NPR News Now - NPR News: 09-20-2025 10PM EDT

Episode Date: September 21, 2025

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Support for NPR comes from NPR member stations and Eric and Wendy Schmidt through the Schmidt Family Foundation, working toward a healthy, resilient, secure world for all. On the web at theshmit.org. Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Janine Hurst. There's confusion over a man arrested at the State Farm Stadium in Arizona, where conservative activist Charlie Kirk's memorial service will be held tomorrow. Authorities say the man was armed and falsely claimed to be a law enforcement officer. But the organization hosting the event now says he was private security. Wayne Shutsky from member station KJZZ and Phoenix has more. The Arizona Department of Public Safety says 42-year-old Joshua Runcles was arrested after

law enforcement observed him acting suspiciously near the stadium. The venue is scheduled to host President Trump and other officials during Kirk's memorial service. A department spokesman said Runcles faces one felony. charge for impersonating a law enforcement officer and a misdemeanor for carrying a weapon into a prohibited place. In a post on social media, a spokesman for Turning Point USA, the group Kirk founded, says Runcles was performing advanced security for a guest attending the event, but did not properly coordinate with the host group or U.S. Secret Service. Runkles has been released on bond and an investigation is ongoing. For NPR News, I'm Wayne Shutsky in Phoenix.

California will be the first state to ban most law enforcement, including federal immigration agents from covering their faces while on official duty. Governor Gavin Newsom signed the bill into law today, saying the masked law enforcement pulling people off the streets is a step toward authoritarianism in, quote, Trump's America. A few other states are considering similar measures. The law does allow exceptions for things like riot gear, medical masks, and undercover work. In the past, ICE said it's officers wear masks to prevent being identified in videos and photos online and facing threats.

Israeli airstrikes across Gaza City continue as the Israeli military forces residents out of the area, home to about one million people. Gaza health officials say at least 34 Palestinians were killed yesterday from airstrikes. And Pira Zanas Babas reports the situation is deteriorating rapidly for civilians unable to get out of Gaza City

with many families running out of water. In the heart of Gaza City, thirst is now spreading faster than the of bombs. The municipality says 75% of central water wells have been destroyed or damaged by Israel, leaving hundreds of thousands with little or no access to clean water. Families still trapped north of the city have been unable to evacuate or force to walk as far as 15 miles to reach the south. Evacuating is expensive, as much as $6,000 to secure a vehicle out and detain to stay. Some have even returned home after failing to find a safe place in the southern Gaza. That is what

a Jamala family did. After failing to find safety, they returned to their home early Saturday. Hours later, an Israeliirstrike killed all nine members according to Gaza's civil defense. Anas Baba, NPR News, Gaza City. You're listening to NPR News from Washington. Luigi Mangione's lawyers are urging a judge to bar federal prosecutors from seeking the death penalty in the killing of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson. papers filed today, they say authorities prejudiced his case by turning his arrest into a, quote, Marvel movie spectacle and by publicly declaring their desire to see him executed.

Lawyers are now fighting to have this federal case dismissed. Federal prosecutors have until October 31st to respond. Mangione has pleaded not guilty to the charges. Taylor Swift is headed back to movie theaters with her upcoming 12th studio album, The Life of a Showgirl, And Pierce Ava Poucatch reports the singer has once again partnered with AMC theaters to release the film. The official release party of a showgirl coincides with the release of Swift's 12 album, The Life of a Showgirl. See the exclusive world premiere of the fate of Ophelia music video, along with behind-the-scenes footage from the music video shoot, brand new lyric videos, and stories about each song from my new album, The Life of a Showgirl. The 89-minute film marks Swift's second collaboration with AMC theaters following the 2023 release of the Air, Air, tour concert film, which AMC says is the highest grossing concert film of all time, grossing

more than $261 million. The official release party of a showgirl will screen October 3rd through 5th. Swift says dancing is optional, but very much encouraged. Eva Pukatch, NPR News. And I'm Janine Hurst, and you're listening to NPR News from Washington. This message 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.