dynamics.
• Demands: Democrats want to extend Affordable Care Act tax credits and roll back Medicaid changes from a Trump tax bill signed in July.
• Republican Position: Propose a straight extension (continuing resolution) with no extra provisions, which lacks Senate support.
• Standoff Dynamics:
  • Democrats’ “base” is pushing for a hardline on health care.
  • “Denying Republicans the vote they need to advance a bill in the Senate is really the only power they have in the minority.” — Deirdre Walsh (05:28)
  • Both parties are entrenched; Republicans dub it the “Schumer shutdown.”
• Congress is on recess, with another Senate vote on a stopgap bill scheduled for next week.

Notable Quote:
“Our position is not complicated. Cancel the cuts, lower the costs, save health care.”
— Hakeem Jeffries (via Jimmy Kimmel), 02:49

2. Trump Shifts on Russia at the United Nations

Timestamps: 06:15–09:41

• President Trump reverses his stance on Russia, now calling Russia a “paper tiger.”
  • Recommits U.S. weapons support for Ukraine.
  • After meetings with Zelensky and European leaders, adopts a tougher line.
• Zelensky at the U.N.:
  • Calls Putin the obstacle to peace.
  • Criticizes Russia’s use of veto power at the UN Security Council.
• Secretary of State Marco Rubio hints at more sanctions and potential U.S. weapons sales to Ukraine.
• Russia’s response:
  • Putin absent from the UN, sends Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.
• Broader context:
  • Syria addresses the UN General Assembly for the first time since 1967; focus on new Syrian leader Ahmed Al Sharra after the ousting of Bashar al-Assad.

Notable Quotes:
“It could be that Russia is a paper tiger.”
— Steve Inskeep, 00:40

“He called Russia, quote, a paper tiger and says he now believes Ukraine, with European help, can win back all of its territory.”
— Michelle Martin, 06:23

“Russia does this with impunity, using its veto power, buying influence and keeping peace on hold.”
— Volodymyr Zelensky (via Michelle Kellerman), 08:02

3. Jimmy Kimmel Returns After Suspension

Timestamps: 09:41–13:26

• ABC reinstates Jimmy Kimmel a week after his show’s suspension over remarks deemed offensive following the assassination of Charlie Kirk.
• Kimmel delivers an emotional monologue:
  • Thanks ABC, fellow hosts, and supporters, even those like Senator Ted Cruz.
  • Reflects on free speech and American privileges.
• Addresses controversy:
  • States it was never his “intention to make light of the murder of a young man.”
  • Expresses compassion for Kirk’s family and clarifies he did not mean to blame any group for the assassination.
  • Praises the forgiveness shown by Kirk’s widow: “That is an example we should follow.” (11:51)
• Trump responds on social media, claiming Kimmel’s return is good for ratings but threatening ABC with further legal action (“this one sounds even more lucrative”).
• Kimmel makes a pointed joke: “He tried, did his best to cancel me. Instead, he forced millions of people to watch the show. That backfired bigly.” (12:35)
• Kimmel opens his return echoing Jack Paar’s iconic Tonight Show return: “As I was saying before I was interrupted.” (13:20)

Notable Quotes:
“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.”
— Jimmy Kimmel, 11:05

“On Sunday, Erica Kirk forgave the man who shot her husband. She forgave him. That is an example we should follow.”
— Jimmy Kimmel, 11:51

Additional Noteworthy Moments

• Nostalgic TV References:
  • Kimmel’s return mirrors legendary TV history, referencing Jack Paar’s reaction to NBC censorship in 1960.
• Political and Media Interplay:
  • Trump and Kimmel’s social media sparring and the overlap of White House attention to late-night comedy.
• International Turning Points:
  • Possible U.S. escalation of support for Ukraine, emergence of new Syrian leadership at the UN.

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [02:25] Government shutdown debate begins
• [03:02] Deirdre Walsh discusses Congressional negotiations
• [06:15] Trump’s shift on Russia at the UN
• [07:45] Zelensky’s statement at the Security Council
• [09:41] Jimmy Kimmel’s return and controversy
• [11:05] Kimmel’s on-air apology
• [13:20] Kimmel reopens show with Jack Paar reference

Tone & Style

The conversation balances urgency, insight, and a touch of humor, reflecting NPR’s calm yet engaging approach to daily news. The hosts maintain a conversational yet authoritative tone, and moments of levity (especially around late-night TV) break up heavier political analysis.

Conclusion

This episode threads together critical U.S. governance challenges, urgent international developments, and the cultural pulse of the nation—all before 7 a.m. It is especially valuable for listeners seeking a concise yet thorough breakdown of high-stakes stories shaping the day.