NPR News Now: 09-18-2025 3PM EDT – Episode Summary

Overview

This rapid-fire NPR News Now episode, anchored by Lakshmi Singh, delivers a concise roundup of significant news from the US and abroad as of September 18, 2025. Major stories include President Trump’s UK state visit and new tech trade agreements, the political fallout after the sudden suspension of Jimmy Kimmel's talk show, looming recruitment challenges at the US Census Bureau, a lawsuit from Starbucks employees over dress code expenses, mass protests in France against President Macron, and a military accident in Washington state.

1. US, UK Forge Major Tech and AI Trade Partnership

[00:25–01:04]

• President Trump spent his second day of an historic state visit at Chequers, meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

• A new trade deal aims to bolster the UK's access to American artificial intelligence technology and hardware.

  • Trump touts "$350 billion in deals across many sectors."
  • Commitment to making the US a "secure and reliable supplier of the best AI hardware and software."
    • Quote ([00:44]) – President Trump:
      "This trip has galvanized $350 billion in deals across many sectors, and we're committed to ensuring that the UK has a secure and reliable supplier of the best AI hardware and software on earth."

• Some friction remains, including disagreements regarding the UK's plans to recognize a Palestinian state ahead of the UN General Assembly.

2. Jimmy Kimmel’s Talk Show Suspended – Political, Ratings Fallout

[01:04–02:15]

• ABC indefinitely suspends "Jimmy Kimmel Live" following a controversial monologue about MAGA supporters and the death of Charlie Kirk.

• Wanda Sykes, slated as a guest, expresses concerns over "free speech."

  • Quote ([01:44]) – Wanda Sykes:
    "Hey, for those of you who pray, now's the time to do it. Love you, Jimmy."

• President Trump responds from the UK:

  • Labels Kimmel’s firing as a result of "bad ratings" and calls him "not a talented person."
    • Quote ([01:54]) – President Trump:
      "Jimmy Kimmel was fired because he had bad ratings more than anything else. And he said a horrible thing about a great gentleman known as Charlie Kirk. And Jimmy Kimmel is not a talented person."

• FCC Chairman Brendan Carr comments that late-night shows have political agendas.

3. US Census Bureau Faces Recruitment, Funding Hurdles

[02:15–03:20]

• The US Census Bureau’s inspector general raises alarms about recruiting enough temporary workers for major 2026 field tests (foundation for the 2030 census).
• Reasons for concern:
  • Uncertain federal funding and an ongoing Trump administration hiring freeze.
• Delays could affect accuracy, especially in counting hard-to-reach populations:
  • "Children under the age of five, people of color and renters."
  • 2030 census crucial for determining congressional seats, Electoral College votes, federal funding allocations.
    • Quote ([02:38]) – Hansi Lo Wang:
      "That could lead to delays in recruiting workers who are supposed to help the bureau develop better ways of addressing longstanding undercounts of populations, such as children under the age of five, people of color, and renters."

4. Starbucks Employees Sue Over Dress Code Expenses

[03:20–03:44]

• Employees in three states file a lawsuit alleging Starbucks failed to reimburse them for new dress code-related clothing purchases.
• Starbucks recently restricted clothing to black, khaki, or denim; also limited visible tattoos and piercings.
• Starbucks’ stance: aim is increased visibility of green aprons on employees.

5. Mass Protests and Strikes in France Against Austerity

[03:44–04:52]

• Strikes and demonstrations paralyze much of France, as students and workers protest President Macron's spending cuts, seen as favoring the wealthy.

• High school students join, demanding solidarity with labor.

  • Quote ([04:18]) – Mila Schenck, 12th grader:
    "Cut the Social Security system, that wants to cut in health and in education, which would only weigh heavy on the people that are already vulnerable."

• Protesters criticize Macron for governing with a minority, using emergency constitutional powers to pass reforms despite lacking a parliamentary majority.

  • Quote ([04:34]) – Mila Schenck:
    "He went against people's opinion and is governing with a minority and is trying to pass budgets while having a minority."

6. US Army Helicopter Crash at Joint Base Lewis-McChord

[04:52–05:04]

• Brief news: Army helicopter crashes near Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington state.
• No immediate details on injuries or how many personnel were on board.

Notable Quotes At-a-Glance

• President Trump ([00:44]):
  "We're committed to ensuring that the UK has a secure and reliable supplier of the best AI hardware and software on earth."
• President Trump ([01:54]):
  "Jimmy Kimmel was fired because he had bad ratings ... and Jimmy Kimmel is not a talented person."
• Wanda Sykes ([01:44]):
  "Hey, for those of you who pray, now's the time to do it. Love you, Jimmy."
• Hansi Lo Wang ([02:38]):
  "That could lead to delays in recruiting workers who are supposed to help the bureau develop better ways of addressing longstanding undercounts..."
• Mila Schenck ([04:18], [04:34]):
  "Cut the Social Security system, ...which would only weigh heavy on the people that are already vulnerable."
  "He went against people's opinion and is governing with a minority..."

Key Segment Timestamps

• 00:25–01:04—US-UK AI Trade Deal; Trump in UK
• 01:04–02:15—Jimmy Kimmel Suspension Reaction
• 02:15–03:20—Census Bureau's Recruitment Problems
• 03:20–03:44—Starbucks Dress Code Lawsuit
• 03:44–04:52—French Protests Against Macron
• 04:52–05:04—US Army Helicopter Crash

This abbreviated but info-rich episode encapsulates the shifting political, economic, and cultural landscapes on both sides of the Atlantic as of September 18, 2025.