NPR News Now – 5AM EDT, September 14, 2025

Host: NPR
Episode Description: The latest news in five minutes. Updated hourly.

Overview

This episode of NPR News Now delivers a concise roundup of major headlines from the U.S. and around the world. Topics covered include the aftermath of a high-profile assassination arrest, escalating military tensions near the Russia-Ukraine border, U.S. technological innovation in advanced air mobility, an Emmys preview, and the passing of a trailblazing HBCU leader.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Utah Community Reacts to Arrest in Charlie Kirk Assassination Case

[00:20-01:17]

• Incident: Residents of a Utah city are reeling after local resident Tyler Robinson, 22, was arrested for allegedly assassinating Turning Point USA’s co-founder Charlie Kirk.
• Community Response: Reporter Steve Futterman notes Robinson was “well liked and a good student.” Neighbor Melissa Tate emphasizes concerns over increasing normalization of such incidents:
  • [01:04] “This is everywhere, every community, every town, every state. It's going to be everybody's neighbor, everybody's classmate.” — Melissa Tate
  • [01:14] “It's not at all unusual anymore.” — Melissa Tate
• Memorial: Charlie Kirk’s memorial set for September 21 at State Farm Stadium in Arizona.

2. Russian Drone Incursion in Romania Escalates Tensions

[01:17-02:20]

• Event: Romania, a NATO member, deployed fighter jets after a Russian drone entered its airspace during attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure. Poland also scrambled jets in anticipation of further threats.
• Local Response: Residents in southeast Romania were warned to take cover.
• Reporting: No response from the Kremlin as of press time.
  • [01:45] “Romania's Ministry of Defense say that a drone was detected over Romanian territory and that they scrambled two F16 fighter jets and issued a take cover warning...” — BBC’s John Sudworth

3. U.S. Pilot Program for Electric Air Taxis

[02:20-03:17]

• Initiative: The Department of Transportation, via the FAA, launches a pilot program for testing electric flying air taxis and other advanced air mobility vehicles.
• Scope: At least five pilot projects over three years after launch; at least two aviation companies have pledged participation.
• Secretary’s View: Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy emphasizes the potential for improving transit and emergency response.
  • [02:35] “Safely testing electric air taxis and other types of advanced air mobility vehicles can improve how the traveling public and products move.” — Chandelyse Duster, NPR

4. Emmys Ceremony Preview with Host Nate Bargatze

[03:17-04:09]

• Host: Comedian Nate Bargatze, “the nicest man in standup comedy,” to emcee Sunday night’s Primetime Emmy Awards on CBS and Paramount+.
• Memorable Moment: Bargatze describes a humorous strategy for keeping acceptance speeches short:
  • [03:50] “I'm going to donate $100,000 to the Boys and Girls Club. If someone goes over, we take away $1,000 a second every time they go over... if you go under, we will put $1,000 back on so you can give it back.” — Nate Bargatze
• Front-Runners: The shows Celebrity Severance, The Studio, and Adolescents mentioned as Emmy favorites.

5. Death of Earl Richardson, Renowned Morgan State Leader

[04:18-04:59]

• Legacy: Earl Richardson, transformative president of Morgan State University in Baltimore, has died at 81.
• Achievements:
  • Elevated the university to doctoral research status.
  • Led a landmark lawsuit for funding equality, benefiting HBCUs.
  • Known for inspiring Morgan’s “Renaissance.”
• Impact: His vision helped secure national financial gains for HBCUs.

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• [01:04] “This is everywhere, every community, every town, every state. It's going to be everybody's neighbor, everybody's classmate.” — Melissa Tate, Utah resident
• [01:14] “It's not at all unusual anymore.” — Melissa Tate
• [01:45] “Romania's Ministry of Defense ... scrambled two F16 fighter jets and issued a take cover warning to residents...” — BBC’s John Sudworth
• [02:35] “Safely testing electric air taxis ... can improve how the traveling public and products move.” — Chandelyse Duster, NPR
• [03:50] “If someone goes over [on their acceptance speech], we take away $1,000 a second every time they go over... if you go under, we will put $1,000 back on so you can give it back.” — Nate Bargatze

Segment Timestamps

• 00:20 – Utah assassination case and community reaction
• 01:17 – Romania/Poland military response to Russian drone
• 02:20 – Electric air taxi pilot program
• 03:17 – Emmys preview with Nate Bargatze
• 04:18 – Passing of Earl Richardson, Morgan State University

This episode presents a snapshot of national sorrow, international tension, technological optimism, entertainment intrigue, and a notable legacy in Black higher education—all within a five-minute update.