NPR News Now – 09-06-2025 9PM EDT

Date: September 7, 2025
Host: Jeanine Herbst (NPR)
Episode Length: ~5 minutes

Overview

This episode of NPR News Now delivers a concise summary of the day's top stories, focusing primarily on escalating immigration enforcement actions by the Trump administration, developments in the continuing Israel-Hamas conflict, highlights from the Venice Film Festival, a major U.S. Open victory, and the passing of baseball great Davy Johnson.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Tensions in Chicago over Immigration Enforcement

Timestamps: 00:11–01:16

• President Trump made controversial statements on social media, threatening "apocalyptic force" on Chicago, referencing increased deportations and the potential deployment of the National Guard.
  • "President Trump on social media today threatened Chicago with apocalyptic force, saying he loves the smell of deportations in the morning." – Jeanine Herbst [00:16]
• Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker called Trump a "wannabe dictator" in response.
• Despite tensions, the city's National Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations proceeded, drawing crowds despite a heavy police presence and fear among immigrant communities.
  • Parade attendees included elected officials and many citizens with immigrant roots, who both supported and criticized the president's actions.
  • "There was noticeable police presence, elected officials and mostly citizens with immigrant roots who came out in support and to criticize the president's threats." – Adriana Cardona McGeegan [00:55]

2. Immigration Raids and International Response

Timestamp: 01:16–02:05

• The Trump administration expanded mass workplace raids, arresting nearly 500 workers (mostly South Koreans) at a Hyundai plant in Georgia.
• South Korea’s Foreign Minister, Cho Hwan, expressed concern and said contingency plans are underway, including a potential visit to Washington.
  • "Cho Hwan says they've set up a response team and that he's prepared to travel to Washington if necessary." – Jeanine Herbst [01:37]

3. Day 700 of Israel-Hamas War & Gaza Casualties

Timestamp: 02:05–02:52

• Gaza authorities report over 64,000 killed in 700 days of war; nearly 10,000 remain missing.
• In a harrowing incident, a minibus attack killed a family of five including children, as described by emergency workers.
  • "'There are little kids. Oh, God,' a rescue worker says, running toward a blackened minibus with bodies still in flames." – Jane Areraf [02:27]
• The Israeli military did not comment on the specific strike.

4. U.S. Open Women's Singles Final

Timestamp: 02:52–03:09

• Aryna Sabalenka wins her second consecutive U.S. Open women’s singles title, defeating Amanda Anisimova.
  • "She's the first woman to win the tournament's trophy in consecutive years since Serena Williams did it more than a decade ago." – Jeanine Herbst [02:55]

5. Venice Film Festival Awards

Timestamp: 03:10–04:12

• Jim Jarmish's "Father, Mother, Sister, Brother" wins the Golden Lion. The film, a triptych family comedy starring Adam Driver, Cate Blanchett, and Tom Waits, is set for release in December.
  • "'You've always been my favorite son.' 'Well, your only son, as far as we know.'" – Excerpt from the film [03:38–03:44]
• Jarmish joins voices criticizing the festival's streaming partner's financial ties to the Israeli military.
• Other major awards: "The Voice of Hindrajab" (grand jury), Benny Safdie ("The Smashing Machine," best director).

6. Passing of Davy Johnson

Timestamp: 04:12–04:54

• Legendary MLB player and manager Davy Johnson dies at 82.
• Career highlights: two World Series wins as a player with the Orioles, managed the Mets to the iconic 1986 title.
• Tributes highlighted his leadership and career spanning several teams.

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• President Trump’s Provocative Language:
  • "He loves the smell of deportations in the morning." – Jeanine Herbst quoting Trump [00:17]
• Community Resilience Amid Fear:
  • "At first, the parade route seemed kind of empty ... but after it started ... it attracted more people." – Adriana Cardona McGeegan [00:53]
• Gaza Emergency Scene:
  • "'There are little kids. Oh, God,' a rescue worker says..." – Jane Areraf [02:27]
• Venice Film Festival Film Excerpt:
  • "You've always been my favorite son." "Well, your only son, as far as we know." – from "Father, Mother, Sister, Brother" [03:38–03:44]

Timeline of Segments

| Segment | Timestamp | |------------------------------------------------|----------------| | Trump’s threats, Chicago immigrant parade | 00:11–01:16 | | Hyundai plant raid, South Korea response | 01:16–02:05 | | Gaza war casualties, minibus attack | 02:05–02:52 | | US Open women’s singles result | 02:52–03:09 | | Venice Film Festival results and controversy | 03:10–04:12 | | Death of Davy Johnson, his tributes | 04:12–04:54 |

Tone & Style

The reporting maintains NPR's measured, direct tone, interspersed with short field reports and poignant on-scene moments. The coverage stays factual but illustrates the human impact of policy and global events.

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