NPR News Now: 09-18-2025 2PM EDT

Date: September 18, 2025

Host: Lakshmi Singh

Episode Overview

This five-minute NPR News Now update delivers a succinct roundup of major national and international news stories on September 18, 2025. Topics include high-profile leadership changes after a political assassination, ongoing tensions over free speech and media censorship in the US, significant court actions involving the Federal Reserve, developments in US-UK relations amid Russia’s war against Ukraine, a new conservative-led federal civics initiative, and political turmoil in Brazil following the sentencing of former President Jair Bolsonaro.

Key Stories & Insights

1. Turning Point USA Leadership Shift after Assassination

• [00:18]
  • Charlie Kirk’s widow, Erica Kirk, appointed CEO & chair following his assassination last week in Utah.
  • The organization frames this transition as fulfilling Kirk’s wishes.
  • Turning Point USA pledges to continue his conservative advocacy work, including their "American Comeback" tour.

On-Campus Security & Memorials

• [00:57] Reporter Tony Gorman covers heightened security concerns at Colorado State University, where a vigil replaces previously scheduled events.
• [01:13] Student Nick Nye voices unease:
  • Quote:
    • "I think it is an eye opener and it shows a lot of potential for like scary things to happen. So yeah, I think it is concerning, but I also don't feel like there's much chance that it gets better for security." (Nick Nye, 01:13)

2. Hollywood Protests ABC’s Suspension of Jimmy Kimmel

• [01:39]
  • Disney-owned ABC faces backlash from prominent Hollywood figures for indefinitely suspending Jimmy Kimmel’s late night show after he criticized the Republican response to Kirk’s killing.
  • Notably, Kimmel commented on attempts by "the MAGA gang" to distance themselves from the assailant.
  • Hollywood calls ABC’s move a capitulation to political censorship campaigns targeting Trump’s critics.

3. Supreme Court Weighs Trump’s Move to Fire Fed Governor

• [01:39]
  • The Trump administration asks the Supreme Court to permit firing Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook.
  • A recent appeals court decision blocked Trump’s efforts, citing legal protections against White House interference with the central bank.
  • Issue spotlights ongoing debate about political independence at the Fed.

4. Trump’s UK State Visit & Ukraine Discussions

• [01:39]
  • President Trump meets British Prime Minister Keir Starmer; talks include Russia’s war on Ukraine.
• [02:43]
  • Report by Michelle Kellerman: Tension is rising due to Russian drone incursions into Poland, damage in Kyiv (including the British Council and EU Embassy), and lack of clarity on Trump’s planned actions.
  • Quote:
    • "You've had these incursions into Polish airspace of Russian drones. You've had the damage to the British council in Kyiv and the EU embassy, things that the Europeans thought were gonna be off limits in Kyiv. He said it's time to put pressure." (Michelle Kellerman, 02:43)
    • On Trump's stance: "You hear this frustration from Trump, but you don't hear any like, what is he going to do?" (Michelle Kellerman, 03:00)

5. New Federal Civic Education Coalition

• [03:33]
  • Reporter: Sequoia Carrillo
  • The Education Department, with over 40 conservative organizations led by the America First Policy Institute, launches the "America 250 Civics Education Coalition."
  • Goals: Promote patriotism, civics education, and "America’s enduring values" ahead of the nation's 250th anniversary.
  • The government reiterates it cannot direct school curricula; plans include campus speaker series.

6. Political Upheaval in Brazil

• [04:14]
  • Reporter: Julia Carneiro
    • Brazil's lower house accelerates an amnesty bill after ex-president Jair Bolsonaro receives a 27-year prison sentence for his role in a 2023 coup attempt.
    • Amnesty could shorten sentences or pardon rioters—including Bolsonaro, who was also diagnosed with skin cancer.
    • Bolsonaro’s pre-existing health issues may keep him under house arrest.
  • Quote:
    • "The bill could propose to reduce the sentences or even pardon those who took part in the January 8 riots in Brasilia in 2023 and could benefit Bolsonaro." (Julia Carneiro, 04:26)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Student perspective on campus shootings:
  • "I think it is an eye opener and it shows a lot of potential for like scary things to happen..." (Nick Nye, 01:13)
• Reporter's skepticism on Trump’s Ukraine strategy:
  • "You hear this frustration from Trump, but you don't hear any like, what is he going to do?" (Michelle Kellerman, 03:00)
• On Brazil’s political crisis:
  • "The bill could propose to reduce the sentences or even pardon those who took part in the January 8 riots in Brasilia in 2023 and could benefit Bolsonaro." (Julia Carneiro, 04:26)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Turning Point USA leadership & campus reaction: 00:18 – 01:39
• Hollywood on ABC/Kimmel censorship: 01:39
• Supreme Court & Federal Reserve dispute: 01:39
• Trump’s UK state visit & Ukraine: 01:39 – 03:04
• US Civics coalition announcement: 03:33 – 04:14
• Brazilian amnesty bill/ Bolsonaro health update: 04:14 – 04:55

This concise news update captures evolving culture war flashpoints, governance tussles in the US and abroad, and continued global instability—delivered in NPR’s straightforward, factual style.