A national morning news brief covers several topics, including the suspension of TV host Jimmy Kimmel, upcoming vaccine recommendations from a CDC advisory panel, and a statement from former President Donald Trump about labeling antifa as a terrorist organization.
Key Facts
Jimmy Kimmel, a television host, has been suspended.
The CDC’s advisory panel will vote on new vaccine recommendations soon.
Former President Donald Trump advocates for labeling antifa as a terrorist group.
This information is part of a morning news update.
The update was shared by news hosts Leila Fadel and Steve Inskeep.
The governor of Texas has called for students to be punished after at least two were expelled from Texas universities for mocking Charlie Kirk's death. This has sparked discussions about free speech in schools.
Key Facts
Texas Governor Greg Abbott wants students punished for mocking Charlie Kirk's death.
At least two college students have been expelled from universities in Texas.
The expulsions were influenced by Governor Abbott's urging.
The situation has led to debates about the limits of free speech in educational settings.
Charlie Kirk was a public figure involved in conservative politics.
The actions taken by the universities are being questioned by some people who are concerned about free speech rights.
At Four Mile Correctional Facility in Colorado, inmates are being taught how to train wild horses. This program helps the inmates learn new skills while providing training for the horses.
Key Facts
The program takes place at Four Mile Correctional Facility in Colorado.
Inmates learn to train wild horses.
Justin Leonard and Matthew Kurvink, inmates serving time for armed robbery, participate in the program.
The program offers skills development for inmates.
The process involves training wild horses, which helps prepare the animals for adoption.
President Trump announced his plan to label antifa as a "major terrorist organization." Details on how this designation would be implemented are not clear.
Key Facts
President Trump wants to designate antifa as a "terrorist organization."
Antifa stands for "anti-fascist" and refers to a movement with no central organization.
The announcement was made on September 19, 2025.
The method to classify antifa in this way is not specified.
The announcement could have significant effects, although it is not clear what they will be.
President Trump has expressed a desire to classify antifa as a terrorist organization. NPR conducted an interview with Hina Shamsi from the ACLU to discuss the effects of such a designation.
Key Facts
President Trump wants to label antifa, a protest movement, as a terrorist group.
Antifa is short for "anti-fascist," and it involves activists opposing far-right ideologies.
The ACLU is concerned about the implications for freedom of speech and legal issues.
Designating a domestic group as a terrorist organization is unprecedented in the U.S.
Such a designation could impact the rights of individuals and groups to protest.
NPR featured this topic in a segment with input from a legal expert, Hina Shamsi.
Two friends in Nashville, Tennessee, have created a strong bond by acting as "second moms" to each other's children, sharing care and support. Their friendship, which focuses on mutual trust and love for each other's kids, struck a chord with viewers, gaining over 8 million views on Instagram. Many people responded emotionally to their story, appreciating the idea of a chosen and supportive family.
Key Facts
Alexa Anglin and Natalie Kennedy are close friends from Nashville, Tennessee.
Anglin has three sons, and Kennedy has two daughters.
They refer to each other as "second moms" to each other's children.
Anglin posted a video showing Kennedy playing with her sons and herself braiding Kennedy's daughter's hair.
The video went viral on Instagram with over 8 million views.
The friends focus on consistency, love, and mutual trust in raising their children together.
Their bond has deepened their friendship into a family-like relationship.
Many people online expressed emotional reactions to their friendship and approach to family.
David Jolly, a candidate for governor in Florida, is proposing that the state take over natural disaster insurance, like hurricane coverage, from private companies. He believes this plan could lower home insurance costs for residents. Florida has faced issues with rising insurance premiums and losing private insurers due to frequent natural disasters.
Key Facts
David Jolly is running for governor of Florida in the 2026 election.
Jolly proposes that the state manages insurance for natural disasters, such as hurricanes.
This proposal aims to reduce home insurance premiums by up to 60%.
Florida's private insurance market has struggled with rising costs and companies leaving.
The state has dealt with increased natural disaster costs, partly due to more severe weather events.
Recent storms have cost Florida billions, with disasters in the past year alone amounting to $11 billion.
Jolly previously served as a congressman for Florida's 13th District from 2014 to 2017.
Jolly switched from the Republican Party to become a Democrat and is now running against Republican Byron Donalds, who is currently ahead in polls.
Former U.S. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta said President Donald Trump is harming his chances of winning the Nobel Peace Prize. Trump has claimed he settled several international conflicts, but there's debate about the legality and effectiveness of these actions. Some supports, including Israel's Prime Minister, have nominated Trump for the prize, while others have withdrawn their support.
Key Facts
Leon Panetta, former U.S. Secretary of Defense, believes Trump's actions reduce his chances of winning the Nobel Peace Prize.
