NPR News Now – 09-20-2025 8AM EDT

Brief Overview

This five-minute NPR News Now update covers major headlines affecting the U.S. and the world on September 20, 2025, with Windsor Johnston as anchor. The top stories include dramatic new guidelines from the Pentagon restricting journalistic access, the resignation of a top prosecutor connected to Letitia James, new CDC vaccine guidance, escalating Russia-NATO tensions, confirmation of a new UN ambassador, and preparations for the high-security UN General Assembly.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Pentagon Implements Restrictive Media Policy

[00:14 – 01:18]

• The Pentagon issued a memo introducing strict new requirements for journalists: reporters must now pledge only to report officially released information, including barring collection of unclassified materials unless authorized.
• Journalists who do not comply with this policy risk losing their press credentials, particularly for social media access.
• Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth underscored the policy, stating, "the press does not run the Pentagon, the people do...the press is no longer allowed to roam the halls of a secure facility, wear a badge and follow the rules or go home." (Quote referenced by Quill Lawrence, [01:00])

2. Resignation in Federal Mortgage Fraud Probe

[01:18 – 01:52]

• Eric Siebert, the top prosecutor (U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia) leading a criminal mortgage fraud investigation into New York Attorney General Letitia James, has resigned.
• The Associated Press reported that Siebert stepped down shortly after former President Trump publicly called for his removal.

3. CDC Vaccine Advisory – New Covid Guidance

[01:52 – 02:38]

• The CDC advisory panel now recommends anyone six months and older can get a Covid booster this fall after consultation with their doctor.
• The committee urged the CDC to include clearer information about "possible risks and uncertainties"—even if some are speculative or not well-substantiated.
• Retsef Levy (COVID-19 Working Group Chair):

  "Do we know all the answers? No. Did we hear satisfactory explanations from the companies and the FDA? Absolutely no." [02:17]

• This represents a shift to greater caution, with unsubstantiated or rare risks potentially influencing public access to vaccines.

4. Russia-Ukraine Conflict & NATO Tensions

[02:38 – 03:14]

• Russia conducted large-scale drone and missile raids on Ukraine overnight, with attacks ongoing into the morning.
• In Estonia, Foreign Minister Margus Sakhna urged NATO to impose harsher sanctions, warning of a "new level of provocation" after Russian military jets violated Estonian airspace—a week following drone intrusions into Poland.
• Margus Sakhna:

  "It is clear that Putin has started...on the new level testing NATO and new level provocation." [02:58]

5. Michael Waltz Confirmed as UN Ambassador

[03:14 – 04:14]

• The Senate confirmed Michael Waltz, a former Florida congressman and brief national security adviser, as President Trump’s ambassador to the United Nations (47-43 vote).
• Waltz’s accidental inclusion of a journalist in a sensitive group chat about U.S. Yemen airstrikes was scrutinized during hearings.
• Waltz pledged to fight for reforms at the UN, saying, "after 80 years, [the UN] has drifted from its core mission of peacekeeping." (Summary of Waltz's statement by Michelle Kellerman, [03:48])
• President Trump is slated to address the UN General Assembly next Tuesday.

6. Security Tightens as UN General Assembly Convenes

[04:14 – 04:57]

• Heightened security in New York City as over 150 world leaders, including President Trump, gather for the General Assembly.
• Top agenda items: ending the war in Gaza and negotiating the release of hostages.
• UN Secretary-General António Guterres:

  "International cooperation is vital in a moment like this to come here and do the negotiations and the mediations that are necessary to at least create hope for peace in some of the situations we are facing." [04:33]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Pete Hegseth (Defense Secretary, via social media):
  "The press does not run the Pentagon, the people do...the press is no longer allowed to roam the halls of a secure facility, wear a badge and follow the rules or go home." [01:00]

• Retsef Levy (CDC advisory panel):
  "Do we know all the answers? No. Did we hear satisfactory explanations from the companies and the FDA? Absolutely no." [02:17]

• Margus Sakhna (Estonian Foreign Minister):
  "It is clear that Putin has started...on the new level testing NATO and new level provocation." [02:58]

• António Guterres (UN Secretary-General):
  "International cooperation is vital in a moment like this..." [04:33]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Pentagon press restrictions: 00:14 – 01:18
• Prosecutor resigns in Letitia James probe: 01:18 – 01:52
• CDC Covid vaccine panel update: 01:52 – 02:38
• Russia/NATO tensions escalate: 02:38 – 03:14
• Senate confirmation of UN ambassador Waltz: 03:14 – 04:14
• UN General Assembly and Gaza crisis: 04:14 – 04:57

This concise yet comprehensive news roundup provides critical updates on U.S. policy changes, international conflicts, public health, and diplomatic affairs—setting the stage for both national and global events unfolding in September 2025.