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.
