NPR News Now - September 19, 2025, 8PM EDT
Host: Jeanine Herbst
Podcast: NPR News Now
Episode Date: September 19, 2025
Main Theme
This episode delivers a concise update on major national news stories, touching on U.S. military actions, changes in COVID-19 vaccine guidance, a high-profile immigration case, legal battles involving President Trump, new visa regulations, and the death of a renowned songwriter.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. US Military Action on Alleged Drug Smuggling Boats
- President Trump announced a third fatal military strike this month against an alleged drug smuggling boat, killing three onboard. A video of the airstrike was posted on social media.
- Previous strikes included another boat from Venezuela, with Trump stating all on board were killed.
- Quote [00:20, Jeanine Herbst]:
"President Trump says the US Military has carried out its third fatal strike against an alleged drug smuggling boat this month, killing three men on board."
- Context: These operations underscore an ongoing effort to clamp down on international drug trafficking.
2. CDC Panel Updates COVID-19 Booster Shot Guidance
- The CDC's vaccine advisors, now with picks from Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., modified guidance for COVID boosters:
- Shots now limited to those at greatest risk (older adults or those with health concerns).
- A stricter proposal—to require prescriptions for all—was debated but narrowly rejected.
- New recommendation: Anyone seeking a COVID-19 vaccine must consult with a healthcare provider to discuss risks.
- Quote [01:03, Rob Stein]:
“For the first time, they limited...shots to those who are at greatest risk... At one point, the committee considered recommending requiring a prescription for everyone... but in the end, the panel narrowly shot that one down.”
3. Deportation Order for Atlanta Journalist Mario Guevara
- Mario Guevara, a Spanish-language reporter who fled El Salvador over 20 years ago, faces imminent deportation:
- He was detained in June while covering a protest; original charges dropped, but held by ICE despite a valid work permit and green card application in progress.
- Lawyers are seeking emergency relief.
- Quote [01:57, Sergio Martinez Beltran]:
“Guevara left El Salvador more than two decades ago, fleeing violence... When he was arrested in Atlanta, he was charged with failing to disperse, but those charges were later dropped by local prosecutors. Still, he was taken into ICE custody despite having a work permit and a pending green card application.”
- Location: Immigration Processing Center, Folkestone, Georgia.
4. Trump’s $15 Billion Defamation Suit Against New York Times Dismissed
- Federal Judge Stephen Merry Day in Florida dismissed Trump’s lawsuit, labeling it overly long and containing irrelevant language.
- Trump has 28 days to resubmit; new complaint must be 40 pages or less (original: 85 pages).
- Accused parties: The New York Times, four reporters, and Penguin House.
- Allegation: Disparaging Trump's business reputation.
- Quote [02:40, Jeanine Herbst]:
"A federal judge in Florida tossed out a $15 billion defamation lawsuit filed by President Trump against the New York Times... The judge gave Trump's lawyers 28 days to file an amended complaint saying it can't exceed 40 pages."
5. New $100,000 Annual Fee for H1B Visa Applications
- President Trump signed a proclamation: All H1B visa applications now require a $100,000 annual fee.
- Program targeted for allowing tech companies to hire cheaper foreign labor in entry-level roles.
- California holds the highest population of H1B workers.
- Quote [03:31, Jeanine Herbst]:
"President Trump signed a proclamation today requiring a new $100,000 annual fee for H1B visa visa applications... That program has come under scrutiny by the Trump administration, which argues it allows companies to pay lower wages..."
6. Death of Songwriter Brett James
- Brett James, Grammy-winning songwriter, died at 57 in a North Carolina plane crash.
- Co-writer of many hits, including Carrie Underwood’s “Jesus, Take the Wheel,” and songs for artists like Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, Jessica Simpson, Backstreet Boys, and Taylor Swift.
- Inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2020.
- Quote [04:10, Isabella Gomez Sarmiento]:
"Brett James worked with some of the biggest names in country music, including Faith Hill, Tim McGraw and Carrie Underwood... James won a Grammy Award in 2007 as part of the team that penned 'Jesus, Take the Wheel.’"
- Quote [04:41, Isabella Gomez Sarmiento]:
"Brett James was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters hall of Fame in 2020."
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
CDC Vaccine Panel Decision
[01:03, Rob Stein]:“…the committee did recommend that anyone who wants a COVID vaccine needs to first have a detailed discussion with someone like a doctor or pharmacist about the possible risk.”
-
Mario Guevara’s Ongoing Legal Battle
[01:57, Sergio Martinez Beltran]:“He’s been detained at the Immigration Processing center in Folkestone, Georgia. Guevara’s attorneys are seeking emergency relief to keep him in the US.”
-
Federal Dismissal of Trump Lawsuit
[02:40, Jeanine Herbst]:“The judge gave Trump’s lawyers 28 days to file an amended complaint saying it can’t exceed 40 pages. The original suit was 85 pages.”
-
Brett James’ Musical Legacy
[04:10, Isabella Gomez Sarmiento]:“James won a Grammy Award in 2007 as part of the team that penned ‘Jesus, Take the Wheel.’ He also wrote songs for pop artists like Jessica Simpson, the Backstreet Boys and Taylor Swift.”
Timestamps for Key Segments
- U.S. Military Strike on Alleged Drug Smugglers: 00:20
- CDC Panel Changes Vaccine Guidance: 01:03
- Mario Guevara’s Deportation Order: 01:57
- Trump’s Defamation Lawsuit Dismissal: 02:40
- H1B Visa Application Fee Announcement: 03:31
- Death of Brett James: 04:10, 04:41
This episode delivers a brisk, factual overview highly relevant for anyone seeking to be informed on the latest breaking national headlines—from politics and public health to legal drama and music industry loss.