NPR News Now - NPR News: 09-13-2025 3AM EDT

Episode Date: September 13, 2025

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We all wonder about life's big questions. Why are we here? What are we to do and how to make sense of it all? On Ye' Gods with Scott Carter, I talk with Politico's priests, actors, and atheists on how they wrestle with life's mysteries. Their stories will spark reflection, challenge assumptions, and maybe even bring you some clarity on your own journey. Listen to Yegods, part of the NPR network wherever you get your podcasts. Live from NPR News, I'm Dale Wilman. The search for the gunman who killed. conservative activist Charlie Kirk is over. A 22-year-old man was arrested Friday in connection with Wednesday's shooting on a Utah college campus, as Steve Futterman reports. As he announced that authorities had arrested the suspect, Utah Governor Spencer Cox made a call for national unity.

This is our moment. Do we escalate or do we find an off-ramp? Although authorities have not shared a motive, Cox said a family member told investigators that Tyler Robinson had become more interested in politics in recent years, and it criticized Charlie Kirk's views, which he said were hateful. The Utah governor said political differences should not lead to violence. It's a choice. It's a choice. And every one of us gets to make that choice. Formal charges are expected next week when Robinson is due in court. For NPR News, I'm Steve Futterman in Orm, Utah. Kirk's widow, Erica Kirk spoke Friday about her husband and said he was a leader in representing American family values.

Charlie always said that if he ever ran for office, I know a lot of you asked if he ever was going to, but privately he told me, if he ever did run for office, that his top priority would be to revive the American family. That was his priority. Tyler Robinson's family, meanwhile, says he had recently become more political. Louisiana is experiencing the worst outbreak of pertussis, which is also known as Wopingkopf, in 35 years. That's according to state health officials. As NPR's Selina Simmons-Duffin reports,

one of the state senators is now asking for help from Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Republican Senator Bill Cassidy is a physician and he chairs the Help Committee, which oversees the Department of Health and Human Services. Cassidy cast a key vote to confirm Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as health secretary despite voicing concerns about Kennedy's history of anti-vaccine activism. A letter from Cassidy to Kennedy,

Kennedy this week hints at a growing rift. Cassidy lays out the scope of the pertussis outbreak in his state. Two babies have died. He says the DTAP vaccine is safe and effective and it protects babies against dying from pertussis. Cassidy goes on, quote, I ask that you publicly reaffirm your support for the DTAP vaccine and says Kennedy's public support will save lives. HHS did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Selina Simmons-Duffin and PR News, Washington. President Trump said on Friday that he'll be sending National Guard troops to Memphis to address crime issues there. In announcing the plan on Fox News, he said both the mayor and Tennessee's governor are happy about the pending deployment.

But Memphis Mayor Paul Young, who is a Democrat, says he did not ask for the guard and says that it's not the way to drive down crime. You're listening to NPR News. Boeing workers at three Midwest plants have rejected another contract proposal. The move extends their almost six-week-long strike from St. Louis Public Radio. Olivia Mizzle has the latest. The offer was rejected 57%. Union members who voted rejected Boeing's modified five-year contract, 57% to 43%. But while some celebrated, member Ken Kellogg says he is worried about his financial future.

I've been without a paycheck for two months. and it's really starting to weigh on me. I just bought a house. I'm already two weeks late on my first house payment. Employees said they want faster progression to the top of the pay scale, a larger signing bonus, and a better 401k plan. A Boeing official said the company was disappointed with the results, but will continue with its strike contingency plan, which includes hiring replacement workers.

For NPR news, I'm Olivia Mazzle in St. Louis. The Missouri Senate has passed a plan backed by President Trump that could help Republicans win an additional U.S. House seat. The Friday vote sends the measure to the governor for an expected signature. But opponents announced a referendum petition that could force a statewide vote on the new map. Missouri is the third state to take up congressional redistricting legislation ahead of the midterm selections next year. Asia Wilson is won a second straight WNBA rookie of the year award.

The Las Vegas Aces star beat out Alyssa Thomas of Phoenix and Nefizia Collier of Minnesota for the honor. Golden State's Natalie Nacase won the award for Coach of the Year, while Page Bookers was named Rookie of the Year. I'm Dale Wilman, NPR News. This message comes from Wise, the app for using money around the globe. When you manage your money with Wise, you'll always get the mid-market exchange rate with no hidden fees. Join millions of customers and visit Wise.com. T's and Cs Apply.