The Headlines – September 12, 2025

Podcast by The New York Times
Host: Tracy Mumford
Episode Theme:
A rapid overview of critical stories shaping today's news cycle: the ongoing manhunt and controversy surrounding the FBI after the assassination of Charlie Kirk, international unrest in Brazil and Nepal, and intensifying debate over the safety of nonstick cookware.

Main Story: The Manhunt for Charlie Kirk’s Killer and FBI Scrutiny

Key Points & Discussion:

• Status of the Investigation:

  • Law enforcement officials stress ongoing reliance on public tips:

    “The tips that have been coming in are what are giving us our next leads…”
    [00:44 – Investigator / Official]

  • Surveillance showed the suspect fleeing the scene, described as wearing a black T-shirt, black pants, and Converse with noticeable white soles.
    [01:28 – Investigator / Official]

• Press Conference and Leadership Controversy:

  • Reward and Evidentiary Updates:

    • A bolt-action rifle believed to be the murder weapon was found near the Utah campus. The FBI is offering a $100,000 reward for information leading to the arrest.
    • Kash Patel, new head of the FBI, was present but did not speak—amid growing criticism.
      [02:11 – Tracy Mumford]

  • Scrutiny of the FBI:

    • Patel’s credibility has been questioned due to premature social media statements and prior leadership behavior, including purges of veteran agents and lack of experience.
    • Further questions arose because the respected local field office chief was forced into early retirement before the shooting, with unknown reasons.

      “Patel made a series of social media posts suggesting that the killer was in custody before he had to walk that back.”
      [02:11 – Tracy Mumford]

• Presidential and Political Response:

  • President Trump announced plans to posthumously award Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom:

    “I'm pleased to announce that I will soon be awarding Charlie Kirk posthumously, the Presidential Medal of Freedom.”
    [03:23 – Investigator / Official]

  • Kirk’s deep ties to the Trump family and Vice President J.D. Vance highlighted, with Vance escorting the body to Arizona.
    [03:49 – Tracy Mumford]

International Developments

Brazil: Bolsonaro Convicted for Coup Plot

Key Points:

• Former President Jair Bolsonaro sentenced to over 27 years for orchestrating a coup attempt post-2022 election loss.
• Evidence included a formally printed assassination plan brought to the presidential palace.
• Potential for house arrest rather than jail; U.S.-Brazil tensions rise amidst Trump’s public criticism of the verdict.
• Notable quote:

  “Bolsonaro was sentenced to just over 27 years in prison, though he might stay on house arrest…”
  [04:29 – Tracy Mumford]

Nepal: Gen Z-Led Uprising

Key Points:

• Widespread youth-led unrest over a strict social media ban, corruption, and inequality.
• Prime Minister resigned; president missing; military negotiating with protest leaders.
• Protester perspective:

  “We wanted a revolution, but they burned down our country.”
  [05:21 – 18-year-old protester via Tracy Mumford]

U.S. Domestic News: The Fight Over Nonstick Pans

Key Points:

• States move to ban PFAS ("forever chemicals") in nonstick cookware due to cancer and contamination concerns.
• Industry resistance includes recruiting celebrity endorsements (Rachael Ray, David Chang):

  “The reality is that some foods are extremely difficult to cook well without nonstick pans.”
  [06:18 – David Chang’s letter via Tracy Mumford]

• Legislative battleground: California may soon ban PFAS cookware; Minnesota has adopted similar measures; other states are considering action.

Culture & Technology: The Return of Old-School Music Devices

Key Points:

• Cell phone bans at schools drive students toward MP3 players, Discman, and even cassette players.
• Students appreciate the “old school” vibe of these devices, to the chagrin of their parents:

  “Hearing him say old school makes me want to crumble into a pile of dust.”
  [08:13 – High school student’s mother via Tracy Mumford]

• Reflects generational shifts and creative workarounds.

News Quiz & Notable Pop Culture Moments

Murdoch Family Saga & Media Succession

[10:38]

• Lachlan Murdoch officially inherits the Fox/News Corp empire.
• Reference to "Succession" (HBO drama), inspired by the family:

  “I'm the eldest boy. I am the eldest boy.”
  [11:36 – Investigator / Official, quoting the show]

Royal Reunion

[12:09]

• Prince Harry and King Charles meet for the first time since February 2024, indicating ongoing family tensions.

Pumpkin Spice Everything

[12:34]

• The rise of pumpkin spice products—from lattes to deodorants—highlighted as part of America's fall culture.

• Personal confession from Tracy Mumford after the quiz:

  “I have never actually had a pumpkin spice latte. I've never tried one. But we are changing that right now… The aftertaste is like strong candle. But that’s… okay, I guess.”
  [13:23]

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• On FBI manhunt:

  “It's important to note his black T shirt, his black pants, and there appears to be some white on the soles of those Converse tennis shoes.”
  [01:35 – Investigator / Official]

• On need for help:

  “Now, we can start healing by finding this perpetrator and. And holding him accountable. And we need your help to do that. Thank you.”
  [02:04 – Investigator / Official]

• On the international fallout in Brazil:

  “Trump called the guilty verdict, quote, very terrible.”
  [04:52 – Tracy Mumford]

• On students using old tech:

  “They can’t tell me nothing because this isn’t Bluetooth and this doesn’t have Internet and can’t text. Did I just crack the code?”
  [08:05 – Student via Tracy Mumford]

Episode Flow & Tone

Tracy Mumford’s delivery combines clarity with a dash of dry wit—a brisk, informative rundown of current events with occasional lighter moments (especially in the cultural segments and her “pumpkin spice” confession). The episode is fast-paced, accessible, and succinct, offering sharp insights with careful attribution to featured speakers.

Summary prepared for listeners who missed the episode or want a concise review of the latest developments.