NPR News Now — September 4, 2025, 11PM EDT

Host: Shea Stevens
Episode Theme: Rapid developments in U.S. federal policy, regional vaccine efforts, major judicial rulings, corporate health trends, and the passing of a fashion legend.

Overview

This five-minute news update offers concise reports on major national headlines and policy shifts. The episode covers the Trump administration's involvement in Chicago law enforcement, anticipated renaming of the Defense Department, a pivotal court ruling on a Florida detention facility, state actions on vaccine access amid shifting federal stances, changes in food industry health standards, and the passing of designer Giorgio Armani.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Federal Troop Involvement in Chicago ICE Operations

• [00:19–01:12]

• Report by: Quill Lawrence

• The Department of Homeland Security has formally requested Pentagon assistance for ICE operations in the Chicago area. This involves logistical aid and use of facilities at Naval Station Great Lakes.

• President Trump is prepared to send National Guard troops to Chicago without approval from state or city officials.

• Opposition from Chicago’s mayor and Illinois’s governor, both Democrats, who labeled such action unconstitutional.

  “President Trump has recently spoken of sending National Guard troops to fight crime in Chicago, and he said he’s prepared to do it without getting approval from state or city officials.”
  — Quill Lawrence [00:50]

2. Defense Department to Be Renamed 'Department of War'

• [01:12–01:43]
• President Trump is expected to sign an executive order renaming the Department of Defense to the “Department of War,” according to a White House official.
• The order will also give defense officials secondary titles that include the word "war."

3. Court Ruling on Florida Detention Facility

• [01:12–02:19]

• Report by: Greg Allen

• A federal appeals court lifted a lower court injunction to halt operations at an immigration detention facility in the Florida Everglades.

• Earlier, Judge Kathleen Williams ruled that the facility’s construction violated federal law by skipping public input and an environmental impact statement.

• The appeals court cited a recent Supreme Court decision providing agencies more flexibility when evaluating environmental impacts.

  “A two to one vote by a three judge panel at the federal appeals court in Atlanta reversed the ruling by a lower court judge in Miami.”
  — Greg Allen [01:44]

4. State Vaccine Policy Shifts Amid Federal Restrictions

• [02:19–03:14]

• Report by: Ping Wang

• In response to federal vaccine limits, Massachusetts is among states creating their own vaccine access policies.

• Recent developments:

  • Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. fired the CDC director and the FDA imposed fall COVID shot restrictions.
  • States like Massachusetts, Washington, Oregon, California, and New Mexico adopting or updating their vaccine distribution strategies, often making shots more accessible.
  • In contrast, Florida is moving toward ending all vaccine requirements.

  “People have been calling pharmacies and not able to get appointments because of changes made by the Trump administration. That changes today, at least in Massachusetts.”
  — Governor Mara Healey [02:43]

5. Senate Hearing: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Defends Tenure

• [03:14–03:56]

• Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faced Senate scrutiny over recent agency changes.

• He deflected criticism about leadership and vaccine efficacy, maintaining uncertainty about COVID-related deaths.

• Kennedy has a record of voicing doubts about vaccines and related health policy.

  “When asked whether the COVID 19 vaccine helped save lives, [Kennedy] told lawmakers that no one knows how many people in the US died from the virus.”
  — Shea Stevens [03:26]

6. Campbell’s Announces Full Shift to Natural Food Dyes

• [03:56–04:39]

• Report by: Elina Selyuk

• Campbell’s pledges to transition all products to natural food dyes next year.

• Includes snack brands like Lance and Archway, plus V8 Splash juice.

• Follows growing pressure from health advocates (including Secretary Kennedy Jr.), state authorities, and consumers.

  “Campbell’s boasts that its goldfish crackers have for years been dyed with beets and paprika.”
  — Elina Selyuk [04:13]

7. Giorgio Armani Dies at 91

• [04:39–04:57]
• Iconic designer Giorgio Armani has passed away at 91.
• Armani influenced generations of celebrities, models, and world leaders.
• He was set to celebrate his fashion house’s 50th anniversary.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “President Trump has recently spoken of sending National Guard troops to fight crime in Chicago, and he said he’s prepared to do it without getting approval from state or city officials.”
  — Quill Lawrence [00:50]
• “People have been calling pharmacies and not able to get appointments because of changes made by the Trump administration. That changes today, at least in Massachusetts.”
  — Governor Mara Healey [02:43]
• “When asked whether the COVID 19 vaccine helped save lives, [Kennedy] told lawmakers that no one knows how many people in the US died from the virus.”
  — Shea Stevens [03:26]
• “Campbell’s boasts that its goldfish crackers have for years been dyed with beets and paprika.”
  — Elina Selyuk [04:13]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Federal troops requested for ICE in Chicago: 00:19–01:12
• Defense Department to be renamed Department of War: 01:12–01:43
• Florida detention facility court ruling: 01:43–02:19
• State vaccine responses and new policies: 02:19–03:14
• Health Secretary Kennedy Jr. Senate testimony: 03:14–03:56
• Campbell’s to cut synthetic food dyes: 03:56–04:39
• Giorgio Armani’s death: 04:39–04:57

This edition delivers a rapid-fire briefing on significant national events, regional policy shifts, and cultural news, maintaining NPR’s signature authoritative yet concise style.