NPR News Now – 09-16-2025 10AM EDT

Date: September 16, 2025
Host: Windsor Johnston (NPR News Anchor)
Duration: 5 minutes

Episode Overview

This concise NPR News Now episode delivers the latest updates on key national and international developments as of 10AM EDT. Major topics include the ongoing FBI director testimony on Capitol Hill, a U.S. military airstrike in the Caribbean, economic news about retail sales and the stock market, the death of a film legend, a major arts prize announcement, and upcoming potential changes to childhood vaccination policy.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. FBI Director Kash Patel Testifies Before Senate Judiciary Committee

[00:20 – 00:59]

• Testimony in DC: FBI Director Kash Patel appears before the Senate Judiciary Committee, facing questions about his leadership and social media activity, particularly about his handling of the manhunt for the suspect who killed conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
• Agency Achievements (quoted):
  • “Under his leadership, we've taken over 6,000 illegal firearms off the streets. That number is an exponential increase. We've identified and located more than 4,700 child victims. More than 4,700 child victims have been found by this FBI. That is a 35% increase from the same time period last year.”
    — FBI Official or Analyst [00:39]
• Ongoing Scrutiny: Lawmakers are expected to press Patel on both his recent actions and his online presence.

2. Robert Redford Passes at 89

[00:59 – 01:09]

• A Film Icon Remembered:
  • "Legendary actor Robert Redford has died. His career spanned more than five decades and included classic films like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, Out of Africa and The Way We Were. He was 89 years old."
    — Windsor Johnston [00:59]

3. US Military Airstrike on Venezuelan Boat

[01:09 – 02:18]

• Second Lethal Strike This Month: The U.S. military kills three alleged drug traffickers on a small boat from Venezuela. This is the second such operation this month.
• White House Reaction:
  • President Trump posted a video of the airstrike online, stating three people in international waters were carrying drugs.
  • Two anonymous U.S. officials verified details to NPR, noting that Congress had been informed.
• Escalating Military Presence: U.S. moves additional ships and troops to the region, with President Trump emphasizing a fight against "narco terrorists."
• Perspective:
  • "Venezuela is considered a minor player in smuggling of cocaine to the US. The far deadlier drug, fentanyl, is made and smuggled into the US from Mexico."
    — Quill Lawrence (NPR Correspondent) [02:14]

4. Economic Update: Retail Sales and Market Movements

[02:18 – 03:11]

• Retail Sales Rise:
  • Retail sales climbed 0.6% in August, spurred by back-to-school shopping. Shoppers spent more on clothes, electronics, cars, and restaurant visits, but cut back on furniture, groceries, and gas.
• Quote Highlight:
  • "Manufacturing output inched up last month, largely thanks to a rise in auto manufacturing. Utility output, which generally tracks weather conditions, was down."
    — Scott Horsley (NPR Correspondent) [02:53]
• Federal Reserve News: The Fed begins a two-day policy meeting, widely expected to conclude with the first interest rate cut in nine months.
• Stock Market Note: Despite early gains, the Dow later fell by 182 points [03:11].

5. Arts & Culture: Gish Prize Awarded to Rosalbo Rolon

[03:11 – 04:21]

• Major Recognition:
  • Renowned theater director Rosalbo Rolon, co-founder of the Bronx’s Pregones Puerto Rican Traveling Theater, is awarded the 2025 Dorothy and Lillian Gish Prize, accompanied by a $250,000 honorarium.
• Rolon's Reaction:
  • “The fact that a group of people that I respect got together and discussed my life and my career and made this decision, that's what we take with us. I don't take the money with me to the grave. What we take is our reputation and the way people feel about you and the respect people feel for you.”
    — Rosalbo Rolon [03:52]
• Purpose of the Award: Rolon expresses that the award affirms her legacy and supports the ongoing work and mission of her company.

6. Public Health News: Possible Delay for Hepatitis B Vaccine

[04:21 – 04:58]

• Vaccine Advisory Vote Expected:
  • A key federal advisory panel is expected to vote on delaying the first hepatitis B vaccination for children until age four (from current guidelines recommending the first dose at birth).
• Historical Context:
  • CDC data indicates that hepatitis B rates in people under 19 declined by 99% between 1990 and 2022, attributed to early childhood vaccination policies.
• Future Uncertainty: No official decision yet, but the change could represent a major shift in U.S. immunization strategy.

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• FBI’s Child Victim Recovery Gains:
  • “More than 4,700 child victims have been found by this FBI. That is a 35% increase from the same time period last year.”
    — FBI Official or Analyst [00:47]
• Rosalbo Rolon's Perspective on Legacy:
  • "I don't take the money with me to the grave. What we take is our reputation... and the respect people feel for you."
    — Rosalbo Rolon [03:52]
• Quill Lawrence on Venezuelan Drug Routes:
  • "Venezuela is considered a minor player in smuggling of cocaine to the US. The far deadlier drug, fentanyl, is made and smuggled into the US from Mexico."
    — Quill Lawrence [02:14]

Important Timestamps

• [00:20] FBI Director Patel's Testimony Opens
• [00:59] Announcement of Robert Redford’s Death
• [01:38] Report on US Airstrike on Venezuelan Boat
• [02:30] Economic Update: Retail Sales & Fed Meeting Preview
• [03:32] Rosalbo Rolon Wins the Gish Prize
• [04:21] Upcoming Vote on Delaying Hepatitis B Shots for Children

This episode packed major news events into a brisk five-minute format, offering timely updates across politics, world affairs, business, the arts, and public health—highlighted with direct quotes, broad context, and a balance of hard news with cultural milestones.