NPR News Now – September 6, 2025, 10AM EDT

Host: Giles Snyder (NPR)
Duration: ~5 minutes
Theme: Top headlines in US and global news as of September 6, 2025.

Overview

This edition of NPR News Now recaps the morning's major news stories in US politics, international relations, and notable passings in sports. The headlines include President Trump’s controversial actions regarding the National Guard and rebranding of a federal agency, global diplomatic friction, new US financial sanctions, an update on Sudan’s humanitarian crisis, and the death of a hockey legend.

Key Stories & Highlights

1. President Trump and National Guard Deployments

[00:19–01:12]

• President Trump continues to threaten deployment of National Guard troops to Chicago, Baltimore, and New Orleans, despite a federal judge ruling his previous use in Los Angeles unlawful (breaching limits on military involvement in local policing).
• Democratic leaders in Chicago and Baltimore oppose the move, threatening litigation.
• In Louisiana, Republican Governor supports deployment to New Orleans, but local Democrats object, citing recent reductions in crime. They accuse Trump of "politicizing public safety."
• Quote:
  • “Trump has also floated the idea of sending troops to New Orleans, an idea that Louisiana's Republican governor has embraced. But New Orleans Democrats have not, pointing to a drop in crime and accusing Trump of politicizing public safety.” (Rachel Treisman, [00:54])

2. Immigration Enforcement & G20 Summit at Trump Property

[01:12–02:15]

• Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker says increased immigration enforcement may begin in Chicago as soon as this weekend.
• President Trump seeks to host the 2026 G20 summit at his Miami resort, reviving a controversial proposal from his first term. In 2020, he reversed similar plans after bipartisan resistance due to conflict-of-interest concerns.
• Trump insists he would not profit and touts logistical perks for world leaders.
  • Quote:
    • "It'll be incredible for them and being like 10 minutes, less than 10 minutes from the airport. And it's a big airport, international. All of the planes will be able to land, go right into there.” (Donald Trump, [01:41])
• Trump confirms he will skip the upcoming 2025 G20 in South Africa, sending the vice president on his behalf.

3. US Sanctions Palestinian Rights Groups

[02:15–03:13]

• Escalation in Gaza: As Israeli strikes on Gaza City continue, the US (Trump administration) imposes financial sanctions on three Palestinian human rights NGOs, citing their cooperation with the International Criminal Court (ICC) in efforts to prosecute Israeli officials.
• Secretary of State Marco Rubio decries the ICC’s investigations as threatening American national interests.
• Palestinian groups react: They accuse the US of punishing those striving to end alleged genocide, denouncing the move as targeted retaliation against international law advocates.
  • Quote:
    • "Only states that disregard international law take such measures against human rights groups working to end a, quote, unquote, genocide.” (Joint statement, [03:01])

4. New Defense Department Name: "Department of War"

[03:13–03:36]

• President Trump announces he has signed an executive order to rename the Defense Department as the Department of War.
• Rationale: Trump frames the change as reflecting the country's military strength and present global challenges.
  • Quote:
    • “I think it's a much more appropriate name, especially in light of where the world is right now. We have the strongest military in the world. We have the greatest equipment in the world. We have the greatest manufacturers of equipment by far.” (Donald Trump, [03:23])
• Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth: Calls it “restoring a warrior ethos.”

5. Sudan’s Humanitarian Catastrophe

[03:36–04:37]

• The UN accuses Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) of acts that amount to crimes against humanity: murder, torture, forced displacement, ethnic persecution, and the use of starvation as a weapon.
• Both the RSF and Sudanese Armed Forces are implicated in war crimes, with civilians suffering the brunt: tens of thousands killed, millions displaced.
  • Quote:
    • “The UN says the Rapid Support Forces, or RSF, have committed murder, torture, forced displacement and persecution on ethnic grounds, acts that constitute crimes against humanity, and that the RSF and its allies have used starvation as a method of warfare.” (Michael Kaloki, [03:58])

6. Notable Obituary: Ken Dryden

[04:37–04:57]

• Ken Dryden, legendary goaltender for the Montreal Canadiens, dies at 78 following a battle with cancer.
• Six-time Stanley Cup champion, also recognized as an author, broadcaster, and Canadian politician.
  • Quote:
    • “Dryden won six of his eight NHL championships with Montreal and became a successful author, broadcaster and politician.” (Giles Snyder, [04:49])

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• On militarization of public safety:
  • “...accusing Trump of politicizing public safety.” (Rachel Treisman, [00:54])
• Trump on the G20 at his own resort:
  • “It'll be incredible for them… less than 10 minutes from the airport.” (Donald Trump, [01:41])
• Palestinian groups’ response to sanctions:
  • “Only states that disregard international law take such measures....” (Joint statement, [03:01])
• Trump on renaming Defense:
  • “I think it's a much more appropriate name, especially in light of where the world is right now.” (Donald Trump, [03:23])
• UN on Sudan’s RSF:
  • “…used starvation as a method of warfare.” (Michael Kaloki, [03:58])

Timestamps of Key Segments

• National Guard/LA Judicial Ruling: [00:19–01:12]
• Immigration and G20 at Trump Resort: [01:12–02:15]
• Sanctions on Palestinian Groups: [02:15–03:13]
• Defense Department Renamed: [03:13–03:36]
• Sudan Crisis and War Crimes: [03:36–04:37]
• Ken Dryden Obituary: [04:37–04:57]

Conclusion

This fast-paced NPR News Now episode distills breaking and developing news across US federal policy, global conflict, and sports history. From presidential controversies and war crimes to notable deaths, it offers a concentrated snapshot of significant happenings as of September 6, 2025.