NPR News Now – September 13, 2025, 8AM EDT

Host: Dwahlisa Kowtel
Duration: ~5 minutes
Location: New York City

Episode Overview

This NPR News Now episode delivers a concise roundup of the day's most pressing news. Stories include reactions to the suspect’s arrest in the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, controversy over a fatal ICE shooting outside Chicago, President Trump's plan to deploy the National Guard to Memphis, ongoing Hollywood support for a boycott of Israeli film institutions, and an update on the spread of the invasive spotted lanternfly in the mid-Atlantic. The episode maintains a focus on national unrest, policy responses, and community reactions.

Key Segments & Discussion Points

1. Utah Governor Addresses Political Violence After Kirk Assassination

[00:15 – 01:28]

• Suspect Arrested: Utah Governor Spencer Cox publicly addresses young Americans following news of a suspect in custody for the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
• Message to Youth:
  • Cox’s remarks at Utah Valley University stress the dangerous climate of political rage and urge a move toward civil engagement.
  • He references Kirk’s own call for "reasonable agreement where violence is not an option."
• Quote:
  • (Governor Spencer Cox, 00:39):

    "To my young friends out there, you are inheriting a country where politics feels like rage. It feels like rage is the only option."

  • (Governor Spencer Cox, 01:05):

    "Your generation has an opportunity to build a culture that is very different than what we are suffering through right now—not by pretending differences don't matter, but by embracing our differences and having those hard conversations."

• Context:
  • Cox and other figures highlight Kirk’s willingness to engage opposing views, despite his divisive reputation.

2. ICE Shooting Sparks Outrage in Chicago Suburbs

[01:28 – 02:16]

• Incident Summary:
  • ICE agents fatally shot Silveria Villegas Gonzalez, a 38-year-old Mexico native, in Franklin Park, a Chicago suburb. Agents allege resistance to arrest.
• Community Response:
  • Lawrence Bonito (Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights) criticizes ICE tactics:
    • (01:48):

      "While we are still uncovering the details of this particular incident, we know the increasingly aggressive tactics of ICE do not keep our community safe."

  • Ozzy Lopez (Local Resident) expresses distress:
    • (02:01):

      "It's just crazy that this is what it's getting to, you know... someone had to flee for their lives and then in the process lost their life and then someone else got hurt... it doesn't look good on either side."

3. President Trump Deploys National Guard to Memphis

[02:16 – 03:10]

• Announcement:
  • President Trump, in a Fox & Friends interview, says Memphis will be the next target for federal intervention due to concerns from business leaders.
• Details:
  • Trump signals willingness to use National Guard and potentially the military:
    • (President Donald Trump, 02:32):

      "We're going to Memphis. I'm just announcing that now and we'll straighten that out. National Guard, National Guard and anybody else we need. And by the way, we'll bring in the military, too, if we need it."

  • Notes prior resistance from Chicago officials, and previous interventions in Washington, DC.
  • Trump also considers similar actions in New York and Baltimore.

4. Paramount Rejects Boycott of Israeli Film Institutions

[03:10 – 04:12]

• Context:
  • Following calls and a pledge signed by thousands to boycott Israeli film organizations, Paramount stands as the first major studio to reject the move.
• Paramount’s Statement:
  • Emphasizes creative freedom and engagement:
    • Paraphrased: Silencing artists based on nationality "does not promote better understanding or advance the cause of peace. We need more engagement and communication, not less."
• Filmmakers for Palestine Response:
  • Reiterate commitment to "equality, justice and freedom," insisting on the importance of "speaking out against the harm done to Palestinian people."
• Context:
  • The issue relates to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, as highlighted by the UN.

5. Invasive Spotted Lanternfly Swarms the Mid-Atlantic

[04:12 – 04:47]

• Update:
  • Weather radars detect swarms of invasive spotted lanternflies, first seen in Pennsylvania in 2014 and now spreading to 19 states and D.C.
• Impact:
  • Described as agricultural pests, lanternflies can harm hardwoods and fruit trees.
• Public Advisory:
  • The USDA urges people to squish the bugs and monitor vehicles/outdoor equipment to prevent further spread.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Governor Spencer Cox ([00:39 & 01:05]):

  "You are inheriting a country where politics feels like rage. It feels like rage is the only option."
  "Your generation has an opportunity to build a culture that is very different than what we are suffering through right now..."

• Lawrence Bonito, Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights ([01:48]):

  "We know the increasingly aggressive tactics of ICE do not keep our community safe."

• President Donald Trump ([02:32]):

  "We're going to Memphis... National Guard, National Guard, and anybody else we need. And by the way, we'll bring in the military, too, if we need it."

Episode Flow & Tone

• Language: Direct, urgent, and factual, consistent with NPR’s style.
• Tone: Balanced between reporting facts and conveying community sentiments, with attention to both official statements and grassroots perspectives.
• Utility: Packed with quotable moments and clarity on controversial topics, making it useful for quick but comprehensive news catch-up.