NPR News Now – September 18, 2025, 3AM EDT

Host: Shea Stevens (NPR News Anchor)
Episode Theme: Hourly roundup of major U.S. and global news headlines

Episode Overview

This edition of NPR News Now delivers concise, up-to-date coverage on international diplomacy, economic policy, media shakeups, public safety incidents, and political maneuvering. It features direct reports from NPR correspondents, statements by key figures, and summaries of significant developments impacting the U.S., Europe, and Asia.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. President Trump’s UK State Visit

• Setting: Ongoing state visit to the UK, event coverage from Slough and banquet details.
• Speeches: At the state banquet, President Trump praised the British royal family but also delivered a political edge by criticizing former President Biden’s legacy.
  • Quote (Trump):

    "We had a very sick country one year ago, and today I believe we're the hottest country anywhere in the world. In fact, nobody's even questioning it. But we owe so much of that to you and the footing that you gave us when we started today."
    (00:47 – President Donald Trump)

• Upcoming Events: Trump to spend the day with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer; planned signing of a technology partnership agreement and a joint press conference.

2. U.S. Federal Reserve Cuts Interest Rates

• Decision: The Fed lowers interest rates by a quarter percentage point.
  • Quote (Scott Horsley):

    "The quarter point rate cut was widely expected. It will make it somewhat cheaper to get a car loan, bankroll a business expansion or carry a balance on your credit card."
    (01:26 – Scott Horsley)

• Dissent: Steven Myron, the newest Fed member, wanted a larger, half-point cut.
• Reason: Citing sharp slowdowns in hiring: only 22,000 jobs added in August; June saw net job losses.
• Outlook: The Fed signals potential for a further half-point cut before year-end, prioritizing employment concerns over inflation.

3. Media News: Jimmy Kimmel Show Pulled

• Event: ABC pulls "Jimmy Kimmel Live" indefinitely; no official reason given.
• Context: Comes after remarks made by Kimmel about speculation around the Charlie Kirk murder suspect.
• Wider Trend: Follows ongoing criticism of President Trump by late-night hosts; CBS also set to cancel "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" next spring.

4. Shooting Incident in Southern Pennsylvania

• Incident: Three police officers killed, two injured in North Goduras Township during a domestic incident response.
• Official Reaction:
  • Quote (Governor Josh Shapiro):

    "This kind of violence isn't okay. We need to do better as a society. We need to help the people who think that picking up a gun, picking up a weapon is the answer to resolving disputes. We need to do better when it comes to mental health. We need to do better when it comes to looking out for those who are in need so we don't have to deal with tragedies like this."
    (02:47 – Governor Josh Shapiro)

• Update: Authorities state the gunman is dead.

5. Political Announcement: Georgia Secretary of State Enters Governor’s Race

• Announcement: Brad Raffensperger, known for refusing to overturn Georgia’s 2020 election results, declares candidacy for governor in the upcoming year.

6. France Braces for Massive Strikes and Protests

• Forecast: Nationwide walkouts and protests planned, severe disruption anticipated.
• Government Position: Interior Minister Bruno Retaillot warns of hybrid protests from both peaceful unions and violent groups; prepares 80,000 police and riot control vehicles.
  • Quote (Eleanor Beardsley):

    "Both the far right and far left are angry that President Emmanuel Macron has again named a Prime Minister from the center right and has not gotten the message that they want new policies and and a PM who's one of them."
    (04:16 – Eleanor Beardsley)

• Sectors Affected: Teachers, hospital workers, and train drivers among those striking.
• Root Grievances: Frustration over centrist leadership persists on both flanks of the political spectrum.

7. Saudi Arabia and Pakistan Sign Mutual Defense Pact

• Details: New arrangement: an attack on one considered an attack on both nations.
• Background: Documented history of military and nuclear collaboration between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.
• Geopolitical Context: Signed soon after Israeli strikes against Hamas leaders in Qatar.

8. Economic Update: Markets

• Snapshot: U.S. futures rise in pre-market trading; Asia-Pacific markets mixed.

Notable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)

• On the state of the U.S. (Trump):
  "We had a very sick country one year ago... today I believe we're the hottest country anywhere in the world."
  (00:47 – President Donald Trump)

• On the Fed rate change's everyday impact (Scott Horsley):
  "It will make it somewhat cheaper to get a car loan, bankroll a business expansion or carry a balance on your credit card."
  (01:26 – Scott Horsley)

• Governor Shapiro’s call to action:
  "We need to do better as a society. We need to help the people who think that picking up a gun… is the answer."
  (02:47 – Governor Josh Shapiro)

• On French political frustration (Eleanor Beardsley):
  "Both the far right and far left are angry that President Emmanuel Macron has again named a Prime Minister from the center right..."
  (04:16 – Eleanor Beardsley)

Timestamps for Major Segments

• State Visit / UK Politics: 00:21 – 01:17
• Federal Reserve News: 01:17 – 02:09
• Media / Jimmy Kimmel: 02:09 – 02:35
• Pennsylvania Shooting: 02:35 – 03:15
• Georgia Political Announcement: 03:15 – 03:34
• France Strikes & Protests: 03:34 – 04:24
• Saudi Arabia–Pakistan Pact & Economic Update: 04:24 – 04:59

This NPR News Now episode offers a succinct and comprehensive briefing on a range of political, economic, and international developments, capturing the urgency and global interconnectedness of current affairs.