Actors Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter are starring in a new production of the play "Waiting for Godot" at New York's Hudson Theater. This marks their first on-stage reunion since their roles in the "Bill & Ted" movies. The play started preview performances on September 13 and will run until January 4, 2026.
Key Facts
Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter are performing in "Waiting for Godot."
The play is taking place at New York's Hudson Theater.
This is Reeves and Winter's first stage appearance together since "Bill & Ted."
The play started previews on September 13, 2025.
"Waiting for Godot" is a surrealist play by Samuel Beckett.
The play explores themes like faith, patience, and existence.
Keanu Reeves is making his Broadway debut in this play.
The performances are set to run until January 4, 2026.
President Trump fired Cathy Harris from the Merit Systems Protection Board, a federal agency that protects government employees, even though her term was not supposed to end until 2028. The firing challenges existing federal laws that say board members can only be removed for specific misconduct.
Key Facts
Cathy Harris was removed from her position on the Merit Systems Protection Board by President Trump.
The Merit Systems Protection Board is an independent agency that ensures federal employees are treated fairly.
Harris' term was not set to expire until 2028, and she argued her firing was against federal law.
Federal law states that board members can only be fired for specific reasons like inefficiency or misconduct.
The Supreme Court allowed her firing to stand while legal challenges continue.
Trump's administration has been involved in more than 300 lawsuits, affecting the government's checks and balances.
The Merit Systems Protection Board was created by Congress in 1978 to protect federal workers from managerial abuses.
The Federal Reserve is expected to reduce interest rates to help the U.S. job market, influenced by pressure from President Trump. The decision to cut rates comes amid concerns of slower job growth and political influence on the Fed's independence.
Key Facts
The Federal Reserve plans to cut interest rates by a quarter percentage point.
The decision follows pressure from the White House and signs of a slowing job market.
Investors expect the new interest rate range to be 4% to 4.25%.
This will be the first rate cut in nine months.
President Trump has been pushing for much lower interest rates.
Trump appointed economist Stephen Miran to the Fed's governing board.
Trump attempted to dismiss Fed Governor Lisa Cook, a move blocked by federal courts.
U.S. employers added only 22,000 jobs in August, indicating a slowdown.
Concerns about inflation from import tariffs are present, but job market issues are a higher priority.
A woman named Juli Cobb ran out of gas near a homeless encampment in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Three homeless men helped her move her car out of the road and one of them fetched gas. This act of kindness left a lasting impression on Cobb.
Key Facts
Juli Cobb ran out of gas near a homeless camp in Albuquerque, N.M.
Her car stopped in the middle of the road, leaving her feeling anxious.
A man from the camp approached her first and offered help.
Three men in total helped move her car to safety.
One of the men rode a bike to get gas for her car.
The man named Dominic advised her to call someone for additional help.
Cobb was able to start her car and drive home safely after they assisted her.
The kindness of the three men had a significant impact on Cobb.
Recent shootings in the U.S. have brought attention to gun violence, particularly in schools and politically motivated attacks. Data shows that gun-related incidents in schools are increasing since the pandemic, and mass shootings are occurring more frequently than in the past. However, mass shootings account for a small portion of overall gun violence deaths.
Key Facts
Recent high-profile shootings occurred at a Utah college, a Colorado high school, and a Minnesota church.
There is no single definition for mass shootings, leading to varying data on their frequency.
The Gun Violence Archive reports over 300 mass shootings in 2025.
The majority of mass shooting incidents are linked to domestic violence.
Mass shootings are more frequent now compared to 50 years ago.
Gun-related incidents at K-12 schools have increased, with over 160 cases so far this year.
Most school shootings arise from disputes that escalate, according to researcher David Riedman.
In some school shootings, factors such as easy access to firearms at home contribute to the incidents.
The article explains the history and cultural significance of the zarf, a decorative item used in the Ottoman Empire to hold hot coffee cups. This practice was part of a ritual in Turkish coffee culture, which is recognized for its cultural importance.
Key Facts
A zarf is a decorative holder used for hot coffee cups, originating from the Ottoman Empire.
