NPR News Now – September 17, 2025, 12AM EDT

Host: Shea Stevens
Duration: 5 minutes

Main Theme

A concise update on top U.S. news stories, including legal proceedings in high-profile murder cases, changes in COVID-19 vaccine recommendations, medical device approvals for rheumatoid arthritis, political hearings, court rulings, and the passing of an iconic film figure.

Key Stories & Discussion Points

1. Utah Prosecutors Seek Death Penalty in Charlie Kirk Murder Case

• [00:21] Host Shea Stevens introduces major legal news: prosecutors are seeking the death penalty for Tyler Robinson, accused of murdering conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
• [00:36] Field Report by Martha Harris (Provo, Utah):
  • Tyler Robinson appeared virtually from jail, stayed mostly silent except for stating his name.
  • He faces seven charges, including aggravated murder.
  • Judge orders a public defender for Robinson due to his financial situation.
  • Protective order granted to Charlie Kirk’s widow, Erica Kirk, barring contact from Robinson.
  • Quote: “Robinson nodded as the judge talked to him but did not show much emotion.” – Martha Harris

2. Terrorism Charges Dropped in New York Murder Case

• [01:19] New York judge dismisses terrorism charges against Luigi Mangione, accused of killing health insurance executive Brian Thompson.
  • Mangione, 27, still faces state and federal charges, including second-degree murder.
  • Alleged attack occurred last December in Manhattan.
  • No trial date set yet.

3. Wisconsin Maintains Annual COVID Shot Recommendation

• [01:50] Sarah Lear (Wisconsin Public Radio):
  • Wisconsin’s health officials continue recommending annual COVID shots for everyone six months and older.
  • This diverges from recent FDA guidance, which recommends the new vaccine only for Americans 65+ or with certain medical risks.
  • Dr. Wyan Westergaard, infectious disease specialist, highlights controversy:
    • Quote: “In the past several months, leaders at federal agencies have made policy decisions and issued recommendations that aren’t supported by or directly contradict scientific consensus.” – (02:07-02:18)
  • Multiple states, including Wisconsin, have issued standing orders allowing broad vaccine access without prescription.

4. FDA Approves New Device for Rheumatoid Arthritis

• [02:33] John Hamilton reports:
  • FDA approved Setpoint Medical’s surgically implanted device to reduce inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis patients.
  • Delivers brief electrical pulses to the vagus nerve daily to activate anti-inflammatory pathways.
  • Patient testimony highlights life-changing result:
    • Quote: “Three weeks in, my elbow pain was completely gone. My hands didn’t hurt anymore. The swelling started going away.” – Patient Lynn Milam (02:58-03:05)
  • Intended for RA patients not responding to drugs.

5. Senate Democrats Grill FBI Director

• [03:17] Senate Democrats sharply question FBI Director Cash Patel.
  • New Jersey Senator Cory Booker criticizes Patel’s leadership:
    • Quote: “I prayed that Patel would, in his words, step up and defend his oath and do a much better job of defending the nation.” – Shea Stevens summarizing Booker (03:17)
  • Patel rejects the criticism, calling Booker’s comments “a rant and false information.”

6. Georgia Supreme Court: DA Bonnie Willis Remains Off Trump Election Case

• [03:43] Georgia Supreme Court upholds ruling that bars Fulton County DA Bonnie Willis from overseeing the Trump election interference case.
  • The disqualification is due to the appearance of impropriety from her romantic ties to a special prosecutor she hired.
  • Appeals court decision stands; Willis cannot return to the case.

7. Remembering Robert Redford

• [04:11] Fans mourn the death of actor, director, and producer Robert Redford at age 89.
  • Archive audio from Redford’s 2002 speech receiving a lifetime achievement award for founding the Sundance Film Festival:
    • Quote: “I’ve spent most of my life just focused on the road ahead… but now tonight I’m seeing in the rearview mirror that there’s something I’ve not thought about called history.” – Robert Redford (04:23)
  • Noted film credits: “All the President’s Men,” “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,” and “Ordinary People” (Oscar for Best Director).

8. Brief Financial Update

• [04:44] U.S. futures are flat in after-hours Wall Street trading.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• “He has been charged with aggravated murder. Prosecutors have filed their intent to seek the death penalty.”
  — Martha Harris (00:36)

• “In the past several months, leaders at federal agencies have made policy decisions and issued recommendations that aren’t supported by or directly contradict scientific consensus.”
  — Dr. Wyan Westergaard (02:07-02:18)

• "Three weeks in, my elbow pain was completely gone. My hands didn’t hurt anymore. The swelling started going away."
  — Lynn Milam, Clinical Trial Patient (02:58-03:05)

• “I’ve spent most of my life just focused on the road ahead… but now tonight I’m seeing in the rearview mirror that there’s something I’ve not thought about called history.”
  — Robert Redford (04:23)

Timestamps of Important Segments

• Utah court appearance in Charlie Kirk murder case: 00:21 – 01:19
• NY terrorism charge dismissal (Mangione): 01:19 – 01:50
• Wisconsin COVID vaccine guidance: 01:50 – 02:33
• FDA arthritis device approval: 02:33 – 03:17
• FBI Director Patel Senate hearing: 03:17 – 03:43
• Georgia DA Willis disqualification: 03:43 – 04:11
• Robert Redford’s passing and tribute: 04:11 – 04:44
• Financial markets update: 04:44 – 05:00

This episode delivered a packed and efficient news roundup, with policy decisions, legal updates, medical breakthroughs, and the loss of a Hollywood legend, remaining clear, concise, and factual throughout.