NPR News Now: Summary for September 21, 2025, 12AM EDT

Episode Overview

This episode of NPR News Now provides listeners with a concise, five-minute update on major national and international headlines. Topics include the upcoming funeral of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk, a new California law affecting law enforcement, heightened tensions between Russia and NATO, a new immigration fee policy from the Trump administration, ongoing conflict in Gaza, the passing of songwriter Sonny Curtis, and a notable U.S. sports achievement.

Key News Highlights & Timestamps

1. Funeral of Charlie Kirk Draws National Attention

[00:11 – 01:11]

• Charlie Kirk—co-founder of Turning Point USA and a prominent MAGA movement leader—was assassinated less than two weeks ago. His funeral will be held at State Farm Stadium, Glendale, Arizona.
• Top Republican figures, including Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance, will speak at the service.
• His widow, Erica Kirk, has been named CEO of Turning Point USA and is committed to continuing her husband’s work.
• Notable Quote:
  • "His assassination has reverberated across all levels of Republican politics, from the grassroots conservative space all the way to the White House."
    —Elena Moore, [00:34]

2. California's New Law on Law Enforcement Masking

[01:11 – 01:44]

• California bans most law enforcement officers from covering their faces during official duties, following recent immigration raids in Los Angeles.

• Governor Gavin Newsom signed this measure in direct opposition to federal practices.

• Governor Newsom's Statement:

  • "We're not North Korea, Mr. President. We're not the Soviet Union. This is the United States of America. And I'm really proud of the state of California and our state of mind that we're pushing back against these authoritarian tendencies and actions of this administration."
    —Governor Gavin Newsom, [01:27]

• The law prohibits items like neck gaiters and ski masks, allowing some exceptions.

3. Russia-NATO Tensions Escalate Over Airspace

[01:44 – 02:44]

• Russia is accused of violating NATO airspace by sending fighter jets over Estonia for 12 minutes—a claim Russia denies.

• NATO responded by scrambling fighter jets.

• Incident follows last week’s confrontation when NATO jets fired on Russian drones over Poland.

• Notable Quote:

  • "NATO tells a different story. It says alliance fighter jets scrambled to intercept the Russian planes after they entered Estonia's airspace for a full 12 minutes in what Estonian authorities called an unprecedentedly brazen incursion."
    —Charles Maynes, [02:02]

• Western officials believe Russia is testing NATO’s eastern defenses.

4. White House Clarifies New Immigration Fee

[02:44 – 03:12]

• President Trump announced a $100,000 fee for new high-skilled tech worker visas (H1B visas).
• Initial confusion led current visa holders to worry, but the White House clarifies the fee applies only to new applicants.

5. Gaza Conflict and Humanitarian Crisis

[03:12 – 03:34]

• At least 14 people killed overnight in Israeli strikes on Gaza City.
• Israel intensifies its offensive and urges Palestinians to evacuate.
• UNICEF reports that food aid for children was stolen from its trucks.

6. Remembering Sonny Curtis

[03:52 – 04:31]

• Sonny Curtis, acclaimed songwriter and Crickets band member, has died at age 88 near Nashville.
• Wrote the classics “I Fought the Law” and the Mary Tyler Moore Show theme “Love Is All Around.”
• Notable Fact: Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012.
• Memorable Tribute:
  • "Sonny Curtis wrote I Fought the Law in the late 1950s when he was a member of Buddy Holly's band the Crickets."
    —Chloe Veltman, [03:52]

7. Sports Achievement: Heptathlon Title

[04:31 – 04:54]

• Anna Hall becomes only the second American to win a world heptathlon title.
• Hall finished 174 points ahead of her closest competitor; Talia Brooks tied for third.

Memorable Moments

• Governor Newsom’s pointed refusal to emulate authoritarian regimes in U.S. law enforcement practice.
• Emotional national response and high-level political engagement following the death of Charlie Kirk.
• Ongoing tension and military maneuvers at the Russia-NATO border.
• Cultural remembrance for Sonny Curtis and his impact on American music.

Closing Note

This NPR News Now segment provided a rapid yet thorough briefing on today’s essential news—capturing the urgency, conflict, policy shifts, and cultural notes shaping this moment in U.S. and world affairs.