Trump has expressed interest in winning this global peace award.
Critics question the legality of some military actions Trump's administration has taken.
Trump claims to have resolved several international conflicts, but experts say some issues remain unresolved.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu nominated Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize.
Some Republican lawmakers and Pakistan's government have also supported Trump’s nomination.
A Ukrainian official retracted his nomination, doubting Trump's ability to secure peace in eastern Europe.
Trump has stated he could quickly end the war in Ukraine, but lasting solutions haven't been found.
The U.S. Department of Defense has denied a report claiming it would start a recruiting campaign to honor Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist. The report, initially shared by NBC, was refuted by a Pentagon spokesperson, who stated the claims were false.
Key Facts
The Defense Department denied planning a recruiting drive related to Charlie Kirk.
Charlie Kirk was a conservative activist who was recently killed at a university event in Utah.
NBC first reported the news, but the Pentagon quickly refuted it through a Fox News report.
The report suggested the military might work with Kirk's organization, Turning Point USA.
Turning Point USA is credited with aiding U.S. President Donald Trump's election win.
The Pentagon's Press Secretary called the NBC report "100 percent wrong."
Some Pentagon officials reportedly resisted the alleged recruitment plan.
Erika Kirk, Charlie Kirk's wife, will take over leadership of Turning Point USA.
Jimmy Kimmel's late-night show was suspended by ABC after controversial comments about Charlie Kirk's assassination. Jimmy Fallon reacted on his show, expressing surprise at the suspension and support for Kimmel. ABC stated it paused the show to address concerns about Kimmel's comments being offensive during sensitive times.
Key Facts
ABC suspended "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" indefinitely on September 17.
The suspension came after Kimmel's remarks about the murder of Charlie Kirk.
Jimmy Fallon expressed surprise and support for Kimmel on "The Tonight Show."
The FCC and public response were factors in the suspension decision.
Andrew Alford from Nexstar called Kimmel's comments offensive and not reflective of diverse community values.
The decision to suspend the show aims to foster respectful and constructive dialogue.
This incident is part of ongoing discussions about sensitivity in national political conversations.
A man named Matthew Ruth shot and killed three police officers in Pennsylvania. The officers were trying to arrest him at a farmhouse for stalking and other charges. Ruth was shot and killed in the gunfight that followed.
Key Facts
Matthew Ruth was suspected of stalking his ex-girlfriend.
Police tried to arrest Ruth at a farmhouse in North Codorus Township, Pennsylvania.
Ruth fired at the officers with an assault-style rifle.
Three police officers died from their injuries.
Two other officers were injured in the shootout.
Ruth's ex-girlfriend reported feeling threatened by him, suspecting he set her truck on fire and watched her home.
The alleged incident occurred about 115 miles west of Philadelphia.
Ruth was killed during the confrontation with police.
Disney-owned ABC indefinitely suspended Jimmy Kimmel's talk show following his comments about conservative activist Charlie Kirk. President Donald Trump expressed approval of this suspension and suggested broadcaster licenses could be revoked over negative coverage, though federal law prohibits this. Amid this, Democrats proposed a bill to protect free speech rights and prevent government retaliation.
Key Facts
Disney-owned ABC suspended Jimmy Kimmel's show after comments he made about activist Charlie Kirk.
President Trump criticized Kimmel and suggested broadcaster licenses could be revoked for negative content against him.
Federal law does not allow the FCC to revoke broadcaster licenses based on content disliked by the government.
FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr suggested Disney's license was at risk after Kimmel’s remarks, but this is legally unsupported.
The Democratic Party introduced the "No Political Enemies Act" to protect free speech and prevent government retaliation.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called for Brendan Carr’s resignation from the FCC.
Trump’s actions against media figures and organizations are part of an ongoing pattern of lawsuits and statements.
Former President Barack Obama emphasized the importance of free speech in response to ABC suspending "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" after a controversy involving comments about a fatal shooting. Obama shared thoughts on free speech, referencing historical and legal perspectives, and highlighted its central role in democracy.
Key Facts
ABC suspended "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" following comments related to a fatal shooting.
Barack Obama responded by calling for the protection of free speech.
Obama shared an article by David French, who has defended conservative writers' rights to free speech.
Obama also shared an 1860 essay by Frederick Douglass about freedom of speech.
Jimmy Kimmel's comments involved the suspect of Charlie Kirk's shooting and the political reaction to it.
The story is still developing and more updates are expected.
An autopsy by Mississippi's state medical examiner determined that a Black student found hanging at Delta State University died by suicide. The Cleveland police confirmed the findings, which matched earlier examinations. However, the student's family seeks further investigations and has asked for additional video evidence.
