NPR News Now: September 16, 2025, 3AM EDT
Host: Shea Stevens, NPR News Anchor
Runtime: ~5 minutes
Episode Description:
A concise report on major US and global news events, including presidential actions on law enforcement, major legislative updates, education trends, memorial services, tech regulation, gun legislation, and wildlife protection policies.
Episode Overview
This episode delivers a rapid roundup of the latest political, economic, and social developments in the United States. Key stories include President Trump dispatching National Guard troops to Memphis, legislative updates at the Federal Reserve, shifting American attitudes about college education, memorials for Charlie Kirk, progress in the TikTok sale negotiations, changes to gun laws in Florida, and a federal incentive program for non-toxic hunting ammunition.
Key News Segments & Insights
1. President Trump Deploys National Guard to Memphis
[00:21-00:44]
- Main Point: President Trump announced the deployment of National Guard troops to Memphis, citing high rates of violent and property crime.
- Quote: "President Trump says he's sending National Guard troops to Memphis, Tennessee, saying the move is necessary to stem violent crime in that city." (Shea Stevens, 00:21)
- Background: Memphis led the nation in violent and property crime rates in 2024; third in murders.
- Quote: "In 2024, Memphis had the highest violent crime rate, the highest property crime rate and the third highest murder rate of any city in the nation. Other than that, they're doing quite well, thank you." (Correspondent, 00:33)
- Next Cities: Trump indicated more cities—specifically Chicago—may be targeted for similar federal interventions.
2. Federal Reserve Leadership and Legal Battles
[00:44-01:40]
- Lisa Cook: A federal appeals court blocked the dismissal of Fed Governor Lisa Cook pending resolution of alleged mortgage irregularities.
- President Trump wants her removed; the dispute continues legally.
- Stephen Myron Confirmed: Senate confirmed Stephen Myron, then head of the White House Council of Economic Advisers, as temporary Fed board member after the recent resignation of Adriana Kugler.
- This confirmation precedes a key central bank meeting on interest rates.
3. Declining Public Confidence in Higher Education
[01:40-02:26]
- Gallup Survey Data: Dramatic drop in Americans who rate college as “very important”—just one-third, versus 53% in 2019 and 70% in 2013.
- Quote: "Respondents who said college was not too important more than doubled since 2019." (Alyssa Nadworny, 01:40)
- Cross-Partisan: The decline is noted across political affiliations.
- Contributing Factors: Though not asked directly, researchers cite political rhetoric, the changing job market, high tuition, and student debt as possible contributors.
4. Capitol Hill Vigil for Conservative Activist Charlie Kirk
[02:26-03:17]
- Vigil Held: Lawmakers honored Kirk, who was assassinated the previous week; led by House Speaker Mike Johnson.
- Quote: "He would not want us to be overcome by despair. He would want us to carry the message forward, to honor his memory and to expand the legacy they left behind." (Speaker Mike Johnson, 02:43)
- Memorialization: Additional calls for official honors and memorials, including "lying in honor" in the Capitol rotunda.
5. TikTok Sale Negotiations Progress
[03:17-03:46]
- Deal Nearing: Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant announced a framework for TikTok’s sale, under threat of a US ban if China-based owners do not divest.
- Quote: "President Trump and China's leader Xi are expected to finalize the deal later in the week." (Shea Stevens, 03:31)
6. Florida Lifts Open-Carry Firearms Ban
[03:46-04:16]
- Legal Shift: State Attorney General James Youthmeyer instructed law enforcement to stop enforcing Florida's open-carry firearm ban, following a federal appeals court ruling.
- Quote: "All residents in the state may openly carry firearms." (Shea Stevens, 03:34)
7. Incentives for Non-Toxic Ammunition Use Among Hunters
[04:16-04:46]
- Federal Initiative: Expansion of a pilot program offers up to $100 in rebates to hunters using lead-free ammunition on select wildlife refuges.
- Quote: "This is just another indication that we're moving in the right direction." (Aaron Kendall, National Wildlife Federation, 04:41)
- Environmental Debate: Some groups push for outright bans on lead ammo, citing wildlife protection.
8. Market Updates
[04:53-04:59]
- Brief Mention: U.S. futures rose in after-hours trading.
Notable Quotes & Moments
-
"In 2024, Memphis had the highest violent crime rate, the highest property crime rate and the third highest murder rate of any city in the nation. Other than that, they're doing quite well, thank you."
— Correspondent, [00:33] -
"Only about a third of U.S. adults surveyed rated the value of a college education as very important. That's down from 53% in 2019 and 70% in 2013."
— Alyssa Nadworny, [01:40] -
"He would not want us to be overcome by despair. He would want us to carry the message forward, to honor his memory and to expand the legacy they left behind."
— Speaker Mike Johnson, [02:43] -
"All residents in the state may openly carry firearms."
— Shea Stevens, [03:34] -
"This is just another indication that we're moving in the right direction."
— Aaron Kendall, [04:41]
Timeline of Key Segments
| Timestamp | Topic | |---------------|--------------------------------------------------| | 00:21 | Trump deploys National Guard to Memphis | | 00:44 | Fed Governor dismissal block and appointments | | 01:40 | Gallup survey on higher education | | 02:26 | Memorial vigil for Charlie Kirk | | 03:17 | Framework for TikTok sale announced | | 03:46 | Florida lifts open-carry ban | | 04:16 | Non-toxic ammunition incentives | | 04:53 | Markets update |
Summary
This news briefing delivers a fast-paced yet comprehensive overview of pressing US issues as of September 16, 2025. It details federal interventions in crime, shifts in financial and educational leadership, changing public values, significant memorials, big tech negotiations potentially impacting millions, sweeping gun law changes, and evolving federal environmental policies. The episode is punctuated by direct reporting and notable quotes, reflecting the urgency and gravity of current events.