NPR News Now – 7PM EDT, September 12, 2025

Host: Dan Ronan
Length: 5 minutes
Podcast Theme: The episode provides concise, up-to-date coverage of major global and national news stories, focusing on political violence in the U.S., NATO's response to Russian drone incursions, rising U.S. healthcare costs, Notre Dame Cathedral's reopening popularity, and diplomatic tension over immigration at a Georgia factory.

Key News Stories & Insights

1. Arrest in Assassination of Right-Wing Political Figure (Utah)

[00:20]

• Suspect Arrested: Tyler Robinson, 22, was arrested in connection with Wednesday's assassination of Charlie Kirk, a prominent right-wing figure in Utah.
• National Concern: The incident has sparked widespread fears about escalating political violence in the U.S.
• Governor’s Call for Civility:
  • Utah Governor Spencer Cox urged restraint and emphasized the importance of non-violent discourse.
  • Odette Youssef (NPR): “Cox was referring to an attack on the American experience... even though we might have a variety of political beliefs and worldviews, we should be able to discuss those with civility and not resort to violence.” (00:53)
• Legal Update: Robinson was ordered held without bail; formal charges are expected next week.

2. NATO Response to Russian Drone Incursion in Poland

[01:14]

• Operation Launched: NATO announced "Eastern Sentry" to strengthen Eastern Europe’s defenses after nearly 20 Russian drones breached Polish airspace.
  • Mark Rute (NATO Secretary General): Called the violation “deeply dangerous.” (01:33)
• Counter-Drone Strategy:
  • Plans to upgrade and diversify counter-drone technologies.
  • NATO Official: “This effort will also feature elements designed to address the particular challenges associated with the use of drones.” (01:42)
  • Dutch and Polish jets intercepted several drones.
  • USAF General Alexis Grinkowicz: “It's time to take a fresh look at this, and we're going to do everything we can as we learn those lessons to incorporate them rapidly.” (02:05)
• Regional Context: Eastern NATO countries have long advocated for increased air defenses.

3. US Healthcare Costs Set to Rise Dramatically for Workers

[02:17]

• Employer-Sponsored Insurance: 150+ million Americans get insurance via employers.
• Cost Surge: A new Mercer survey suggests the steepest increase in 15 years is imminent.
• Reasons for Hike:
  • Increases in drug, hospital, and insurer prices are cited.
  • Companies plan to transfer higher costs to employees.
• Impact on Workers: Expectation of increased paycheck deductions for premiums and higher out-of-pocket expenses.
• Marie Aspen (NPR): “That means most workers will see higher paycheck deductions for health care premiums next year and higher out of pocket costs.” (02:31)

4. Notre Dame Cathedral Draws Record Visitors Post-Reopening

[03:15]

• Tourism Surge: Since its post-fire reopening in December, Notre Dame is set to reach nearly 13 million visitors in its first year, making it France’s most visited monument.
• International Appeal: After the French, most visitors are from the US, Latin America, and Asia.
• Restoration Highlights:
  • Visitors praise the restored, immaculate white stone.
  • Eleanor Beardsley (NPR): “Chinese visitors have discovered a special surprise... a side chapel renamed in honor of St. Paul Chen...” (03:37)
  • Addition of chapels dedicated to Christians of the East, expanding on existing multicultural dedications.
  • Cathedral representatives emphasize its “universal mission.”

5. South Korea’s Investment Concerns After US Immigration Raid

[04:23]

• Incident: Last week's raid at a Hyundai Electric battery plant in Georgia prompts concern from South Korea’s president.
• Investment Risk: The president warns that such actions may deter future South Korean investments in the US.
• Legal Hurdles: Concerns relate to difficulties for temporary workers securing legal paperwork.
• Economic Stakes:
  • Hyundai and LG Energy investing $4.3 billion in the plant.
  • The facility is central to Georgia’s economic plans.
• Dan Ronan (Host): “The South Korean leader is expressing concerns about U.S. officials making it difficult for temporary workers to get the necessary paperwork...” (04:23)

Notable Quotes

• Odette Youssef (on political violence):
  “We should be able to discuss those [beliefs] with civility and not resort to violence.” (00:53)
• Mark Rute (NATO):
  “Calling the violation of Poland’s airspace... deeply dangerous.” (01:33)
• NATO Official (on drone defense):
  “This effort will also feature elements designed to address the particular challenges associated with the use of drones.” (01:42)
• General Grinkowicz (NATO):
  “We're going to do everything we can as we learn those lessons to incorporate them rapidly.” (02:05)
• Marie Aspen (US healthcare costs):
  “Most workers will see higher paycheck deductions... and higher out of pocket costs.” (02:31)
• Eleanor Beardsley (Notre Dame):
  “A spokesperson for the cathedral says they all reinforce Notre Dame's universal mission.” (03:37)

Timestamps of Key Segments

• Assassination & political violence: 00:20 – 01:14
• NATO/Eastern Europe & drones: 01:14 – 02:17
• US healthcare cost increases: 02:17 – 03:15
• Notre Dame reopening & international visitors: 03:15 – 04:23
• South Korean investment/immigration raid: 04:23 – 04:59

This summary captures the core news and perspectives broadcast in this NPR News Now episode, reflecting national and international developments with direct quotes and minute-by-minute context for listeners.