NPR News Now - NPR News: 09-13-2025 8PM EDT

Episode Date: September 14, 2025

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Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Dan Ronan. Authorities believe the suspected gunman arrested in connection with Charlie Kirk's assassination acted alone. But they are still sifting through evidence and conducting interviews is to learn as much as they can about why. NPR's Ryan Lucas reports. His name is Tyler Robinson. He's 22 years old from Washington, Utah. Kristen Schwerman is a neighbor. She said this about Robinson.

He was a smart kid, quiet. He, I, you know, I used to see him out doing yard work all the time when he was younger. He had a full-ride scholarship, I guess. Twerman worked at the local elementary school where Robinson and his brothers went. She said, it was a shock that it was him, but I so feel sorry for his mother and his dad because that's not how they raised him. Authorities have not said what might have motivated Robinson to allegedly kill Kirk. Ryan Lucas NPR News, Washington. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is en route to Israel for two days of talks with officials.

The trip comes less than a week after Israel launched strikes against Tamas leaders who were in Doka, Qatar. Six people died. The strike increased tensions between Israel and Washington. Before departing from Joint Base Andrews outside Washington, Rubio has asked what he hopes to accomplish. I'm going to get a much better understanding of what their plans are moving forward. What's happened has happened. Obviously, we were not happy about it. The president was not happy about it.

Now we need to move forward and figure out what comes next. Rubio also said part of his trip is to reaffirm the strong U.S.-Israeli relationship. In recent weeks, Israel has also increased its military actions in Gaza. Maine is among the latest states to expand access to COVID-19 vaccines amid federal roadblocks. The state's governor has ordered all qualified health professionals, including pharmacists, to administer the updated vaccine from, Maine Public Radio, Patty White, has our story. Maine is one of 16 states where pharmacists are only allowed to administer vaccines that are

recommended by the U.S. CDC's Vaccine Advisory Committee. Otherwise, a prescription is needed. Under the standing order, Mainers no longer need a prescription for the COVID vaccine. Matt Wellington of the Maine Public Health Association welcomes the move. I think it is unfortunate that states are having to take this on themselves, but I'm really happy that we have the leadership here in Maine to do it. Maine's Bureau of Insurance has also notified insurers of state-regulated health plans that they must cover the cost of the COVID vaccine.

For NPR News, I'm Patty White in Portland, Maine. The more than 150 million Americans who get health insurance through their private employers could see increases next year. The now some Republicans and Democrats say they're working together to extend tax credits that make health insurance more affordable. The credits expire. in January 1st. You're listening to NPR News. New research is showing the public health effects of one of the largest methane gas leaks in the U.S. history. These include increased preterm

births, low birth weights, and even miscarriages. Aaron Stone of Member Station L.A.S. reports. A Southern California gas company storage facility leaked methane for almost four months in 2015. It spewed years' worth of planet heating pollution as well as dangerous chemicals into nearby communities. A new study from UCLA finds that the pollution made pregnant women living in the area at the time 50% more likely to have babies with low birth weights. These large natural gas storage facilities close to major urban populations can translate into substantial health effects. That's UCLA professor Michael Jarrett, who oversaw the research. Low birth weight has been linked to increased risk of developing autism, ADHD, and chronic

diseases such as diabetes. For NPR News, I'm Aaron Stone in Los Angeles. President Trump is calling on NATO allies to stop buying oil from Russia. And on social media today, he said he believes Russia would end its war against Ukraine if those petroleum purchases ended. Since 2023, NATO member Turkey has been the largest, the third largest, purchaser of Russian oil behind China in India. Trump also wants the NATO countries to expand tariffs against China. Trump said purchasing oil from Russia weakens NATO's bargaining position to end the war.

I'm Dan Ronan, NPR News in Washington. 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 C's apply.