NPR News Now – September 12, 2025, 10AM EDT

Main Theme:
This five-minute newscast covers major breaking news and top developments in U.S. politics, international affairs, business, and culture as of September 12, 2025. Key topics include updates on the investigation into Charlie Kirk's killing, significant changes in Missouri's legislative process, market movements influenced by tariffs and antitrust resolutions, political unrest in Nepal, and a cultural milestone for Notre Dame Cathedral.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Breaking Update: Suspect in Killing of Charlie Kirk (00:16–01:01, 04:43–04:55)

• President Trump Statement:
  • President Trump told Fox and Friends he is “highly certain” the suspect in the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk is now in custody.
  • Trump detailed how the suspect’s identification involved a close acquaintance recognizing him, alerting the father, and working through a U.S. Marshal to bring him in.
  • [Trump Quote, 00:33] “A person … was involved with law enforcement but was a person of faith, a minister, and brought him to a U.S. marshal who was fantastic. And the father convinced the son this is it.”
  • Trump expressed his hope for a conviction and death penalty for the suspect.
• Confirmation of Arrest:
  • At the close of the newscast, Utah Governor Spencer Cox confirms the arrest of the suspect in the case.
    • [Korva Coleman, 04:43] “Utah Governor Spencer Cox says Utah authorities have arrested a suspect in the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.”

2. Missouri Legislation: Constitutional Amendment Restrictions (01:01–02:14)

• Missouri Senate Vote:
  • Senate poised to pass a measure redrawing Missouri’s congressional maps and making citizen-driven constitutional amendments much harder.
  • New GOP-backed measure would require any proposed constitutional amendment to pass statewide and win in all eight congressional districts.
• Intent of Lawmakers:
  • [Brad Hudson, 01:55] “I think you should have broad consensus throughout the state of Missouri before you amend the Constitution.”
• Critics’ View:
  • Detractors claim this would make it nearly impossible for most amendments to succeed.
  • Recent amendments that passed (abortion rights, marijuana legalization, Medicaid expansion) saw broad support in urban but not rural areas.
• Next Steps:
  • If passed, proposal goes to Missouri voters for approval.

3. Business & Markets: Market Opens, Tariffs Impact, Microsoft Antitrust (02:14–03:04)

• Market Snapshot:
  • After record highs, stocks open mixed: Dow down ~70 points; NASDAQ up ~40.
• Company Focus – Restoration Hardware (RH):
  • RH’s earnings disappoint; company blames President Trump’s tariffs for lower forecast.
  • [Scott Horsley, 02:24] “Those import taxes raised $30 billion last month—a nearly fourfold increase from a year ago. But tariffs are also contributing to higher prices on furniture, clothing, and other imports.”
• Microsoft Antitrust Update:
  • Microsoft resolves EU antitrust probe (initiated by Slack over Teams). No fine, but Microsoft must unbundle Teams from Office suite.

4. International: Nepal Unrest and Curfew (03:04–03:58)

• Political Crisis:
  • Curfew in Nepal amid deadly violence; at least 34 killed following protests after government briefly banned all social media.
  • Protest movement ousted the Prime Minister; military leaders now in talks with protest leaders.

5. Culture: Notre Dame Cathedral Tops Visitor Charts (03:58–04:43)

• Notre Dame Reopens:
  • Just nine months after reopening post-2019 fire, Notre Dame is now France’s most visited monument, on track for nearly 13 million annual visitors.
• Highlights for Visitors:
  • Majority of international visitors from U.S., Latin America, and Asia.
  • Restoration efforts praised: “immaculate white stone … sucked clean of centuries of grime.” [Eleanor Beardsley, 03:58]
  • New chapels: including one honoring St. Paul Chen (Chinese seminarian martyred in 1861), and a chapel for Christians of the East.
  • Cathedral’s “universal mission” reinforced by these additions.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Identification of Suspect

  • “A person … was involved with law enforcement but was a person of faith, a minister, and brought him to a U.S. marshal who was fantastic. And the father convinced the son this is it.”
    — President Donald Trump (00:33)

• Missouri Amendment Process

  • “I think you should have broad consensus throughout the state of Missouri before you amend the Constitution.”
    — State Senator Brad Hudson (01:55)

• Tariffs & Consumer Prices

  • “Those import taxes raised $30 billion last month—a nearly fourfold increase from a year ago. But tariffs are also contributing to higher prices on furniture, clothing, and other imports.”
    — Scott Horsley (02:24)

• Notre Dame Restoration

  • “Visitors are particularly impressed by the cathedral's immaculate white stone, which has been sucked clean of centuries of grime.”
    — Eleanor Beardsley (03:58)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:16–01:01] – Trump on Kirk Killing Suspect Identification
• [01:01–02:14] – Missouri’s Constitutional Amendment Plan, Reactions
• [02:14–03:04] – Markets, RH Earnings, Tariffs, Microsoft Antitrust
• [03:04–03:58] – Nepal Curfew and Political Unrest
• [03:58–04:43] – Notre Dame Reopening, Visitor Milestone, Cultural Significance
• [04:43–04:55] – Utah Governor Confirms Kirk Killing Suspect Arrest

This summary captures all key topics and moments from the episode, providing context and clarity for listeners who missed the live broadcast.