NPR News Now – 09-16-2025 1PM EDT

Host: Lakshmi Singh
Podcast: NPR News Now
Date: September 16, 2025
Duration: 5 minutes

Episode Overview

This midday edition delivers concise updates on major national events, focusing on government spending negotiations in Congress, the charging of Tyler Robinson in the shooting of Charlie Kirk, renewed appeals against political violence, developments at the Federal Reserve, and the decline of vaccination rates in Mississippi.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

Potential Government Shutdown & Security Funding

[00:19 – 01:54]

• Stopgap Funding Proposal:
  House Republicans rolled out legislation to fund the government through November 20–21, aiming to avert a shutdown two weeks ahead of deadline.
• Key Provisions:
  • Seven-week extension at current funding levels.
  • $58 million added for federal judiciary and executive branch official security following White House requests.
  • $30 million extra for lawmakers’ own security added by House GOP leaders.
• Political Uncertainty:
  • Passage is uncertain, with bipartisan distrust present.
  • Democratic Demands:
    • Extension to include renewal of expiring healthcare subsidies.
    • Rollbacks of recent Medicaid changes in July’s GOP tax bill.
• House Speaker’s Viewpoint:
  • Speaker Mike Johnson pitched the bill as “more time to come to agreement on year-long spending bills.”
• Notable Quote:
  • Lakshmi Singh:

    “Democrats have pressed Republicans for bipartisan talks on a short term bill and are demanding that any spending extension should address health care subsidies that are due to expire at the end of the year.” [01:18]

Utah Court Hearing: Tyler Robinson Charged in Charlie Kirk Shooting

[01:54 – 02:30]

• Suspect Details:
  Tyler Robinson, age 22, expected to face charges including aggravated murder.
• Evidence and Motive:
  • Authorities cite “mountains of evidence,” including DNA and a pre-attack note.
  • FBI Director Kash Patel recounted Robinson’s stated intent:

    Kash Patel:
    “He claimed that he had an opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and he was going to do it because of his hatred for what Charlie stood for.” [02:07]

• Legal Process:
  Robinson to appear virtually in court, held without bail.
• Unanswered Questions:
  • Unclear who received the note or if it was reported pre-incident.

Pennsylvania Governor Denounces Political Violence

[02:30 – 02:49]

• Anti-Hate Summit Speech:
  Governor Josh Shapiro, previously targeted in a political arson attack, calls for bipartisan condemnation of violence.
• Memorable Line:
  • Gov. Josh Shapiro (via NPR Promo Announcer):

    “Work doesn’t just fall to others, it falls to each and every one of us.” [02:42]

Federal Reserve Developments: Lisa Cook Controversy & Interest Rate Watch

[02:49 – 04:09]

• Blocking the Firing of Fed Governor Lisa Cook:
  • Federal appeals court (2–1 vote) temporarily blocks President Trump’s effort to remove Cook amid allegations of mortgage application fraud (denied by Cook).
  • Cook and her team argue ouster would violate independence protections in the Federal Reserve Act.
• Interest Rate Decision:
  • Investors eye Fed meeting for possible rate cuts as President Trump advocates for deeper reductions.
  • Announcement expected Wednesday.
  • Newly confirmed White House economist Stephen Myron joins the Fed Board, confirmed in a close Senate vote.
• Notable Recap:
  • Scott Horsley:

    “The central bank is expected to order its first rate cut of the year on Wednesday. White House economist Stephen Myron will participate in that vote.” [03:50]

Declining Vaccination Rates in Mississippi

[04:09 – 04:56]

• Exemptions on the Rise:
  • While overall rates remain high, there’s an uptick in religious exemption filings.
• Pediatricians’ Perspective:
  • Dr. Anita Henderson reports a noticeable increase in vaccine hesitancy and refusals among parents:

    Anita Henderson:
    “I am now getting more and more and more moms who are questioning vaccines, refusing vaccines, and we really have become a victim of our own success.” [04:31]

• Public Health Implications:
  • Henderson voices concern that only a resurgence of preventable disease may shift parental attitudes.

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• “Democrats have pressed Republicans for bipartisan talks on a short term bill and are demanding that any spending extension should address health care subsidies that are due to expire at the end of the year.”
  — Lakshmi Singh [01:18]

• "He claimed that he had an opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and he was going to do it because of his hatred for what Charlie stood for."
  — Kash Patel [02:07]

• “Work doesn’t just fall to others, it falls to each and every one of us.”
  — Gov. Josh Shapiro (via Announcer) [02:42]

• “The central bank is expected to order its first rate cut of the year on Wednesday. White House economist Stephen Myron will participate in that vote.”
  — Scott Horsley [03:50]

• “I am now getting more and more and more moms who are questioning vaccines, refusing vaccines, and we really have become a victim of our own success.”
  — Anita Henderson [04:31]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:19] — Government funding bill discussion and security provisions
• [01:54] — Charges in Charlie Kirk shooting, law enforcement evidence
• [02:30] — Pennsylvania Governor calls for bipartisan opposition to violence
• [03:26] — Federal court halts the firing of Fed Governor Lisa Cook, interest rate preview
• [04:09] — Mississippi’s falling vaccination rates and pediatrician concerns

This concise episode offers a snapshot of evolving national stories, capturing legislative standoffs, high-profile legal events, urgent public policy debates, and deepening public health anxieties.