The practice of using zarfs is tied to Turkish coffee culture, which UNESCO recognizes for its cultural importance.
Zarfs were used in Ottoman coffee-serving rituals, emphasizing art and elegance.
They came in various designs, from simple metal to ornate jewel-inlaid styles.
Zarfs date back to the end of the 17th century and were made in several countries, including France and Switzerland.
The term "zarf" is derived from Arabic, though it is often linked with Turkish coffee.
High-status individuals and common people both used zarfs, with fancier versions for special occasions.
A man named George Zinn falsely claimed he shot Charlie Kirk, who was killed during an event at Utah Valley University. Zinn has been charged with obstruction and possession of child pornography. Police arrested another man, Tyler Robinson, for the actual shooting.
Key Facts
George Zinn, 71, claimed to have shot Charlie Kirk, but police determined he was not involved.
Zinn faces charges of obstruction and four counts of child exploitation, unrelated to the shooting.
Tyler Robinson, 22, was arrested and charged with aggravated murder in connection to Kirk's death.
Zinn admitted he falsely claimed to be the shooter to help the real suspect escape.
Authorities found child pornography on Zinn's phone during the investigation.
Zinn has a history of disrupting public events and has prior convictions for minor offenses.
Authorities confirmed that Zinn did not collaborate with the real shooter, Robinson.
President Trump announced a deal with China that permits TikTok to keep operating in the U.S. The agreement involves reducing the Chinese ownership stake in TikTok to less than 20%. Critics have raised concerns about political influences and privacy issues related to the app.
Key Facts
President Trump announced a plan allowing TikTok to continue in the U.S. under certain conditions.
Trump set a December 16 deadline for TikTok's parent company, ByteDance, to reduce its ownership or face a ban.
The deal reportedly limits China's ownership in TikTok to under 20%.
Trump claimed the app was important for winning young voters in the presidential election.
There is concern TikTok could be used for Chinese spying or propaganda.
The Chinese government's newspaper, People’s Daily, described the deal as cooperative and beneficial.
Some experts criticized the deal-making process, calling it inconsistent with legislative rules on the matter.
TikTok has over 170 million users in the U.S., making its future a significant issue for many.
The news covers different events in the United States. Prosecutors plan to seek the death penalty for the suspect in Charlie Kirk's death. President Trump is visiting the United Kingdom again, and the FBI director is returning to Capitol Hill.
Key Facts
Prosecutors will pursue the death penalty for the suspect in the death of Charlie Kirk.
President Trump is in the United Kingdom for a second state visit.
The FBI director is scheduled to return to Capitol Hill.
The information is part of a morning news brief by reporters A Martínez and Steve Inskeep.
More details will be available in an audio format later.
President Donald Trump visited the United Kingdom for a second state visit to strengthen trade and security ties between the two countries. The visit included a ceremonial welcome at Windsor Castle with the royal family and discussions on policy issues like trade and Ukraine. Additionally, the U.K. announced investments from major U.S. tech companies.
Key Facts
President Trump and first lady Melania Trump visited Windsor Castle in the U.K. for a state visit.
The visit included a procession with horses and carriages and a guard of honor inspection with King Charles III.
The British government aims to use the visit to influence U.S. policies on trade and Ukraine.
Trump expressed excitement about the visit and admiration for the British monarchy.
The U.K. and U.S. are expected to sign a Tech Prosperity Deal during the visit.
U.S.-based tech companies, including NVIDIA, Microsoft, and Google, plan to invest over $40 billion in the U.K.
Protests occurred ahead of Trump's visit, with some Britons opposing his presence.
Discussions between Trump and Prime Minister Keir Starmer will include topics on the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
President Trump traveled to the United Kingdom for a second state visit, which is uncommon. The visit includes official events, discussions on policy, and public demonstrations.
Key Facts
President Trump is in the U.K. for a second state visit.
Such a second state visit is rare for U.S. presidents.
The visit involves formal ceremonies, policy talks, and protests.
The visit was reported to take place on a Wednesday.
The information was shared through a report that aired on Morning Edition.
