NPR News Now – September 7, 2025, 5PM EDT
Host: Jeanine Herbst
Podcast: NPR News Now
Episode Overview
This five-minute NPR News Now briefing delivers the latest global and national headlines as of early evening on September 7, 2025. Major topics include President Trump’s threats toward Chicago, a record-setting Russian drone attack on Ukraine, Wall Street’s anticipation of upcoming inflation data, the canonization of the first millennial saint, and a box office update for the horror film "The Last Rites."
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. President Trump’s Threats to Chicago (00:18–01:25)
- Background: President Trump dialed back—but did not withdraw—threats of federal action toward Chicago, referencing his recent executive order to rebrand the Defense Department as the “Department of War.”
- Presidential Statement:
- On deploying troops, Trump deflected the notion that he was threatening war, emphasizing a focus on crime reduction:
"We're going to clean up our cities. We're going to clean them up so they don't kill five people every weekend. That's not war. That's common sense." — President Trump (00:50)
- On deploying troops, Trump deflected the notion that he was threatening war, emphasizing a focus on crime reduction:
- Public & Political Reaction:
- Large crowds protested in downtown Chicago.
- Local lawmakers, including Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, strongly opposed the President’s plan:
"[Trump’s plan is] one repeated by… dictators across history, inciting the local population before sending in disruptors. He said Illinois won’t fall for it." — Gov. J.B. Pritzker [via social media, as quoted by Kat Lahnstorff] (01:16)
2. Record Russian Drone Attack on Ukraine (01:25–02:23)
- Attack Scale:
- Ukraine reported over 800 drones and 13 missiles used in overnight attacks across multiple cities; at least 11 people were killed, including a mother and newborn in Kyiv.
- Damage & Impact:
- Attacks damaged Kyiv’s government district and caused power outages.
- Kyiv’s mayor publicly confirmed that burning debris ignited a government building near President Zelensky’s office.
- Sound Bite:
- The episode opens the segment with chilling audio of a drone over Kyiv:
"This is the sound of a shot head attack drone flying over Kyiv." — Joanna Kakissis (01:39)
- The episode opens the segment with chilling audio of a drone over Kyiv:
3. Wall Street Braces for Inflation Report (02:23–03:12)
- Economic Context:
- After a disappointing jobs report, investors expect the Federal Reserve may cut interest rates for the first time this year.
- Focus is shifting from inflation to labor market concerns, but a major surge in inflation could still stall Fed action.
- Analysis:
"Yes, inflation is still running a little high, but right now, boosting the labor market could become the Fed's bigger priority." — Rafael Nam (02:35)
4. First Millennial Saint Canonized (03:12–04:26)
- Event:
- The Vatican canonized Carlo Acutis, a 15-year-old who died in 2006, making him the first saint of the millennial generation.
- Significance:
- Acutis was a tech-savvy teen who used his skills to promote Catholic miracles online, earning the nickname "God’s Influencer."
- The Church hopes his sainthood inspires more youth engagement.
- Personal Reflection:
"It’s a way to bring all us young people closer to the Catholic Church." — Lamina Morforne, 14-year-old attendee (03:51)
- Context:
"It can take centuries for a person to be canonized, but for Acutis, it took less than 20 years." — Ruth Sherlock, NPR (04:06)
5. Box Office Update: "The Last Rites" (04:26–04:57)
- Top Film:
- "The Last Rites" opened at No. 1 with $83 million, the third-highest domestic debut for a horror movie.
- Horror Genre Success:
- 2025’s domestic horror releases have collectively topped $1 billion in ticket sales, with additional hits including "Weapons," "Final Destination: Bloodlines," and "Sinners."
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
President Trump on Chicago:
"That's not war. That's common sense." — President Trump (00:53)
-
Gov. Pritzker on Trump’s Move:
"[A] plan… repeated by dictators across history, inciting the local population before sending in disruptors. Illinois won’t fall for it." (01:16)
-
Sound from Kyiv Drone Attack:
"This is the sound of a shot head attack drone flying over Kyiv." — Joanna Kakissis (01:39)
-
On Carlo Acutis:
"It’s a way to bring all us young people closer to the Catholic Church." — Lamina Morforne (03:51)
"God’s Influencer." — nickname for Carlo Acutis (03:17) -
On Interest Rate Cuts:
"...boosting the labor market could become the Fed's bigger priority." — Rafael Nam (02:35)
Timestamps for Key Segments
- 00:18 – Lead story: Trump and threats to Chicago
- 01:25 – Russia’s record drone attack on Ukraine
- 02:23 – Wall Street & Fed expectations
- 03:12 – Canonization of Carlo Acutis
- 04:26 – "The Last Rites" tops box office
Summary prepared for quick catch-up on NPR News Now’s major stories at 5PM, September 7, 2025, with emphasis on direct quotes and contextual analysis.
