NPR News Now – 09-04-2025 5AM EDT

Host: Dave Mattingly
Date: September 4, 2025
Length: 5 minutes

Main Theme

This episode delivers the latest U.S. and world news in a concise, five-minute update, focusing on the Trump administration’s legal maneuvers on tariffs, escalating U.S. anti-narcotics military action, domestic opposition to deploying the National Guard in major cities, legal fallout from the 2023 Maine mass shooting, and notable headlines in culture and finance.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Trump Administration’s Tariff Policies

[00:15]

• Legal Battle: The Trump administration is seeking an expedited Supreme Court ruling allowing President Trump to maintain broad tariffs, after a lower court found them unlawful, but allowed them to remain until October.
• Solicitor General’s Role: The administration wants arguments heard by early November.
• Quote: (summary) "Tariffs are the centerpiece of the president’s trade policies.” – Dave Mattingly [00:15]

2. U.S. Military Action Against Drug Trafficking

[01:09]

• Military Strike: A U.S. military strike destroyed a small boat off Venezuela, targeting suspected narco-terrorists.
• Secretary of State Marco Rubio's Stance: Emphasizes a tougher U.S. response, declaring the old days of mere drug seizures are over.
  • Quote: "We're not going to sit back anymore and watch these people sail up and down the Caribbean like a cruise ship. It's not going to happen. It's not going to happen anymore." – Marco Rubio [01:24]
• International Cooperation: From Mexico City, Rubio and Mexico’s Foreign Minister Juan Ramon de la Fuente signed agreements to boost security, stressing mutual respect for sovereignty.
  • Insight: This marks a shift toward more aggressive U.S. counter-narcotics operations and deeper cross-border alliances.

3. U.S.-Ukraine-Russia Diplomacy

[01:52]

• White House Plans: President Trump set to speak with Ukraine's President Zelenskyy about the war with Russia.
• Russia Connection: Trump has pledged to speak with Putin in the coming days.
  • Insight: The updates hint at active U.S. involvement in seeking solutions to ongoing Eastern European conflict.

4. Opposition to Deploying National Guard in Baltimore

[02:28]

• Local Leaders’ Response: Maryland’s governor and Baltimore’s mayor publicly oppose President Trump’s idea to send the National Guard to combat crime, echoing sentiments from cities like Chicago.
• Community Reaction: Overnight protests erupted in Baltimore.
  • Quote: "We all see the stats in the news about how crime has been decreasing over the past 30 years. Here in Baltimore, I think there are real strategies that are working. I don't think National Guard is going to solve anything that the city isn't already solving for itself." – Karen McDonald, protester [02:42]
• Crime Statistics: Baltimore is experiencing historic declines in violent crime, with only seven homicides last month—the fewest for that month in 50 years.

5. Lawsuit from Survivors of the 2023 Maine Mass Shooting

[03:09]

• Lawsuit Filed: Survivors and families of victims are suing the federal government, claiming U.S. Army negligence enabled the 2023 Lewiston mass shooting by Army Reservist Robert Card.
• Negligence Allegation: Attorney Travis Brennan cites the military’s failure to act on clear warning signs regarding Card’s mental health and threats.
  • Quote: "Despite every possible warning sign raised by Card's behavior, the army failed at every turn to act." – Travis Brennan (via Scott Macioni) [03:56]
• Internal Review: The Army acknowledges attempts to address Card’s behavior, but admits to a series of failures.

6. Notable Obituary and Lottery Update

[04:20]

• Patrick Hemingway: The last surviving child of Ernest Hemingway dies at age 97 in Bozeman, Montana.
• Powerball Lottery: No winning ticket in the latest draw; the jackpot climbs to $1.7 billion, the third largest in U.S. history.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Marco Rubio on U.S. drug interdiction:
  "We're not going to sit back anymore and watch these people sail up and down the Caribbean like a cruise ship. It's not going to happen. It's not going to happen anymore." [01:24]

• Karen McDonald protesting National Guard deployment in Baltimore:
  "I don't think National Guard is going to solve anything that the city isn't already solving for itself." [02:42]

• Attorney Travis Brennan on Army negligence:
  "Despite every possible warning sign raised by Card's behavior, the army failed at every turn to act." [03:56]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:15 | Trump administration seeks Supreme Court ruling on tariffs
• 01:09 | U.S. military strike on drug runners; Rubio’s remarks
• 01:52 | Trump to consult Zelenskyy; Baltimore protests National Guard plan
• 02:42 | Baltimore resident Karen McDonald on local anti-crime efforts
• 03:09 | Lawsuit over 2023 Maine mass shooting; Army’s role scrutinized
• 04:20 | Ernest Hemingway’s son dies; Powerball jackpot update

Overall Tone

Factual, urgent, and succinct—reflecting NPR’s style of focused, informative news briefings. The episode balances hard news, direct quotes from officials and citizens, and significant cultural notes with trusted, matter-of-fact reporting.