BBC News Briefing

15 September, 2025

Sofia Lotto Persio

Hello. Utah's governor Spencer Cox has given an update on the investigation into the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. My colleagues have the details. We take a look at how US farmers are dealing with the economic pressure of President Donald Trump's tariffs. And finally, check out the highlights from the Emmy Awards.

TOP OF THE AGENDA

Investigators still looking for motive

A memorial for Charlie Kirk outside Turning Point USA's headquarters in Arizona, shows flowers and American flags around a black plaque showing Kirk's picutre and the words 'May Charlie be received into the merciful arms of Jesus, our loving Savior'.

Following Kirk's death, Cox has been prominent in calling for unity in a bid to ease political tensions. Credit: Reuters

Charlie Kirk's alleged killer is "not co-operating" with authorities and has not confessed to carrying out the shooting, governor Cox has said. Suspect Tyler Robinson was taken into custody some 33 hours after Kirk was shot dead in Utah on Wednesday. Cox, a Republican, told several Sunday morning shows that investigators were still trying to establish a motive, but people around Mr Robinson were co-operating. The governor said among those was Mr Robinson's roommate, who is also his partner. He said the partner was currently "transitioning from male to female", but added that authorities did not yet know if that was relevant to the investigation.

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Memorial service: An event in honour of Charlie Kirk will be held at a stadium in Arizona that can sit more than 60,000 people.

Community in shock: Residents of Washington, Utah, are wondering how one of their neighbours might be responsible for the shooting.

Campus debate: Students tell the BBC they feel personal responsibility to ensure healthy debates on college campuses continue.

WORLD HEADLINES

A South Korean worker who was detained in a huge immigration raid last week in Georgia, hugs a family member in the parking lot at the Incheon International Airport in Incheon, South Korea on 12 September.

South Korea to probe potential abuses in US raid

Seoul said it was probing potential human rights violations during the detention of workers at a Hyundai plant in the US.

What happened >

Undercover image of Charles Mwesigwa. He is looking down and wearing a black and white vertical-striped top. In the bottom of the frame is part of what appears to be his UK driving licence.

Boss of Dubai's degrading sex-trade ring unmasked

A BBC investigation has identified a man running a sex ring exploiting vulnerable women. He denies the allegations.

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Three people ride two bikes in the coast in Australia with waves crashing in the background

Rising seas to ‘threaten 1.5m Australians by 2050’

Australia's first National Climate Risk Assessment predicted more frequent hazards like floods, droughts and cyclones.

More details >

Cammi Norwood holds her four-year-old son Mason as they both smile for a picture.

Parents in Florida react to proposed vaccine changes

Medical experts and some parents worry that removing vaccine mandates will threaten the health of vulnerable children.

What to know >

King Misizulu wearing traditional leopard-skin clothing and holding a stick. He is wearing dark glasses and is touching his head

Zulu king challenges professor to stick fight

The king of South Africa's large Zulu community said he, along with the entire Zulu nation, had been insulted.

Find out more >

NEWS FROM THE UK

Madeleine McCann: The prime suspect in the high-profile case has declined to be interviewed by the Metropolitan Police, the force said.

Unite the Kingdom: Up to 150,000 people marched through central London in a protest organised by far-right activist Tommy Robinson.

'Killer' child car seats: Lethal products are still appearing for sale on online marketplaces a decade after concerns were first raised.

BEYOND THE HEADLINES

Tariffs test farmers' loyalty to Trump

A sign saying Farmers for Trump with a US flag in a cornfield

US agricultural groups warn that American farmers are facing widespread difficulty this year. Credit: Bloomberg via Getty Images

The economic consequences of President Trump's trade war with countries like China and Canada have had a negative impact on rural areas. The number of small business bankruptcies filed by farmers has reached a five-year high, according to data compiled by Bloomberg in July. Despite financial pressures, the rural Americans the BBC spoke to are sticking with Trump.

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