NPR News Now
Episode: NPR News: 09-10-2025 7PM EDT
Date: September 10, 2025
Host: Dan Ronan, NPR
Brief Overview
This five-minute episode of NPR News Now delivers concise coverage of the latest top stories in the United States, including the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, political reactions to continued violence, ongoing legal battles surrounding the Federal Reserve, anticipated federal rollbacks on public land conservation, and updates on the detention of South Korean workers in Georgia.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Assassination of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University
- Charlie Kirk—conservative activist and founder of Turning Point USA—died after being shot during a Q&A session at Utah Valley University. The attack occurred while he was discussing school shootings.
- “[Kirk] was taking questions about school shootings when one shot rang out. He was struck in the neck and died a few hours later.”
— Dan Ronan (00:20)
- “[Kirk] was taking questions about school shootings when one shot rang out. He was struck in the neck and died a few hours later.”
- Utah Governor Spencer Koch addressed the nation’s unrest and political violence in a somber statement:
- “Our nation is broken… Nothing I can say can bring back Charlie Kirk.”
— Gov. Spencer Koch (00:59)
- “Our nation is broken… Nothing I can say can bring back Charlie Kirk.”
- A person of interest has been taken into custody. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson led a moment of silence in the House, calling for prayers and unity:
- “We need every political figure, we need everyone who has a platform to say this loudly and clearly. We can settle disagreements and disputes in a civil manner, and political violence must be called out and it has to stop.”
— Speaker Mike Johnson (01:56)
- “We need every political figure, we need everyone who has a platform to say this loudly and clearly. We can settle disagreements and disputes in a civil manner, and political violence must be called out and it has to stop.”
- Both parties condemned political violence in unified statements.
- “Republicans and Democrats alike are echoing the speaker's call, saying that political violence is never acceptable.”
— Deirdre Walsh (02:09)
- “Republicans and Democrats alike are echoing the speaker's call, saying that political violence is never acceptable.”
2. Trump’s Attempt to Fire Federal Reserve Board Member
- President Trump intends to appeal a judge’s ruling that blocked his effort to dismiss Lisa Cook from the Federal Reserve Board.
- “Trump tried to oust Cook with a social media post last month after allegations from a Trump ally that Cook made false statements on a mortgage application four years ago. Cook denies any mortgage fraud.”
— Scott Horsley (02:31)
- “Trump tried to oust Cook with a social media post last month after allegations from a Trump ally that Cook made false statements on a mortgage application four years ago. Cook denies any mortgage fraud.”
- Federal Judge Gia Cobb ruled Cook cannot be fired over actions that took place before her appointment.
- “The campaign to fire Cook comes amid a months-long effort by the president to exert more control over the Fed, even though the central bank was designed to be insulated from that kind of political pressure.” — Scott Horsley (02:58)
3. Public Land Conservation Rule Reversal
- The Trump administration is set to reverse the “public lands rule” from the end of the Biden administration.
- “At its core, it aimed to put conservation on an equal footing with more traditional uses of federal public lands, such as cattle grazing, mining and outdoor recreating.”
— Kirk Siegler (03:33)
- “At its core, it aimed to put conservation on an equal footing with more traditional uses of federal public lands, such as cattle grazing, mining and outdoor recreating.”
- The rule also allowed conservation groups to bid on land for preservation, not just energy development.
- Trump’s Interior Secretary Doug Burgum argues the rule restricted access for rural industries.
- The rollback is subject to a public comment period before likely reversal.
4. Detainment of South Korean Workers at Hyundai Battery Plant
- Attorney representing the detained South Korean workers says they entered on B1 business visas and planned not to overstay.
- “His clients were in the United States illegally and authorized under the B1 business visa program...planned to be in the US for a couple of weeks and no longer than 75 days.”
— Dan Ronan (04:19)
- “His clients were in the United States illegally and authorized under the B1 business visa program...planned to be in the US for a couple of weeks and no longer than 75 days.”
- The raid detained 475 workers (300 South Koreans) at the under-construction Hyundai plant near Savannah, Georgia.
- No word yet on their release; a charter flight for their return is on hold.
5. Market Brief
- Stocks: Mixed day for Wall Street. The Nasdaq and S&P up, Dow Jones down.
— Dan Ronan (03:12)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- “Our nation is broken. …Nothing I say can unite us as a country. Nothing I can say right now can fix what is broken.”
— Governor Spencer Koch (00:59) - “We need every political figure, we need everyone who has a platform to say this loudly and clearly. We can settle disagreements and disputes in a civil manner, and political violence must be called out and it has to stop.”
— Speaker Mike Johnson (01:56) - “Republicans and Democrats alike are echoing the speaker's call, saying that political violence is never acceptable.”
— Deirdre Walsh (02:09)
Timestamps for Important Segments
- Charlie Kirk assassination and political response: 00:20–02:19
- Trump’s bid to fire Federal Reserve Board member: 02:19–03:12
- Public lands rule reversal: 03:12–04:19
- South Korean workers detained at Hyundai plant: 04:19–04:58
This episode provides a succinct yet impactful overview of the day's most significant national stories, blending urgent breaking news, political developments, and policy shifts—all delivered in NPR’s signature direct, measured style.