NPR News Now – August 24, 2025, 6PM EDT

Host: Jeanine Herbst
Duration: 5 minutes
Summary by NPR News Now Team

Episode Overview

This NPR News Now episode provides a five-minute update on the day’s most pressing national and international news. Key topics include President Trump’s threats of increased military deployments to Democrat-run cities, South Korea’s new President visiting Washington for a summit, new research on how climate disasters imperil U.S. drug manufacturing, the passing of veteran actor Jerry Adler, and an update on this weekend’s box office race.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. President Trump Threatens More Military Presence in Cities

[00:16–01:15]

• President Trump threatens additional military deployments to Democrat-led cities, naming Chicago, New York, and Baltimore as possible targets for intervention in a purported crackdown on crime.
• Ashley Lopez reports no formal federal request has been made to Illinois. Governor J.B. Pritzker alleges Trump is "manufacturing a crisis and abusing his power."
• Trump further threatens to reconsider federal aid for repairing Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge, citing state leadership (damaged by a cargo ship in 2024).
• Notable Quote:

  "There's no emergency in the state that warrants this kind of intervention."
  — Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, via Ashley Lopez [00:48]

2. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung Visits the White House

[01:15–02:15]

• President Lee Jae Myung travels to Washington to meet President Trump after his June inauguration, which followed his predecessor’s impeachment over martial law.
• Anthony Kuhn explains the summit seeks to solidify a trade deal: $350 billion in South Korean investment in exchange for lower U.S. tariffs.
• The two nations are focusing on shifting their alliance “toward countering China” rather than just deterring North Korea.
• Lee made a prior stop in Tokyo to confer with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, emphasizing trilateral coordination.
• Notable Quote:

  “Lee apparently wanted to coordinate with Ishiba before meeting Trump.”
  — Anthony Kuhn [02:11]

3. Climate Disasters Threaten U.S. Drug Supplies

[02:15–03:07]

• New Harvard study finds thousands of U.S. drug-making sites are in counties hit by climate disasters within the past five years.
• Alejandra Barunda highlights last year’s Hurricane Helene, which shut down an IV fluid facility in North Carolina (producing 60% of U.S. supply).
• The study warns intensifying climate events increasingly threaten pharmaceutical supply chains nationwide.
• Notable Quote:

  “…the study… warns continued climate change and the disasters it brings will inevitably put the US drug supply chain at risk.”
  — Alejandra Barunda [03:01]

4. Veteran Character Actor Jerry Adler Dies at 96

[03:07–04:19]

• Jerry Adler, famed for his role as Hesh on "The Sopranos" and appearances in "The Good Wife," passes away.
• Jeff Lunder details Adler’s theatrical background: director and stage manager for Broadway hits like "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" before transitioning to acting in his 60s.
• Noted connections: Cousin of acting teacher Stella Adler; worked on TV hits and Broadway until recently.
• Notable Quote:

  “It wasn’t until he was in his sixt [that] Adler started acting, and he constantly worked on Northern Exposure, Mad about You, and Transparent…”
  — Jeff Lunder [03:56]

5. Weekend Box Office Update: 'K Pop Demon Hunters' vs 'Weapons'

[04:19–04:54]

• The Netflix film "K Pop Demon Hunters" leads the weekend box office with an estimated $16–18 million, despite Netflix not reporting official sales.
• The film, a supernatural action-comedy featuring a K-Pop trio as demon hunters, was produced by Sony and later acquired by Netflix.
• Without Netflix data, "Weapons" is said to top the box office with $15 million.*
  • *Based on rival studio estimates and the absence of Netflix’s reporting.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “There's no emergency in the state that warrants this kind of intervention.” — Governor J.B. Pritzker [00:48]
• “Lee apparently wanted to coordinate with Ishiba before meeting Trump.” — Anthony Kuhn [02:11]
• “…the study… warns continued climate change and the disasters it brings will inevitably put the US drug supply chain at risk.” — Alejandra Barunda [03:01]
• “It wasn’t until he was in his sixt that Adler started acting, and he constantly worked on Northern Exposure, Mad about You, and Transparent…” — Jeff Lunder [03:56]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:16] – Trump’s threats of military deployment and response from Illinois/Baltimore
• [01:15] – South Korean President’s DC summit and Japan visit context
• [02:15] – New study: Climate disasters and drug supply risks
• [03:07] – Obituary: Jerry Adler’s life and career
• [04:19] – Box office results, “K Pop Demon Hunters” and “Weapons”

This tightly packed NPR News Now update covers key national and global developments, focused on high-level government actions, international relations, pressing societal risks, and significant cultural news—all within a quick, digestible five-minute format.