NPR News Now — Episode Summary

Podcast: NPR News Now
Episode: NPR News: 09-18-2025 9AM EDT
Date: September 18, 2025
Host: Kristen Wright

Overview

This tightly packed five-minute news episode covers a series of top stories from around the world, focusing on international diplomacy, the latest developments in conflict zones, the aftermath of a prominent activist’s death, new breakthroughs in healthcare, and looming decisions in U.S. vaccination policy.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. U.S.–U.K. State Visit & Strategic Cooperation

• [00:20] President Trump and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer have signed an agreement to expand cooperation on technology and nuclear energy.

  • Reporter Danielle Kurtzleben provides details from Chequers, noting Trump is joined by multiple American CEOs.
  • U.S. tech giants Google and Microsoft plan significant new investments in the U.K.
  • Ongoing issues: tariffs imposed by Trump on U.K. goods and discussions on the crises in Gaza and Ukraine.

  “US tech companies including Google and Microsoft have said they plan billions of dollars in investments in the UK. Other key issues the two leaders are expected to speak about include the tariffs Trump has imposed on UK Goods as well as the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine.”
  — Danielle Kurtzleben, [00:43]

2. Gaza Ceasefire Negotiations Stalled

• [01:06] The U.S. is seeking to revive Gaza ceasefire talks after Israeli airstrikes targeted Hamas leaders during negotiations in Qatar.

  • Reporter Daniel Estrin (Tel Aviv): No Hamas leaders were killed, but Qatar—previously a critical mediator—threatens to withdraw its involvement.
  • The U.S. is pressing for an Israeli “gesture” to win back Qatar’s mediation role.
  • After talks collapsed, Israel launched a new offensive in Gaza City; families of hostages are protesting outside the Israeli prime minister’s house.

  “Now the US Is looking for a way to revive Gaza cease fire talks and is seeking an Israeli gesture to bring the Qataris back to the negotiating table.”
  — Daniel Estrin, [01:19]

  “Families of hostages in Gaza are now camped outside the Israeli prime minister's house protesting that move.”
  — Daniel Estrin, [01:50]

3. Turning Point USA Resumes Activities Post-Tragedy

• [02:03] Turning Point USA resumes its “American Comeback Tour” at Colorado State University—their first event since the killing of CEO Charlie Kirk.

  • Reporter Tony Gorman (at CSU): The planned events have shifted to a memorial vigil at Canvas Stadium.
  • Security concerns remain high among students, especially after Kirk’s killing at Utah Valley University.

  “I think it is an eye opener and it shows a lot of potential for like scary things to happen. So yeah, I think it is concerning, but I also don't feel like there's much chance that it gets better for security.”
  — Nick Nye, student, [02:38]

4. Congressional Hearing on D.C. Governance

• [03:02] D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser is scheduled to testify at a House Oversight Committee hearing regarding federal management of the District of Columbia.

5. Vitamin B3 Linked to Reduction in Skin Cancer Recurrence

• [03:02] A major new study finds vitamin B3 (nicotinamide) supplements may significantly reduce recurrence of non-melanoma skin cancer.

  • Reporter Allison Aubrey: Over 33,000 veterans participated.
  • Study author Lee Wheelis (Vanderbilt University) reports a 53% risk reduction.

  “A 53% reduction in the risk of skin cancers among patients taking nicotinamide B3.”
  — Lee Wheelis, [03:50]

  “Supplements are widely, widely available over the counter. The participants took 500 milligrams twice a day for at least 30 days.”
  — Allison Aubrey, [03:56]

6. CDC Vaccine Committee's First Meeting Under New Leadership

• [04:06] CDC advisory panel convenes to reconsider changes to childhood vaccine recommendations.

  • Topics include whether to delay hepatitis B vaccine at birth and if the MMRV combination vaccine should be stopped before age 4.
  • Also at stake: revised guidance on Covid shots.
  • The entire advisory panel was dismissed and replaced by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., sparking concern as the new members include vaccine skeptics.

  “The new committee includes advisors who've challenged vaccines and who are skeptical of COVID shots. The panel makes recommendations to the CDC's director.”
  — Kristen Wright, [04:52]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On tough security realities after Charlie Kirk’s assassination:

  “I think it is an eye opener... I also don't feel like there's much chance that it gets better for security.”
  — Nick Nye, CSU student, [02:38]

• On the impact of vitamin B3 for skin cancer prevention:

  “A 53% reduction in the risk of skin cancers among patients taking nicotinamide B3.”
  — Lee Wheelis, study author, [03:50]

• On changes to CDC’s vaccine advisory panel:

  “The new committee includes advisors who've challenged vaccines and who are skeptical of COVID shots.”
  — Kristen Wright, [04:52]

Important Timestamps

• [00:20] – U.S.–U.K. global partnership agreement
• [01:06] – Gaza ceasefire talks and fallout from Israeli strike
• [02:03] – Turning Point USA’s first event after founder’s assassination
• [03:02] – D.C. mayor to testify on federal oversight
• [03:33] – Vitamin B3 research on skin cancer
• [04:06] – CDC vaccine policy discussions under new (anti-vaccine) panel

Tone & Language Notes

The episode maintains NPR’s hallmark neutrality and conciseness, while blending firsthand perspectives, such as Nick Nye’s candid reflection on campus safety, and direct news reporting on major global and domestic events.

For a five-minute update, the podcast delivers an impressively comprehensive glance at some of the day's most critical developments, from geopolitics to public health and civic policy.