NPR News Now – September 14, 2025, 1AM EDT

Host: Dale Willman
Duration: 5 minutes

Episode Overview

This episode delivers a concise update on key national and international news stories, including President Trump’s deployment of National Guard troops to Memphis, local reactions to the shooting of Charlie Kirk, Hollywood’s debate over a boycott of Israeli film organizations, developments in the Russia-Ukraine war, a U.S.-Venezuela maritime incident, a billionaire’s controversial home purchase in England, and highlights from the Queen City LPGA Championship.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. National Guard Deployment in Memphis

• [00:20] President Trump announced plans to send National Guard troops to Memphis, claiming local officials support the move.

• Mayor Paul Young publicly disagreed, expressing a preference for federal agency support (FBI, DEA, ATF) over military intervention.

  Mayor Paul Young (00:36):
  “That was an overstatement. I am focused on the resources, FBI, DEA, ATF. Those are the things that I believe will truly help us be able to support law enforcement and reduce violent crime. I do not support the National Guard.”

• Young added that if the Guard does arrive, he hopes they will help rather than hinder local efforts.

2. Community Reaction to the Shooting of Charlie Kirk in Orem, Utah

• [01:16] Residents remain uneasy after the shooting death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

• Case Dearden, a local father, lamented the rising tension and called for unity over division.

  Case Dearden (01:31):
  “He says the tensions are just rising and rising. The violence needs to stop. The division is what's causing this problem. So if we're going to keep pointing fingers, more people are going to be murdered.”

• Residents emphasized the importance of dialogue, even about divisive issues.

3. Hollywood Backlash Over Israeli Film Group Boycott

• [01:57] Paramount condemned a pledge—signed by 4,000+ Hollywood figures—to boycott Israeli film groups in response to the Gaza crisis.

• Paramount distinguished between protesting institutions and individual artists:

  Paramount Statement via Chloe Veltman (02:15):
  “Silencing individual creative artists based on their nationality does not promote or advance the cause of peace.”

• The group behind the letter clarified that their pledge targets institutions not individuals, particularly those that “whitewash or justify Israel's genocide in Gaza.”

4. Trump’s Comments on Russia-Ukraine War

• [03:00] President Trump argued that halting Russian oil purchases by NATO member nations would end the Russia-Ukraine war.
• Lamented what he sees as insufficient commitment from NATO, noting Turkey’s large share of oil imports from Russia.

5. U.S.–Venezuela Maritime Incident

• The Venezuelan foreign minister accused a U.S. warship of illegally boarding a Venezuelan fishing boat and occupying it for eight hours.
• The White House did not offer immediate comment; this operates against the backdrop of U.S. anti-drug operations in the Caribbean.

6. English Country Estate Controversy

• [03:52] Billionaire Steven Schwarzman faced criticism for trucking in water during a drought to fill his estate’s lake, while locals faced restrictions.
  • Regional authorities blocked the water deliveries despite their legality.
  • Some local residents have rallied to his defense, citing his investments in the community.
  • Schwarzman is expected to attend an upcoming banquet for President Trump’s UK visit.

7. Queen City LPGA Championship

• [04:38] Charlie Hall leads after three rounds, edging closer to victory; Gino Tittical is trailing closely, seeking a second win this season.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Mayor Paul Young on National Guard deployment
  “Those are the things that I believe will truly help us be able to support law enforcement and reduce violent crime. I do not support the National Guard.” (00:36)

• Case Dearden of Orem, Utah, on community tension
  “The division is what's causing this problem. So if we're going to keep pointing fingers, more people are going to be murdered.” (01:31)

• Paramount’s statement on creative expression
  “Silencing individual creative artists based on their nationality does not promote or advance the cause of peace.” (02:15)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:20 — President Trump’s National Guard order in Memphis; Mayor Young’s response
• 01:16 — Community perspective in Orem, Utah, following the Kirk shooting
• 01:57 — Paramount’s condemnation of Hollywood boycott of Israeli film groups
• 03:00 — Trump’s remarks on Russia-Ukraine war and NATO’s oil trade
• 03:30 — U.S. warship incident with Venezuelan fishing boat
• 03:52 — Steven Schwarzman’s English estate controversy
• 04:38 — Queen City LPGA Championship update

This tightly packed news update blends political developments, international incidents, cultural debates, and sports highlights—reflecting NPR’s signature balanced, fact-based tone.