NPR News: 09-16-2025 9AM EDT
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Who was Robert Redford and why is he remembered?
Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Windsor Johnston. One of Hollywood's most celebrated actors has died. Robert Refford was 89 years old. His decades-long career included unforgettable performances in films like Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid and Out of Africa. NPR's Netta Ulibi has this remembrance.
Robert Redford was way more, it must be said, than one of the most handsome men in history. Here he is melting Barbra Streisand in the film The Way We Were from 1973. Can I ask you a personal question? Sure. Do you smile all the time? No. No.
What are the concerns surrounding FBI Director Kash Patel’s testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee?
No, no. As an actor, Redford was more understated than his good looks would suggest. He transformed Hollywood's independent film scene with his Sundance Institute and Festival. And Robert Redford was a producer, director, and ardent environmentalist. Netta Ulipi, NPR News.
FBI Director Kash Patel is set to testify before the Senate Judiciary Committee today. His appearance comes amid growing questions about his ability to lead the agency. NPR's Ryan Lucas reports Patel more recently faced criticism for his actions during the manhunt for the suspect who shot and killed conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
In Congress, the FBI's response to the shooting and Patel's actions in particular are likely to come under scrutiny from lawmakers.
How is the Senate scrutinizing Patel’s social‑media statements during the Charlie Kirk shooting investigation?
I expect some senators, certainly Democrats, to press Patel about his post on social media during the manhunt. Patel said just hours after the shooting that the subject was in custody, only to tweet roughly 90 minutes later that the person had been released and the investigation was still ongoing.
That's NPR's Ryan Lucas reporting. The CDC's Vaccine Advisory Committee is getting five new members ahead of the group's meeting this week. NPR's Ping Wang reports their replacements for the panel fired in June.
The new members include a pediatric cardiologist associated with a group that discouraged people from getting COVID vaccines and an epidemiologist who has claimed that the government overstated COVID's harms. They add to the seven members appointed by Kennedy in June after he fired the previous members, which he said he did to restore public trust. The committee meets on Thursday and Friday in Atlanta. They're expected to vote on policy changes to COVID vaccines, along with routine childhood vaccines for hepatitis B and for measles and chickenpox.
What changes are expected from the new CDC Vaccine Advisory Committee members ahead of their meeting?
As health secretary, Kennedy has stacked this panel with people who question the safety and need for vaccines. The panel helps determine which vaccines are covered by insurance or offered for free to many children. Ping Huang, NPR News.
Stocks across Asia traded mixed today with markets higher in China and Japan. On Wall Street, Dow Futures are trading lower at this hour. This is NPR News. A potential strike at the nation's largest commuter rail system has been averted. Union officials say they're asking the Trump administration to help form an emergency board that will push the possibility of a work stoppage at the Long Island Railroad to at least January. Christmas creep has consumers seeing holiday merch extra early this year. NPR's Amy Held reports many people want to get their shopping in now before inflation and tariffs can push up prices.
Why are consumers starting holiday shopping early and how might prices be affected?
It's still summer. I've never shopped this early before. Shopper Sarah Miller tells ABC she already feels compelled to check off her kids' holiday list. Prices rise when the holidays get closer. A new poll by Bankrate finds 40% of respondents fear holiday gifts will be more expensive this year. Half are getting a jump on shopping before October ends. Joe Feldman is with Telsey Advisory Group.
The tariff inventory really starts to cycle in as you get into that November, December time period. We're hearing that prices are going to go up across the board.
Consulting firm PwC projects the average consumer plans to spend about $1,500 on the holidays this year.
What are the details of President Trump’s $15 billion defamation lawsuit against The New York Times?
That's a 5% drop from last year's plans. Amy Held, NPR News.
President Trump has filed a lawsuit against the New York Times. The suit accuses the publication and four of its journalists of defamation.
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Chapters
6 chapters
1
Who was Robert Redford and why is he remembered?
0:01–0:45
2
What are the concerns surrounding FBI Director Kash Patel’s testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee?
0:45–1:33
3
How is the Senate scrutinizing Patel’s social‑media statements during the Charlie Kirk shooting investigation?
1:33–2:34
4
What changes are expected from the new CDC Vaccine Advisory Committee members ahead of their meeting?
2:34–3:27
5
Why are consumers starting holiday shopping early and how might prices be affected?
3:27–4:07
6
What are the details of President Trump’s $15 billion defamation lawsuit against The New York Times?
4:07–4:39