NPR News Now – September 11, 2025, 9PM EDT

Host: Dan Ronan
Date: September 12, 2025
Duration: 5 Minutes
Main Theme: Major domestic and international developments with a focus on political violence in the US, international justice, economic updates, and education policy.

Overview

This NPR News Now episode delivers succinct reporting on breaking events, emphasizing ongoing political violence in the U.S. following the assassination of Charlie Kirk, a historic sentencing for former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro, dramatic shifts in U.S. tariff policy, EU energy investment regulations, and a troubling change in federal education funding impacting student parents.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Aftermath of Charlie Kirk's Assassination

• [00:20-01:21]
• Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist, was assassinated at a Utah college, sparking national concern.
• Domenico Montanaro outlines a disturbing pattern of recent cross-party political violence in the US.
  • Examples cited:
    • Firebombing at a Democratic governor’s residence
    • Murder of a Democratic lawmaker and spouse
    • Arson at Tesla charging stations
    • Two assassination attempts on President Trump during previous campaign
• Montanaro stresses caution against immediate partisan blame, noting that motivations are still unclear and the perpetrator remains at large.
• Surveys indicate growing public fear:
  • Quote (Domenico Montanaro, 01:13):

    “73% in a recent NPR PBS News Marist poll, for example, described politically motivated violence as a major problem.”

  • Emphasis on the nation's increasing anxiety over politically motivated violence.

2. Jair Bolsonaro’s Sentencing for Coup Attempt

• [01:21-02:21]
• Brazil’s Supreme Court sentences former president Jair Bolsonaro to 27 years and 3 months in prison for attempting a coup after losing the 2022 election.
  • Found guilty on five charges: coup attempt, abolishing rule of law, leading a criminal group.
  • Conviction vote: 4-1 among five justices; seven others also found guilty.
  • US Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemns Brazilian court's decision, labeling it a "witch hunt" and vowing a US response.
• Quote (Giulia Carneiro, 01:48):

  "The divisive far right leader was convicted on all five charges, including attempting a coup, violently abolishing the rule of law, and leading a criminal organization."

3. US Federal Tariff Revenue Soars

• [02:21-03:08]
• Federal tariff revenue quadruples to $30 billion compared to last year, largely due to heavy tariffs imposed by President Trump on nearly all US imports.
  • Tariff revenue now comprises 9% of all federal revenue.
  • Despite increased income, the US remains in a significant deficit ($2 trillion).
  • Interest on federal debt exceeded $1 trillion last month.
• Quote (Scott Horsley, 02:44):

  “A monthly report from the Treasury Department says tariff revenue reached $30 billion last month, up from $8 billion in August of 2024.”

4. Updates on US & European Courts

• [03:08-04:08]
• The trial of Ryan Routh, charged with attempting to assassinate President Trump, is underway in Florida.
• In Brussels, a court upholds EU policy labeling nuclear and natural gas as "environmentally sustainable" investments.
  • Ruling opposed by Austria, but could lead to increased funding toward nuclear and gas energy projects.

5. Federal Cuts to College Childcare Support

• [04:08-04:51]
• The US Department of Education ends childcare funding for some colleges, jeopardizing student parents' ability to remain enrolled.
  • Case example: Clover Park Technical College in Tacoma, WA, loses critical federal grant support.
  • Students may be forced to drop out.
  • The reason cited: Clover Park’s training for "diverse populations."
  • Department of Education did not respond for comment.
• Quote (Dean Kelly, Clover Park, 04:26):

  “Some students just can’t afford that without the help, and so they may need to drop out.”

6. Economic Snapshot

• [04:51-04:57]
• All major US stock indexes (Dow, Nasdaq, S&P) finished higher.

Memorable Moments & Notable Quotes

• On political violence in the US (Domenico Montanaro, 01:13):

  "73% in a recent NPR PBS News Marist poll... described politically motivated violence as a major problem."

• On Bolsonaro’s unprecedented sentencing (Giulia Carneiro, 01:48):

  "The divisive far right leader was convicted on all five charges..."

• On the tariff surge (Scott Horsley, 02:44):

  "Tariff revenue reached $30 billion last month, up from $8 billion in August of 2024."

• On the threat to student parents (Dean Kelly, 04:26):

  "Some students just can't afford that without the help, and so they may need to drop out."

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:20] Charlie Kirk assassination & US political violence
• [01:21] Jair Bolsonaro sentenced for coup attempt
• [02:21] US tariff revenue report
• [03:08] Trump assassination attempt trial; EU court on "green" energy investments
• [04:08] Federal funding cut for student-parent childcare
• [04:51] Wall Street update

Tone & Language:
NPR maintains a measured, factual, and urgent tone reflecting the gravity of ongoing political violence, global judicial actions, and domestic policy shifts. Reporting remains objective, giving just enough context for a broader understanding of each headline.

This summary covers all critical news developments from the episode, with segment highlights and direct quotes for clarity and reference, making it accessible for listeners and non-listeners alike.