NPR News Now – September 7, 2025, 6PM EDT

Podcast: NPR News Now
Host: Jeanine Herbst
Episode Date: September 7, 2025
Duration: 5 minutes
Theme: Top national and international news headlines from the day.

Episode Overview

This concise five-minute broadcast delivers the latest breaking news, focusing on significant developments in national security, international diplomacy, politics, sports, and public health. Key stories include a major ICE raid affecting Korean workers in Georgia, U.S. Open highlights with a presidential appearance, a pivotal Israeli Supreme Court decision, political upheaval in Japan, and new findings about ADHD treatment in preschoolers.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. ICE Raid at Hyundai Battery Plant in Georgia

Reported by Molly Samuel (00:18–01:19)

• South Korean officials secured the release of over 300 people detained at a Georgia Hyundai EV battery plant during a recent ICE raid.

• The facility is a joint project between Hyundai Motor Group and LG Energy Solution, under construction near an existing Hyundai factory.

• Of the 475 people detained, most were South Korean nationals—the largest operation in Homeland Security's history.

• South Korea is moving to review visa policies and is chartering a plane to fly workers home.

  Notable Quote:

  “A South Korean official said they plan to push to review visa policies and the country is chartering a plane to bring the Korean workers home.”
  — Molly Samuel, 01:11

2. U.S. Open: Alcaraz Victory & Trump’s Attendance

Reported by Luke Garrett (01:19–02:12)

• Carlos Alcaraz defeated Jannik Sinner, earning his second U.S. Open title and sixth Grand Slam trophy overall.

• President Trump attended the final—the first sitting president at the tournament since Bill Clinton in 2000. Trump's presence triggered both boos and cheers.

  Notable Quote:

  “President Trump appeared on the stadium video screens, always sparking a mixed roar from the crowd. That’s in contrast to celebrities including Danny DeVito and Bruce Springsteen, who received resounding cheers.”
  — Luke Garrett, 01:53

  Memorable Moment:
  Trump was shown saluting during the national anthem, highlighting the political undertone of the event (01:43).

3. Israel Supreme Court Rules on Prisoner Food Policy

Reported by Daniel Estrin (02:12–03:12)

• Israel’s Supreme Court ended the policy of drastically limiting food to Palestinian inmates, in place since the Hamas attack in October 2023.

• Israeli rights groups argued the policy amounted to “starvation.” The court ruled adequate food for inmates is required for health and humanity.

• Israel currently holds a record number of Palestinian inmates for alleged security offenses.

• The national security minister criticized the ruling but said prisoners would still receive only the “minimal conditions required by law.”

  Notable Quote:

  "The court’s ruling says Israeli prisons must provide inmates with adequate food to maintain their health. The judges said it was a matter of humanity and that Israeli food policies worsened the suffering of Israeli hostages in Gaza."
  — Daniel Estrin, 02:42

4. Japan’s Prime Minister Resigns after Election Defeat

Summarized by Jeanine Herbst (03:12–04:03)

• PM Shigeru Ishiba steps down under party pressure after a historic loss in July’s parliamentary election.
• Resignation comes ahead of a decision on whether to hold an early leadership election—widely seen as a no-confidence vote.

5. New Study on ADHD Medication in Preschoolers

Reported by Ritu Chatterjee (04:03–04:54)

• Study: Of 700,000 children aged 3–5, 1.4% were diagnosed with ADHD in affiliated pediatric clinics (2016–2023).

• Almost 70% of diagnosed preschoolers were prescribed medication before age 7; more than 40% received prescriptions within 30 days of diagnosis.

• Medical recommendations advise behavioral management training for parents as the first-line treatment, not medication.

• Findings are published in JAMA Network Open.

  Notable Quote:

  “And the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that the first line of treatment for such young children is to give parents the tools to manage behavior in kids.”
  — Ritu Chatterjee, 04:36

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:18: Georgia Hyundai plant ICE raid and South Korea’s response (Molly Samuel)
• 01:19: U.S. Open outcomes and President Trump’s appearance (Luke Garrett)
• 02:12: Israeli Supreme Court ruling on Palestinian prisoners’ food (Daniel Estrin)
• 03:12: Japan PM Shigeru Ishiba’s resignation following election loss
• 04:03: Study on ADHD meds for preschoolers (Ritu Chatterjee)

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• "President Trump appeared on the stadium video screens, always sparking a mixed roar from the crowd." — Luke Garrett, 01:53
• "The judges said it was a matter of humanity and that Israeli food policies worsened the suffering of Israeli hostages in Gaza." — Daniel Estrin, 02:42

Conclusion

This NPR News Now episode delivers a snapshot of the day’s most urgent news, ranging from international business and diplomacy to domestic health policy and high-profile sports events, marked by succinct reporting and balanced context for each story.