NPR News Now: September 14, 2025, 4AM EDT

Host: Dale Willman
Duration: 5 minutes

Main Theme

This episode delivers a concise roundup of major world and U.S. news, focusing on escalating geopolitical tensions involving Russia, NATO, and U.S. political moves, unrest in London, policy disputes at home, and notable obituaries and sports results.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Trump Urges NATO to Ban Russian Oil

• [00:20-01:20]
  • President Trump's Proposal: Calls on NATO states to stop buying Russian oil, arguing it would hasten an end to the war in Ukraine.
  • Tariffs on China: Suggests NATO members impose tariffs up to 100% on China until it stops purchasing Russian petroleum.
  • NATO Dynamics: Trump highlights continued purchases by key NATO member Turkey (third-largest buyer of Russian oil after China and India) undermine pressure on Moscow.
  • Recent Developments: The push comes after Russian drone incursion into Poland’s airspace (alarming NATO, though Trump calls it “possibly an accident”).
  • Negotiation Status: Trump-initiated peace efforts have stalled; the Kremlin says U.S.-backed talks between Russia and Ukraine are paused.
  • Notable Quote:
    • Charles Maynes summarizes, “NATO member Turkey is the third largest buyer of Russian oil after China and India. Trump also called on alliance members to impose steep tariffs on China up to 100% so long as Beijing's purchases of Russian petroleum continue to help fund the war.” (00:43)

2. Secretary of State Rubio Visits Israel After Gaza Strikes

• [01:20-01:44]
  • Diplomatic Talks: Rubio to discuss “a path forward in Gaza” after Israeli attack on Hamas leaders in Qatar, which disrupted ongoing peace negotiations.

3. Violent Far-Right Protests Rock London

• [01:44-02:27]
  • Scene: More than 100,000 marchers shouted anti-immigrant slogans and waved flags in central London.
  • Tommy Robinson’s Address:
    • Urges crowd, “You are part of a tidal wave of patriotism that is sweeping across this country.” (02:03)
    • Adds, “Stand Up.” (02:14)
  • Counter-protest: “A few thousand counter demonstrators from the group Stand Up To Racism held their rally a few hundred yards away.” (Vicki Barker, 02:16)
  • Notable Quote:
    • Vicki Barker reports: “Britain, he said, has finally awoken.” (02:11)

4. Pushback Over National Guard Deployment in Memphis

• [02:27-03:05]
  • Trump’s Announcement: Plans to send National Guard troops to Memphis receive criticism.
  • Mayor Paul Young’s Response:
    • Disagrees with Trump’s claim of his support, emphasizing focus on federal law enforcement resources—not the Guard.
    • Quote:
      • “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.” (02:43, Mayor Paul Young)
  • Mayor's Hope: If Guard arrives, hopes it supports—not distracts from—ongoing police efforts.

5. Passing of HBCU Leader Earl Richardson

• [03:05-04:26]
  • Legacy: Richardson, ex-president of Morgan State University, died at age 81.
    • During his tenure (1994–2010): Enrollment doubled, campus expanded.
    • Led a lawsuit likened to Brown v. Board, challenging Maryland’s unequal funding for HBCUs. Lawsuit resulted in $500 million settlement for Black colleges in 2021.
  • Remarkable Achievement: “The lawsuit took 15 years. In 2021, Maryland agreed to add more than a half billion dollars for the state's black colleges and universities.” (Joseph Shapiro, 04:11)

6. College Football Results

• [04:26-04:59]
  • Ohio State: Julian Sahan passes for 347 yards, three touchdowns; Ohio State beats Ohio 37–9.
  • Record: Jeremiah Smith becomes fastest Buckeye to reach 1,500 yards receiving.
  • Other Notable Games:
    • Penn State beats Villanova 52–6.
    • LSU defeats Florida 20–10.
    • Oregon dominates Northwestern 34–14.
    • Texas A&M upsets Notre Dame 41–40.
    • Butler tops Hanover 16–7.

Memorable Quotes (with Timestamps)

• Donald Trump (summarized by Charles Maynes):
  • “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.” (00:37)
• Tommy Robinson (at London rally):
  • “You are part of a tidal wave of patriotism that is sweeping across this country.” (02:03)
  • “Stand Up.” (02:14)
• Mayor Paul Young (on National Guard deployment):
  • “That was an overstatement… I do not support the National Guard.” (02:43)
• Joseph Shapiro (on Richardson lawsuit):
  • “The lawsuit took 15 years. In 2021, Maryland agreed to add more than a half billion dollars for the state's black colleges and universities.” (04:11)

Important Timestamps

• 00:20–01:20: Trump’s call for a Russian oil ban and China tariffs; update from Moscow.
• 01:20–01:44: Secretary of State Rubio's Israel visit; Gaza developments.
• 01:44–02:27: London’s violent far-right protest; counter-protest coverage.
• 02:27–03:05: Pushback on National Guard in Memphis; Mayor Young’s comments.
• 03:05–04:26: Earl Richardson’s legacy and impact on HBCU funding.
• 04:26–04:59: College football highlights.

Overall Tone & Style

The newscast maintains NPR’s hallmark of brisk, neutral reporting, efficiently covering complex and sensitive issues with gravity and context. Notable quotes from political figures and activists illustrate the intensity and diversity of current events, while the remembrance segment lends a reflective tenor to the wrap-up.