NPR News Now: 09-16-2025, 9AM EDT
Date: September 16, 2025
Host: Windsor Johnston (NPR News Anchor)
Duration: 5 minutes
Episode Description: The latest news in five minutes, updated hourly.
Overview
This episode delivers concise coverage of major national and international headlines, including the death of legendary actor Robert Redford, upcoming testimony from the FBI Director, significant changes to the CDC's vaccine advisory committee, economic updates, labor news concerning the Long Island Railroad, early holiday shopping trends, and President Trump’s lawsuit against The New York Times.
Key Stories & Insights
1. Passing of Robert Redford [00:17–01:20]
- Announcement: Robert Redford, renowned Hollywood actor, producer, director, and environmentalist, has died at age 89.
- Career Highlights: Starred in classics like "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid," "Out of Africa," and "The Way We Were."
- Broader Impact:
- Founded the Sundance Institute and Festival, transforming independent film.
- Advocated for environmental causes.
Notable Segment:
"Robert Redford was way more, it must be said, than one of the most handsome men in history."
– Netta Ulaby, NPR Correspondent [00:41]
Memorable Clip:
"[Clip from 'The Way We Were']
Can I ask you a personal question?
Sure.
Do you smile all the time?
No, no, no, no."
– Redford in character, film dialogue [00:51]
2. FBI Director Kaj Patel Testifies Before Senate [01:20–02:05]
- Context: FBI Director Kaj Patel will testify before the Senate Judiciary Committee amid criticism of his recent handling of a high-profile manhunt.
- Key Issues: Scrutiny over Patel's conflicting social media updates during the investigation into the shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk in Congress.
- Expected Questions: Senators, particularly Democrats, are likely to grill Patel about his communication and decision-making during the manhunt.
Notable Quote:
"I expect some senators, certainly Democrats, to press Patel about his posts on social media during the manhunt. Patel said just hours after the shooting that the subject was in custody, only to tweet roughly 90 minutes later that the person had been released and the investigation was still ongoing."
– Subject Matter Expert (Unnamed) [01:44]
3. CDC Vaccine Advisory Committee Gets New Members [02:05–03:03]
- Update: Five new members, some with anti-vaccine stances, are added after a previous panel was fired in June.
- Significance: The committee influences which vaccines are covered by insurance or offered for free to children.
- Controversy: New members include a pediatric cardiologist linked to anti-Covid vaccine sentiment and an epidemiologist who downplays Covid dangers.
- Upcoming Decision: Panel to vote on policy changes regarding Covid and several childhood vaccines later this week.
Notable Insight:
"As Health Secretary Kennedy has stacked this panel with people who question the safety and need for vaccines. The panel helps determine which vaccines are covered by insurance or offered for free to many children."
– Ping Wang, NPR Health Reporter [02:52]
4. Financial and Labor Updates [03:03–03:28]
- Stock Markets: Mixed trading in Asian markets; Dow futures down.
- Rail Strike Averted: Long Island Railroad avoids a strike as union seeks federal intervention, postponing potential work stoppage until at least Christmas.
5. Early Holiday Shopping Amid Economic Concerns [03:28–04:17]
- Trend: Notable increase in early holiday shopping due to inflation and tariffs.
- Consumer Sentiment: 40% expect higher gift prices; half plan to finish shopping before end of October.
- Expert Commentary: Tariff-related inventory changes expected to push prices higher as the year ends.
- Spending Projections: PwC expects average holiday spending to fall 5% from last year to $1,500 per consumer.
Memorable Moments:
"It's still summer. I've never shopped this early before."
– Shopper Sarah Miller [03:44]
Notable Analysis:
"The tariff inventory really starts to cycle in as you get into that November-December time period. We're hearing that prices are going to go up across the board."
– Joe Feldman, Telsey Advisory Group [04:08]
6. President Trump Sues The New York Times [04:28–04:56]
- Details: Trump files a $15 billion defamation lawsuit against the newspaper and four journalists, citing reputational harm.
- Jurisdiction: Lawsuit filed in Florida.
Timestamps for Key Segments
- Robert Redford's Passing & Legacy: 00:17–01:20
- FBI Director Senate Testimony Preview: 01:20–02:05
- CDC Vaccine Panel Shakeup: 02:05–03:03
- Market and Labor News: 03:03–03:28
- Early Holiday Shopping Trends: 03:28–04:17
- Trump Sues NYT: 04:28–04:56
Recap & Closing
The episode closes by reiterating the top story—Robert Redford's passing—and swiftly summarizes other major headlines. The reporting remains crisp, objective, and comprehensive, fitting into NPR’s signature fast-paced five-minute news update format.