NPR News Now — September 21, 2025, 1PM EDT
Host: Nora Ramm
Duration: 5 minutes
Episode Theme:
A fast-paced update on major national and global news, including the high-profile memorial of Charlie Kirk, U.S. vaccine policy changes, new diplomatic moves on Palestinian recognition, U.S.-Taliban relations, Taylor Swift’s new movie-album launch, and a tropical storm update.
Key News Highlights
1. Charlie Kirk Memorial Draws Massive Crowds (00:18-01:18)
- Setting:
- Arizona’s State Farm Stadium, long lines forming hours ahead of Charlie Kirk’s memorial.
- Attendees include President Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance, and Kirk’s widow Erica Kirk.
- Crowd Estimates:
- Jose Santiago (Glendale PD):
“...we could see upwards of between 2 to 300,000 people just simply because of the amount of people that we have seen show up.” (00:50)
- Law enforcement officers deployed in high numbers.
- Overflow Issues:
“The lines of people walking up to the venue is stretching quite far. We're looking at more than a mile.” (01:01)
- Most attendees are unlikely to fit inside.
- Jose Santiago (Glendale PD):
- Reporters: Luke Garrett (NPR News)
2. President Trump's Remarks & TikTok's Role in 2024 Election (01:18-01:50)
- Trump Credits Kirk for TikTok Strategy:
“Charlie also said you should get on TikTok. So I think I did that ... did amazingly well on TikTok. And we got record young voters. Nobody’s ever seen anything like it.” — Donald Trump (01:29)
- Policy Update:
- Trump claims a deal is near for TikTok’s U.S. operations—potentially involving Rupert Murdoch as an investor—to remain under American control.
3. CDC Advisory Panel Revises COVID Vaccine Guidance (02:15-02:58)
- Panel Composition:
- Selected by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., with members generally critical of COVID vaccines.
- New Guidance Recommendation:
- Recommendation that people consult a medical provider before receiving the vaccine.
- Discussion Led by: Retsef Levy
“Do we have a culture of safety? This has to do with acknowledging what the risks are and be truthful to parents and patients about what are the risks.” — Retsef Levy (02:31)
- Addition of “theoretical risks”—some unproven—to consumer information sheets, sparking debate.
- Known Side Effects: Fever, body aches, rare heart problems in young men.
4. More Countries Recognize a Palestinian State (02:58-03:35)
- Nations Added: UK, Canada, Australia.
- UN General Assembly: Anticipates further country endorsements.
- Objections:
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu opposes the moves.
5. Taliban Rejects U.S. Return to Bagram Air Base (03:35-03:56)
- U.S.-Taliban Tension:
- Trump had said the U.S. is in talks about Bagram, but Taliban insists on Afghan “independence and territorial integrity,” urging U.S. to “follow a path of realism and rationality.”
6. Taylor Swift’s ‘Life of a Showgirl’ Album-Film Announcement (03:56-04:43)
- Event:
- Swift partners with AMC Theatres for exclusive release party and film, The Life of a Showgirl.
- Movie includes premiere of “Fate of Ophelia” music video, behind-the-scenes content, and song stories.
- Taylor Swift (clip):
“See the exclusive world premiere of the Fate of Ophelia music video along with behind the scenes footage ... stories about each song from my new album, the Life of a Showgirl.” (04:02)
- Film Details:
- 89-minute runtime, runs October 3-5, dancing encouraged.
- Follows up 2023’s record-breaking concert film (Eras Tour).
- Reporter: Ava Pukac (NPR)
7. Tropical Storm Gabrielle Update (04:43-04:57)
- Location: Turning in the Atlantic, east of Bermuda.
- Forecast: May strengthen to a hurricane tonight.
Notable Quotes
- Jose Santiago (Glendale PD):
“We are estimating that we could see upwards of between 2 to 300,000 people...” (00:50)
- Donald Trump:
“Charlie also said you should get on TikTok. So I think I did that ... we got record young voters.” (01:29)
- Retsef Levy (CDC Panel):
“Do we have a culture of safety?... Be truthful to parents and patients about what are the risks.” (02:31)
- Taylor Swift:
“See the exclusive world premiere of the Fate of Ophelia music video … stories about each song from my new album, the Life of a Showgirl.” (04:02)
Timestamps Quick Reference
- Charlie Kirk Memorial Coverage: 00:18–01:18
- Trump’s TikTok Reflections: 01:18–01:50
- TikTok U.S. Deal & Vaccine Panel News: 01:50–02:58
- Palestinian State Recognition: 02:58–03:35
- US-Taliban Diplomatic Update: 03:35–03:56
- Taylor Swift Album-Film News: 03:56–04:43
- Tropical Storm Gabrielle: 04:43–04:57
Episode Tone
- Fast-paced, factual, and journalistic, with direct quotations from major political figures and event organizers, and a focus on clarity and breaking developments.