NPR News Now: September 17, 2025, 4AM EDT

Host: Shea Stevens | Duration: ~5 minutes

Episode Overview

This fast-moving NPR News update delivers concise summaries of the hour's most urgent stories. Topics include the latest on high-profile assassinations, a notable lawsuit by former President Trump, developments in U.S. electric vehicle production, and leadership changes at Ben & Jerry’s. The tone is factual, sober, and focused on delivering essential information for early risers and news followers.

Key Stories & Insights

1. Murder Charges in the Assassination of Charlie Kirk

• [00:21-01:22]
• Summary:
  22-year-old Tyler Robinson has been formally charged with murder and related counts in the assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk.
• Investigation Details:
  • New evidence comes from Robinson's text messages with a roommate who is identified as a male transitioning to female and a former romantic partner.
  • The roommate is cooperating with authorities.
  • A note to the roommate was discovered:
    • Robinson wrote, "I have the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and I'm going to take it."
    • When the roommate asked about his motive, Robinson texted: "I had enough of his hatred. Some hate can't be negotiated out."
      — Odette Youssef (01:14)
• Tone: Calm, investigative, emphasizing the continuing mystery surrounding Robinson’s motive.

2. Minnesota Special Election Tied to Assassination

• [01:22-02:17]
• Summary:
  Democrat XP Lee wins a Minnesota House seat in Brooklyn Park, following the assassination of former House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband. This brings the Minnesota House to a 67-67 Republican-Democrat split.
• Context of the Shooting:
  • Hortman and her husband were killed by an individual posing as a police officer.
  • The same night, Senator John Hoffman and his wife were also shot but survived.
  • In response, Governor Tim Walz is planning a legislative special session to address gun violence.
• Quote:
  “The outcome puts the Minnesota House in a tie with 67 Republicans and 67 Democrats… Democratic Governor Tim Walz is planning for a legislative special session to address gun violence following the Hortman murders and the mass shooting at a Minneapolis Catholic church last month.”
  — Clay Masters (01:44-02:09)
• Tone: Somber, with attention on state legislative ramifications and public safety.

3. Donald Trump Sues The New York Times for $15 Billion

• [02:17-03:12]
• Summary:
  Former President Trump has filed a $15 billion defamation suit against The New York Times, part of a larger legal streak targeting media organizations.
• Allegations:
  • The Times "sullied" Trump’s reputation regarding accusations related to fascism, credit for "The Apprentice," and alleged business fraud.
  • Some material appeared in the book Lucky Loser, also being targeted in lawsuits against Penguin Random House.
  • The Times and Penguin call the suit "meritless."
  • Trump's lawyers previously secured multimillion-dollar settlements from ABC and CBS.
• Quote:
  “Trump’s legal team's filings say the Times and its reporters defamed him by publishing the claims of his former White House chief of staff that he fit the definition of a fascist... and by reporting that much of his business success was based on fraud.”
  — David Folkenflick (02:32-02:52)
• Tone: Analytical, focused on the momentum of Trump’s media litigation.

4. President Trump's UK State Visit

• [03:12-03:15]
• Summary:
  President Trump’s second state visit to the UK is briefly noted, though no further details are provided.
• Tone: Brief, straightforward update.

5. Rivian Builds New EV Plant in Georgia

• [03:15-04:16]
• Summary:
  Electric vehicle manufacturer Rivian breaks ground on a new 2,000-acre plant in Georgia, set to begin producing SUVs in 2028.
• Key Insights:
  • CEO RJ Scaringe points to Georgia’s "business friendly" environment as a factor in site selection.
  • Rivian faces uncertainty over a $6.6 billion federal loan granted during the Biden administration.
  • EV industry in Georgia faces challenges, with reference to Hyundai’s Meta plant, which was recently affected by an immigration raid.
• Quote:
  “Georgia was something for us. That was a very clear decision once we had looked at a number of different options and a number of different sites, just given how business friendly the state is.”
  — RJ Scaringe, Rivian CEO (03:46-03:55)
• Tone: Optimistic but pragmatic, highlighting both progress and challenges.

6. Jerry Greenfield Resigns from Ben & Jerry’s

• [04:16-04:48]
• Summary:
  Jerry Greenfield steps down as brand ambassador of Ben & Jerry’s, citing differences with Unilever’s direction after nearly 25 years.
• Key Points:
  • Greenfield says Unilever is "silencing the brand's social mission."
  • Unilever plans to spin off Ben & Jerry's into the new Magnum Ice Cream Company in November.
  • Magnum disputes Greenfield’s statements.
• Quote:
  “Greenfield says he left because current owner Unilever is silencing the brand’s social mission.”
  — Shea Stevens (04:20)
• Tone: Disappointed; reflects broader tensions over corporate control vs. social values.

7. Market Snapshot

• [04:48-05:00]
• Summary:
  U.S. futures remain steady as investors wait for an update on Fed interest rates.
• Tone: Neutral, matter-of-fact.

Memorable Quotes & Timestamps

• “I have the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and I'm going to take it.”
  — Robinson’s note, relayed by Odette Youssef ([01:01])
• “Some hate can't be negotiated out.”
  — Robinson’s text, relayed by Odette Youssef ([01:12])
• “The outcome puts the Minnesota House in a tie with 67 Republicans and 67 Democrats.”
  — Clay Masters ([01:44])
• “Georgia was something for us. That was a very clear decision ... just given how business friendly the state is.”
  — RJ Scaringe, Rivian CEO ([03:46])
• “Greenfield says he left because current owner Unilever is silencing the brand's social mission.”
  — Shea Stevens ([04:20])

Timestamps of Key Segments

• Charlie Kirk assassination charges: 00:21–01:22
• Minnesota special election & legislative gridlock: 01:22–02:17
• Trump sues NYT for $15 billion: 02:17–03:12
• Trump UK state visit: 03:12–03:15
• Rivian plant announcement: 03:15–04:16
• Ben & Jerry’s co-founder resigns: 04:16–04:48
• Wall Street & Fed outlook: 04:48–05:00

This episode delivers a sweeping yet focused update on urgent political, legal, and economic stories—a snapshot of a tense moment in U.S. and international news.