NPR News Now – 09-07-2025, 8AM EDT
Overview
This five-minute NPR News Now episode, hosted by Giles Snyder, delivers concise updates on significant global and U.S. events. The episode covers diplomatic developments following the detention of South Korean workers in Georgia, political shifts in Japan, tensions in Chicago over federal intervention, the largest drone attack in Ukraine since Russia’s invasion, the aftermath of a tragic school shooting in Minneapolis, and the canonization of new saints at the Vatican.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
1. South Korean Workers Released from ICE Detention in Georgia
[00:16–01:12]
- Over 450 workers, including 300+ South Korean nationals, were detained during an ICE raid at a Hyundai/LG electric vehicle battery plant in Georgia.
- Diplomatic negotiations led to an agreement for the workers’ release. The process involves administrative steps before they are flown back to South Korea.
- The plant exemplifies the high-tech factories the U.S. seeks to attract for economic growth.
Notable Quote:
“Officials have concluded negotiations for the release of the detained workers and once administrative procedures are complete, a chartered plane will head to Georgia to bring the workers home.”
— Anthony Kuhn, NPR Correspondent, Seoul [00:34]
2. Political Upheaval in Japan
[01:12–01:35]
- Japanese Prime Minister Shiroe Shiba resigns after his party's loss in July’s parliamentary elections.
3. Chicago Demonstrations Amid Federal Threats
[01:12–01:45]
- Chicagoans protested despite former President Trump's threats to deploy immigration agents and possibly the National Guard.
- A parade was also held for Mexico's Independence Day.
- President Trump posted a doctored, cinematic image depicting Chicago in chaos, referencing the film "Apocalypse Now."
Notable Quote:
“It’s really our attempt at a sign of unity that shows support, that in Chicago there’s more that unites us than divides us, especially at this difficult time.”
— Congressman Mike Quigley [01:35]
4. Largest Drone Attack on Ukraine Since Invasion
[01:45–03:09]
- Russia unleashed 810 drones and 13 missiles overnight on Ukrainian cities, killing at least 11 (including a mother and her newborn in Kyiv).
- Attacks damaged the government district in Kyiv, causing fires and power outages.
- The event highlights the failing peace efforts from the U.S. administration.
Memorable Description:
“This is the sound of a shot head attack drone flying over Kyiv. Ukraine says Russia used 810 such drones as well as 13 missiles in attacks across the country.”
— Joanna Kakissis, NPR Correspondent, Kyiv [02:25]
5. Funeral for Minneapolis School Shooting Victim
[03:09–03:49]
- The funeral for 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel, killed alongside classmate Harper Moisky in a mass shooting at Annunciation Church and School, is held in Minneapolis.
- 21 others, mostly children, were injured. Family requests mourners wear bright colors and the funeral is livestreamed.
6. Vatican Canonizes First Millennial Saint
[03:49–04:40]
- Pope Leo canonizes Carlo Acutis, a computer-savvy teenager from Italy who died in 2006, making him the first millennial saint.
- Acutis was notable for using the internet to document miracles and spread Catholic teachings.
- Pier Giorgio Frassati, another young Italian known for helping others, was also canonized.
Notable Quote:
“His family says he was a devout Roman Catholic, creating a website that documented miracles. But he died of leukemia aged 15. After that, Pope Francis supported his family’s quest to have Carlo Acutis canonized, in part to help energize the faith among young people.”
— Alee Maqbool, BBC Correspondent [04:08]
Timestamps for Key Segments
- [00:16] South Korean workers negotiation and release
- [01:12] Japanese Prime Minister resignation
- [01:12–01:45] Chicago demonstrations & Trump’s response
- [01:45–03:09] Ukraine drone attack
- [03:09–03:49] Minneapolis school shooting funeral
- [03:49–04:40] Vatican canonizations
Tone:
The reporting is fast-paced, direct, and serious, with empathetic touches during human-interest segments. Correspondents maintain a factual, measured delivery, with direct quotes from officials and eyewitnesses.
This summary covers all major news discussed on NPR News Now for September 7, 2025, 8AM EDT, providing context, insight, and key quotes for listeners and readers alike.