NPR News Now - NPR News: 09-11-2025 8PM EDT

Episode Date: September 12, 2025

NPR News: 09-11-2025 8PM EDTLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Support for NPR and the following message come from the Kauffman Foundation, providing access to opportunities that help people achieve financial stability, upward mobility, and economic prosperity, regardless of race, gender, or geography. Coffman.org Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Dan Ronan. Young conservative politicians and organizers are grieving the loss of Charlie Kirk. The far-right activist was 31 when he was shot and killed Wednesday, during an event at Utah Valley University.

As NPR's Elena Moore reports, many of his followers say they were inspired by his career. Kirk had millions of followers on social media and had become an influential voice in GOP politics. He was also the head of a massive political organizing network and helped some folks decide to run for office themselves. Florida Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna is 36 and says in many ways she got her start because of Kirk.

She used to work for his group turning point. USA. I am in office and owe my political career to Charlie Kirk. I wish that he was around so that he could help rise up others like me. Kirk had his critics, but within the MAGA movement, he was celebrated. And now many of his followers are calling for his memory to drive more young people into politics. Elena Moore and PR News, Washington. UN Security Council members put out a statement condemning this week's strike on Qatar but did not mention Israel in the text of their press release. NPR's Michelle Kellerman reports the council is meeting in an urgent session to discuss the Israeli strike. A top U.N. official Rosemary DeCarlo

says the Israeli strike on Qatar shocked the world. It was an alarming escalation, especially since it targeted individuals who were reportedly gathered to discuss latest U.S. proposal for a ceasefire and hostas release deal in Gaza. U.S. ambassador, Dorothy, Shea says Qatar has been working very hard and very bravely to broker peace. And she says the unilateral bombing does not advance Israeli or U.S. goals. But she tried to keep the focus on Hamas, calling on them to release all the hostages they've held for nearly two years. Michelle Kellerman, NPR News, the State Department. New federal restrictions on who is now eligible for the updated COVID-19 vaccines are making it harder for people to get vaccinated. NPR

Rob Stein has our report. Many people can still easily get one of the new COVID vaccines because they're 65 or older or simply attest to the pharmacist that they have a risk factor for serious COVID complications. But many others are being turned away because they don't meet the new requirements or don't have a prescription. That's what happened to Jason Mitten when the healthy 55-year-old tried to get vaccinated at a pharmacy nearest home in Austin, Texas. I think it's ridiculous. Honestly, I think it should be a person's right to choose to get the vaccine or not. Yeah, I'm angry about it. A federal advisory committee meets next week to issue recommendations that could make it easier for more people to get a COVID vaccine. Rob Stein, NPR News.

And this is NPR News. Brazil's Supreme Court today voted four to one to convict the country's former president, Jair Bolsonaro, of attempting a coup to remain in office in 2022. this despite being defeated at the polls. The Justice is a short time ago sentenced him to 27 years and three months in prison. He has maintained he is not guilty and can appeal the decision. President Trump, who is an ally of Bolsonaro at the White House, said he was very unhappy with the ex-leaders' prosecution. The U.S. has already imposed 50 percent tariffs on Brazilian goods as a result.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the verdict a witch hunt. The makers of South Park are reacting. acting to Charlie Kirk's assassination. Paramount has removed a recent episode that parodied Kirk from its broadcast rotation. NPR's Andrew Limbong has more. Comedy Central rerun South Park in the early morning hours, and it's set to air episode one from the most recent season and episode three. Episode two, however, titled Got a Nut features the character Cartman turning into a Charlie Kirk-esque online debater. I have my arguments down rock solid.

These young college girls are totally unprepared so I can just destroy them and also edit out all the ones. that actually argue back well. When it came out, Charlie Kirk was a good sport about the episode. Here's how Kirk reacted to it on his own show. I personally, I think a lot of it was hilarious towards me. I think this is going through, I've got to be honest. Some of it was very funny. The episode is still available to stream on Paramount Plus and Comedy Central on demand.

Andrew Limbong and PR News. On Wall Street, Dow, the NASDAQ, and the S&P all finished strongly higher today. From Washington, this is NPR News. I'm Dan Ronan. Support free. comes from Wise, the app for using money around the globe. When you manage your money with Wise, you'll always get the mid-market exchange rate with no hidden fees. Join millions of customers and visit Wise.com.

T's and C's Apply.