China produces about one-third of the world's manufactured goods, and its industrial strength is increasing. Economist Dan Wang discusses how this growth helps China handle trade challenges.
Key Facts
China makes about 33% of all manufactured goods worldwide.
The country's industrial power is growing.
Economists like Dan Wang study the effects of China's industrial expansion.
China's industrial growth provides some protection during trade disputes.
The article is based on a broadcast from Morning Edition.
The broadcast focuses on China's economic status in the global market.
National Parks in the United States are removing certain historical items. The Trump administration decided that these items showed the country in a negative way.
Key Facts
National Parks are taking down some signs, statues, and memorials.
The Trump administration wanted these items removed because they thought they made the U.S. look bad.
The deadline to remove these items is Wednesday.
The changes affect National Parks all over the country.
The decision was publicized on September 17, 2025.
NPR's Steve Inskeep interviewed legal scholar John Yoo about how the Supreme Court works to keep the Federal Reserve independent. This conversation focuses on maintaining a balance between government oversight and the Fed's autonomy.
Key Facts
Steve Inskeep is a journalist with NPR.
John Yoo is a legal scholar discussing the topic.
The Supreme Court plays a role in maintaining the Federal Reserve's independence.
The Federal Reserve, often called the Fed, is the central bank of the United States.
The Fed's independence is important for making unbiased economic decisions.
Legal discussions help understand how the Supreme Court supports this independence.
The interview aims to clarify the relationship between government branches and the Fed.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump visited the UK for a state visit, featuring a focus on ceremonial events. This visit comes after a challenging time for the UK's Prime Minister, who is keen to emphasize the strong relationship between the UK and the US. The visit included discussions on economic and political topics, with varied opinions on the current state of UK-US ties.
Key Facts
Donald Trump visited the UK for a state visit.
The visit involved ceremonial events like meetings with royalty, military bands, and a banquet.
The visit followed a challenging period for the UK's Prime Minister, who faced tough questions in Parliament.
Discussions during the visit covered economic and political topics, including trade and tariffs on UK steel.
The UK-US relationship is described as strong, with a history spanning 250 years.
There were differences in opinion on several issues, such as the UK's stance on Palestine and the war in Ukraine.
Controversies in the UK, including those related to Jeffrey Epstein, were also expected to be part of the discussions.
Civilians in Gaza City face difficult decisions due to the ongoing military conflict, with Israeli forces advancing into the area. Many people are deciding whether to stay in dangerous conditions or move south, where they might not find the support they need. A UN commission accused Israel of committing genocide, a claim Israel denies.
Key Facts
Civilians in Gaza City are forced to choose between staying under risk or moving south with limited aid.
Israeli forces are conducting a ground offensive on the outskirts of Gaza City.
Major aid organizations have reduced their operations in Gaza City due to the conflict.
A UN commission reported that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza, but Israel disputes this.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated the military is targeting terrorist infrastructure.
At least 100 Palestinians were reported killed in recent Israeli strikes.
Aid groups report restricted access to food, water, and aid, worsening the crisis.
The Norwegian Refugee Council warns of "mass forcible transfer," which they claim is a war crime.
The article discusses how people in Gaza City are coping with Israel's latest ground offensive. Shaina Low from the Norwegian Refugee Council explains the situation for civilians in the area.
Key Facts
Israel is conducting a ground offensive in Gaza City.
Civilians in Gaza City are affected by this offensive.
Shaina Low is a communications advisor for the Norwegian Refugee Council.
The Norwegian Refugee Council is involved in the response to the crisis.
The article includes a discussion about civilian experiences during the offensive.
FBI Director Kash Patel is returning to Capitol Hill for a second day of testimony. This follows a first day where lawmakers had a tense discussion with him about his leadership of the FBI.
Key Facts
Kash Patel is the Director of the FBI.
He is attending a second day of questioning at Capitol Hill.
The questioning is about his leadership of the FBI.
The first day of testimony involved tense discussions with lawmakers.
The hearings are taking place in September 2025.
The testimony is part of a broader review of the FBI's activities.
