NPR News Now — August 31, 2025, 4 PM EDT

Host: Nora Ramm
Podcast: NPR News Now
Date: August 31, 2025

Overview

This five-minute NPR News Now segment covers major current events in U.S. politics, international affairs, a notable journalist's passing, and new labor data. Topics include a federal court ruling on President Trump’s authority, Chicago's new immigration enforcement limits, escalating protests in Indonesia, Pope Leo’s remarks on gun violence, and Gallup’s latest survey on union support.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Federal Court Curbs Trump’s Emergency Powers (00:18 - 01:18)

• A U.S. appeals court ruled that President Trump overstepped his authority by imposing sweeping tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.
• Key implications: The White House plans to appeal. This case could set precedent for other challenges to Trump’s use of emergency powers, including military deployments and domestic law enforcement interventions.
  • Quote:
    “Trump has sought to use his emergency powers liberally. That was the justification for sending the military to the border as well as the National Guard to Los Angeles to quell protests...”
    —Franco Ordonez (00:40)
  • The White House continues to defend the tariffs’ legality.

2. Chicago Limits Police Collaboration on Immigration—Response to Trump Crackdown Threat (01:18 - 02:17)

• Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson signed an executive order restricting local police cooperation with federal immigration operations.
  • Police are now barred from aiding federal agents in civil immigration enforcement or working with U.S. military personnel on patrols.
  • Officers must wear identifiable uniforms and not masks, distinguishing them from federal agents.
  • Quote:
    “Johnson says he doesn't want the Chicago Police Department to be deputized by Trump.”
    —Joe Hernandez (02:11)

3. Indonesia: President Prabowo Offers Rollback Amidst Violent Protests (02:17 - 03:13)

• President Prabowo Subianto pledges to scale back controversial lawmaker benefits after anti-government protests turn violent.
  • Riots escalated after politicians approved a generous housing allowance; violence followed a police vehicle killing a motorcyclist.
  • Prabowo cancels China trip, emphasizing a zero-tolerance stance for “terrorism or treason.”
  • Quote:
    “President Prabowo Subianto says he supports the right to peaceful protest, but some actions from the past week amounted to terrorism or treason.”
    —Ashish Valentine (02:33)
  • This marks the most significant challenge yet to his presidency.

4. Pope Leo’s Plea Against Gun Violence (03:13 - 03:30)

• During the Vatican’s Sunday blessing, Pope Leo appeals for an end to what he calls "the pandemic of arms," referencing a recent church shooting in Minneapolis where two children were killed and eighteen wounded.
  • Pope Leo addresses the tragedy directly and speaks in English to reach a global audience.

5. Mark Knoller, Legendary White House Reporter, Dies at 73 (03:30 - 04:31)

• Mark Knoller, renowned for his detailed White House coverage and presidential statistics, passes away.
  • Known as the "Wikipedia of the White House," his legacy includes meticulous record-keeping of presidents' activities since 1988.
  • Quote:
    “He tallied speeches and interviews, the minutiae that make history... didn’t mind the long hours. He told CBS’s Katie Couric, ‘I’m one of those lucky people that gets to work at something he loves doing.’”
    —Amy Held (04:11, 04:27)

6. Gallup Labor Day Union Survey Results (04:40 - 04:57)

• Annual Gallup poll shows U.S. support for unions remains strong:
  • 68% of adults say they approve of unions (consistent with last year),
  • 15% report living in a union-member household.
  • Labor Day remains a focal point for union sentiment.

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• Franco Ordonez (Federal powers):
  “Trump has sought to use his emergency powers liberally. That was the justification for sending the military to the border...” (00:40)
• Joe Hernandez (Chicago policy):
  “Johnson says he doesn't want the Chicago Police Department to be deputized by Trump.” (02:11)
• Ashish Valentine (Indonesia protests):
  “Some actions from the past week amounted to terrorism or treason.” (02:33)
• Amy Held (Mark Knoller):
  “He tallied speeches and interviews, the minutiae that make history.” (04:11)
  “I’m one of those lucky people that gets to work at something he loves doing.” —Mark Knoller, as recalled by Amy Held (04:27)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Trump Tariffs & Court Ruling: 00:18 – 01:18
• Chicago & Immigration Enforcement: 01:18 – 02:17
• Indonesia Protests: 02:17 – 03:13
• Pope Leo Address: 03:13 – 03:30
• Mark Knoller Tribute: 03:30 – 04:31
• Gallup Union Poll: 04:40 – 04:57

This concise NPR update delivers critical news and perspectives from the U.S. and abroad, with a mix of political, social, and human-interest stories in under five minutes.