NPR News Now – September 14, 2025, 9PM EDT

Host: Jeanine Herbst
Duration: ~5 minutes

Brief Overview

This fast-paced NPR News Now episode surveys key global and national headlines: a judicial security funding request following the high-profile murder of Charlie Kirk, heightened tensions and NATO vigilance after Russian drone incursions into Eastern Europe, a new US air taxi initiative, ongoing US-China semiconductor disputes, and reflections on Pope Leo's 70th birthday in his first major interview.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. White House Requests Security Funding After Charlie Kirk Killing

(00:20 – 01:32)

• The White House is seeking nearly $60 million from Congress for supplemental judicial security, following the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
• Update on Investigation:
  • The suspect, Tyler Robinson, is not cooperating with police. However, Robinson's family and his roommate (who is transitioning from male to female) are assisting authorities.
  • Utah Governor Spencer Cox:
    • Stated Robinson "was a 4.0 student from a close-knit family" and expressed surprise at his involvement.
    • Criticized social media, equating its damage to society with fentanyl:
      • “Social media companies… their products are like fentanyl.” (01:23)
    • More investigative details expected after the FBI's forensic report is filed Tuesday.
• [Insight:] Highlights growing concerns about political violence, the influence of social platforms, and the urgency for judicial branch protection.

2. European Security: Russian Drones Violate NATO Airspace

(01:32 – 02:25)

• After Russian drones were shot down over Poland, Romania’s airspace was violated by a Russian drone, raising regional security alarms.
  • Romanian F-16s tracked the drone until it left Romanian airspace.
  • Romanian Defense Minister Ayonut Mostianu condemned Russia’s behavior as "reckless" and reaffirmed NATO's readiness:
    • "NATO countries remain vigilant and ready to defend every inch of allied airspace." (01:52)
• Poland’s east temporarily closed an airport; both Polish and NATO jets patrolled amid ongoing Russian strikes in Ukraine.
• NATO's “Eastern Sentry” mission now deploying additional fighter jets and anti-drone equipment to the region.

3. Air Mobility Innovation: Electric Flying Air Taxi Pilot Program

(02:25 – 03:12)

• The Trump administration initiates a pilot program via the Federal Aviation Administration to accelerate the development of electric flying air taxis, potentially benefiting regular transportation and emergency response.
  • Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy:
    • "Safely testing electric air taxis and other types of advanced air mobility vehicles can improve how the traveling public and products move." (02:47)
• The program will fund at least five pilot projects over three years.

4. U.S.–China Tech Trade Standoff

(03:12 – 04:03)

• China announces probes into the U.S. semiconductor sector just before trade talks in Spain:
  • Probe 1: Anti-dumping review of certain US analog IC chips.
  • Probe 2: Investigation into alleged US discrimination against China’s chip sector.
• U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Besant and Chinese counterparts prepare to meet in Madrid, amidst hopes to reduce trade tensions and avoid further tariffs.

5. Pope Leo’s First Interview & 70th Birthday Reflections

(04:03 – 04:53)

• Pope Leo, the first American pontiff, marks his 70th birthday and gives his first in-depth interview (to Catholic outlet Crux).
  • On identity: “I feel American but that Peru remains part of me after he spent half his ministerial life there.” (04:10)
  • On leadership: Described papacy as “a huge learning curve, but says the pastoral aspects of the role are familiar.” (04:14)
  • On global conflict:
    • Stressed the Vatican’s role as a neutral mediator.
    • Called for stronger international efforts to make “warring sides say enough is enough.”
    • Expressed disappointment in the United Nations:
      • “The United Nations at this time has lost its ability to bring people together in multilateral negotiations.” (04:25)
    • Urged hope in the face of polarization:
      • “People cannot give up hope to overcome violence and hatred.” (04:39)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Gov. Spencer Cox (Utah) on Social Media:

  • “Social media companies… their products are like fentanyl.” (01:23)

• Romanian Defense Minister on NATO Readiness:

  • “NATO countries remain vigilant and ready to defend every inch of allied airspace.” (01:52)

• Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy on Air Taxis:

  • “Safely testing electric air taxis… can improve how the traveling public and products move.” (02:47)

• Pope Leo on Global Division:

  • “The United Nations at this time has lost its ability to bring people together…” (04:25)
  • “People cannot give up hope to overcome violence and hatred.” (04:39)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Request for Judicial Security Funding – 00:20–01:32
• Russian Drone Violations in Europe – 01:32–02:25
• Electric Flying Air Taxi Program – 02:25–03:12
• U.S.–China Semiconductor Tensions – 03:12–04:03
• Pope Leo’s Birthday Interview – 04:03–04:53

Episode Tone

The episode strikes a formal, brisk, and informative tone, conveying breaking news and global developments with clarity and urgency.