Key Facts
The student was found hanging at Delta State University in Cleveland, Mississippi.
The Mississippi state medical examiner ruled the death as a suicide.
Cleveland police announced the autopsy findings and said there was no foul play.
The student's death sparked strong emotions due to Mississippi's history with racial violence.
The student's family and their lawyers have requested an independent autopsy.
Civil rights attorney Ben Crump is leading an independent investigation.
Cleveland police are still looking into the case and sharing information with the FBI.
U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson had called for an FBI investigation.
A medical examiner in Mississippi determined that Trey Reed, a student at Delta State University, died by suicide. Reed's family has requested an independent autopsy and more information from the police. The case is still under investigation.
Key Facts
Trey Reed, a student, was found dead at Delta State University in Mississippi.
The state medical examiner ruled his death a suicide.
A preliminary examination also found no signs of foul play.
Reed's death sparked strong emotions due to the state's history of racial violence.
Reed's family and lawyers want an independent autopsy and access to video evidence.
Brendan Carr, the chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), is taking action that aligns with President Donald Trump's administration against media outlets they perceive as biased. This includes challenging TV networks over their content and suggesting changes in how tech companies handle news. Following these actions, media personalities like Jimmy Kimmel have faced suspensions, which has sparked ongoing debates about media freedom under the Trump administration.
Key Facts
Brendan Carr is the chairman of the FCC, which oversees radio, TV, and satellite communications in the U.S.
Carr has threatened to take action against media companies if they do not alter content seen as biased.
Jimmy Kimmel was suspended by ABC after comments following Charlie Kirk's murder, which some saw as critical of Trump supporters.
The Trump administration has filed lawsuits against several news outlets, claiming biased coverage.
Congress reduced funding for NPR and PBS after pressure from the Trump administration.
Tech companies like Apple and Google have been asked by Carr to disclose how they rank news stories.
The suspension of Kimmel's show has led to broader debates about media freedom and political pressure.
Brendan Carr and the Trump administration suggest that certain TV networks should lose their licenses if they cover Trump negatively.
A man in Nebraska, USA, narrowly escaped being hit by a car that crashed into a petrol station. The car was speeding at 65mph in a 40mph zone, and both the man and the driver only suffered minor injuries. The driver will face charges for reckless driving, lack of insurance, and expired registration.
Key Facts
The incident occurred in Nebraska, USA.
The car was traveling at 65mph, which is over the speed limit of 40mph.
A man narrowly avoided being hit by this car in a petrol station crash.
Both the driver and the pedestrian received only minor injuries.
Local authorities will charge the driver with reckless driving.
The driver also lacks proof of insurance and has an expired vehicle registration.
Reform UK, the new party managing Lancashire County Council, is working to identify financial savings. They are facing challenges like high demand for services and limited funding. The council is trying to find ways to cut costs through efficiency reviews and innovation.
Key Facts
Reform UK took control of Lancashire County Council after May's local elections.
The council needs to save over £100 million in the next two years.
Reform UK's Department of Government Efficiency, modeled after efforts in the US, aims to cut costs.
The council has a current overspend of about £28 million.
Challenges include high demand for services like adult social care and children's services.
The council is conducting its own budget efficiency review.
A new fleet of mini-buses is expected to help reduce costs in school transport.
Government promised reforms to support children with special educational needs and disabilities.
The article discusses reactions from Republican senators to comments made by FCC chair Brendan Carr about firing Jimmy Kimmel. While Democrats criticized Carr's comments, Republicans were hesitant to directly criticize and instead focused on private companies' decisions.
Key Facts
FCC chair Brendan Carr suggested broadcasting companies should drop Jimmy Kimmel after his comments about Charlie Kirk.
Democrats believe this is an attack on free speech and have called for Carr's resignation.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries criticized Carr for pressuring ABC.
Republican senators avoided direct criticism of Carr and focused on company decisions.
Some Republicans, like Sen. Rand Paul, emphasized that the government shouldn’t regulate speech.
The situation reflects larger debates over free speech and government influence.
Former Vice President Kamala Harris shared details about her phone call with former President Donald Trump after she conceded the 2024 presidential election. Harris also discussed her choice of running mate in her new memoir, explaining why she did not pick former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.
Key Facts
Kamala Harris lost the 2024 presidential election and called Donald Trump to concede.
In her memoir, Harris describes the phone call with Trump and the political strategies during her campaign.
Trump reportedly praised Harris during the call and corrected his past mispronunciation of her name.
Harris decided against choosing Pete Buttigieg as a running mate due to concerns about voter acceptance of a ticket with a Black woman and a gay man.
Harris' book includes her thoughts on campaign strategies and coalition building.
This news follows Joe Biden stepping down, leading Harris to top the Democratic ticket.
