NPR News Now – September 19, 2025, 7PM EDT

Host: Jeanine Hurst
Duration: 5 minutes
Theme: Rapid update on U.S. government funding gridlock, free speech controversies, Covid vaccine policy shifts, Supreme Court gender-identity case, and Sudan civil conflict.

Main Theme / Purpose

This episode covers major headlines in U.S. politics and global affairs as of September 19, 2025, focusing on the looming U.S. government shutdown, clashes over free speech and media, changes in Covid vaccine recommendations, a Supreme Court case on passport gender identity, and the humanitarian crisis in Darfur, Sudan.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. U.S. Government Funding Stalemate

[00:16–01:05]

• The Senate failed to advance House-passed funding bills; a government shutdown appears imminent as the September 30 deadline approaches.
• Senate Majority Leader John Thune accused Democrats of political theatrics:
  • Quote: "They're trying to use what they think is leverage to get a bunch of stuff done that's never going to happen... They're not being serious." (John Thune, 00:33)
• Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer placed blame on Republicans:
  • Quote: "Now that it's clear that neither bill nor will get the 60 votes... it's time to negotiate. The theater must end." (Chuck Schumer, 00:55)

2. Free Speech Clash: Media Coverage & FCC Intervention

[01:05–02:20]

• President Trump criticized news networks for negative coverage, calling it potentially illegal.
  • Quote: "When you have networks that give somebody 97% bad publicity or 94% bad publicity, I think that's, I think that's dishonesty." (Donald Trump, 01:23)
• Trump praised the FCC chair for pressuring ABC to suspend Jimmy Kimmel after remarks about Charlie Kirk. ABC previously settled a defamation suit with Trump for $15 million.
• CBS News paid $16 million for an interview with candidate Harris.
• Pushback came from both Democrats and some Republicans.
• Tamara Keith reported on Republican dissent:
  • Sen. Ted Cruz labeled the FCC chair’s actions as "dangerous as hell and like something right outta Goodfellas, the mob movie."
    • Quote: "When the FCC chairman says we can do this the easy way or we can do this the hard way, it's not hard to tell what he wants to happen." (Tamara Keith, quoting Ted Cruz, 02:07)

3. Covid Vaccine Policy Update

[02:20–03:12]

• CDC’s vaccine advisory committee recommended that all individuals six months and older may receive a Covid booster following a healthcare consultation.
• The committee also called for including possible risks and uncertainties on information sheets, even if some risks are speculative or unsubstantiated.
  • Dr. Retsov Levy: "Do we know all the answers? No. Did we hear satisfactory explanations from the companies and the FDA? Absolutely no." (Retsov Levy, 02:54)
• Signal of a new, more cautious approach that may impact vaccine access timelines.

4. U.S. Supreme Court & Passport Gender Identity

[03:12–04:10]

• The Trump administration asked the Supreme Court to overturn a block on its executive order restricting passport gender markers to male or female only.
• The 2022 Biden-era policy allowed for male, female, or X as gender markers.
• The case continues to move through the courts; a federal judge blocked Trump’s order in June 2025.

5. Sudan Conflict: Darfur Crisis

[04:10–04:50]

• Paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) are nearing control of Al Fashir, the last major contested city in Darfur, raising fears of catastrophe for hundreds of thousands sheltering there.
• Emmanuel Akinwotu detailed:
  • Satellite imagery confirms RSF advances.
  • RSF and aligned militias are accused of genocidal actions.
  • RSF has created a rival government; aims to control Al Fashir before the UN General Assembly meets in New York.
  • Quote: "The RSF and allied Arab militias have been accused by the US, UN and others of committing a genocide against African ethnic groups." (Emmanuel Akinwotu, 04:20)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• John Thune: “They're trying to use what they think is leverage to get a bunch of stuff done that's never going to happen.” ([00:33])
• Chuck Schumer: “It's time to negotiate. The theater must end.” ([00:55])
• Donald Trump: “I think that's dishonesty.” ([01:23])
• Ted Cruz (via Tamara Keith): “The FCC commissioner's threats were dangerous as hell and like something right outta Goodfellas, the mob movie.” ([02:07])
• Retsov Levy: “Do we know all the answers? No. Did we hear satisfactory explanations... Absolutely no.” ([02:54])
• Emmanuel Akinwotu: “RSF... have been accused by the US, UN and others of committing a genocide...” ([04:20])

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:16 – Senate standoff over government funding
• 00:33 – John Thune criticizes Democrats
• 00:55 – Chuck Schumer calls for negotiation
• 01:23 – Trump decries negative media coverage
• 01:33 – Trump and FCC act on ABC/Jimmy Kimmel controversy
• 01:57 – Sen. Ted Cruz rebukes FCC intimidation
• 02:29 – CDC panel's new Covid vaccine guidelines
• 02:54 – Questions on vaccine safety, Dr. Retsov Levy
• 03:12 – Supreme Court asked to decide on passport gender markers
• 04:10 – RSF advances in Al Fashir, Darfur crisis

Summary Flow & Utility

This NPR News Now episode swiftly tracks breaking U.S. and world stories with direct speaker quotes and succinct analysis. The episode provides essential updates on government dysfunction, media and free speech controversies, emerging public health policy, a major Supreme Court appeal, and a “flashpoint” humanitarian crisis in Sudan—making it indispensable for listeners seeking to stay informed on the issues shaping the headlines as of September 19, 2025.