NPR News Now – September 16, 2025, 3PM EDT

Host: Lakshmi Singh
Duration: ~5 minutes

Overview

This episode delivers a concise update on the major events dominating national and international headlines, covering the high-profile assassination case in Utah, the looming U.S. government shutdown, President Trump’s diplomatic moves and policy updates, a historic moment in Mexico, and a notable consumer product recall. Critical quotes and statements from key figures punctuate this fast-moving news briefing.

Key News Segments & Insights

1. Assassination of Charlie Kirk & Legal Proceedings (00:18–01:24)

• Update: Utah authorities are charging Tyler Robinson, age 22, with seven counts including aggravated murder, firearm discharge, and obstruction of justice for the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University.
• Penalty: Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray confirms intent to seek the death penalty.
  • Quote:

    "I do not take this decision lightly, and it is a decision I have made independently as county attorney based solely on the available evidence and circumstances and nature of the crime."
    — Jeff Gray, (00:41)

• Status: The suspect will remain incarcerated due to the severity of the charges.

2. Congressional Stopgap Measure to Prevent Shutdown (01:24–02:03)

• Context: With the U.S. government facing a possible shutdown at month’s end, House Republicans propose a stopgap measure for another seven weeks of funding.
  • Speaker: House Speaker Mike Johnson
    • Quote:

      "The stopgap measure directs another seven weeks of government funding through Nov. 21 to buy lawmakers time to negotiate a regular appropriations package."
      — Mike Johnson, (01:24)

• Bipartisan Dynamics: Democrats underline the need for negotiations.
  • Quote:

    "We need responsible options here to keep the government open while all this work continues."
    — Danielle Kurtzleben (01:37)

• Security Funding: The bill includes nearly $100 million to enhance protection for top political figures.
• Legislative Outlook: GOP’s slim margins mean Democratic cooperation is crucial; prospects remain uncertain.

3. President Trump’s UK Visit & Ukraine Policy (02:03–02:53)

• State Visit: President Trump arrives in the UK for his second state visit amid diplomatic focus on Ukraine.
  • Quote:

    "Standing next to Air Force One as he left for London, Trump placed responsibility for peace with Russia on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy."
    — Danielle Kurtzleben, (02:15)

  • Trump’s Stance:

    "Zelensky is going to have to make a deal and Europe has to stop buying oil from Russia."
    — Danielle Kurtzleben, quoting Trump (02:23)

  • Sanctions: Trump suggests he won’t impose sanctions if NATO continues Russian energy purchases.
• Ukrainian Concerns: Zelensky hopes UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer presses Trump on security guarantees for Ukraine.
• State Event Details: Trump is to meet the King and Queen at Windsor Castle tomorrow, and PM Starmer on Thursday.

4. U.S.–China TikTok Agreement (02:53–03:35)

• Announcement: Trump declares the U.S. and China have struck a deal to keep TikTok available to its 170 million U.S. users.
• Divestment Deadline: The deadline for TikTok's Chinese parent to divest is extended, with no buyer disclosed yet.
  • Security Implications: White House emphasizes national security as a core concern, but details remain vague.

5. Historic Mexican Independence Day (03:35–04:15)

• Milestone: Claudia Sheinbaum becomes the first female president to deliver Mexico's traditional "grito" (shout for independence) in the capital.
  • Setting: Hundreds of thousands gathered in Mexico City's main square.
  • Narrative: Sheinbaum honors both Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla and the women of Mexico’s independence.
    • Quote (Sheinbaum):

      "Viva Mexico. Viva. Viva Mexico. Viva Mexico."
      — Claudia Sheinbaum, via Danielle Kurtzleben (04:02)

  • Significance: Acknowledgment of overlooked women contributors and a landmark for gender equality in Mexican politics.

6. Costco Prosecco Recall (04:15–04:35)

• Hazard: Kirkland Signature Prosecco Valdo Biodene recalled over risk of unopened bottles shattering unpredictably.
• Regions Affected: Parts of the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic in the US.
• Guidance: Customers should not transport the recalled bottles back; urged to safely dispose of them.

7. Federal Reserve Meeting – Economic Outlook (04:35–04:57)

• Upcoming Decision: The Federal Reserve will meet over two days, with investors watching for possible interest rate cuts.
• Policy Pressure: President Trump has publicly called for significant rate reduction.
• Timing: A decision is expected by tomorrow afternoon.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Jeff Gray, Utah County Attorney (00:41):
  "I do not take this decision lightly, and it is a decision I have made independently as county attorney based solely on the available evidence and circumstances and nature of the crime."

• Mike Johnson, House Speaker (01:24):
  "The stopgap measure directs another seven weeks of government funding through Nov. 21 to buy lawmakers time to negotiate a regular appropriations package."

• Danielle Kurtzleben, NPR (01:37, 02:15):
  "We need responsible options here to keep the government open while all this work continues."
  (on Trump, 02:15) "Standing next to Air Force One as he left for London, Trump placed responsibility for peace with Russia on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy."

• Claudia Sheinbaum, President of Mexico (04:02):
  "Viva Mexico. Viva. Viva Mexico. Viva Mexico."

Segment Timestamps

• 00:18 — Utah assassination charges and legal update
• 01:24 — House stopgap spending measure and government funding debate
• 02:03 — President Trump’s UK visit and Ukraine policy
• 02:53 — TikTok deal and U.S.–China tech diplomacy
• 03:35 — Historic Independence Day in Mexico
• 04:15 — Costco Prosecco product recall
• 04:35 — Federal Reserve meeting outlook

Summary prepared for listeners who want a precise yet comprehensive overview of current affairs, as presented in NPR’s direct and informative tone.