NPR News Now – September 21, 2025, 1AM EDT

Host: Dale Willman
Episode Duration: 5 minutes
Theme: A fast-paced roundup of major national and global news headlines, with a focus on law enforcement, cybersecurity, U.S. politics, crime, and sports.

Key News Segments & Discussion Points

1. Arrest at Arizona Memorial Event

[00:14 – 01:19]

• Summary:
  A man, Joshua Runkles, was arrested at State Farm Stadium, Arizona—site of the upcoming memorial service for conservative activist Charlie Kirk. While initially believed to be a fake law enforcement agent, it was clarified Runkles was with private security.
• Details:
  • Runkles was observed acting “suspiciously” and faces:
    • One felony charge: Impersonating a law enforcement officer
    • One misdemeanor: Carrying a weapon into a prohibited place
  • The memorial is to host President Trump and other officials.
  • Turning Point USA (event host) stated Runkles was “performing advanced security for a guest,” but lacked coordination with hosts or Secret Service.
  • Runkles has been released on bond; investigation ongoing.
  • Memorable Moment:

    “The Arizona Department of Public Safety says 42-year-old Joshua Runkles was arrested after law enforcement observed him acting suspiciously near the stadium.” – Wayne Chutsky [00:41]

2. California Bans Law Enforcement Face Coverings

[01:19 – 01:46]

• Summary:
  Governor Gavin Newsom signed a new law banning most law enforcement officers from wearing face coverings such as neck gaiters, ski masks, and others on official duty.
• Context:
  • The law primarily targets ICE agents, especially during immigrant detainment.
• Implication:
  • Raises civil liberties questions; designed to increase transparency.

3. President Trump's Statement on Drug Operations

[01:19 – 02:02]

• Summary:
  At a fundraising dinner, President Trump claimed victories against South American drug traffickers, particularly Venezuelan “narco terrorists.”
• Quote:

  “And we're blowing the Venezuelan narco terrorists... We're blowing them the hell out of the water. Every time you see a boat, thousands of people die. From the cargo in that boat, thousands of people die. And then the radical left say, oh, this is not nice.” – President Trump [01:46]

• Controversy:
  • Civil liberties groups argue that such aggressive tactics may breach international law.

4. Major Cyberattack at European Airports

[02:02 – 02:52]

• Summary:
  A cyberattack disrupted check-in and boarding systems at several major European airports: Brussels, Berlin, and London.
• Details:
  • Attack targeted third-party providers.
  • Resulted in widespread flight delays and cancellations, especially in Brussels.
  • Passengers urged to check flights; resolution efforts ongoing.
• Quote:

  “Brussels Airport says the target...appears to have been a third-party provider of boarding and check-in systems. The attack began Friday night... rendering automated systems inoperable.” – Terry Schultz [02:16]

5. Congressional Budget Negotiations

[02:52 – 03:34]

• Summary:
  • Congressional Democratic leaders are calling for urgent budget talks with President Trump to avert a government shutdown.
  • New federal budget year starts October 1; no agreement yet.
• Details:
  • Democrats accuse Trump of risking federal office closures without a deal.

6. Shooting at Sacramento ABC Affiliate

[03:34 – 04:21]

• Summary:
  • Anibal Hernandez Santana, 64, was arrested after a drive-by shooting at ABC10 in Sacramento.
  • Incident followed the network's suspension of Jimmy Kimmel’s late night show.
  • No injuries reported; suspect faces multiple felonies, including assault with a deadly weapon.
  • Released on bond, court appearance is next Tuesday.
  • Increased security implemented at station.
• Quote:

  “Police say at least three shots were fired through a window at the station on Friday afternoon and that no one was injured during the shooting.” – Chandelyse Duster [03:34]

7. College Football Upsets

[04:21 – 04:57]

• Summary:
  • Syracuse beats Clemson 34–21 (Clemson was preseason #4)
  • Indiana defeats Illinois 63–10, marking Indiana’s first win over a top-10 team in five years.
  • Eastern Michigan secures 34–31 victory over Louisiana Lafayette with a last-second field goal.

Notable Quotes

• On security at Charlie Kirk’s memorial:

  “Advanced security for a guest attending the event, but did not properly coordinate with the host group or US Secret Service.” – Wayne Chutsky [00:41–01:19]

• President Trump on drug operations:

  “We’re blowing the Venezuelan narco terrorists...thousands of people die. And then the radical left say, oh, this is not nice.” – President Trump [01:46]

• On the European cyberattack:

  “Rendering automated check in and boarding systems inoperable. That’s causing delays and cancellations in Brussels.” – Terry Schultz [02:16]

• ABC10 shooting in Sacramento:

  “No one was injured during the shooting. The suspect...is facing multiple felony charges, including assault with a deadly weapon.” – Chandelyse Duster [03:34]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Arrest at Arizona stadium: [00:14–01:19]
• California police mask ban & Trump fundraiser: [01:19–02:02]
• European airport cyberattack: [02:02–02:52]
• Congress budget standoff: [02:52–03:34]
• ABC10 Sacramento shooting: [03:34–04:21]
• NCAA football upsets: [04:21–04:57]

Conclusion

In this concise yet impactful episode, NPR covers evolving security, law enforcement, political, cyber, and sports headlines. Noteworthy are the high-stakes security incidents in the U.S., cyber-vulnerabilities in European travel infrastructure, government funding tensions, and surprise results in college football—presented in NPR's signature objective and factual style.