While You Were Sleeping: 5 stories you might have missed, Sept 17, 2025
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US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump are escorted by Viscount Henry Hood, representing Britain's King Charles III, as they arrive aboard Air Force One at London's Stansted Airport on Sept 16.
PHOTO: DOUG MILLS/NYTIMES
Trump arrives in Britain for second state visit
US President Donald Trump landed in Britain on Sept 16 for an unprecedented second state visit, with the UK government rolling out a royal red carpet welcome to win over the mercurial leader.
The 79-year-old Republican and his wife Melania received a guard of honour as they stepped off Air Force One at Stansted Airport near London.
“It’s going to be a very big thing,” Mr Trump told reporters during the flight.
Mr Trump, who has long been fascinated by the British monarchy, is the first US president to be invited for two state visits, after previously being hosted by Queen Elizabeth II during his last term in office in 2019.
Suspect in Charlie Kirk killing charged with murder
The suspect in the murder of prominent US conservative political activist Charlie Kirk has been formally charged with his murder, prosecutors in Utah announced Sept 16.
Mr Kirk, a close ally of President Donald Trump, was shot dead last week during a speaking event on a Utah university campus. He was the founder of the influential conservative youth political group Turning Point USA.
Authorities said 22-year-old Tyler Robinson used a rifle to shoot Mr Kirk with a single bullet to the neck from a rooftop. He was arrested after a 33-hour manhunt.
Trump extends delay on US TikTok ban
US President Donald Trump on Sept 16 extended a delay on enforcing a ban against TikTok until Dec 16, marking the fourth postponement of a law designed to force the app’s sale from its Chinese owner.
The announcement, made through an executive order, came despite Mr Trump telling reporters on Sept 16 that the United States and China had reached a deal over a new ownership structure for the hugely popular video-sharing app.
The extension builds on previous delays issued in January, April and June as the administration navigates the complex legal and national security implications surrounding TikTok’s operations in the US.
Lithuania teaches children to fly drones
On the border with Russia, Lithuania’s Defence Ministry has launched the first of what will be nine schools around the country teaching children as young as 10 and adults how to fly, assemble, and programme drones.
“It’s all about building military defensive capabilities, which Lithuania is taking very seriously, living in the neighbourhood with Russia and Belarus,” said Deputy Defence Minister Tomas Godliauskas.
Children and others will be taught to operate First Person View (FPV), quadcopter and single-wing drones, said teacher Mindaugas Tamosaitis.
Arsenal, Real Madrid, Tottenham win openers
Arsenal won 2-0 away to Athletic Bilbao as the league phase of this season’s Champions League kicked off on Sept 16, with two Kylian Mbappe penalties giving Real Madrid a narrow win over Marseille while Juventus and Borussia Dortmund drew an eight-goal thriller.
Tottenham Hotspur also won on the tournament’s opening night which saw outsiders Union Saint-Gilloise and Qarabag claim first ever victories in the Champions League proper.
Arsenal are eager to make a big impression again in Europe’s elite club competition, following their defeat by eventual champions Paris Saint-Germain in the semi-finals last season.
