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

Host: Dan Ronan
Duration: ~5 minutes
Episode Theme: The latest national news updates, with a focus on political violence, homelessness policy, labor disputes, law enforcement incidents, public health naming controversies, and big tech regulation.

Main Theme & Purpose

This news roundup provides concise updates on major stories developing in the U.S. and internationally. Key topics tonight include reactions to the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, legal blocks on new homelessness funding rules, a major labor strike at Boeing, a deadly ICE confrontation, questions over monkeypox naming, and tech regulation in Europe.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Utah Governor’s Appeal Against Political Violence

• [00:20–01:20] Following the arrest of a suspect in the assassination of Charlie Kirk, Utah Governor Spencer Cox addressed young people about the dangers of escalating political rage.
  • Governor Cox’s direct message:

    "To my young friends out there, you are inheriting a country where politics feels like rage. It feels like rage is the only option." ([00:42], Governor Spencer Cox)

    • Emphasized choosing a nonviolent, constructive path and building a more understanding political culture.

    "Your generation has an opportunity to build a culture that is very different than what we are suffering through right now, not by pretending differences don't matter, but by embracing our differences and having those hard conversations." ([01:08], Governor Spencer Cox)

  • Noted that while Kirk was divisive, he was admired for engaging with opponents.

2. Charlie Kirk’s Legacy and Attempted Continuity

• [01:31–02:01]
  • Erica Kirk, widow of Charlie Kirk, gave an impassioned statement vowing to continue her husband’s work:

    "The movement my husband built will not die. It won't. I refuse to let that happen. It will not die." ([01:51], Erica Kirk)

  • President Trump announced intentions to attend Kirk's funeral (arrangements not public yet).

3. Homelessness Funding Policy Blocked

• [02:01–03:00]
  • A federal judge has temporarily blocked new Trump administration rules for homelessness funding, which would have restricted money to jurisdictions aligned with administration policies.
  • Key issues would have blocked providers in areas with progressive policies from applying for $75 million in housing funds.
  • Litigation ongoing, HUD declined comment; advocates highlight affordable housing shortages as the core issue.

4. Boeing Workers Strike Continues

• [03:00–03:25]
  • 3,200 striking Boeing workers in St. Louis rejected the latest contract, prolonging a strike ongoing since August 4.
  • Union states that Boeing failed to meet workers’ financial demands.

5. ICE Shooting Incident in Chicago

• [03:25–04:07]
  • An ICE agent shot and killed a man resisting arrest in Franklin Park, Chicago area.
    • The suspect allegedly attempted to drive into agents; an officer was injured after being dragged by the car.
    • Authorities say the suspect was in the U.S. illegally and had a reckless driving history.

6. Reversal on Monkeypox Naming

• [04:07–04:46]
  • Despite previously retiring the term "monkeypox" for its inaccuracy and stigma, U.S. health officials have reverted to using the term.
  • Dr. Bahuma Tatangi criticized the move:

    "No one in the research community is clamoring for this. No one in the public health community is clamoring for this." ([04:30], Dr. Bahuma Tatangi)

  • The Health and Human Services Department confirmed the change, but declined to explain why.

7. EU Settles Microsoft Teams Antitrust Probe

• [04:46–04:58]
  • The European Union and Microsoft reached a settlement, with Microsoft agreeing to “unbundle” Teams, resolving the antitrust investigation.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Governor Spencer Cox:

  "To my young friends out there, you are inheriting a country where politics feels like rage. It feels like rage is the only option." [00:42]

• Governor Cox:

  "Your generation has an opportunity to build a culture that is very different ... by embracing our differences and having those hard conversations." [01:08]

• Erica Kirk:

  "The movement my husband built will not die. It won't. I refuse to let that happen. It will not die." [01:51]

• Dr. Bahuma Tatangi:

  "No one in the research community is clamoring for this. No one in the public health community is clamoring for this." [04:30]

Timestamps for Major Segments

• [00:20] — Update on Charlie Kirk assassination and Governor Cox’s remarks
• [01:31] — Erica Kirk’s statement and President Trump’s announcement
• [02:01] — Judge blocks Trump homelessness funding policy
• [03:00] — Boeing workers reject contract
• [03:25] — ICE shooting in Chicago suburb
• [04:07] — U.S. reverts to using “monkeypox” name
• [04:46] — EU-Microsoft Teams antitrust case settled

Summary

This NPR News Now episode captures a tense moment in U.S. politics and society: leaders urging peace after a political assassination, controversies over federal policy on homelessness, ongoing labor unrest, the complexities of immigration enforcement, renewed debate on language in public health, and resolution of a global tech dispute. The tone is serious and direct, reflecting the gravity and diversity of the day's news.