NPR News Now: September 8, 2025 – 7AM EDT

Host: Korva Coleman
Runtime: 5 minutes

Overview

This NPR News Now episode provides a rapid-fire update of the day's top national and international headlines as of September 8, 2025. Major stories include President Trump's comments about potential military action in Chicago, ongoing protests, a Florida trial related to a 2024 assassination attempt, disruption in global postal services due to trade changes, a deadly shooting in Jerusalem, new developments in U.S. railroad bridge safety, and the outcomes of the U.S. Open tennis tournament.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. President Trump's Statement on Chicago and Urban Military Deployment

[00:18–00:59]

• President Trump commented he doesn't want to "go to war in American cities" following a controversial social media post.

• The post depicted him in front of the Chicago skyline amidst helicopters and flames, invoking the film "Apocalypse Now."

• Trump referred to the Department of Defense as the "Department of War," and implied action in Chicago to reduce crime but offered no timeline for possible troop deployment.

  "We could solve Chicago very quickly, but we're going to make a decision as to where we go over the next day or two."
  — President Trump (Reported by Greg Allen at 00:53)

• Massive protests erupted in Chicago against these plans, with Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker vowing not to be "intimidated by a wannabe dictator."

2. Protests and Political Reactions in Chicago

[00:59–01:32]

• Thousands protested against the threat of deploying federal troops and increased immigration enforcement.

• Governor Pritzker publicly defied Trump, using strong language.

  "[Illinois] would not be, quote, intimidated by a wannabe dictator."
  — J.B. Pritzker (Quoted by Korva Coleman at 00:59)

3. Jury Selection for Assassination Attempt on Trump

[01:32–02:10]

• Jury selection begins in Florida for Ryan Ruth, accused of attempting to assassinate then-candidate Trump in 2024.

• Secret Service agent witnessed Ruth with a rifle; Ruth later apprehended driving away.

• Ruth faces five charges, including "attempting to assassinate a major presidential candidate" (life sentence possible).

• He will represent himself in court; his public defenders remain on standby.

• Judge Eileen Cannon denied Ruth's motion to subpoena Trump, citing “various insults and no pertinent facts.”

  "Last week, Judge Cannon denied Ruth's request to subpoena President Trump, saying his motion contained, quote, various insults and no pertinent facts."
  — Greg Allen (01:32)

4. Disruption in International Postal Services

[02:10–03:06]

• Postal traffic to the U.S. dropped 81% after U.S. ended a trade exemption for low-value packages (under $800) on August 29.

• 88 international postal operators have suspended some or all U.S. shipments.

• The administration claims the move targets counterfeits and fentanyl.

  "The Universal Postal Union says postal traffic to the US came to a near halt, dropping 81% after August 29th."
  — Chantelise Duster (02:22)

5. President Trump to Speak on Religious Liberty

[03:06–03:11]

• Trump to address the Religious Liberty Commission at the Museum of the Bible in D.C.

6. Deadly Shooting in Jerusalem

[03:11–03:33]

• Gunmen killed at least six people at a busy bus stop leading to Jewish settlements.
• Shooters were killed by bystanders and security; Hamas praised the attack.

7. U.S. Expands Railroad Bridge Safety Oversight

[03:33–04:33]

• The Department of Transportation will train over 160 new inspectors, expanding supervision of 70,000+ railroad bridges.

• The move follows an AP report revealing only six federal employees previously handled oversight, allowing companies to self-police.

• Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy says state and federal inspectors will now check bridges and recommend penalties.

• The rail union SmartTD supports the move but says “there is more work to be done.”

  "The rail union SmartTD said ... [this] is a clear step forward in addressing rail worker safety concerns, saying though, quote, there is more work to be done."
  — Lex Doig (04:10)

8. U.S. Open Tennis Results

[04:33–04:57]

• Carlos Alcaraz (Spain) won the Men’s title, defeating Yannick Sinner (Italy), and is now world number one.
• Aryna Sabalenka successfully defended her Women’s title.

Notable Quotes

• "We could solve Chicago very quickly, but we're going to make a decision as to where we go over the next day or two."
  — President Trump (00:53)

• "[Illinois] would not be, quote, intimidated by a wannabe dictator."
  — Gov. J.B. Pritzker (Reported by Korva Coleman, 00:59)

• "The Universal Postal Union says postal traffic to the US came to a near halt, dropping 81% after August 29th."
  — Chantelise Duster (02:22)

• "The rail union SmartTD said ... [this] is a clear step forward in addressing rail worker safety concerns, saying though, quote, there is more work to be done."
  — Lex Doig (04:10)

Timestamps for Major News Segments

• Pres. Trump’s Chicago Comments: 00:18–00:59
• Chicago Protests & Gov. Pritzker Response: 00:59–01:32
• Florida Jury Selection (Trump Assassination Attempt): 01:32–02:10
• International Postal Disruption: 02:10–03:06
• Trump Religious Liberty Speech Preview: 03:06–03:11
• Jerusalem Shooting: 03:11–03:33
• Railroad Bridge Safety Expansion: 03:33–04:33
• U.S. Open Tennis Results: 04:33–04:57

This concise update captures major developments in U.S. politics, public safety, trade, international events, infrastructure, and sports, providing listeners with a balanced five-minute briefing of the current news landscape.