NPR News Now — September 20, 2025, 11PM EDT

Episode Overview

This hourly NPR News Now episode, hosted by Dale Willman, delivers a concise roundup of the day's top news. The update features a new law affecting police conduct in California, a leadership change at Turning Point USA, updates to CDC vaccine advisories, violent demonstrations in the Netherlands, a major Russian attack on Ukraine, the famed Mothman festival in West Virginia, and key college football results.

Key News Segments & Insights

1. California Bans Most Masks for Law Enforcement

[00:11–01:15]

• Governor Gavin Newsom signed a groundbreaking law prohibiting most law enforcement from wearing masks on duty, with exceptions for riot gear, medical purposes, or undercover work.
• The law was a response to public outcry after masked ICE raids in Los Angeles over the summer, which spurred mass protests.
• Notable Quote:
  • “These masked men did not provide any information. Name badge number hidden from accountability, any transparency, any oversight. That's Trump's America, but it is not the America we've grown up in.”
    — California Governor Gavin Newsom ([00:46])
• Legal uncertainty: Whether state lawmakers can regulate federal agents remains questionable and may face court challenges.
• ICE declined to comment on the new law.

2. Erica Kirk Becomes CEO of Turning Point USA

[01:15–02:03]

• Erica Kirk appointed CEO, following the death of her husband and founder, Charlie Kirk.
• Unanimous board support and in line with Charlie Kirk's intention for succession.
• Erica Kirk, known for her Christian clothing line and podcast, is committed to continuing Turning Point's events and outreach.
• She will soon speak alongside former President Trump and Vice President Vance at Charlie Kirk’s memorial.

3. CDC Advisory Panel Alters COVID Vaccine Guidance

[02:03–02:56]

• The CDC advisory panel, reportedly skeptical of COVID vaccines and appointed by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., met in Atlanta.
• Recommendation: Individuals should consult with healthcare providers before vaccination.
• Notable Quote:
  • “Do we have a culture of safety? This has to do with acknowledging what the risks are and be truthful to parents and patients about what are the risks.”
    — Panel member Retsef Levy ([02:28])
• The panel also voted to include theoretical risks—some not conclusively proven—on consumer information sheets, despite extensive global vaccine administration.

4. Violent Demonstration in the Netherlands

[02:56–03:32]

• A right-wing demonstration turned violent, with protesters clashing with police and vandalizing a political party’s office.
• Police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse crowds.
• The unrest comes just weeks ahead of the nation’s upcoming election.

5. Russian Forces Attack Ukraine

[03:32–03:47]

• Russian military launched attacks across nine Ukrainian regions.
• Many drones and missiles were intercepted, but explosions killed at least three people and injured dozens.
• President Zelensky accused Russia of using cluster munitions to hit a residential building in Dnipro, describing it as an intimidation tactic aimed at civilians and infrastructure.

6. Mothman Festival Boosts West Virginia Town

[03:47–04:24]

• Thousands have gathered in Point Pleasant, West Virginia, to celebrate the Mothman legend first reported in the 1960s.
• Local historian Steve Ward detailed the original sighting:
  • “Now this thing was roughly humanoid, six... seven foot tall, red glowing eyes and about a ten foot wingspan.” ([03:55])
• The annual festival has revitalized the local economy, filling formerly empty Main Street with shops and drawing over 20,000 visitors.
• Tourism director Denny Bellamy emphasized the festival’s positive economic impact.

7. College Football Highlights

[04:24–04:54]

• Oregon (No. 6) dominated Oregon State 41–7; QB Dante Moore had 305 yards and 4 TDs.
• Oklahoma (No. 11) edged past Auburn (No. 22): 24–21.
• Michigan narrowly defeated Nebraska: 30–27.
• Sacred Heart beat Norfolk State: 31–28, led by Mitchell Summers’ 119 rushing yards.

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• California Law on Police Masks:
  • Gavin Newsom’s remark criticizing the lack of accountability in masked law enforcement ([00:46]).
• CDC Panel Concerns:
  • Retsef Levy on a culture of safety in vaccines ([02:28]).
• Mothman Sighting Recap:
  • Steve Ward’s description of the legendary Mothman ([03:55]).
• Economic Revival:
  • Denny Bellamy on Point Pleasant’s transformation thanks to the festival ([04:12]).

Timestamps for Important Segments

| Time | Topic | |----------|----------------------------------------------------| | 00:11 | California bans most law enforcement mask use | | 01:15 | Erica Kirk becomes CEO of Turning Point USA | | 02:03 | CDC advisory panel changes COVID vaccine guidance | | 02:56 | Violent demonstration in Netherlands | | 03:32 | Russian attack on Ukraine | | 03:47 | Mothman festival in West Virginia | | 04:24 | College football scores |

This NPR News Now episode is a compact but comprehensive briefing, highlighting U.S. political developments, global conflicts, and unique cultural stories, all delivered in NPR's trademark straightforward and impartial style.