NPR News Now — September 21, 2025, 2PM EDT

Host: Nora Ramm
Duration: 5 minutes
Overview:
This NPR News Now episode delivers a concise roundup of major stories developing in the U.S. and globally. Today’s briefing highlights the memorial for late conservative activist Charlie Kirk, a cyberattack causing airport chaos across Europe, the opening of the UN General Assembly, tense NATO–Russia relations, a global report on the dangers faced by environmental activists, and a notable CDC advisory panel meeting about vaccines.

1. Memorial for Charlie Kirk in Arizona

Segment Begins: 00:18

• Story: A massive memorial service is underway in Glendale, Arizona for Charlie Kirk, the conservative activist who was shot and killed 11 days prior.
• Details:
  • The service is hosted in a stadium seating 73,000, with overflow capacity activated.
  • Notably, President Trump is among the speakers.
  • Large crowds are reported despite high temperatures.
• On-the-Ground Report:
  • Wayne Schutzke (KJZZ): “There's so many people here that the lines just seem to grow longer even as I can see people entering the stadium. Temperatures are supposed to reach over 100 degrees today, but right now it's overcast and not too hot, at least by Arizona standards.” (00:45)
  • Attendees frequently cited Kirk’s activism and faith as inspiration.
• Firsthand Account:
  • Boston Scoggins: “I mean, I just wanted to see him having some debates about political stuff and then seeing like, what questions other people would ask him and what the answers to those questions would be. Just getting to learn more about politics.” (01:23)

2. European Airport Cyberattack Causes Delays

Segment Begins: 01:36

• Story: A widespread cyberattack continues to disrupt travel at major European airports.
• Impacted Locations: London Heathrow, Brussels, and Berlin.
• Key Points:
  • Passengers are urged to contact airlines and avoid arriving earlier than their check-in time.
  • The attack affected software that coordinates shared check-in desks and boarding gates.
  • Long lines and disrupted baggage handling reported.
  • Collins Aerospace, the system provider, has yet to provide an estimate for resolution.
• Reporter Insight:
  • Vicki Barker: “The cyber attack appears to have targeted software which allows different airlines to use the same check in desks and boarding gates. Heathrow, Brussels and Berlin airports have all been affected, with travelers waiting in long lines...” (01:42)

3. UN General Assembly’s High-Level Debate

Segment Begins: 02:23

• Story: Around 150 world leaders are convening in New York for the UN General Assembly’s high-level week.
• Key Themes:
  • The focus is on diplomacy, conflict resolution, and tackling global crises.
• Notable Quote:
  • UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres:
    “Some call it the World cup of diplomacy, but this cannot be about scoring points. It must be about solving problems.” (02:35)
• Diplomatic Priorities:
  • Push for peaceful solutions, notably in Ukraine—though Guterres is pessimistic about immediate progress.
  • He condemns the ongoing war in Gaza as “morally, politically and legally intolerable” and urges for hostages’ release.

4. NATO–Russia Tensions Escalate

Segment Begins: 03:13

• Breaking News: NATO’s North Atlantic Council will convene to discuss recurring Russian incursions into NATO airspace.
• Recent Incidents:
  • German and Swedish jets intercepted a Russian surveillance plane over the Baltic Sea flying without a plan or radio communication.
• Context: Underscores ongoing security volatility at European borders.

5. Worldwide Attacks on Environmental Activists

Segment Begins: 03:47

• New Report: Global Witness tallies over 2,253 environmental activists killed or disappeared globally since 2012.
• 2024 Highlights:
  • Colombia leads with 48 deaths/disappearances, followed by Guatemala, Mexico, and Brazil.
  • Indigenous activists are disproportionately targeted.
• Analysis:
  • Jeff Brady: “Deaths and disappearances in some countries with authoritarian leaders, such as China, may be under reported...Global Witness has documented a growth in criminalizing activism in countries including the U.S. united Kingdom and Australia.” (03:47)

6. CDC Advisory Panel on Vaccines

Segment Begins: 04:29

• Story: A CDC advisory panel recommends consulting healthcare providers before vaccination.
• Noteworthy Actions:
  • The panel votes to list some theoretical, unproven vaccine risks on consumer information sheets.
  • The panel was selected by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a known vaccine skeptic.
• Implications:
  • This move signals a shift toward caution in public health communications regarding vaccines.

Notable Quotes and Moments

• Antonio Guterres, UN Secretary General:
  “Some call it the World cup of diplomacy, but this cannot be about scoring points. It must be about solving problems.” (02:35)
• Boston Scoggins, eyewitness at Kirk event:
  “I just wanted to see him having some debates about political stuff...Just getting to learn more about politics.” (01:23)
• Wayne Schutzke, KJZZ:
  “There's so many people here that the lines just seem to grow longer even as I can see people entering the stadium.” (00:45)

Segment Timestamps

• [00:18] — Memorial for Charlie Kirk
• [01:36] — European airport cyberattack
• [02:23] — UN General Assembly week
• [03:13] — NATO–Russia airspace incursions
• [03:47] — Environmental activist deaths
• [04:29] — CDC vaccine advisory panel

Summary Tone:
Factual, urgent, and concise, with a focus on rapidly unfolding global news and national issues relevant to listeners.