NPR News Now — September 12, 2025, 8PM EDT

Episode Overview
This episode delivers a concise roundup of top national and international news stories, including reactions to the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, a United Nations statement on the Israeli strike on Qatar, new federal COVID-19 vaccine eligibility, the Brazilian Supreme Court’s sentencing of former President Bolsonaro, and the media fallout from Kirk’s assassination. The tone is factual and balanced, with direct quotes from politicians, officials, and affected individuals.

Key Stories & Insights

1. Reactions to the Death of Charlie Kirk

Reported by Elena Moore

• Charlie Kirk, a far-right activist and head of Turning Point USA, was fatally shot at a Utah Valley University event. He was 31 years old ([00:20]).
• Kirk was influential among young conservatives, inspiring many to enter politics.
• Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL), a former Turning Point USA staffer, credits him for her political career:

  "I am in office and owe my political career to Charlie Kirk. I wish that he was around so that he could help rise up others like me." — Anna Paulina Luna [01:04]

• Despite criticism, Kirk was celebrated within the MAGA movement. Followers are calling for his legacy to galvanize more youth political engagement ([01:13]).

2. UN Condemnation of Israeli Strike on Qatar

Reported by Michelle Kellerman

• The UN Security Council condemned the recent Israeli strike on Qatar but did not specifically mention Israel in its press release ([01:25]).
• Rosemary DeCarlo, top UN official, stated:

  "The Israeli strike on Qatar shocked the world." — Rosemary DeCarlo [01:40]

• US Ambassador Dorothy Shea acknowledged Qatar's peace efforts, denounced the bombing, but emphasized the need for Hamas to release hostages:

  "It was an alarming escalation, especially since it targeted individuals... discussing the latest US Proposal for a ceasefire and hostage release deal in Gaza." — Dorothy Shea [01:45] "[Qatar] has been working very hard and very bravely to broker peace, and... the unilateral bombing does not advance Israeli or US Goals." — paraphrased, Shea [01:59]

3. New Federal COVID-19 Vaccine Restrictions

Reported by Rob Stein

• Changes to federal guidelines now restrict eligibility for updated COVID-19 vaccines ([02:22]).
  • Those 65+ or with a risk factor can self-attest and receive the vaccine.
  • Others without risk factors or a prescription may be refused, leading to confusion and frustration.
• Jason Mitten, a healthy 55-year-old, recounted being denied a vaccine:

  "I think it's ridiculous, honestly. I think it should be a person's right to choose to get the vaccine or not. Yeah, I'm angry about it." — Jason Mitten [02:59]

• A federal advisory committee is set to review and possibly expand recommendations ([03:05]).

4. Brazilian Supreme Court Sentences Former President Bolsonaro

Reported by Dan Ronan

• Brazil’s top court convicted Jair Bolsonaro of attempting a coup following his 2022 electoral defeat ([03:16]).
  • Sentence: 27 years, 3 months in prison.
  • Bolsonaro proclaims innocence and plans to appeal.
• Reaction:
  • US imposed 50% tariffs on Brazilian goods as a result.
  • US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the verdict "a witch hunt."
  • President Trump expressed strong disapproval of Bolsonaro's prosecution.

5. Media Fallout from Charlie Kirk's Assassination: South Park Response

Reported by Andrew Limbong

• Paramount has pulled a recent South Park episode parodying Kirk ("Got a Nut") from its broadcast rotation ([04:11]).
• Cartman in the episode emulates Kirk as an online debater:

  "I have my arguments down rock solid. These young college girls are totally unprepared. So I can just destroy them and also edit out all the ones that actually argue back." — Cartman (in parody of Kirk) [04:24]

• Kirk, in a previously recorded segment, reacted with humor:

  "I personally, I think a lot of it was hilarious towards me. I think a lot of go through. I gotta be honest, some of it was very funny." — Charlie Kirk [04:36]

• The episode remains available on-demand ([04:44]).

6. Markets Update

Reported by Dan Ronan

• The Dow, NASDAQ, and S&P all closed strongly higher ([04:50]).

Notable Quotes

• Anna Paulina Luna on Kirk's Influence (01:04)

  "I am in office and owe my political career to Charlie Kirk. I wish that he was around so that he could help rise up others like me."

• Rosemary DeCarlo (UN Official) on Qatar Attack (01:40)

  "The Israeli strike on Qatar shocked the world."

• Jason Mitten on COVID Vaccine Restrictions (02:59)

  "I think it should be a person's right to choose to get the vaccine or not. Yeah, I'm angry about it."

• Cartman (South Park Parody) (04:24)

  "I have my arguments down rock solid... I can just destroy them and also edit out all the ones that actually argue back."

• Charlie Kirk Responds to Parody (04:36)

  "I think a lot of it was hilarious towards me... Some of it was very funny."

Timestamps of Key Segments

• [00:20] Charlie Kirk's death and legacy
• [01:25] UN response to Israeli strike on Qatar
• [02:22] Federal COVID-19 vaccine restrictions and public reaction
• [03:16] Brazilian Supreme Court's sentencing of Bolsonaro
• [04:11] South Park and media response to Kirk’s assassination
• [04:50] Stock market update

This episode offers a rapid-fire, comprehensive update on the major news events of the day, blending official statements, personal reactions, and the broader political and cultural context.