NPR News Now – 09-19-2025 3PM EDT
Host: Lakshmi Singh | Date: September 19, 2025
Episode Focus: The episode offers concise updates on major national and international stories, emphasizing U.S. government funding negotiations, vaccine policy, developments in Gaza, the Trump assassination attempt trial, and tensions over U.S.-South Korea visa and investment disputes.
Main Theme
A high-stakes news update on potential U.S. government shutdown, divisive vaccine policy debates, ongoing conflict in Gaza, legal proceedings against an accused Trump assassin, and U.S.-South Korea diplomatic tensions.
Major Stories & Key Points
1. U.S. Government Shutdown Looms
Timestamps: 00:18–01:10
- Senate Fails Stopgap Funding Bill:
- The U.S. Senate could not pass a stopgap bill to fund federal agencies through Nov 21.
- Two Republicans and all but one Democrat opposed the House-approved bill; an alternate Democratic proposal also failed.
- Speaker Mike Johnson Blames Democrats:
- Johnson criticizes Democrats for adding healthcare subsidies, calling the House bill a “clean, completely non-partisan CR.”
- Quote:
“If they choose to vote against this clean, completely non partisan cr, then they will be choosing to shut the government down and they will owe the consequences of what happens following that.”
— Mike Johnson, 00:58
- Potential for Recess and Shutdown:
- Congress is set to recess unless a deal is reached; a shutdown could begin October 1.
2. CDC Delays Vote on Hepatitis B Vaccines
Timestamps: 01:21–02:06
- Heated Vaccine Debate:
- The CDC advisory panel, selected by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., pauses a decision on changing hepatitis B vaccine timing after contentious discussion.
- Proposed Change:
- Consideration was given to delaying the first hepatitis B vaccine dose from birth to 1 month, for newborns of hepatitis B-negative mothers.
- Expert Concern:
- Many public health experts express worry over the proposal’s safety.
- Quote:
“The current schedule for hepatitis B is that the first dose is given to newborns at birth in the hospital. But the group was considering recommending that this first dose be delayed... and many experts that we talked to were very concerned with this.”
— Elaine Chen, 01:44
3. Intensifying Violence in Gaza
Timestamps: 02:06–03:06
- Heavy Israeli Bombardment:
- At least 50 Palestinians killed in the last 24 hours; bombing described as unannounced and “intense.”
- Audio Moment: Israeli warplanes bomb Gaza City “with at least 60 missiles back to back.”
- Civilians Trapped:
- Israel orders evacuations; many residents unable to leave due to cost or lack of alternatives; some returned due to “inhumane conditions” in the south.
- UN Security Council Action:
- 14 nations support an immediate ceasefire.
- Quote:
“The intense bombardments came without warning. Israel has ordered all of Gaza City's residents to leave south as its troops make a push for the center. But hundreds of thousands of people remain. Many say they have no place to go...”
— Anis Baba, 02:27
4. Donald Trump Assassination Attempt Trial
Timestamps: 03:06–04:07
- Prosecution’s Final Witness:
- FBI Agent Kimberly McGreevey details cell phone and camera evidence tracing Ryan Ruth’s movements and actions.
- Ruth allegedly stalked Trump in Palm Beach County, repeatedly visiting Trump’s golf course.
- Evidence presented: Ruth’s purchase of an SKS-style rifle, attempted purchase of a .50 caliber rifle.
- Upcoming Defense:
- Ruth, acting as his own lawyer, will begin his defense on Monday.
5. Tensions Over US-South Korea Investment & Visas
Timestamps: 04:07–04:50
- Visa Dispute Stalls Investments:
- Following the detention of 300+ Korean workers at a Hyundai plant in Georgia, South Korea pushes for a special visa for its skilled workers.
- South Korea signals it may withhold pledged U.S. investments pending visa issue resolution.
- Quote:
“Resolving the visa issue is not a precondition for investments in the U.S. but realistically speaking, it's a very important issue.”
— Cho Hyun, South Korean Foreign Minister, 04:33
- U.S. President Trump’s Position:
- Trump acknowledges the need for Korean workers in the U.S.
6. Market Update
Timestamp: 04:50–04:57
- Dow Jones: Up 165 points at this hour.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- Mike Johnson [00:58]: “If they choose to vote against this clean, completely non partisan cr, then they will be choosing to shut the government down and they will owe the consequences of what happens following that.”
- Elaine Chen [01:44]: "Many experts that we talked to were very concerned with this."
- Anis Baba [02:27]: "The intense bombardments came without warning... hundreds of thousands of people remain. Many say they have no place to go."
- Cho Hyun [04:33]: “Resolving the visa issue is not a precondition for investments in the U.S. but realistically speaking, it's a very important issue.”
Structure and Flow
The episode delivers crisp, hour-by-hour news, moving smoothly among domestic politics, global health debate, international conflict, major legal proceedings, and economic/diplomatic developments. Each segment provides essential context and perspectives, summarizing the urgency and complexity of current events.