NPR News Now: 09-16-2025 4AM EDT

Host: Shea Stevens
Date: September 16, 2025
Episode Description: NPR’s hourly news update—focused on major U.S. and global events, political developments, and notable societal changes, condensed into five minutes.

Episode Overview

This edition of NPR News Now delivers a fast-paced rundown of key U.S. news stories: a lawsuit by a prominent former federal prosecutor, U.S. government maneuvers in foreign and domestic policy, emotional calls for gun reform following a tragic shooting, the aftermath of a political assassination, changes to federal health advisory boards, and President Trump’s latest policy pronouncements.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Maureen Comey Sues Justice Department

• [00:21–01:21]

  • Former U.S. prosecutor Maureen Comey has filed a lawsuit against the Justice Department, alleging illegal termination without cause.

  • Background: Comey led major prosecutions, including high-profile cases against Sean Diddy Combs and Jeffrey Epstein.

  • The lawsuit claims her termination may be tied to her father, Jim Comey, a vocal Trump critic.

  • The decision came after pressure from Trump ally Laura Loomer, with Comey managing a major corruption case just hours before her dismissal.

  • She seeks reinstatement and back pay; DOJ declined to comment.

    “Comey says she thinks she was fired because she’s the daughter of former FBI Director Jim Comey, a vocal critic of President Trump.”
    —Gary Johnson, NPR ([00:52])

2. Middle East Diplomacy & U.S. Military Actions

• [01:21–02:00]
  • Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Qatar following an Israeli attack on Hamas in the region, advocating for a diplomatic solution in Gaza during talks with Prime Minister Netanyahu.
  • Netanyahu insists Hamas must surrender and release hostages before negotiations proceed.
  • The Trump administration launched another deadly strike in the Caribbean, targeting boats allegedly smuggling drugs from Venezuela.

3. Gun Reform Calls after Minneapolis School Shooting

• [02:00–02:42]

  • Families affected by last month’s school shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church pleaded with legislators for stricter gun laws, specifically on assault-style weapons.

  • Carla Maldonado, a parent, described racing toward the church amid gunfire, her children surviving the ordeal.

    “Do not wait for another child to die. Do not wait for another mother to be sitting here again telling you their story of fear, sorrow, and grief, because the mothers—we will keep coming.”
    —Carla Maldonado ([02:19])

  • Lawmakers may be called into special session for gun reform proposals.

4. Reaction to the Killing of Charlie Kirk

• [02:42–03:07]

  • Days after the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at a Utah college, supporters and politicians mourn his death.

  • At a Capitol Hill vigil, House Speaker Mike Johnson stressed the intensity of the nation’s emotions this week:

    “This has been a very difficult week in America. There’s a wide range of emotions that have been felt by the American people and frankly by leaders in the nation’s capital.”
    —House Speaker Mike Johnson ([02:56])

  • Tyler Robinson, 22, has been arrested and could appear in court today.

5. Federal Law Enforcement Surge in Memphis

• [03:07–03:55]
  • President Trump announced the deployment of National Guard troops and federal officers to Memphis, responding to violent crime.
  • The policy echoes a previous Washington, D.C. crackdown, with potential expansion to cities like Chicago.
  • Tennessee officials support the move as part of a “law enforcement surge.”

6. CDC Advisory Committee Overhaul

• [03:55–04:38]
  • Five new members, including those with vaccine-skeptic backgrounds, join the CDC’s vaccine advisory panel, replacing members fired in June.
  • Health secretary Kennedy aims to “restore public trust,” but the panel now includes professionals critical of vaccine safety and efficacy.
  • The committee influences vaccine policies and insurance coverage, discussing Covid and childhood vaccines at this week's meeting.

7. President Trump Proposes Changes to Financial Reporting

• [04:38–04:59]
  • President Trump proposes reducing public company earnings reports from quarterly to semiannual, aiming to ease regulatory burdens.
  • Stock market futures reacted positively after recent gains.

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• On DOJ firing Maureen Comey:

  “Comey says she thinks she was fired because she’s the daughter of former FBI Director Jim Comey, a vocal critic of President Trump.”
  —Gary Johnson, NPR ([00:52])

• Parental plea after school shooting:

  “Do not wait for another child to die... because the mothers—we will keep coming.”
  —Carla Maldonado ([02:19])

• Politicians react to Charlie Kirk’s murder:

  “There’s a wide range of emotions that have been felt by the American people and frankly by leaders in the nation’s capital.”
  —House Speaker Mike Johnson ([02:56])

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Maureen Comey Sues DOJ: [00:21–01:21]
• Middle East & Drug War Updates: [01:21–02:00]
• Gun Reform & Minneapolis Shooting: [02:00–02:42]
• Charlie Kirk Vigil & Court Update: [02:42–03:07]
• Law Enforcement Surge in Memphis: [03:07–03:55]
• New CDC Panel Members Announced: [03:55–04:38]
• Trump on SEC Reporting Rules: [04:38–04:59]

This NPR News Now episode provides a clear, concise roundup of essential U.S. news, with a focus on legal developments, political actions, and societal reactions following tragedy—all presented in a neutral, fact-focused tone.