NPR News Now: 09-07-2025 6AM EDT

Host: Jael Snyder
Date: September 7, 2025
Duration: 5 minutes

Episode Overview

This NPR News Now episode delivers a rapid, five-minute briefing on the world’s latest developments. The update covers political showdowns in Chicago, Japan, and France; major military strikes in Ukraine; international postal disruptions; a feel-good sports story; and the latest from the US Open tennis finals.

Key Segments & Discussion Points

1. Chicago Unites Amid Federal Threats

[00:20-00:45]

• Backdrop: President Trump threatened to deploy immigration agents and possibly National Guard troops to Chicago.
• Reaction: Thousands rallied in Chicago. Congressman Mike Quigley emphasized the solidarity shown by residents despite division.
  • Quote:

    "It's really our attempt at a sign of unity to show support that in Chicago there's more that unites us than divides us, especially at this difficult time."
    — Mike Quigley, [00:35]

• Events: Demonstrators marched past Chicago's Trump Tower; a separate parade celebrated Mexico’s Independence Day.
• Notable Moment: President Trump posted a doctored “Apocalypse Now”-style image of himself with Chicago in flames.

2. Political Shake-ups in Japan and France

[00:46-01:44]

• Japan:
  • Update: Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba to step down after less than a year in office.
  • Context: His party lost majority amid public anger over rising costs of living. Senior party members pushed for his resignation to avoid further division.
  • Quote:

    "Mr. Oshiba has been prime minister for less than a year, but in that time, his governing Liberal Democratic Party has lost its majority in both houses of Parliament amid public anger over the rising cost of living."
    — Peter Hyatt, BBC, [01:18]

• France:
  • Update: Prime Minister Francois Beirut faces a no-confidence vote over plans for cutting public spending.
  • Potential Fallout: A defeat could force him to step down, prompting President Macron to choose a new prime minister or dissolve Parliament.

3. Largest Russian Air Attack of the War in Ukraine

[01:44-02:34]

• Scale: Ukraine’s air force reported Russia launched over 800 drones and 13 missiles overnight.
• Casualties: At least two dead, including an infant.
• Damage: Smoke was visible from Kyiv’s main government building.

4. International Mail Disruption—UN Steps In

[02:34-03:13]

• Cause: The US revoked the “de minimis” duty exemption for parcels under $100, prompting nearly 90 postal operators worldwide to halt shipments.
• UN Intervention: The Universal Postal Union created an online tool to calculate duties, aiming to resume suspended shipping routes.
  • Quote:

    "The Universal Postal Union...is trying to patch up an interruption in service between the US and dozens of countries. August 29th marked the end of the so-called de minimis exemption allowing parcels worth less than a hundred dollars to be sent to the U.S. duty free."
    — Terry Scholz, [02:34]

5. Heartwarming Moment at Phillies Game

[03:13-04:18]

• Incident: At a Phillies vs. Marlins game, a home run ball meant for a young fan was briefly snatched away by another spectator.
• Resolution: Marlins staff compensated the boy with gifts, including a meeting with player Harrison Bader and an autographed bat.
  • Quote:

    "Video shows the ball landed in front of a woman before being grabbed by a man who gave it to the kid. The woman confronts the man, shouting, 'that was mine. You took it from me.' The man then takes the ball from the boy and hands it to the woman, who walks away."
    — Shondalyse Duster, [03:36]

• Outcome: Boy received a special prize pack and memorable interaction with Bader.

6. US Open Tennis Finals Update

[04:18-04:58]

• Men’s Final: Defending champion Jannik Sinner (Italy) faces Carlos Alcaraz (Spain) in their third straight Grand Slam final matchup.
• Women’s Recap: Aryna Sabalenka claimed her second consecutive US Open title, and fourth major overall, defeating Amanda Anisimova.
  • Quote (from the final call):

    "And there it is, Aryna Sabalenka."
    — ESPN Commentator, [04:36]

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Mike Quigley on Unity in Chicago:
  "It's really our attempt at a sign of unity to show support that in Chicago there's more that unites us than divides us, especially at this difficult time." ([00:35])

• Peter Hyatt on Japanese PM Resignation:
  "Mr. Oshiba has been prime minister for less than a year, but in that time, his governing Liberal Democratic Party has lost its majority in both houses of Parliament amid public anger over the rising cost of living." ([01:18])

• Terry Scholz on Postal Disruptions:
  "August 29th marked the end of the so called de minimis exemption...Almost 90 postal operators announced suspension of some or all of their shipments to the US." ([02:34])

• Sports Story (Shondalyse Duster):
  "The man then takes the ball from the boy and hands it to the woman, who walks away. When word of the incident reached Marlin's team officials, the boy was given a prize pack that included baseballs. He also met Harrison Bader, who gave him an autographed baseball bat." ([03:36])

Timestamped Highlights

• 00:20 – Chicago unity rallies amid federal threats
• 01:18 – Japanese Prime Minister resignation
• 01:44 – French PM faces no-confidence vote
• 01:50 – Largest Russian air attack in Ukraine
• 02:34 – International postal crisis and UN mediation
• 03:31 – Heartwarming Phillies fan story
• 04:18 – US Open men’s and women’s finals

Conclusion:
This episode delivers a brisk but thorough snapshot of global news, balancing heavy developments in politics and international conflict with a relatable sports story and major tournament results—all in NPR’s signature, even-toned style.