NPR News Now – 8AM EDT, September 22, 2025

Episode Overview

This five-minute NPR News Now episode, anchored by Korva Coleman, delivers a brisk digest of the day's leading news stories. Topics range from memorials for conservative activist Charlie Kirk, updates on the US-China TikTok deal, shifting tariffs between Turkey and the US, weather alerts, landmark recoveries from past hurricanes, and the eagerly anticipated “Fat Bear Week” at Alaska's Katmai National Park.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Charlie Kirk Memorial in Phoenix

• [00:16–01:18]
• Tens of thousands gathered to honor conservative activist Charlie Kirk, recently killed while speaking at a Utah university.
• Many attendees expressed personal connections to Kirk, viewing him as a role model for family values.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Memorial Attendee:
  "We grew up without our fathers, and we're trying to do right by our kids and give them good values. We think Charlie Kirk was such a good role model in all of that."
  (00:50)
• Wayne Schutzke (KJZZ Reporter):
  Described the atmosphere and personal stories, including a father and son attending for healing after witnessing Kirk's death.

2. US-China TikTok Agreement

• [01:18–02:18]
• President Trump announced progress in negotiations for TikTok’s continued US operation, requiring Chinese parent company ByteDance to sell its stake.
• Tech and media industry leaders Larry Ellison (Oracle), Michael Dell (Dell Technologies), and Lachlan Murdoch (Fox/WSJ) are involved in brokering the deal.
• Extensions have been granted for ByteDance to complete the sale, tying into broader US-China tensions.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Donald Trump:
  "They're very well known people, and Larry Ellison's one of them. He's involved. He's a great guy. Michael Dell is involved. Hate to tell you this, but a."
  (01:39 — on Fox News, referencing key dealmakers)

3. US-Turkey Trade Relations

• [02:18–03:13]
• Turkey announced the cancellation of some retaliatory tariffs against US goods (cars, sunscreen, fruit), easing trade tensions ahead of President Erdogan's scheduled meeting with President Trump.
• The original tariffs dated back to retaliations in 2018 and are now being reversed as both countries prepare to finalize new trade and military agreements.

Notable Details

• The US imposed a universal 15% tariff on Turkish imports in August, but Turkey did not reciprocate.
• The meeting between Erdogan and Trump is expected Thursday.

4. Weather & Regional Updates

• [03:13–04:12]
• Hurricane Gabrielle:
  Gaining strength in the Atlantic, expected to pass east of Bermuda, not threatening North America.
• Blue Ridge Parkway Reopens:
  A 26-mile stretch in North Carolina, badly damaged by Hurricane Helene last year, reopens, marking the completion of recovery phase one. The iconic 469-mile stretch is especially popular for fall foliage tours.

5. Fat Bear Week at Katmai National Park

• [04:12–04:53]
• Alaska's Katmai National Park kicks off its globally beloved “Fat Bear Week,” with twelve local bears competing in an online bracket for the title of Fattest Bear.
• Thousands participate by watching live bear cams and casting votes; online voting opens September 23rd and runs until the 30th.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Sarah Bruce (Katmai Ranger):
  "Fat Bear Week brings the park into the living room of anybody who wants to enjoy this place. Even just this past week, we had a Bear Camp fan who visited the park from New Zealand."
  (04:32)

Memorable Quotes (with Timestamps & Attribution)

• "We think Charlie Kirk was such a good role model in all of that."
  — Memorial Attendee (00:50)

• “They're very well known people, and Larry Ellison's one of them... Michael Dell is involved.”
  — Donald Trump, discussing the TikTok deal (01:39)

• “Fat Bear Week brings the park into the living room of anybody who wants to enjoy this place.”
  — Sarah Bruce, Katmai National Park Ranger (04:32)

Segment Timestamps

| Segment | Time | |----------------------------------------------|---------| | Charlie Kirk Memorial | 00:16 – 01:18 | | US-China TikTok Deal | 01:18 – 02:18 | | US-Turkey Tariffs & Diplomatic Update | 02:18 – 03:13 | | Hurricane Gabrielle & Blue Ridge Parkway | 03:13 – 04:12 | | Alaska’s Fat Bear Week | 04:12 – 04:53 |

Episode Tone

The tone is concise and objective, characteristic of NPR news briefs. While factual and unembellished, the episode finds moments of empathy (memorial attendee’s reflection) and lighthearted curiosity (Fat Bear Week), giving a sense of human connection behind the headlines.