NPR News: September 11, 2025, 3PM EDT – Episode Summary

NPR News Now delivers a concise roundup of the latest national and international news stories. In this episode, host Lakshmi Singh covers breaking headlines on political developments, public health, immigration, and international diplomatic turmoil, offering insight with contributions from NPR correspondents.

Key Stories & Discussion Points

1. FBI Releases Photos in Charlie Kirk Assassination (00:26)

• The FBI released images of a person of interest connected to the previous day’s assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University.
• Vice President J.D. Vance will escort Kirk’s casket and family from Utah to Arizona, the headquarters of Turning Point USA (TPUSA), the nonprofit Kirk co-founded at age 18.
  • TPUSA has become influential in the GOP, credited with energizing Gen Z voters and helping Trump’s re-election campaign.
• Stephen Fowler (01:13) elaborates on Kirk's legacy:
  • TPUSA and Kirk were “the smash mouth frontline” in GOP cultural wars.
  • Kirk's podcast and rhetoric courted far-right figures and controversy, including remarks about transgender people, vaccines, and the 2020 election.
  • Stayed close to Trump, remaining an adviser even during Trump’s period out of office.
  • Quote: "He courted far right figures on his podcast and made comments denigrating transgender people, vaccines, the 2020 election and so much more." — Stephen Fowler [01:18]

2. Republican Proposal to Change 2030 Census Counting (01:42)

• The House Appropriations Committee advances a funding bill to exclude undocumented immigrants from census counts used to determine congressional seats and electoral votes.
  • This counters the 14th Amendment, which mandates counting every person in each state.
  • Four similar bills have been introduced this year; likely legal battles expected if enacted.
  • Ex-President Trump has called for such changes amid Republican efforts to retain House control after the next midterms.
  • Hansi Lo Wang (01:56): Clarifies legislative and constitutional stakes.
  • Quote: "The 14th Amendment says those results must include the whole number of persons in each state." — Hansi Lo Wang [02:03]

3. Impact of U.S. Foreign Aid Cuts on Global TB (02:36)

• New research projects over 2 million additional worldwide TB deaths by decade’s end if U.S. foreign aid remains cut.
  • U.S. aid historically supported TB treatment/testing in lower-income countries but was largely withdrawn by the Trump administration.
  • Research in PLOS Global Public Health estimates up to 10 million new TB cases if funding isn’t restored, dropping to 600,000 if it is.
  • Jonathan Lambert (02:49): Details the stakes of aid restoration.
  • Quote: “Tuberculosis kills more people than any other infectious disease.” — Jonathan Lambert [02:50]

4. South Korean Worker Deportation After Georgia Immigration Raid (03:22)

• Over 300 South Korean workers, detained during an immigration raid at a Hyundai battery plant in Georgia, are being deported.
  • Others arrested included nationals from China, Japan, and Indonesia.
  • The incident may deter future South Korean investment in the U.S.

5. UK Ambassador Sacked over Epstein Ties (03:50)

• New revelations show close ties between British Ambassador Peter Mandelson and Jeffrey Epstein, including personal communications and photos.
  • Mandelson’s dismissal complicates UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s attempts to strengthen relations with the Trump administration, especially with an imminent U.S. state visit.
  • Lauren Frayer (04:08): Outlines the scandal and its timing.
  • Quote: "'Friends, stay with you and love you.' Photos have also emerged of Mandelson in a bathrobe at Epstein's home..." — Lauren Frayer [04:17]

6. Market Update (04:52)

• U.S. stock markets are up; Dow Jones increases 585 points (over 1%), now standing at 46,079.

Memorable Quotes

• Stephen Fowler [01:18]: “He courted far right figures on his podcast and made comments denigrating transgender people, vaccines, the 2020 election and so much more.”
• Hansi Lo Wang [02:03]: “The 14th Amendment says those results must include the whole number of persons in each state.”
• Jonathan Lambert [02:50]: “Tuberculosis kills more people than any other infectious disease.”
• Lauren Frayer [04:17]: “‘Friends, stay with you and love you.’ Photos have also emerged of Mandelson in a bathrobe at Epstein's home…”

Notable Moments & Timestamps

• FBI Investigates Charlie Kirk’s Murder: [00:26]–[01:42]
• Census Bill Controversy: [01:42]–[02:36]
• Global TB Health Crisis and U.S. Aid: [02:36]–[03:22]
• South Korean Worker Deportations Post-Immigration Raid: [03:22]–[03:50]
• Ambassador Mandelson’s Epstein Scandal: [03:50]–[04:52]
• Financial Markets Update: [04:52]–[05:04]

This NPR News Now episode delivers urgent updates on political violence, legislative maneuvering, global health, immigration, and international political scandal, all in an informative and efficient format.