NPR News Now: September 17, 2025 – 8AM EDT

Host: Windsor Johnston
Reporters: Tovia Smith, Barbara Sprunt, Dia Hadid
Length: 5 minutes
Main Theme:
A concise roundup of key national and international news events, highlighting President Trump’s state visit to the UK, updates on the murder of Charlie Kirk, concerns over security threats in Washington, the Taliban’s restriction of internet access, and a WTO report on AI-driven global trade.

1. President Trump's State Visit to the United Kingdom

[00:14–01:17]

• Main Events:

  • President Trump and the First Lady participated in a formal carriage procession with King Charles and Queen Camilla to Windsor Castle.
  • The visit marks the beginning of a two-day state visit including meetings with the royal family and Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
  • A special military ceremony was held on the east lawn, and the Trumps are scheduled to lay a wreath at Queen Elizabeth II’s tomb.
  • King Charles will speak at a state banquet this evening.

• Notable Quote:

  • Windsor Johnston: "President Trump and the first lady rode with King Charles and Queen Camilla in a carriage procession to Windsor Castle this morning." [00:18]

2. Legal Developments in the Murder of Charlie Kirk

[01:17–02:06]

• Suspect & Proceedings:

  • Tyler Robinson, 22, is charged with aggravated murder and other crimes in the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk and faces the death penalty.
  • Robinson’s first court hearing was virtual; he appeared in a suicide prevention smock and "showed no emotion" as charges were read.

• Prosecution's Evidence:

  • Text message exchanges that hint at Robinson's motive were read aloud in court.

• Memorable Moment/Quote:

  • [01:39]
    • Roommate: “ROOMMATE why? Robinson why did I do it? ROOMMATE yeah. Robinson: I had enough of his hatred. Some hate can't be negotiated out.”

• Context:

  • Prosecutors say Robinson recently shifted politically and personally: “Robinson's parents said their son recently became politically left and, quote, trans rights oriented and started to date his roommate, quote, a biological male transitioning to female.” – Tovia Smith [01:49]

3. Rising Security Concerns on Capitol Hill

[02:06–02:57]

• Funding Proposal:

  • House Republicans are proposing a $30 million increase in security funding in response to Kirk’s murder and other rising threats.
  • This proposal is part of a stopgap bill to prevent a government shutdown.

• Security Context:

  • Existing security programs are set to expire soon.
  • The U.S. Capitol Police is on pace to handle around 14,000 threat assessment cases in 2025—a nearly 50% increase over last year.

• Notable Quote:

  • Barbara Sprunt: “The U.S. capitol Police told NPR its agents are on track to work through roughly 14,000 threat assessment cases by the end of the year, a significant uptick from years past.” [02:46]

4. Taliban Cuts Internet, Impacting Women & Girls’ Education

[03:31–04:17]

• Event:

  • Afghanistan’s Taliban government suspends internet in Kandahar and Balkh, disrupting education access, especially for women and girls barred from in-person schooling after grade six.

• Motives & Reactions:

  • An official (anonymity requested) cited concerns over the "online world as a source of moral corruption."
  • A senior official claimed cost and maintenance issues prompted the action and minimized public impact.

• Impact:

  • Girls and women reliant on online classes face new barriers.

• Notable Quote:

  • Dia Hadid: “It caused particular consternation among women and girls who study online to circumvent the Taliban's ban on females attending school after grade six.” [03:35]

5. Global Trade and Artificial Intelligence

[04:17–04:57]

• WTO Report:

  • The World Trade Organization projects AI could boost global trade by nearly 40% by 2040.
  • Warns that without safeguards, economic gains could be uneven and some may face new risks.
  • Calls for regulatory adaptation and workforce training to ensure broad benefits.

• Market Update:

  • Asian markets are mixed: Japan down, China and Hong Kong up.

• Notable Quote:

  • Windsor Johnston: “The report cautions that without adequate safeguards, these gains may be unevenly distributed or pose risks.” [04:33]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• UK State Visit Coverage: 00:14–01:17
• Charlie Kirk Murder Charges: 01:17–02:06
• Security on Capitol Hill: 02:06–02:57
• Taliban Internet Shutdown: 03:31–04:17
• WTO AI Global Trade Report: 04:17–04:57

Summary Tone:
Clear, direct, and matter-of-fact—consistent with NPR’s signature news delivery style.
All quotes are drawn directly from reporters and newsmakers as heard in the episode.