NPR News Now: 09-14-2025 10PM EDT

Date: September 15, 2025
Host: Jeanine Herbst

Overview

This NPR News Now episode provides a five-minute roundup of breaking national and international stories. Main themes include the aftermath of conservative activist Charlie Kirk's assassination and its political repercussions, President Trump’s rare second state visit to the UK, Boston’s new memorial to enslaved people, a critical mayoral endorsement in New York, highlights from the Toronto International Film Festival, and a quick business update.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Fallout from Charlie Kirk’s Assassination

(00:20–01:24)

• In the wake of conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s assassination, concerns about threats to lawmakers have intensified.
• Reported Figures: Over 14,000 threats to Congress members in 2025 alone.
• Key Voices:
  • Sen. James Lankford (R-OK): Emphasizes escalation in threats and calls for greater discipline and peaceful leadership. Lankford, also a pastor, frames the crisis as a “spiritual battle between civil conversation and violence.”
  • Memorable Quote:

    “There are things that are occurring now that are different than what we have seen just two or three years ago. So, yeah, we have to pay attention to this.”
    — Sen. James Lankford (00:46)
    “It is important for leaders to be disciplined, to be able to say let's set the example and try to do things very differently.”
    — Sen. James Lankford (01:04)
    “When the words stop, the violence starts.”
    — Quoting Charlie Kirk, via Sen. James Lankford (01:10)

• Insight: The episode frames current political unrest as dangerous and in need of immediate, calm remedies from leadership.

2. Trump’s Unprecedented UK State Visit

(01:24–02:19)

• Event: President Trump and First Lady Melania’s second state visit to the UK.
• Agenda:
  • Greeted by Prince William and Kate, entertained by King Charles at Windsor Castle.
  • PM Keir Starmer aims for relaxed steel tariffs and private talks on Ukraine and Gaza.
• Context: European leaders watch closely due to Starmer’s relatively positive rapport with Trump.
• Analysis:
  • Gavin Barwell (ex-Prime Ministerial aide):

    “There's the economic side of it and there's also, crucially for the prime minister, the chance to spend some private time with the president and talk about Ukraine, talk about Gaza.” (02:01)

• Notable Moment: Focus on the intersection of economic policy and international diplomacy, especially with major geo-political implications.

3. Boston’s Slavery Memorial Unveiled

(02:19–03:15)

• Event: Boston’s Freedom Trail unveils a 14-foot statue of a Black woman releasing birds, honoring 219 enslaved people affiliated with the city’s early churches.
• Community Impact:
  • Roshana Moore Evans (Memorial Committee): Moved by the memorial, highlighting its healing significance.

    “She is this large black woman in this amazing white dress that accentu[ates] her beautiful dark skin. It's a moment, an important moment for this city, for this country, and it's going to bring about the healing that we all need.” (02:50)

• Reflection: The episode underscores Boston’s reckoning with its complex history and the desire for community healing.

4. New York Mayoral Endorsement

(03:15–04:01)

• Story:
  • NY Governor Kathy Hochul endorses Democratic Socialist Zoran Mamdani for the mayoral race.
• Key Points:
  • Hochul’s statement focuses on the need for a mayor committed to affordability and opposition to President Trump’s policies.
  • Not previously aligned on all issues; the endorsement reflects shared commitment to progressive priorities.
• Response: Mamdani thanks Hochul for her support and for resisting Trump.

5. Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) Awards

(04:01–04:48)

• Coverage:
  • TIFF’s People’s Choice Award is a major Oscar predictor; this year’s winner is “Hamnet,” about Shakespeare’s son.
• Highlights:
  • Chloe Zhao directs “Hamnet”—her second win at TIFF.
  • Runners up: Guillermo del Toro’s “Frankenstein,” and the new “Knives Out” installment, “Wake Up Dead Man.”
  • First-time International Prize awarded to Park Chan Wook’s “No Other Choice.”
• Cultural Significance: The festival’s selections spotlight international cinema trends and AMPAS favorites.
• Memorable Moment:
  • Bob Mondello (NPR):

    “Twelve of the last 15 winners have later received Oscar nominations for best picture, and four went on to win best picture.” (04:01)

6. Business Update

(04:48–05:00)

• Dow Futures: Trading slightly higher, up by about 25 points.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Sen. James Lankford:

  “There are things that are occurring now that are different than what we have seen just two or three years ago. So, yeah, we have to pay attention to this.” (00:46)
  “It is important for leaders to be disciplined, to be able to say let's set the example and try to do things very differently.” (01:04)
  “When the words stop, the violence starts.” (01:10, quoting Charlie Kirk)

• Roshana Moore Evans:

  “She is this large black woman in this amazing white dress that accentu[ates] her beautiful dark skin. It's a moment, an important moment for this city, for this country, and it's going to bring about the healing that we all need.” (02:50)

• Gavin Barwell:

  “There's the economic side of it and there's also, crucially for the prime minister, the chance to spend some private time with the president and talk about Ukraine, talk about Gaza.” (02:01)

• Bob Mondello:

  “Twelve of the last 15 winners have later received Oscar nominations for best picture, and four went on to win best picture.” (04:01)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Charlie Kirk Assassination & Political Fallout: 00:20–01:24
• Trump’s UK State Visit Preview: 01:24–02:19
• Boston Slavery Memorial: 02:19–03:15
• NY Mayoral Endorsement: 03:15–04:01
• Toronto International Film Festival: 04:01–04:48
• Business/Futures Update: 04:48–05:00

This episode offers a concise, impactful sweep across U.S. politics, global diplomacy, community reckoning, arts and culture, and financial news—presented in NPR’s signature neutral yet thoughtful style.