NPR News Now – September 20, 2025, 6PM EDT

Podcast: NPR News Now
Host: Jeanine Herbst and NPR Correspondents
Date: September 20, 2025
Episode Theme:
A concise update on major national and international news, featuring topics including press access at the Pentagon, new CDC vaccine guidelines, a major cyberattack on European airports, the ongoing U.S.-China TikTok negotiations, and the Mothman festival in West Virginia.

Key Stories and Insights

1. ABC Suspends Jimmy Kimmel Over Charlie Kirk Assassination Joke

(Teaser for "Consider This" Podcast, not a full story in this segment)

• ABC suspends Jimmy Kimmel following his joke regarding right-wing responses to Charlie Kirk's assassination.
• The incident includes a threat from the FCC chair.
• Raises questions about free speech and the business of network TV (00:01).

2. Pentagon Imposes Press Access Pledge

Reported by: Ilana Weiss
Context:

• Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth institutes a new requirement: journalists must sign a pledge to access the Pentagon.
• The pledge asks reporters to abstain from gathering any information (even unclassified) that hasn’t been explicitly released.

Key Points:

• “Reporters could, quote, follow the rules or go home.” – Pete Hegseth, Secretary of Defense (00:48)
• Marks an unprecedented shift from previous policies—even those under administrations hostile to media.
• Criticized as an attack on First Amendment rights; seen as part of a broader Trump administration trend of restricting press access (01:10).

Memorable Moment:

• “Journalists and free speech proponents quickly denounced the new Pentagon rule as an attack on the First Amendment.” – Ilana Weiss (01:17)

3. CDC Changes Vaccine Guidance for Young Children

Reported by: Samantha Larnett
Context:

• The CDC's immunization panel votes to stop recommending the combined MMR-chickenpox shot for children under 4.
• Prompted concern among public health officials, especially after the Texas measles outbreak.

Key Points:

• Dr. Catherine Wells, Lubbock Public Health: “While the MMR and chickenpox vaccines remain as separate recommendations... parents will have fewer choices.” (01:56)
• Two-thirds of 700+ Texas measles cases were children.
• Concerns arise over limiting parental vaccine choice and the practicality for providers, insurers, and federal programs (02:24).

Notable Quote:

• “We saw the impact of what happens when we have large, unvaccinated populations... we want to make sure that we have all those tools available so that parents can make those choices.” – Dr. Catherine Wells (02:10)

4. Major Cyberattack Cripples European Airports

Reported by: Jeanine Herbst
Context:

• Cyberattack disrupts operations at airports in London, Brussels, and Berlin.
• Check-ins revert to manual processes; thousands stranded.

Key Points:

• Attack targeted a third-party provider controlling airport check-in and boarding systems.
• Affected travelers report no communication or organization from airport staff.

Notable Quote:

• “Nobody’s told us anything whatsoever going on. We’ve had to literally cherry pick it ourselves and get as much information as we can, which has been little or nothing.” – Sam Auld, traveler at Heathrow (03:03)

• EU authorities are monitoring the evolving situation (03:12).

5. White House Announces Progress on U.S.-China TikTok Deal

Summary:

• White House says upcoming deal will ensure American companies control the TikTok algorithm.
• Americans would hold a majority of seats on a U.S. operations oversight board.
• This is in response to legislation requiring ByteDance to divest U.S. TikTok operations, or face a ban in January.

Quote from Press Secretary:

• “Controlling the algorithm has been a central question.” – Jeanine Herbst summarizing White House remarks (03:33)

6. Mothman Festival Boosts West Virginia Town

Reported by: Bill Chappell from Point Pleasant, WV
Context:

• Annual festival draws thousands, celebrating the legendary 'Mothman'.

Key Points:

• Mothman legend began in the 1960s with a reported sighting: “This thing was roughly humanoid, six seven foot tall, red glowing eyes and about a ten foot wingspan.” – Steve Ward, local historian (04:24)
• The event revitalizes the town: “Our Main street was a ghost town, but it is filled with gift shops now and a waiting list to get on Main Street.” – Denny Bellamy, county tourism director (04:42)
• Over 20,000 visitors expected for the weekend.

7. Markets Update

Summary:

• Wall Street closes higher; both the Dow and S&P 500 hit fresh records (04:55).

Memorable Quotes

• “Journalists and free speech proponents quickly denounced the new Pentagon rule as an attack on the First Amendment.” — Ilana Weiss (01:17)
• “While the MMR and chickenpox vaccines remain as separate recommendations... parents will have fewer choices.” — Dr. Catherine Wells (01:56)
• “Nobody’s told us anything whatsoever going on. We’ve had to literally cherry pick it ourselves and get as much information as we can.” — Sam Auld (03:03)
• “Our Main street was a ghost town, but it is filled with gift shops now and a waiting list to get on Main Street.” — Denny Bellamy (04:42)

Timeline of Major Segments

| Timestamp | Segment Description | |-----------|-------------------------------------------------------| | 00:01 | ABC/Jimmy Kimmel suspension (promo for Consider This) | | 00:25 | Pentagon: new press access rules | | 01:29 | CDC changes vaccine guidance | | 02:37 | European airport cyberattack | | 03:12 | White House comments on TikTok deal | | 04:16 | Mothman festival in West Virginia | | 04:55 | Wall Street record close |

Tone and Style

The update delivers succinct, fact-driven news with the professionalism and clarity expected from NPR. Speakers maintain a sober, informative tone, while quotes from interviewees add immediacy and person-to-person perspective.

Summary:
This episode offers a fast-paced overview of significant U.S. and international developments, spotlighting press restrictions at the Pentagon, CDC vaccine policy shifts, a disruptive cyberattack in Europe, geopolitical maneuvering over TikTok, and the cultural phenomenon of the Mothman festival. These news snippets are enriched with local perspectives and direct quotes, making the headlines relatable and informative for listeners.