NPR News Now – September 18, 2025, 1AM EDT: Episode Summary

Overview

This five-minute NPR News Now episode, hosted by Shea Stevens, offers listeners concise updates on significant national and international stories: the abrupt suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live amid political backlash, President Trump’s state visit to the UK, EU trade action against Israel due to the Gaza conflict, and U.S. developments including new civics education initiatives and Texas research linking abortion access to property crime.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Jimmy Kimmel Show Pulled Amid Controversy (00:21 – 01:04)

• Context: ABC abruptly pulled Jimmy Kimmel Live, airing Family Feud instead, after conservative backlash over Kimmel’s remarks following the murder of political commentator Charlie Kirk.

• Reporting by David Folkenflik:

  • Kimmel criticized what he called a “conservative effort by supporters of the president to cast the accused killer of Charlie Kirk as being anything but one of their own.”
  • Prosecutors provided evidence contradicting these narratives.
  • Kimmel mocked the president for a “seemingly cavalier or indifferent” response when questioned about the incident.

• Notable Quote:

  • David Folkenflik (00:43):

    “Jimmy Kimmel talked about what he described as the conservative effort by supporters of the president to cast the accused killer of Charlie Kirk as being anything but one of their own.”

2. President Trump’s State Visit to the United Kingdom (01:04 – 02:04)

• Ceremonial Highlights:

  • Military bands, parades, carriage ride, and a formal state banquet at Windsor Castle where Trump toasted King Charles.
  • Trump referred to the visit as “one of the highest honors of his life.”

• Public Response:

  • Pro-Trump supporters in MAGA hats and protesters gathered outside.
  • Retiree Lynn Iliff joined a protest for the first time motivated by strong dislike for Trump.

• Security & Controversy:

  • Four arrests after a video depicting Trump and Jeffrey Epstein was projected on the castle walls.
  • Agenda includes a business meeting and press conference with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

• Notable Quotes:

  • President Trump (via Lauren Frayer, 01:27):

    “Called this visit one of the highest honors of his life.”

  • Protester Lynn Iliff (01:37):

    “Never been on a demonstration in my life before but felt so strongly I needed to come and show my dislike of Mr. Trump.”

3. EU Moves to End Israel’s Preferred Trade Status Over Gaza Offensive (02:04 – 03:08)

• Trade Impact:

  • The European Commission proposes suspending Israel’s preferential trade agreement due to concerns over Gaza and the West Bank.
  • Potential new duties could cost Israel up to $240 million per year.
  • The EU is Israel’s largest trading partner—32% of Israeli trade—but Israel is a minor partner for the EU.

• Sanctions:

  • Measures also target 10 Hamas members and two Israeli cabinet ministers accused of inciting violence.

• Notable Quotes:

  • Eleanor Beardsley (02:21):

    “The EU is Israel's largest trading partner and accounts for 32% of Israel's total trade in goods with the world.”

4. U.S. News Roundup (03:08 – 05:00)

a. Federal Reserve Raises Interest Rates (03:08 – 03:20)

• Wall Street ended mixed; US futures slightly up following a 0.25% Fed rate hike.

b. New Civics Education Initiative (03:20 – 04:06)

• Trump administration partnering with 40 conservative organizations to develop civics educational materials through America First Policy Institute.
• Groups include Turning Point USA, Heritage Foundation, and Hillsdale College.
• Aims to “renew patriotism” and celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary.

c. Texas Study Links Abortion Access and Property Crime (04:06 – 04:56)

• National Bureau of Economic Research finds a correlation between increased distance from abortion services (post-2013 restrictions) and a rise in live births, financial strain, and property crime.

• Effects most pronounced for high-value property crimes.

• Researchers intend to replicate the study in other states.

• Notable Quotes:

  • Erkman Aslam, researcher (04:39):

    “The effect was really concentrated on crimes that generated the highest value.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the Kimmel Controversy:
  • “Jimmy Kimmel talked about what he described as the conservative effort by supporters of the president to cast the accused killer of Charlie Kirk as being anything but one of their own.”
    – David Folkenflik (00:43)
• On Protesting Trump:
  • “Never been on a demonstration in my life before but felt so strongly I needed to come and show my dislike of Mr. Trump.”
    – Lynn Iliff, Windsor protester (01:37)
• On EU-Israel Economic Links:
  • “The EU is Israel's largest trading partner and accounts for 32% of Israel's total trade in goods with the world.”
    – Eleanor Beardsley (02:21)
• On Social Effects of Abortion Policy:
  • “The effect was really concentrated on crimes that generated the highest value.”
    – Erkman Aslam, University of Vermont (04:39)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Jimmy Kimmel Suspension: 00:21–01:04
• Trump State Visit (UK): 01:04–02:04
• EU Trade Sanctions Against Israel: 02:04–03:08
• Fed Rate Hike & U.S. Futures: 03:08–03:20
• Civics Education Initiative: 03:20–04:06
• Texas Abortion Crime Study: 04:06–04:56

This episode offers a brisk yet impactful roundup of consequential global and domestic stories, with clear focus on political controversy, international relations, economic policy, and the intersection of law and social outcomes.