NPR News Now: 09-15-2025 12AM EDT

Host: Dale Wilman
Date: September 15, 2025

Overview

This episode delivers a concise roundup of major global and national headlines, spanning topics from U.S.-Russia relations and escalating international security concerns to breaking legal updates, a milestone in the Catholic Church, and recent college football rankings. Blending reporting from NPR correspondents and direct quotes, the newscast provides listeners with swift, essential updates on the day’s top stories.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. U.S. Pressure on Europe Over Russia Sanctions

[00:20 - 00:51]

• President Trump called on European nations to take stronger action against Russia, particularly urging them to implement tougher sanctions in response to continued Russian aggression.

• Trump directly critiques European efforts, suggesting their current sanctions are insufficient and that more robust measures are needed to align with U.S. policy.

  Donald Trump [00:37]: “Europe is buying oil from Russia. I don't want them to buy oil, and the sanctions that they're putting on are not tough enough. And I'm willing to do sanctions, but they're going to have to toughen up their sanctions commensurate with what I'm doing.”

• Meanwhile, Russia escalates attacks in Ukraine, notably with another overnight drone strike.

2. Global Security: Israel’s Travel Warning and Gaza Developments

[00:51 - 02:01]

• Israel issues a global travel advisory for Israelis and Jews, warning of increased threats from Iran and Hamas, especially ahead of the Jewish high holidays.

• Intelligence suggests a broader campaign of attempted attacks on Jews and Israelis internationally, with incidents reported in countries across multiple continents.

• Israel’s military intensifies operations in Gaza City, attributing the destruction of buildings to Hamas activities and urging Palestinian evacuations.

• Arab officials convene in Qatar to coordinate a diplomatic response after Israel targets Hamas leaders there.

  Daniel Estrin, NPR Jerusalem [01:15]:
  “The Israeli assessment is that Iran is seeking to retaliate for Israel's recent war on Iran, that Hamas is expanding efforts to attack Jews and Israelis abroad, and that the Gaza war is motivating individuals to carry out attacks.”

3. U.S.–Brazil Trade Tensions

[02:01 - 02:32]

• Brazilian President Lula da Silva publicly criticizes the U.S. for imposing a 50% tariff on Brazilian imports, calling the move “political and illogical” in a New York Times op-ed.
• Lula signals openness to negotiations but firmly states that Brazil’s “sovereignty and democracy are not negotiable.”
• These tariffs were enacted by President Trump in July.

4. Utah Case: Upcoming Charges in High-Profile Murder

[02:32 - 03:15]

• Utah prosecutors may file charges as soon as Tuesday against Tyler Robinson, suspected of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

• Robinson, age 22, is being held without bail and may face the death penalty if convicted of aggravated murder.

• Utah Governor Spencer Cox comments on the investigation, noting Robinson’s lack of cooperation, in contrast to witnesses’ willingness to help.

  Governor Spencer Cox [02:53]:
  “He is not cooperating, but, but, but all the people around him are cooperating. And I think that's, that's, that's very important.”

• Additional context: Charlie Kirk was shot and killed during an event at Utah Valley University.

5. Vatican: Pope Leo’s 70th Birthday and First Interview

[03:15 - 04:27]

• Pope Leo, the first American pontiff, celebrates his 70th birthday at St. Peter’s Square, welcomed by public displays and banners.

• In his inaugural interview (with Crux), Pope Leo reflects on his dual identity as American and Peruvian and describes the papacy as a significant “learning curve.”

• He outlines his vision for the Holy See’s mediating role in international conflicts and voices concern over the United Nations' declining ability to foster diplomacy.

• Despite global polarization, Pope Leo encourages continued hope and resistance to violence and hatred.

  Ruth Sherlock, NPR [03:38]:
  “Pope Leo speaks of the Holy See's role as a neutral mediator in conflicts, but also says different actors have to push hard enough at times to make the warring side say enough is enough.”

  Pope Leo (as summarized by Ruth Sherlock):
  “…the United nations has at this time lost its ability to bring people together in multilateral negotiations. But he says in these times of apparent polarisation in the world, people cannot give up hope to overcome violence and hatred.”

6. College Football Rankings Update

[04:27 - 04:59]

• Latest rankings see familiar teams at the top: Ohio State (#1), Penn State (#2), LSU (#3).
• Miami moves up to fourth, replacing Oregon, despite Oregon’s definitive win, which drops them to sixth.
• Other movements: Georgia (#5), followed by Florida State, Texas, Illinois, and Texas A&M, the latter climbing after an upset win over Notre Dame.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• President Donald Trump on European sanctions:
  “Europe is buying oil from Russia. I don't want them to buy oil, and the sanctions that they're putting on are not tough enough.” [00:37]

• Daniel Estrin on the global rise in attacks:
  “Israel says attacks and attempted attacks against Jews or Israelis took place every month this year in Australia, Greece, Germany, France, Turkey, Switzerland, Cyprus, the Netherlands, Sri Lanka and the U.S.” [01:29]

• Governor Spencer Cox on suspect cooperation in the Kirk investigation:
  “He is not cooperating, but, but, but all the people around him are cooperating. And I think that's, that's, that's very important.” [02:53]

• Pope Leo’s message (reported by Ruth Sherlock):
  “People cannot give up hope to overcome violence and hatred.” [04:09]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• U.S.–Russia sanctions & Trump’s comments: 00:20 – 00:51
• Russia–Ukraine conflict / Israel travel warning: 00:51 – 02:01
• Brazil–U.S. tariffs, Lula’s response: 02:01 – 02:32
• Utah charges in Charlie Kirk’s murder: 02:32 – 03:15
• Pope Leo’s birthday & interview: 03:15 – 04:27
• College football rankings: 04:27 – 04:59

This episode is a rapid-fire digest of significant world events, direct from leaders and reporters, presented with clarity and urgency for listeners who want to stay informed on the hour.