NPR News Now – September 13, 2025, 3AM EDT

Host: Dale Willman
Episode Overview:
This episode of NPR News Now delivers a concise five-minute roundup of the day’s top stories across the nation. Major topics include the resolution of the Charlie Kirk shooting case, Louisiana’s escalating pertussis outbreak and vaccine debate, President Trump’s plan for National Guard deployment to Memphis, ongoing Boeing worker strikes, Missouri’s congressional redistricting, and the latest WNBA accolades.

1. Utah Campus Shooting: Suspect Arrested

[00:20 – 01:16]

• Main Details:

  • Police arrested a 22-year-old man, Tyler Robinson, in connection with the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk on a Utah college campus.
  • Utah Governor Spencer Cox emphasized the need for national unity in his statement during the announcement.

• Governor Cox’s Plea for Unity:

  • “This is our moment. Do we escalate or do we find an off ramp?”
    — Spencer Cox, [00:41]
  • “It's a choice. It's a choice and every one of us gets to make that choice.”
    — Spencer Cox, [01:05]
  • Steve Futterman notes a relative told investigators that Robinson had become more politically engaged and critical of Kirk’s views, which were described as “hateful.”
  • Formal charges against Robinson are expected next week.

• Charlie Kirk’s Legacy:

  • Kirk’s widow, Erica Kirk, highlighted his commitment to family values:
    • “Charlie always said that if he ever ran for office... his top priority would be to revive the American family.”
      — Erica Kirk, [01:23]
  • The family of Robinson also confirmed his recent increased interest in politics.

2. Louisiana’s Worst Whooping Cough Outbreak in Decades

[01:41 – 02:54]

• Scope and Impact:

  • Louisiana is facing its worst pertussis (whooping cough) outbreak in 35 years, with two infant deaths reported.

• Political and Public Health Tensions:

  • Republican Senator Bill Cassidy, a physician who chairs the HELP Committee, addressed Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in a letter, urging him to publicly support the DTaP vaccine.
  • Cassidy’s letter reveals strains due to Kennedy’s history of anti-vaccine activism.
    • “I ask that you publicly reaffirm your support for the DTaP vaccine.”
      — Quoted by Selena Simmons Duffin, summarizing Sen. Cassidy, [02:45]
  • Cassidy asserts the vaccine is safe, effective, and lifesaving. HHS has not commented.

3. Trump Orders National Guard to Memphis Amidst Crime Concerns

[02:54 – 03:31]

• President Trump announced plans to send National Guard troops to Memphis to address the city’s crime rate, stating on Fox News that local leadership supports the move.
• However, Memphis Mayor Paul Young contradicted Trump’s claim, asserting he did not request the Guard and that “it’s not the way to drive down crime.”

4. Boeing Workers’ Strike Continues

[03:31 – 04:16]

• Vote Outcome:
  • Workers at three Midwest Boeing plants rejected a revised five-year contract offer, extending their ongoing strike into its seventh week.
    • “The offer was rejected 57%.”
      — Olivia Meisel, reporter, [03:31]
    • Ken Kellogg, union member, expressed growing financial strain:
      • “I've been without a paycheck for two months and it's really starting to weigh on me. I just bought a house. I'm already two weeks late on my first house payment.”
        — Ken Kellogg, [03:47]
  • Workers’ demands: faster progression to top pay scale, larger signing bonus, better 401k.
  • Boeing is implementing a contingency plan, including hiring replacement workers.

5. Missouri Redistricting Legislation Passes

[04:16 – 04:41]

• The Missouri Senate approved a redistricting plan backed by President Trump, potentially giving Republicans an additional U.S. House seat.
• Opponents are calling for a referendum, possibly putting the new map to a statewide vote ahead of the midterms.

6. Sports Honors: WNBA & Coaches

[04:41 – 04:59]

• Asia Wilson won her second straight WNBA Rookie of the Year award, outperforming Alyssa Thomas and Nafija Collier.
• Golden State’s Natalie Nakase named Coach of the Year.
• Paige Bookers also named Rookie of the Year.

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• “This is our moment. Do we escalate or do we find an off ramp?” – Spencer Cox [00:41]
• “Charlie always said that if he ever ran for office... his top priority would be to revive the American family.” – Erica Kirk [01:23]
• “I've been without a paycheck for two months and it's really starting to weigh on me. I just bought a house. I'm already two weeks late on my first house payment.” – Ken Kellogg [03:47]
• “I ask that you publicly reaffirm your support for the DTaP vaccine.” – Sen. Bill Cassidy (via Selena Simmons Duffin) [02:45]

For listeners: This episode offers a snapshot of the most urgent national stories, blending developments in crime, politics, health, labor, and sports—each covered with on-the-ground reporting and notable voices from those involved. For full context on how these events are developing, check NPR’s ongoing coverage.