NPR News Now – September 20, 2025, 10AM EDT

Brief Overview

This episode delivers a concise update of the morning’s top U.S. news, focusing on political, legal, and public health developments, as well as a free speech controversy in higher education and ongoing protests relating to media freedom. The reporting highlights key issues surrounding government accountability, public health policy, First Amendment rights, and reactions to high-profile suspensions in the media.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Federal Prosecutor’s Resignation Amid Presidential Pressure

• [00:16–01:20]

• Eric Siebert, top federal prosecutor in Northern Virginia, departed his role under pressure from President Trump.

• Siebert led investigations into prominent Trump critics (NY Attorney General Tish James, former FBI Director Jim Comey), expressing doubts about pursuing charges.

• President Trump asserted Siebert was fired, contradicting Siebert’s "resignation" narrative.

• Virginia’s Democratic senators defended Siebert's ethics, framing his ouster as retaliation against refusal to support presidential vendettas.

• The position is notably significant, overseeing high-profile national security and espionage cases.

  "Eric Siebert was a longtime career prosecutor in Virginia...he expressed doubts about pursuing any charges in those cases against the prominent Trump critics."
  — Carrie Johnson, NPR ([00:37])

2. Looming Government Shutdown – Congressional Standoff

• [01:20–01:56]

• Congress faces an end-of-month deadline to avert a partial government shutdown.

• The House passed a short-term funding bill (continuing resolution), quickly rejected by the Senate majority leader.

• Senator John Thune (R) urges Democrats to support the bill, which would keep the government running through November 21st, providing seven additional weeks to finalize appropriations.

  "There will be an opportunity for Democrats to vote on a bill that has already passed the House...and give us another seven weeks or so to complete the appropriations process."
  — Sen. John Thune ([01:39])

3. Change in CDC Vaccine Recommendations

• [01:56–03:13]

• CDC's immunization committee voted to no longer recommend the combined MMRV (measles, mumps, rubella, varicella) vaccine for children under four.

• Dr. Catherine Wells (Lubbock Public Health) reflects on the challenges encountered during the West Texas measles outbreak, with a majority of cases among children.

• The separation of vaccines means fewer choices for parents and implications for what providers and insurers can offer.

  "We saw the impact of what happens when we have large, unvaccinated populations. And in Texas, you know, vaccine's very much a choice, but we want to make sure that we have all those tools available so that parents can make those choices."
  — Dr. Catherine Wells ([02:46])

• The committee’s decision will influence insurance coverage and federal vaccine programs.

4. Free Speech Ruling at University of Missouri

• [03:13–04:13]

• Federal judge found the University of Missouri violated First Amendment rights by excluding the pro-Palestinian group "Mizzou Students for Justice in Palestine" from a homecoming parade.

• The university cited "safety concerns," but the judge determined this was not sufficient reason for exclusion.

• The group’s legal representation emphasized constitutional protections.

  "Exactly what the University of Missouri attempted to do by preventing them from entering the 2025 homecoming parade."
  — Ahmed Kaki, representing the group ([04:00])

• The University declined to comment.

5. Protests in Support of Jimmy Kimmel and Free Speech

• [04:19–04:57]
• Demonstrations took place in NYC demanding the reinstatement of suspended late-night host Jimmy Kimmel and advocating for free speech.
• Protests mobilized lawmakers, fans, and Writers Guild members outside ABC Studios.
• Suspension followed Kimmel's criticism of Republicans’ response to activist Charlie Kirk’s assassination at Utah Valley University.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On prosecutor Eric Siebert’s ouster:
  "He's an ethical prosecutor who was pushed out for refusing to pursue Trump's vendettas." ([paraphrased from Carrie Johnson], [00:37])

• On vaccine choices after CDC recommendation change:
  "We want to make sure that we have all those tools available so that parents can make those choices."
  — Dr. Catherine Wells ([02:46])

• On First Amendment rights for student groups:
  "The Constitution protects the group from having their speech restricted."
  — Ahmed Kaki ([04:00])

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Federal Prosecutor Resignation – [00:16–01:20]
• Government Shutdown Deadline – [01:20–01:56]
• CDC Vaccine Policy Update – [01:56–03:13]
• University of Missouri Free Speech Ruling – [03:13–04:13]
• Jimmy Kimmel Suspension Protests – [04:19–04:57]

This edition of NPR News Now delivers a packed five minutes of urgent national updates, shedding light on government accountability challenges, public health policy shifts, constitutional rights battles, and growing activism for free expression in the media landscape.