NPR News Now – September 18, 2025, 9PM EDT

Main Theme:
A fast-paced overview of key national and global news, including legal, political, public health, and sports stories, delivered in NPR's signature succinct style.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Free Speech & Jimmy Kimmel Suspension Controversy

• [00:20–01:28]
• ABC’s suspension of late night host Jimmy Kimmel after remarks targeting President Trump caught the attention of Democrats in Congress.
• Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT) and other Democrats accused the Trump administration of using federal power to silence critics:
  • Quote: "That's censorship. That's state speech control. That's not America." (Sen. Chris Murphy, 00:59)
• Introduction of the “No Political Enemies or NOPE Act” to protect constitutionally protected speech from government retaliation.
  • The bill would protect speech, establish consequences for officials targeting free expression, and help victims recover legal fees.
  • No Republican lawmakers have signed on, making passage unlikely in the GOP-controlled Congress.

2. Trump Warns Europe on Russian Oil Over Ukraine War

• [01:28–02:26]
• President Trump returns from a UK state visit and urges European allies to cease buying Russian oil, stressing its link to prolonging the war in Ukraine.
• Trump’s remarks, made during a Fox News interview, reinforce his push for stricter action against Russia:
  • Quote: "Ultimately, if oil prices go down or if Russia is not selling oil, they have no choice but to settle. ... When they're buying oil from Russia, that's not the greatest thing." (President Trump, 01:54)
• The EU plans to phase out Russian oil by 2028, a timeline U.S. officials argue is too slow.

3. Supreme Court Fight Over Federal Reserve Independence

• [02:26–03:15]
• The Trump administration is petitioning the Supreme Court to allow the president to immediately remove Federal Reserve Board member Lisa Cook.
• NPR’s Nina Totenberg notes the administration's aggressive effort to bring the central bank under more direct presidential control:
  • For over a century, the Federal Reserve Board has operated with substantial independence by law.
  • The conservative-dominated Supreme Court has shown willingness to let presidents remove agency heads, though has hinted the Fed may be uniquely protected.

4. CDC Alters Vaccine Guidelines for Young Children

• [03:15–04:01]
• Under newly reconstituted leadership from Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the CDC vaccine panel voted to retract their recommendation for administering a combined MMRV vaccine to children under age 4.
• New guidance urges parents to opt for standalone vaccines for measles, mumps, rubella, and chickenpox instead of the combo shot.
• Vaccine experts and advocates express concern, saying the change could decrease public confidence and restrict access to vaccines.

5. Charleston Withdraws Climate Lawsuit Against Oil Companies

• [04:01–04:38]
• Charleston, SC’s lawsuit against major fossil fuel companies over climate change-related damages was dismissed by a state judge, ruling it a federal issue.
• City spokesperson Deja Knight McMillan says future legal steps are undecided.
• Dozens of similar suits exist nationwide, most opposed by the Trump administration and some state Republicans.

6. Clayton Kershaw Announces Retirement

• [04:38–05:00]
• Legendary Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw to retire after 18 seasons.
• His final regular season home game is scheduled for tomorrow night versus the San Francisco Giants.
• Kershaw has spent his entire career with the Dodgers organization.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Sen. Chris Murphy on censorship:
  "That's censorship. That's state speech control. That's not America."
  (00:59)

• President Trump on Russian oil:
  "When they're buying oil from Russia, that's not the greatest thing. That's not the deal."
  (01:54)

Timed Highlights

• 00:20–01:28 — Jimmy Kimmel suspension, Democratic legislative response.
• 01:28–02:26 — Trump’s return from UK, warning on Russian oil supplies.
• 02:26–03:15 — Federal Reserve Board, Supreme Court petition and legal precedent.
• 03:15–04:01 — CDC’s new guidance on toddler vaccines, expert concerns.
• 04:01–04:38 — Charleston’s lawsuit over climate damages dismissed.
• 04:38–05:00 — Clayton Kershaw announces baseball retirement.

This episode concisely reports high-impact developments across politics, international relations, public health, climate action, and sports, with direct quotations and clear, factual reporting characteristic of NPR News Now.