NPR News Now: September 13, 2025, 5PM EDT

Host: Dan Ronan, NPR
Date: September 13, 2025
Duration: ~5 minutes

Episode Overview

This NPR News Now episode delivers a succinct roundup of key national and international headlines. Major stories include updates on the investigation into Charlie Kirk’s assassination, President Trump’s new demands of NATO regarding Russian oil, ongoing challenges with COVID-19 vaccine access, a preview of a potential Federal Reserve rate cut, the auto industry’s pivot away from all-electric trucks, and a look ahead to the Emmy Awards.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Charlie Kirk Assassination Investigation

[00:24–01:16]

• Authorities report the suspected gunman, Tyler Robinson (22, Washington, Utah), acted alone.
• Ongoing investigation: evidence is still being gathered, and interviews are being conducted.
• Community response:
  • Neighbor Kristen Schwerman, who worked at Robinson's former school, expresses shock and sympathy for Robinson’s family.
  • Quote [00:49] - Kristen Schwerman: “He was a smart kid, quiet. I used to see him out doing yard work all the time when he was younger. He had a full ride scholarship, I guess.”
  • Quote [01:05] - Schwerman: “She said it was a shock that it was him, but I so feel sorry for his mother and his dad because that's not how they raised him.”
• Motive remains unclear.

2. President Trump Calls for NATO Russian Oil Ban

[01:23–02:21]

• President Trump urges NATO states to collectively ban Russian oil imports and impose steep tariffs on China (up to 100%) as long as it continues buying Russian oil.
• Mention of Turkey: third-largest buyer of Russian oil after China and India.
• Context of recent Russian drone incursion into Poland, which Trump downplayed as an accident.
• Stalled U.S.-backed Russia-Ukraine negotiations highlighted.
  • Quote [01:38] - Charles Mains: “Trump called for a collective NATO ban on Russian oil, arguing some member states’ continued purchase of Russian crude was undermining NATO’s bargaining power over Moscow.”
  • Quote [01:50] - Mains: “Trump also called on alliance members to impose deep tariffs on China, up to 100%, so long as Beijing’s purchases of Russian petroleum continue to help fund the war.”

3. COVID-19 Vaccine Access Challenges

[02:21–03:20]

• New FDA restrictions make boosters less accessible, particularly under age 65.
• Story of Kathleen Ethier in Georgia, needing a vaccine before traveling to COVID-surging California due to her spouse’s vulnerability.
• Ethier’s struggle:
  • Difficulty getting prescription (PCP retired); CVS Minute Clinic closed two times; successful on third attempt via online appointment.
    • Memorable exchange [03:02]:
      • Ethier: “All’s well.”
      • Narrator: “That ended well.”
  • Acknowledges privilege (“time and insurance, a car, the ability to go back multiple times”) and worries others won’t overcome these barriers.
    • Quote [03:05] - Ethier: “I had time and insurance, a car like the ability to go back multiple times.”

4. Federal Reserve and Economy Update

[03:20–04:16]

• Fed policymakers set to meet next Wednesday; rate cut expected (quarter-point) to boost the job market.
• Fed Governor Lisa Cook faces scrutiny over 2021 mortgage document: claimed a condominium was a vacation home. Some, including Trump-appointees, suggest this may be mortgage fraud.
• The potential for political fallout, but no formal accusation yet.

5. Auto Industry: Stellantis Shifts EV Strategy

[04:16–04:56]

• Stellantis cancels plans for an all-electric Ram pickup amid slowing full-size EV demand.
• Company will proceed with a plug-in hybrid version: electric motor with gas generator for extended range.
• Impending expiration of federal EV tax credits (end of the month) expected to further dampen EV demand.
• Hybrid demand projected to rise.
  • Quote [04:24] - Camila Domonosky: “An electric motor turns the wheels, delivering instant torque, while a gas powered generator extends the vehicle's range. The idea is you can plug in or fuel up and drive and tow either way.”
  • Quote [04:44] - Domonosky: “Hefty federal tax credits for EV buyers are ending very soon. Deals need to be inked by the end of this month to qualify.”

6. Emmy Awards Preview

[04:56–05:03]

• 77th Primetime Emmy Awards scheduled for the following night in Los Angeles.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Kristen Schwerman on suspect Tyler Robinson:
  “He was a smart kid, quiet. I used to see him out doing yard work all the time when he was younger. He had a full ride scholarship, I guess.”
  (00:49)

• Charles Mains on Trump’s NATO demands:
  “Trump called for a collective NATO ban on Russian oil, arguing some member states’ continued purchase of Russian crude was undermining NATO’s bargaining power over Moscow.”
  (01:38)

• Kathleen Ethier describing her vaccine quest:
  “I had time and insurance, a car like the ability to go back multiple times.”
  (03:05)

• Camila Domonosky on Stellantis hybrid:
  “An electric motor turns the wheels, delivering instant torque, while a gas powered generator extends the vehicle’s range. The idea is you can plug in or fuel up and drive and tow either way.”
  (04:24)

Timeline of Key Stories

• 00:24 – Charlie Kirk assassination suspect profiled; ongoing investigation
• 01:23 – Trump’s call for NATO Russian oil ban and tariffs on China
• 02:21 – COVID-19 booster access barriers
• 03:20 – Fed rate cut discussion and controversy around Lisa Cook
• 04:16 – Stellantis shifts away from all-electric truck plans
• 04:56 – Emmy Awards preview

Tone & Style

• Concise, fact-driven reporting characteristic of NPR newscasts.
• Human interest added through community interviews (Kirk story) and personal narratives (COVID vaccine access).
• Clear, impartial delivery, with direct quotes adding authenticity and emotional context.