NPR News Now — 09-21-2025, 10AM EDT

Host: Windsor Johnston, NPR
A concise, five-minute roundup of the major U.S. and global news headlines as of September 21, 2025, presented with NPR’s trademark clarity and measured tone.

Main Theme

A fast-paced news bulletin covering major international developments, domestic affairs, economic updates, technology disruptions, and weather—each story reported with essential context and voices from NPR correspondents.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. UK Formally Recognizes Palestinian State ([00:20])

• Announcement: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer declares formal UK recognition of a Palestinian state, despite opposition from the U.S. and Israel.
• Context: Follows similar moves by Canada and Australia, aiming to “revive the hope of peace for the Palestinians and Israelis.”
  • Notable Quote:

    “The move is intended to revive the hope of peace for the Palestinians and Israelis.”
    — Windsor Johnston (00:29)

• Geopolitical Implications: The announcement highlights widening transatlantic differences on Middle East policy as recognition efforts snowball internationally.

2. Charlie Kirk Memorial, Security Tightens in Arizona ([00:57])

• Event: Tens of thousands gather at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, for a public memorial honoring conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
• Security Measures:
  • “With President Trump being here, the Secret Service is involved. Everyone must go through a magnetometer, and everyone is limited in what they can bring inside.”
    — Steve Futterman, reporting from Glendale (01:00)
• Crowd Challenges: Long wait times expected due to enhanced security protocols.
• Background:
  • Kirk was fatally shot at Utah Valley University earlier this month while speaking to students.

3. Charlie Kirk’s Evolving Stance on Faith and Politics ([01:12])

• Reporting: Sarah McCammon examines Kirk’s changing views regarding the intersection of religion and government.
  • 2018 Quote:

    “We do have a separation of church and state, and we should support that.”
    — Charlie Kirk (archival clip, 01:50)

  • 2022 Quote:

    “There is no separ[ation of] church and state. It’s a fabrication. It’s a fiction. It’s not in the Constitution. It’s made up by secular humanists.”
    — Charlie Kirk (archival clip, 01:59)

• Legacy: Some supporters view Kirk as a “martyr for his Christian beliefs.”

4. Wall Street’s Highs Face Economic Reality ([02:14])

• Financial Overview: U.S. markets soared after the Federal Reserve’s first interest rate cut this year, amid concerns about job market softness.
• Upcoming Focus:
  • Wednesday: Government data on new home sales (expected slight slowdown).
  • Thursday: Costco’s quarterly results—may provide insight on the impact of tariffs and rising grocery prices.
  • Notable Quote:

    “Markets ended the week at record highs. Now Wall Street will be listening closely for more clues about how the economy is doing.”
    — Maria Aspen, NPR (02:29)

5. European Airports Disrupted by Cyber Attack ([03:11])

• Widespread Delays: Second consecutive day of disruption after a cyber attack targeted airline software enabling shared counters and gates.
  • Major airports impacted: London Heathrow, Brussels, Berlin among others.
• Travelers Affected: Ongoing chaos in some of Europe’s biggest travel hubs.

6. Electric Vehicle Tax Credits Fuel Sales Surge ([03:53])

• Sales Spike: New EV sales up nearly 18%, used EVs up almost 60% compared to last year (Cox Automotive data).
• Impending Deadline:
  • Federal EV tax credits (up to $7,500 new, $4,000 used) require a binding contract by September 30 as the Republican tax and spending package ends the incentive.
  • Quote:

    “Shoppers can get a credit worth up to $7,500 or four grand on a used car, but only if a binding contract is signed by September 30. The vehicle itself can be delivered later.”
    — Camila Domonosky, NPR (03:53)

• Market Impact: A surge now with a likely sales slump expected after credits expire.

7. Tropical Storm Gabrielle Approaching Bermuda ([04:31])

• Storm Details:
  • Currently 65 mph winds, could reach hurricane status by tonight.
  • Expected to remain offshore, but heavy rain and high winds may impact Bermuda.
  • Official Warning: Precautionary measures advised for island residents.

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• On Security at the Charlie Kirk memorial:
  “Everyone must go through a magnetometer, and everyone is limited in what they can bring inside.”
  — Steve Futterman (01:00)

• On Charlie Kirk’s turn in religious rhetoric:

  • “We do have a separation of church and state, and we should support that.” (Charlie Kirk, 2018 — 01:50)
  • “There is no [separation of] church and state. It’s a fabrication. It’s a fiction. It’s not in the Constitution.” (Charlie Kirk, 2022 — 01:59)

• On EV credits urgency:
  “Only if a binding contract is signed by September 30. The vehicle itself can be delivered later.”
  — Camila Domonosky (03:53)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:20 — UK recognizes Palestinian state
• 00:57 — Crowd, security at Charlie Kirk memorial in Arizona
• 01:12 — Kirk’s religious views through his career
• 02:14 — Wall Street’s market performance and economic outlook
• 03:11 — European airport disruptions from cyber attack
• 03:53 — Electric vehicle tax credit deadline drives sales
• 04:31 — Tropical Storm Gabrielle nears Bermuda

Summary

This NPR News Now episode succinctly covers pivotal developments from global diplomacy and security to economic tremors, energy and tech shifts, and severe weather. Through tightly reported stories and signature NPR clarity, listeners are quickly brought up to date on the events shaping the day.