NPR News Now: September 22, 2025, 1AM EDT

Host: Dale Willman (NPR)
Date: September 22, 2025
Duration: ~5 minutes

Episode Overview

This NPR News Now episode provides a rapid roundup of the top news stories from the United States and around the globe. The coverage spans the memorial for conservative activist Charlie Kirk, international recognition of a Palestinian state amid the Gaza conflict, preparations for this week’s UN General Assembly, updates on the war in Ukraine, shifts in U.S. election security collaborations, and a record-breaking award in the WNBA.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Charlie Kirk Memorial in Glendale, AZ

• [00:20] The memorial event for conservative activist Charlie Kirk was held at the Arizona Cardinals’ stadium.
• [00:35] Speakers represented a spectrum of emotions—ranging from calls for love and forgiveness to expressions of anger and political blame.
  • Kirk’s widow, Erica, delivered an emotional address emphasizing forgiveness and love.
  • President Trump spoke forcefully, attributing Kirk’s death to his activism.
  • White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller delivered harsh criticism against opponents.

Notable Quotes:

• [00:49] Michelle Kellerman quoting Erica Kirk:
  “The answer to hate is not hate. The answer we know from the gospel is love.”
• [00:54] President Trump:
  “I hate my opponent… [Charlie Kirk] was violently killed because he spoke for freedom and justice.”
• [00:54] Stephen Miller:
  “You have nothing. You are nothing.”

2. Recognition of Palestinian State

• [01:21] The UK, Canada, and Australia have formally recognized a Palestinian state, indicating shifting international attitudes amid the Gaza conflict.
  • The action is positioned as support for a lasting peace and not as a concession to Hamas.
  • UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer articulates the aim to revive the prospects for a two-state solution.

Notable Quotes:

• [01:42] Keir Starmer:
  “We are acting to keep alive the possibility of peace and a two state solution. That means a safe and secure Israel alongside a viable Palestinian state. At the moment, we have neither.”
• [02:02] Starmer adds:
  “Hamas can have no future.”

3. United Nations General Assembly Preview

• [02:15] The high-level UN General Assembly debate is underway, with over 150 world leaders in attendance.
  • Secretary General Antonio Guterres plans to focus on diplomatic solutions, particularly regarding Ukraine and Gaza.
  • He describes the situation in Gaza as “morally, politically and legally intolerable,” and pushes for hostage releases and Russian ceasefire.

Notable Quotes:

• [02:19] Guterres (paraphrased by NPR):
  “Some call it the World Cup of diplomacy, but this cannot be about scoring points. It must be about solving problems.”

4. Continuing War in Ukraine

• [02:57] Russian attacks on eastern Ukraine have killed civilians over the weekend, with ongoing missile and drone strikes.
  • Ukrainian President is expected to meet with President Trump during the UN meeting.

5. US-China Diplomacy

• [03:25] A bipartisan group of US lawmakers visited China, meeting Premier Li Chung to discuss trade, economic relations, and military dialogue amidst heightened tensions post-Trump’s first term.

6. Texas and Voter Registration Data Sharing

• [03:53] Texas, along with nine other Republican-led states, has formed bilateral data-sharing agreements to monitor voter registrations, following its withdrawal from the ERIC system.
  • Daniel Griffith (Secure Democracy USA) points out these new arrangements are likely less effective for catching double registrations and ineligible voters.

Notable Quotes:

• [04:14] Daniel Griffith:
  “The more states with whom you're sharing information, the more folks that you're going to potentially capture in terms of those who might be doubly registered, in terms of folks who might need to be removed for ineligibility.”

• [04:26] Background: Texas withdrew from ERIC after unsubstantiated GOP claims that it favored Democratic voters.

7. WNBA MVP News

• [04:38] Las Vegas Aces’ star A’ja Wilson wins her fourth WNBA MVP award, setting a precedent.
  • She led the league in scoring (23.4 points/game), blocked shots, and impressive all-around stats for the second consecutive season.

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• [00:49] Erica Kirk (via Michelle Kellerman): “The answer to hate is not hate. The answer we know from the gospel is love.”
• [01:42] Keir Starmer: “We are acting to keep alive the possibility of peace and a two state solution.”
• [02:27] Antonio Guterres (paraphrased): “This cannot be about scoring points. It must be about solving problems.”
• [04:14] Daniel Griffith: “The more states with whom you're sharing information, the more folks that you're going to potentially capture…”

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Charlie Kirk Memorial – 00:20–01:21
• Palestinian State Recognition – 01:21–02:02
• UN General Assembly Preview – 02:15–02:57
• Ukraine Updates – 02:57–03:25
• US-China Lawmaker Meeting – 03:25–03:53
• Texas Voter Data Policy – 03:53–04:38
• WNBA MVP Announcement – 04:38–04:59

Tone

The reporting is concise, factual, and objective, maintaining NPR’s professional and balanced news delivery, with moments of emotional resonance during personal tributes and direct quotes.