NPR News Now: September 7, 2025 – 5AM EDT
Episode Overview
The September 7, 2025 NPR News Now episode delivers a rapid five-minute update on major world and national news. The report covers a devastating Russian attack on Kyiv, heated protests in Chicago over President Trump's threats to deploy troops, historic lottery winnings, massive demonstrations in Israel, updates on the Gaza conflict, the canonization of the Catholic Church’s first millennial saint, and the latest from the U.S. Open.
Key Stories & Discussion Points
1. Massive Missile and Drone Attacks in Ukraine
- Kyiv under fire: An unprecedented Russian barrage targeted Ukraine’s capital, with missile strikes hitting several high-rise buildings and, for the first time, the main government building.
- Casualties: At least two people were killed, including an infant, and close to 20 were injured.
- Scale of Attack: More than 800 drones and missiles launched overnight, described as the largest assault to date.
Memorable Moment:
“This was a massive drone and missile attack on Ukraine, the biggest yet, according to the numbers that have been given by Ukraine's air force, more than 800 drones and missiles.”
— Sarah Rainsford, [00:45]
“...also here at the Cabinet Building, the building of the government here, the first time that that or any official building like this has been hit. So that is a significant moment too.”
— Sarah Rainsford, [01:07]
2. Protests in Chicago Against Trump’s Threat to Deploy Troops
- Protest Details: Marchers filled downtown Chicago opposing President Trump’s threats to send National Guard and immigration agents into the city.
- Public Concern: Demonstrators voiced worries about constitutionality and personal safety.
- Local Officials’ Response: Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker strongly denounced Trump's rhetoric, calling it a threat of war against an American city.
Notable Quote:
“The military is not trained to police. It's a violation of federal law and it's unconstitutional and it's, it's dangerous.”
— Kevin Ryan, Chicago native and Marine, [01:46]
“The president of the United States is threatening to go to war with an American city. This is not a joke. This is not normal.”
— Governor J.B. Pritzker (paraphrased by Kat Lonsdorf), [01:53]
- Additional Context: Trump posted an image of himself superimposed on the “Apocalypse Now” movie poster with the Chicago skyline in flames. [02:11]
3. Historic Powerball Jackpot
- Winning Numbers: Two players, one in Missouri and one in Texas, will split the second-largest Powerball jackpot ever — an estimated $1.787 billion.
- Payout Options: Winners can choose 30 annual payments or a lump sum (~$410 million each).
- Privacy Laws: Both Missouri and Texas allow lottery winners to remain anonymous.
Memorable Segment:
“Another life changing jackpot for you in an estimated amount of $1.787 billion.”
— Marie Andrusevich, [02:33]
“...two lucky people overcame odds of about 1 in 300 million to enter the ranks of the top 1%.”
— Marie Andrusevich, [02:40]
4. Israel-Gaza Conflict Updates and Protests
- Protests: Thousands gathered in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem demanding U.S. intervention to end the Gaza war, with demonstrators pressing President Trump to act.
- Military Escalation: The Israeli army ordered evacuations in Gaza City and destroyed another high-rise building.
- Continued Weekly Demonstrations: Ongoing civic pressure for an end to conflict.
5. Canonization of First Millennial Saint
- Historic Canonization: Pope Leo declared Carlo Acutis as the Catholic Church’s first millennial saint.
- Mass Location: Ceremony held at St. Peter’s Square in Flushing Meadows, New York.
6. U.S. Open Tennis Finals
- Defending Champions: Italy's Jannik Sinner will take on Spain's Carlos Alcaraz in their third consecutive Grand Slam final match-up.
- Women's Final Recap: Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus won her second consecutive title, marking her as the first woman to do so since Serena Williams.
- Match Highlight: Victory secured after a second-set tiebreak against American Amanda Anisimova.
- Atmosphere: Anticipation is high for the men’s final with celebrities and President Trump expected to attend.
Memorable Moment:
“This is crazy, you know…”
— Aryna Sabalenka, [04:32]
“Tough lessons were worth this one and I’m speechless right now.”
— Aryna Sabalenka, [04:34]
Timeline of Important Segments
| Timestamp | Segment | |------------|-----------------------------------------------------| | 00:20 | Ukraine missile/drone strike coverage | | 00:45 | Sarah Rainsford’s Kyiv report | | 01:16 | Chicago protests and political response | | 01:33 | Kat Lonsdorf from Chicago – protester interview | | 01:46 | Kevin Ryan’s quote on troop deployment | | 02:11 | Trump’s doctored image, lottery intro | | 02:33 | Powerball jackpot details and implications | | 03:15 | Israeli protests and Gaza update | | 03:56 | Canonization and US Open tennis preview | | 04:13 | Sabalenka’s historic women’s final win | | 04:32 | Post-match reactions from Sabalenka | | 04:53 | NPR sign-off |
Tone & Takeaways
- The tone is urgent, measured, and factual, typical of hourly NPR updates.
- Reporting is brisk, succinct, and focused on concise conveyance of key facts.
- Besides hard news, the episode includes emotional moments — especially in the Ukraine and sports segments — and notable soundbites from speakers directly involved in headline events.
This summary captures the main news beats, key quotes, and emotional atmosphere of the September 7, 2025, morning news update for listeners who missed the broadcast.