NPR News Now – September 2, 2025, 12PM EDT

Episode Overview

In this five-minute edition of NPR News, host Lakshmi Singh delivers concise updates on major national and international stories. The episode covers significant legal and political developments in the U.S., global diplomatic movements, humanitarian crises, the passing of a renowned actor, and market news.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Federal Judge Rules Against President Trump’s Military Deployment

• [00:19–01:22]

• President Trump found in violation of federal law for deploying military troops to Los Angeles during the summer of 2025.

• Judge Charles Breyer orders the Trump administration to halt the use of National Guard troops in police-related functions (arrests, searches, patrols, traffic, crowd control).

• The ruling references the 1878 Posse Comitatus Act, which prohibits the military’s use against civilians.

• The ruling comes in response to a lawsuit from California Governor Gavin Newsom; it also notes Trump’s threat to send troops to other cities.

• The order takes effect September 12.

  “Breyer wrote the evidence at trial clearly established the armed soldiers were being used to conduct those kinds of police functions, in violation of an 1878 law passed by Congress prohibiting the military from being used against civilians.”
  — Marisa Lagos ([00:49])

2. Looming Government Shutdown and Legislative Divides

• [01:22–02:07]

• With Congress returning from recess, there’s another threat of a government shutdown as funding runs out on September 30.

• Divides persist: some lawmakers favor a stopgap measure while conservative Republicans push for a longer-term bill with their priorities.

• Renewed bipartisan push for access to files related to Jeffrey Epstein’s underage sex trafficking, potentially implicating powerful associates.

  “The public will likely see another clash between those in favor of passing another stopgap measure and conservative Republicans pursuing a longer bill that favors their priorities.”
  — Lakshmi Singh ([01:33])

3. Diplomatic Event in China: North Korea, Russia, and China Leaders Gather

• [02:07–02:28]

• In Beijing, world leaders gather for a military parade marking the end of WWII.

• Notable attendance includes North Korea’s Kim Jong Un, Russia’s Vladimir Putin, and China’s Xi Jinping.

• Kim’s attendance is significant—the first known meeting among the three leaders—though formal trilateral talks are considered unlikely.

  “Kim traveled to Beijing in his personal armored train. He’s expected to appear beside Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese leader Xi Jinping at the parade.”
  — Anthony Kuhn ([02:12])

4. Afghanistan Earthquake: Slow Humanitarian Aid Response

• [02:28–03:10]

• Over 1,400 reported dead after a catastrophic earthquake in Afghanistan.

• International aid pledged, but distribution hampered by concerns over working with the Taliban government.

• The UK is routing $1.3 million in donations through international organizations to target victims directly; aid from India, China, UAE, and the EU has been pledged but is delayed.

  “Britain is donating more than $1.3 million, split between teams from the United nations and International Red Cross. That way, the British government says it’ll ensure the money goes to quake victims rather than the Taliban.”
  — Lauren Frere ([02:49])

5. Remembering Oscar-Nominated Actor Graham Greene

• [03:10–04:21]

• Graham Greene, known for his role in “Dances with Wolves,” has died at 73.

• Greene was a member of the Oneida Nation, with a prolific acting career spanning more than 200 TV shows and movies.

• His later work included appearances on television series like “Tulsa King” and “Reservation Dogs.”

  “He eventually became one of the most respected indigenous actors in Hollywood.”
  — Ned Ulaby ([03:55])

6. Brazil’s Supreme Court Considers Bolsonaro’s Election Conduct

• [04:21–04:57]

• Brazil’s Supreme Court deliberates whether former president Jair Bolsonaro led a conspiracy to stay in power after losing the 2022 election.

• Bolsonaro, under house arrest, denies any wrongdoing and claims political persecution.

  “Bolsonaro denies he broke any laws and has repeatedly asserted that he is the victim of political persecution.”
  — Lakshmi Singh ([04:34])

7. Financial Markets Update

• [04:57]
• The Dow drops more than 500 points (over 1%) as of the time of reporting.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “The evidence at trial clearly established the armed soldiers were being used to conduct those kinds of police functions, in violation of an 1878 law.”
  — Marisa Lagos ([00:49])

• “He eventually became one of the most respected indigenous actors in Hollywood.”
  — Ned Ulaby ([03:55])

• “Kim traveled to Beijing in his personal armored train. He’s expected to appear beside Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese leader Xi Jinping at the parade.”
  — Anthony Kuhn ([02:12])

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:19] Federal judge rules against Trump’s military deployment
• [01:22] Congress faces looming government shutdown
• [02:07] North Korea, Russia, and China leaders to gather in Beijing
• [02:28] Afghanistan earthquake humanitarian response
• [03:10] Graham Greene’s legacy remembered
• [04:21] Brazil: Bolsonaro’s post-election actions under scrutiny
• [04:57] Financial markets update

This NPR News Now episode delivers quick but substantial coverage of major stories affecting the U.S. and the world, offering listeners insight into fast-evolving political, humanitarian, and cultural developments.