NPR News Now – September 18, 2025, 8AM EDT

Overview

This five-minute NPR News Now segment, anchored by Kristen Wright, delivers concise coverage of breaking national stories. The episode reports on upcoming CDC vaccine decisions, fallout from a late-night TV controversy, shifting political rhetoric from Vice President Vance, honors for fallen police officers, new brain health research on athletes, and a key monetary move from the Federal Reserve.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. CDC Considers Changes to Vaccine Recommendations

• [00:11 - 01:09]
• The CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices convenes in Atlanta for a two-day meeting on significant revisions to vaccine guidelines.
• Main issues discussed:
  • Continued vaccination of newborns against hepatitis B
  • Possibility of a combined chickenpox and MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine for children
  • Further restricting eligibility for updated COVID-19 shots
• Process: Recommendations are set to be forwarded to the CDC’s acting director for final approval.
• Quote: “The committee will consider whether newborn babies should continue getting vaccinated against hepatitis B, whether children should be able to get vaccinated against chickenpox with the same shot that protects against measles, mumps and German measles, ... and whether to further narrow who should be eligible for the updated Covid vaccines.”
  — Rob Stein [00:31]

2. “Jimmy Kimmel Live” Suspended after Controversial Remarks

• [01:09 - 02:10]
• ABC suspends the late-night show following Jimmy Kimmel’s comments about the killing of political activist Charlie Kirk.
• Context: During his monologue, Kimmel described Kirk’s killing as “senseless” and criticized political reactions, prompting backlash from Kirk’s supporters, the FCC, and network affiliates.
• Trump Responds: Former President Trump praises ABC’s decision, comparing it to the recent cancellation of CBS’s “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.”
• Free Speech Concerns: Opponents label the suspension “censorship.”
• Quote: “We hit some new lows over the weekend, with the MAGA gang desperately trying characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and doing everything they can to score political points from it.”
  — Jimmy Kimmel (aired by NPR) [01:31]

3. Vice President Vance Defends Use of National Guard, Talks Policy

• [02:10 - 03:09]
• At a Michigan Republican gathering, VP Vance discusses NextStar’s acquisition of a broadcast competitor and public safety.
• Remarks:
  • Highlights tax breaks and the White House’s “efforts to take back American streets”
  • Defends National Guard use in D.C. and Memphis, calling it a top Trump administration success
  • Expresses openness to deploying the National Guard in Detroit, despite falling crime rates.
• Quote: “We deserve to be safe in our communities again, and that's what the president is making happen.”
  — Vice President Vance (via Alex McLennan reporting) [02:35]

4. Honoring Pennsylvania Police Officers Killed in the Line of Duty

• [03:09 - 03:27]
• Flags are at half-staff in Pennsylvania after three officers were killed during a domestic incident in York County.
• The suspect was killed by police.

5. Study Finds Brain Changes in Athletes Before CTE Develops

• [03:27 - 04:21]
• New research shows young male athletes display inflammation, blood vessel changes, and memory/decision-making cell loss before chronic traumatic encephalopathy is diagnosable.
• Lead researcher Jonathan Cherry: Emphasizes the risk to young people and the seriousness of early intervention measures.
• Risk Mitigation: Suggests limiting years of participation in contact sports.
• Quote: “This is not just about developing CTE in your 80s, right? This is something that affects young individuals.”
  — Jonathan Cherry [04:07]
• “So it's something that people really take seriously on how to best help these kids and help mitigate this long term disease.”
  — Jonathan Cherry [04:11]

6. Federal Reserve Cuts Interest Rates for the First Time in 2025

• [04:29 - 04:52]
• Major market indices rise in premarket trading.
• The Fed lowers its benchmark interest rate by a quarter percentage point in response to White House and market pressures.

Memorable Quotes & Notable Moments

• “[CDC panel] will consider whether newborn babies should continue getting vaccinated against hepatitis B...”
  — Rob Stein [00:31]
• “We hit some new lows over the weekend... with the MAGA gang desperately trying characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them...”
  — Jimmy Kimmel [01:31]
• “We deserve to be safe in our communities again. And that's what the president is making happen.”
  — Vice President Vance (reported by Alex McLennan) [02:35]
• “This is not just about developing CTE in your 80s, right? This is something that affects young individuals.”
  — Jonathan Cherry [04:07]

Timestamps of Major Segments

• 00:11 – CDC advisory committee weighs vaccine changes
• 01:09 – Jimmy Kimmel suspended over Charlie Kirk remarks
• 02:10 – VP Vance’s speech on National Guard and policy
• 03:09 – Pennsylvania honors fallen officers
• 03:44 – Study on brain health of contact-sport athletes
• 04:29 – Federal Reserve cuts interest rates

This summary presents the essential developments and direct voices from the episode, equipping readers with a clear and comprehensive overview of the most recent NPR news.