NPR News Now – September 9, 2025, 10PM EDT
Host: Louise Schiavone
Date: September 10, 2025
Duration: ~5 minutes
Episode Overview
This fast-paced NPR News Now update delivers the latest top headlines from Washington and around the world. Major stories include a Supreme Court case on Trump’s tariffs, Trump’s response to Israeli strikes in Doha, a diplomatic incident involving South Korean workers in Georgia, revised jobs numbers, a new discovery in Uranus’s orbit, and a significant development in the Murdoch family media empire succession.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Supreme Court to Consider Challenge to Trump Tariff Policies
(00:21–01:10)
- The Supreme Court will examine the legality of sweeping tariffs imposed by President Trump earlier in 2025, using the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).
- “This case centers on a move Trump made back in April when he announced sweeping tariffs on countries around the world…given that Congress, not the White House, traditionally controls the country's tariff moves.”
(Elena Moore, 00:36)
- “This case centers on a move Trump made back in April when he announced sweeping tariffs on countries around the world…given that Congress, not the White House, traditionally controls the country's tariff moves.”
- Two lower courts have already ruled the tariffs illegal.
- The decision could force the White House to refund billions collected from the tariffs if the lower rulings stand. Alternatively, a high court win for Trump keeps the tariffs in place.
2. President Trump Criticizes Israeli Strikes on Hamas in Doha
(01:10–01:46)
- President Trump publicly disapproved of Israeli military action targeting Hamas in Doha, Qatar.
- The White House issued a formal rebuke, highlighting that unilateral strikes in Qatar do not further US or Israeli interests.
- “Unilateral strikes inside a close US ally, in this case Qatar, does not advance Israel’s or America’s goals.”
(White House statement paraphrased by Louise Schiavone, 01:18)
- “Unilateral strikes inside a close US ally, in this case Qatar, does not advance Israel’s or America’s goals.”
- Trump to give a full statement the following day.
- “I was very unhappy about it, very unhappy about every aspect, and we got to get the hostages back, but I was very unhappy about the way that went down.”
(President Donald Trump, 01:31)
- “I was very unhappy about it, very unhappy about every aspect, and we got to get the hostages back, but I was very unhappy about the way that went down.”
3. South Korea Sending Flight for Detained Workers in Georgia
(01:46–02:54)
- Over 300 South Korean workers, detained by US authorities at a Hyundai-LG battery plant in Georgia for alleged immigration violations, are being repatriated.
- The operation follows what ICE calls its biggest enforcement raid ever; South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyon is overseeing the process.
- South Korea has significant investment planned in the US ($350 billion), but struggles with US visa restrictions for skilled workers.
- “A survey by South Korean pollsters Realmeter found that 60% of respondents considered measures by ICE in the raid excessive.”
(Anthony Kuhn, 02:42)
- “A survey by South Korean pollsters Realmeter found that 60% of respondents considered measures by ICE in the raid excessive.”
4. Labor Department Reports Downward Adjustment on Jobs Data
(02:54–03:29)
- Revised figures reveal employers added about 900,000 fewer jobs than previously estimated between early 2024 and March 2025.
- The update paints a less robust economic recovery than initial numbers suggested.
5. Discovery of a Tiny Moon Orbiting Uranus
(03:29–04:19)
- Astronomers identify a new, smallest-known moon of Uranus, just six miles wide.
- University of Idaho's Professor Matthew Hedman, part of the discovery team, highlights the ongoing mysteries within Uranus’s narrow rings and chaotic moon system:
- “It indicates we don’t really understand what’s going on in this system, and that tells us there’s still a lot about how things are going on in space that we still need to learn.”
(Matthew Hedman, 03:56)
- “It indicates we don’t really understand what’s going on in this system, and that tells us there’s still a lot about how things are going on in space that we still need to learn.”
- These findings could inform broader research on asteroid belt physics.
6. Rupert Murdoch’s Succession Plan Finalized
(04:19–04:59)
- Rupert Murdoch, aged 94, cements succession for his son Lachlan to take control of the considerable Murdoch global media empire (including Fox News, The Wall Street Journal, and more).
- A deal is struck to buy out Lachlan’s siblings—Prudence, Elizabeth, and James—each set to receive $1.1 billion, but only upon Murdoch’s death.
- The process draws parallels to high-stakes family succession sagas like HBO’s “Succession.”
Memorable Quotes & Moments
- Elena Moore (on tariffs): “If the Supreme Court sides with Trump, the tariffs would be allowed to stay. But if the justices uphold the lower court rulings, the White House could be forced to refund the billions it’s already collected from the tariffs.” (00:51)
- President Donald Trump (on Israel/Doha strike): “I'll be giving a full statement tomorrow, but I would tell you this. I was very unhappy about it, very unhappy about every aspect, and we got to get the hostages back, but I was very unhappy about the way that went down.” (01:31)
- Matthew Hedman (on Uranus discovery): “It indicates we don’t really understand what’s going on in this system, and that tells us there’s still a lot about how things are going on in space that we still need to learn.” (03:56)
Timestamps for Notable Segments
- Supreme Court Tariffs Case: 00:21–01:10
- Israeli Strikes in Doha/Trump Statement: 01:10–01:46
- South Korean Workers Detained in Georgia: 01:46–02:54
- Jobs Report Revision: 02:54–03:29
- New Moon of Uranus: 03:29–04:19
- Murdoch Succession News: 04:19–04:59
This episode provides a concise yet comprehensive panorama of international and national affairs, science advances, and media industry news, all within the brisk, authoritative tone of NPR’s flagship news bulletin.