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Top Headlines Today
Yesterday, President Trump and several senior officials paid tribute to political activist Charlie Kirk. At the memorial service, Trump described the 31-year-old Turning Point USA co-founder as “a martyr for American freedom,” following his tragic death less than two weeks ago. Kirk was widely recognized as a leading figure in the MAGA movement, dedicated to engaging younger generations in conservative politics.
Erika Kirk joins former President Donald Trump on stage at the memorial service for Charlie Kirk held at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, on September 21.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images
- 🎧 The memorial took place in a packed NFL stadium, where many attendees donned white shirts emblazoned with “freedom”-the same shirt Kirk wore when he was fatally shot, NPR’s Tamara Keith reports on Up First. Speakers repeatedly emphasized that Kirk’s death would amplify, not silence, his message. Trump’s remarks diverged into topics like the 2020 election, tariffs, and his political adversaries. The event was deeply infused with Christian hymns, scripture readings, and spiritual reflections.
- ➡️ Erika Kirk, Charlie’s widow, tearfully expressed forgiveness toward the man accused of her husband’s murder during her address to the large crowd. Here are highlights from her moving speech.
- ➡️ Thousands gathered in Arizona to honor Kirk’s legacy. View a photo gallery from the memorial.
Over the weekend, Trump took to social media urging Attorney General Pam Bondi to investigate his political opponents. He named former FBI Director James Comey, Senator Adam Schiff of California, and New York Attorney General Letitia James, accusing them of wrongdoing without specifying charges. Trump lamented the lack of action against them.
- 🎧 Throughout his 2024 campaign, Trump has vowed to target his political foes if re-elected, NPR’s Ryan Lucas notes. This recent post is among his most explicit calls for the Justice Department to wield its authority against specific individuals. The demand follows the resignation of Erik Siebert, a senior prosecutor who stepped down amid pressure from Trump’s team to pursue charges against James in a mortgage fraud case. These events have intensified fears that the DOJ is being politicized.
Today, France along with Canada, the United Kingdom, Portugal, and Australia will officially recognize a Palestinian state. These nations’ leaders assert that a two-state solution remains the only viable path to peace. This announcement coincides with the United Nations General Assembly convening in New York, where increased diplomatic pressure on the U.S. and Israel is anticipated as the Gaza conflict nears its third year.
- 🎧 Palestinian officials have welcomed the recognition enthusiastically, NPR’s Carrie Kahn reports. However, many Palestinians living in the Israeli-occupied West Bank highlight that the declaration does little to alleviate the harsh realities they face since the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. Arrests and fatalities have surged, and Israel has revoked work permits for 200,000 Palestinians. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the move as rewarding terrorism and warned of retaliatory measures, though he plans to wait until after his U.N. speech and meeting with Trump.
Rising Cost of Living
Beef prices have climbed more than 50% since 2020, leading to increased costs at eateries and grocery outlets.
Getty Images/Emily Bogle/NPR
NPR’s ongoing series Cost of Living: The Price We Pay explores the factors behind persistent inflation and how Americans are adapting.
Ground beef prices have soared by 51% since February 2020, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Despite these hikes, demand for burgers and steaks remained strong-until recently. Several key elements are shaping the beef market:
- 🍔 Prolonged drought conditions severely limited farmers’ ability to irrigate pastures, leading to record-high cattle slaughter rates in 2022 as producers coped with pandemic-related losses.
- 🍔 This surge in slaughter created a glut of beef, driving prices down and discouraging ranchers from rebuilding their herds.
- 🍔 The recovery of cattle populations is sluggish due to elevated operational expenses, making ranchers cautious about expanding their herds.
- 🍔 Imports of foreign beef are declining. Brazilian beef faces a steep 76% tariff, and the USDA has halted livestock imports from Mexico over screwworm parasite concerns.
Discover how grocery stores, restaurants, and consumers are adjusting to these price shifts. Upcoming installments will examine the housing market’s impact on families. Stay informed with the latest updates here.
How are rising costs affecting your daily life? Share your experience by filling out this form to contribute to NPR’s reporting.
Featured Audio
Miley Cyrus
Jonnie Chambers/Sony Music Entertainment
Miley Cyrus has transformed her musical journey over nearly two decades and continues to innovate. Earlier this year, she released her album Something Beautiful, followed by a deluxe edition last Friday featuring two new collaborations. These include “Lockdown” with David Byrne of Talking Heads and “Secrets” featuring Lindsey Buckingham and Mick Fleetwood from Fleetwood Mac-tracks that might especially resonate with listeners in their 50s. Cyrus recently spoke with Morning Edition host A Martínez about the inspirations behind these songs and her evolving identity in the music world. Listen to excerpts and explore the full interview transcript here.
Three Quick Updates
A’ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces has been honored as the 2025 WNBA Most Valuable Player, marking her fourth time receiving the award-a new record.
Harry How/Getty Images
- A’ja Wilson, star forward for the Las Vegas Aces, has clinched the WNBA MVP title for 2025, setting a new record with her fourth award.
- The Earlybirds Club is redefining nightlife by hosting pop-up dance events from 6 to 10 p.m., catering to those who want to enjoy dancing without sacrificing a full night’s rest.
- The White House Historical Association’s new virtual exhibit, “Suited to Lead,” explores how U.S. presidents have used fashion to express their leadership styles, featuring figures like George Washington, John Quincy Adams, and Abraham Lincoln.
This edition was edited by Suzanne Nuyen.
