NPR News Now — Episode Summary
Episode: NPR News: 09-18-2025 5AM EDT
Date: September 18, 2025
Host: Dave Mattingly
Overview
This concise NPR News Now episode delivers the morning's top national and international headlines in five minutes. Topics include President Trump’s state visit to the UK, record-breaking tech investments in Britain, reactions to the fatal shooting of activist Charlie Kirk, the suspension of Jimmy Kimmel’s show, a key Georgia gubernatorial race, a tragic police shooting in Pennsylvania, and the Federal Reserve’s latest interest rate decision.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Trump’s State Visit to the UK & Major Tech Investments
- President Trump is visiting the UK for a second official state trip, meeting today with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Starmer’s country home.
- Recent events: Trump dined with King Charles and the royal family at Windsor Castle.
- Unprecedented investments announced:
- Microsoft: $30 billion in the UK’s AI sector
- Google: Nearly $7 billion to open a new UK data center.
- Trade issues remain unresolved:
- Duncan Edwards, CEO of British American Business, notes the UK government is seeking to “reopen discussions around tariff rates in general and on some specific categories like steel, scotch whisky.” (01:02)
- Though some tariffs were eased via an earlier Trump-Starmer deal, UK steel still faces a 25% US tariff, and Scotch whisky a 10% tariff.
Quote:
“The UK Government will try to reopen discussions around tariff rates in general and on some specific categories like steel, scotch whiskey.”
— Duncan Edwards (01:02)
2. Political Violence & Reaction to Charlie Kirk’s Death
- Vice President J.D. Vance in Windsor blames “left wing political radicalization” for the shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk in Utah.
- In a Fox News interview, Vance claims the suspect was influenced by “far left political ideas, social networks and institutions.”
- Vance insists violence is predominantly a problem of the political left, though NPR notes officials tend not to mention right-wing political violence, such as the assassination of Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, and the attack on Rep. Nancy Pelosi’s husband.
Quote:
“My friend is dead because of left wing political radicalization. And if you want to cut that out, then be honest about it and look yourself in the mirror.”
— Vice President J.D. Vance (02:03)
3. Jimmy Kimmel’s Show Suspended
- ABC suspends Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show indefinitely after controversial remarks made regarding conservative reactions to Kirk’s slaying.
- Kimmel had commented: “many in Magaland are working very hard to capitalize on the murder of Charlie Kirk.”
- The suspension followed pressure from ABC affiliate stations refusing to air his program.
4. Georgia Gubernatorial Race & Trump’s Ongoing Influence
- Brad Raffensperger, Georgia’s Secretary of State, officially announces his run for governor.
- Historical context: Raffensperger gained national attention when Trump, after the 2020 election, urged him to help “find” votes.
- The Trump-Raffensperger phone call is central to a stalled criminal case against Trump in Georgia.
- Lt. Gov. Bert Jones, a Trump-endorsed candidate and 2020 election alternate elector, is also running.
Notable Quote:
“I just want to find 11,780 votes, which is one more than we have.”
— Donald Trump (03:33)
5. Pennsylvania Police Shooting & Fed Interest Rate Cut
- Tragedy in York County, Pennsylvania: Three officers killed and two wounded during gunfire at a farmhouse in North Cordis Township; the trigger has not yet been determined.
- Federal Reserve cuts interest rates by a quarter point—first reduction in nine months—citing concerns over slower hiring and employment risks.
Quote:
“In this less dynamic and somewhat softer labor market, the downside risks to employment appear to have risen.”
— Fed Chairman Jerome Powell (04:34)
Notable Moments & Timestamps
- UK investment and trade challenges — Lauren Frayer, Duncan Edwards (00:43–01:13)
- Vance blames political left for Kirk’s killing — Franco Ordonez, J.D. Vance (01:50–02:11)
- Kimmel’s suspension announced — Dave Mattingly (02:37–03:24)
- Georgia race & Trump’s infamous call — Raul Bally, Donald Trump (03:24–04:06)
- Pennsylvania shooting, Fed rate cut explained — Dave Mattingly, Jerome Powell (04:06–04:41)
Memorable Quotes
- Duncan Edwards (on UK-US trade): “The UK Government will try to reopen discussions around tariff rates in general and on some specific categories like steel, scotch whiskey.” (01:02)
- V.P. J.D. Vance (on Kirk’s death): “My friend is dead because of left wing political radicalization.” (02:03)
- Donald Trump (on Georgia votes): “I just want to find 11,780 votes, which is one more than we have.” (03:33)
- Jerome Powell (on labor market): “The downside risks to employment appear to have risen.” (04:34)
Conclusion
In just five minutes, NPR News Now navigates major international diplomacy, the impact of tech investment, deeply polarized political violence, the perilous intersection of politics and media, riveting state-level races, and important economic signals—all with hallmark brevity and journalistic rigor.