NPR News Now – September 18, 2025, 4AM EDT

Host: Shea Stevens
Date: September 18, 2025
Duration: 5 minutes

Episode Overview

This concise NPR News Now episode covers key global and national news stories as of September 18, 2025. Major topics include President Trump's state visit to the UK, a deadly police shooting in Pennsylvania, new information on the CDC director's firing, changes within the National Park Service, an ongoing investigation into a student's death in Mississippi, and findings from a large vitamin B3 study. The coverage is direct and factual, summarizing the news for listeners in under five minutes.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. President Trump’s UK Visit and Technology Deal

Segment Start: 00:21

• President Trump is in the UK for a state visit, meeting Prime Minister Keir Starmer, following a day of ceremonies with King Charles.
• Trump and First Lady Melania attended a Windsor Castle dinner, highlighting the intertwined relationship between the UK and US.
• Trump is expected to sign a technology deal during the visit.

Notable Quote:

• President Donald Trump (00:48):

  “We've done more good for humanity than any two countries in all of history. Together we must defend the exceptional heritage that makes us who we are. And we must continue to stand for the values and the people of the English speaking world. And we do indeed stand for that.”

• King Charles reportedly reflected on the enduring bond between the two nations at the dinner.

2. Pennsylvania Police Shooting

Segment Start: 01:22

• Three law enforcement officers dead, two injured after a domestic incident south of Harrisburg.
• The suspect was shot and killed by police.
• Wounded officers are in critical but stable condition; lockdown at a nearby school has been lifted.

Notable Moment:

• Colonel Christopher Paris of the Pennsylvania State Police, expressing grief:
  (Paraphrased by anchor Shea Stevens at 01:35)

  “The grief will be unbearable, but we will bear it and we will not rest until we've conducted a full, fair, competent and thorough investigation.”

3. CDC Director Firing – Testimony and Fallout

Segment Start: 02:01

• Former CDC Director Susan Menarez gave new testimony to a Senate panel regarding her removal.
• Menarez claims she clashed with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. over his push to change the childhood vaccine schedule.
• She resisted Kennedy’s attempts to overhaul the CDC’s vaccine advisory committee and pre-approve recommendations.

Notable Quotes:

• Susan Menarez, via Alison Aubrey (02:43):

  “He said that the childhood vaccine schedule would be changing starting in September and I needed to be on board with it.”

• Will Stone notes (02:48):

  “Kennedy has accused Monarch of lying about the reason she was fired. The CDC vaccine committee, which includes a new roster of members, some with a history of being critical of vaccines, meets in Atlanta on Thursday.”

4. FBI Director Patel Grilled on Epstein Documents

Segment Start: 03:04

• FBI Director Cash Patel was questioned by Democrats in a House panel about withholding documents pertaining to Jeffrey Epstein.
• No new details disclosed, but highlights ongoing scrutiny and demands for transparency.

5. National Park Service Removes Slavery and Tribal History Exhibits

Segment Start: 03:17

• The National Park Service is removing exhibits and signs related to US slavery and Native American tribes.
• Follows President Trump’s March executive order to address content deemed as “inappropriately disparaging” historical figures.
• Notably, exhibits at a Philadelphia house where George Washington held slaves are targeted.

6. Ongoing Investigation: Death at Delta State University

Segment Start: 03:38

• Mississippi authorities are awaiting autopsy results after Damar Trevion Reed, a 21-year-old Black student, was found hanging from a tree.
• Chief state medical examiner Michael Peeler expects results soon.
• Police currently say there is no evidence of foul play.

7. Vitamin B3 and Skin Cancer Recurrence – New Study

Segment Start: 04:11

• A large new study of 33,000+ veterans suggests vitamin B3 (nicotinamide) may reduce recurrence of non-melanoma skin cancer.
• Participants who took 500mg of B3 twice daily saw a 53% reduction in risk.

Notable Quotes:

• Study author Lee Wheelis (quoted at 04:35):

  “A 53% reduction in the risk of skin cancers among patients taking nicotinamide.”

• Alison Aubrey (04:41):

  “B3 supplements are widely available, available over the counter. The participants took 500 milligrams twice a day for at least 30 days.”

8. Markets Update

Segment Start: 04:51

• U.S. futures are slightly higher in after-hours trading.

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• President Trump on UK/US Relations:
  “We've done more good for humanity than any two countries in all of history…” (00:48)

• Colonel Paris on Officer Deaths:
  “The grief will be unbearable, but we will bear it…” (01:35)

• Menarez on Pressure to Change Vaccine Schedule:
  “He said that the childhood vaccine schedule would be changing starting in September and I needed to be on board with it.” (02:43)

• Study Author on Skin Cancer Risk Reduction:
  “A 53% reduction in the risk of skin cancers among patients taking nicotinamide.” (04:35)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:21 – President Trump’s UK visit and dinner with King Charles
• 01:22 – Deadly police shooting in Pennsylvania
• 02:01 – CDC director’s testimony and vaccine schedule disputes
• 03:04 – FBI Director Patel grilled on Epstein files
• 03:17 – National Park Service removes controversial historical exhibits
• 03:38 – Investigation into Damar Trevion Reed’s death at Delta State
• 04:11 – New findings on vitamin B3 and skin cancer
• 04:51 – Brief Wall Street update

Summary

This NPR News Now segment delivers fast-breaking updates on global politics, domestic incidents, health policy shifts, and new medical research, all with hallmark brevity and neutrality. The episode covers diplomatic developments, tragic news events, political testimony, evolving government policy on historical memory, and important scientific findings—all within a rapid and accessible format.