NPR News Now: 09-15-2025 6PM EDT

Episode Overview

This five-minute update delivers the latest national and international headlines, including key actions from the White House regarding crime and federal deployments, a tribute to the late Charlie Kirk, developments in U.S.–China tech and trade relations, labor negotiations affecting public transit, a lawsuit involving the Justice Department, and a fact check on the health trend of topical magnesium.

Key News Segments & Insights

1. Federal Crackdown on Crime in Memphis

[00:23–01:23]

• President Trump signed a proclamation establishing the "Memphis Safe Task Force," deploying National Guard and federal agents to Memphis, referencing prior similar actions in Washington D.C.
• Memphis Context:
  • City is majority Black.
  • Memphis Police report decreased crime across major categories this year.
  • The Democratic mayor publicly noted he had not requested National Guard assistance.
• Political Tensions:
  • The deployment follows an apparent divide: Tennessee’s Republican Governor Bill Lee supported the move, while the Democratic city leadership did not.

Notable Quote:

"Trump called the deployment to Memphis of National Guard and federal law enforcement officers a replica of his crackdown in Washington, D.C."
— Jael Snyder [00:51]

2. Vice President J.D. Vance Pays Tribute to Charlie Kirk

[01:23–02:10]

• Following the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, Vice President J.D. Vance guest-hosted The Charlie Kirk Show.
• Vance credited Kirk for:
  • Championing his 2022 Senate campaign.
  • Pushing for his VP selection in Trump's campaign.
• The podcast episode combined tribute with a political statement, including a commitment to target groups deemed responsible for violence.

Notable Quotes:

"If it weren't for Charlie Kirk, I would not be the vice president United States."
— J.D. Vance [01:32]

"We're going to go after the NGO network that foments, facilitates and engages in violence. That's not okay."
— J.D. Vance [01:53]

• The White House did not clarify which NGOs were targeted or the intended methods.

3. China Accuses Nvidia of Antitrust Violations

[02:10–03:01]

• China's State Administration for Market Regulation announced a preliminary finding that Nvidia violated antitrust rules and conditions of its acquisition of Mellanox Technologies.
• No specifics provided yet; investigation ongoing.
• The dispute occurs amid broader U.S.–China tech tension, with continuing bans on advanced U.S. chip exports to China.

Notable Quote:

"The fate of Nvidia's business in the world's second biggest economy has become a political football as Beijing and Washington wrangle over trade and security issues."
— John Ruich [02:47]

4. Prospects for TikTok Under U.S. Control

[03:01–03:31]

• Negotiations progress toward a deal transferring popular social app TikTok to U.S.-controlled ownership.
• High-level talks between Presidents Trump and Xi Jinping are expected to finalize the framework, as indicated by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant.
• Chinese media confirm a "basic framework" for the deal.

5. Labor & Legal News

[03:31–04:23]

• Long Island Railroad:
  • looming strike among union workers temporarily averted.
  • Unions request President Trump to establish an emergency board, delaying potential work stoppage to at least January.
  • The system serves 300,000 daily commuters.
• Legal Action:
  • Maureen Comey, former federal prosecutor and daughter of ex-FBI Director James Comey, sues the Justice Department claiming politically motivated, unconstitutional dismissal.
  • She seeks reinstatement, back pay, and damages, stating she was informed of her firing via email.

6. Health Trend Check: Topical Magnesium

[04:23–05:00]

• Social media influencers tout magnesium lotion for improving sleep, but scientific backing is lacking.
• Sleep specialist John Winkleman (Harvard):
  • Never recommends magnesium for sleep due to lack of evidence.
  • No harm in use if individuals feel it helps, but urges scientific rigor.

Notable Quotes:

"I'm a great believer in scientific evidence, and if somebody is making a claim that something works, I'm going to say prove it."
— John Winkleman [04:44]

"[I]f magnesium lotion is working for you, there's probably very little harm in using it."
— Katie Ariddle summarizing Winkleman [04:52]

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• J.D. Vance honoring Charlie Kirk’s political influence [01:32]
• Trump’s comparison of Memphis crackdown to Washington, D.C. operation [00:51]
• Harvard sleep expert’s skepticism over popular wellness trends [04:44]

Important Timestamps

• White House Memphis Crackdown Announcement: [00:23–01:23]
• Charlie Kirk Tribute & Political Action Call: [01:23–02:10]
• China’s Nvidia Antitrust Accusation: [02:10–03:01]
• U.S.–China TikTok Deal Update: [03:01–03:31]
• Labor Strike & DOJ Lawsuit News: [03:31–04:23]
• Science Behind Magnesium Trends: [04:23–05:00]

This brisk news roundup delivers crucial developments in U.S. politics, international relations, legal disputes, labor issues, and science, maintaining NPR's clear, factual, and measured reporting style.