NPR News: September 8, 2025, 7PM EDT – Episode Summary

Overview

This five-minute NPR News update, anchored by Windsor Johnston, delivers the top national headlines: a new DHS deportation operation in Illinois, a pivotal appeals court decision against former President Trump, the commencement of a high-profile assassination attempt trial, Hollywood’s boycott in response to Gaza humanitarian concerns, and new federal guidelines on school prayer. The episode captures a brisk sweep of major legal, political, and cultural events in the U.S.

1. DHS Launches New Deportation Operation in Illinois

[00:20–01:27]

• Triggering Event: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) starts a focused deportation campaign in Illinois following the death of a woman in a hit-and-run, allegedly involving a Guatemalan national.
• DHS targets "criminal illegal aliens" benefiting from Illinois' sanctuary policies.
• Local Reaction:
  • Evanston’s Response: Mayor Daniel Biss assures residents Evanston police will not participate in ICE operations and reaffirms trust in local law enforcement despite fear in the community.
  • Political Stance: Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Governor J.B. Pritzker are strongly opposed to the operation and previous threats to deploy the National Guard, labeling such moves as overreach.
• Notable Quote:
  • Kat Lonsdorf: “Evanston police officers will not be participating in ICE activity…people in his city are understandably frightened right now.” [01:03]

2. Appeals Court Upholds Trump Defamation Verdict

[01:27–02:20]

• Case Summary:

  • The federal appeals court rejects Trump’s challenge of an $80 million defamation verdict concerning his 2019 remarks about writer E. Jean Carroll.
  • Trump’s claims of presidential immunity, requests for a new trial, and arguments over damages were all denied.

• Legal Perspective:

  • The court affirmed the jury’s findings as “fair and reasonable.”

• Notable Quote:

  • Jacqueline Diaz: “Trump appealed the jury verdict, claiming he is entitled to presidential immunity, or at least a new trial…An appeals court rejected these claims, saying the jury verdict is fair and reasonable.” [01:57]

3. Trial of Attempted Assailant of Trump Begins

[02:20–03:11]

• Case Details:

  • Ryan Ruth, accused of attempting to assassinate Donald Trump, starts his trial in Florida.
  • Ruth, dissatisfied with his legal defense, represents himself in court.

• Courtroom Highlights:

  • Judge Eileen Cannon prohibits Ruth from raising politically charged topics (e.g., Palestine, buying Greenland) during jury selection.
  • Ruth suggests an unusual juror question: “If you saw a turtle in the road, would you stop and move it?” which he withdraws after the judge’s suggestion.

• Notable Moment:

  • Greg Allen describes the judge’s management of Ruth’s peculiar courtroom behavior.

4. Hollywood Pledges Boycott of Israeli Institutions Over Gaza Crisis

[03:11–04:19]

• Open Letter Announced:
  • Over a thousand figures (e.g., Emma Stone, Brian Cox, Ava DuVernay) sign a letter promising to avoid collaboration with Israeli film entities tied to “genocide and apartheid against the Palestinian people.”
  • The letter, coordinated by Filmmakers for Palestine, invokes past anti-apartheid activism targeting South Africa.
• Notable Quotes:
  • Netta Ulaby: “The signatories pledged to avoid working with Israeli film institutions…implicated in genocide and apartheid.” [03:57]
  • “The letter defines such complicity as, quote, white quashing or justifying genocide and apartheid or partnering with the government committing them.” [04:06]

5. Trump Announces New School Prayer Guidelines

[04:19–05:00]

• Policy Announcement:
  • President Trump states that the Department of Education will soon issue updated guidance on student prayer rights in public schools.
  • During his previous term, he required districts to confirm non-interference with students’ religious expressions as a funding condition.
  • The segment references the 1962 Supreme Court ban on state-sponsored school prayer.
• Notable Quote:
  • Windsor Johnston: “During his first term, Trump required local educational agencies to confirm that their policies did not [stop] students from expressing their religious beliefs as a condition to receive federal funding.” [04:39]

Additional Segment

• Market Update [03:11]:
  • Dow up 114 points, NASDAQ up 98.

Reporters featured: Kat Lonsdorf (Chicago), Jacqueline Diaz (defamation verdict), Greg Allen (Florida trial), Netta Ulaby (Hollywood/Gaza).

This episode briskly reports on developments across law enforcement, high-profile trials, policy, and international protest while weaving in regional responses and context, offering a wide-angle snapshot of a consequential news day in the U.S.