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NPR News: 09-20-2026 2PM EDT

Sep 20, 2026 · 4m

Summary

NPR News Now covers Saudi Arabia’s interception of a Houthi ballistic missile targeting Riyadh, marking a significant escalation in the Yemen conflict. The broadcast also details President Trump’s appointment of a new AI czar and upcoming U.S.-China talks on artificial intelligence regulation amid growing global pressure. Additionally, the episode reports on Ed Sheeran addressing the removal of Macklemore from his tour following pro-Palestinian comments, and concludes with a lighthearted story about an injured pelican seeking help at a NOAA lab in Florida.

Topics discussed

Houthi missile attack on Riyadh and Yemen war escalation Trump appoints new AI czar amid regulation debate AI focus at UN General Assembly and US-China tensions US, Greenland, and Denmark agreement expected at UN Ed Sheeran addresses Macklemore removal from tour Injured pelican knocks on NOAA lab door for help Promo for On This American Life podcast
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