NPR News Now – September 9, 2025, 8PM EDT

Host: Louise Schiavone | Date: September 10, 2025
Duration: ~5 minutes
Format: Rapid-fire headline news

Episode Overview

This episode delivers concise, up-to-the-hour coverage of major global and domestic news. Key stories include the U.S. Supreme Court’s fast-tracked review of President Trump’s tariffs, a controversial Israeli strike in Qatar, the release of an American Ph.D. student from captivity in Iraq, upcoming World Cup ticket sales, and a new Banksy mural embroiled in free speech debates.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Supreme Court Will Review Trump’s Tariffs

Segment: [00:20–01:10]

• The Supreme Court has agreed to quickly review the legality of former President Trump’s wide-reaching tariffs imposed via executive order in April.
• Trump previously lost twice in lower courts; both rulings declared he "exceeded his authority in imposing tariffs without authorization from Congress.”
• The Supreme Court will hear expedited arguments in the first week of November to resolve the urgent legal dispute.

Notable Quote:

“Compared to the normally stately pace of Supreme Court litigation, the court acted within days… setting expedited arguments for the first week in November.”
— Nina Totenberg ([00:36])

2. Israeli Strike in Qatar Sparks Diplomatic Fallout

Segment: [01:10–02:10]

• Israel escalated the war in Gaza by targeting top Hamas leaders at the group’s headquarters in Qatar.
• The White House was notified as the strike happened and subsequently informed Qatari officials.
• President Trump condemned the strike for "not advancing Israel or America's goals," and assured both Israeli and Qatari leaders that it would not be repeated.
• The action drew condemnation from the UN Secretary General and leaders from France, the UK, and Arab nations, despite the U.S. agreeing that "eliminating Hamas is a worthy goal."

Notable Quote:

“A unilateral strike inside a sovereign nation and a close US ally, quote, does not advance Israel or America’s goals, and that President Trump feels very badly about the location of this attack.”
— Daniel Estrin ([01:25])

3. Princeton PhD Student Freed After 900+ Days Kidnapped

Segment: [02:10–03:12]

• Elizabeth Zherkoff, kidnapped in Irak over 900 days ago, is now free and safe at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad.
• Zherkoff, with Israeli and Russian passports, was abducted by the Iran-linked group Katayb Hezbollah while doing research in March 2023.
• Her family expressed “incredible happiness” and gratitude towards Adam Boller, the president’s hostage envoy.
• Israeli PM Netanyahu had an "emotional call" with her mother.

Notable Quote:

“According to President Trump, Elizabeth Zherkoff is now safely at the US Embassy in Iraq. He says she was tortured for many months, held by a militant group called Katayb Hezbollah.”
— Michelle Kellerman ([02:27])

4. 2026 World Cup Tickets: High Demand and Dynamic Prices

Segment: [03:12–04:15]

• The 2026 Men’s World Cup, to be hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, will have 48 teams and 100+ games.
• Ticket sales open first to Visa cardholders on Wednesday, with broader access in late October and multiple rounds continuing into next year.
• For the first time, FIFA will use “dynamic pricing,” allowing tickets to rise in price according to demand—making affordability a challenge for many.

Notable Quote:

“For the first time ever, FIFA will implement dynamic pricing, which means ticket prices could get pretty high.”
— Rafael Nam ([03:33])

5. Banksy’s Judicial Mural and UK Free Speech Tensions

Segment: [04:15–04:55]

• Banksy publicized a new mural on the Royal Courts of Justice in London, showing a judge beating a protester.
• The mural coincides with national debate over free speech as police increasingly detain pro-Palestinian demonstrators.
• Authorities swiftly covered the mural with black plastic and ordered its removal.

Notable Quote:

“It depicts a judge in a traditional wig and robe using a gavel to beat a protester. There’s no reference to any particular incident, but it comes amid free speech concerns as police arrest hundreds of protesters...”
— Lauren Frayer ([04:33])

Memorable Moments & Timestamps

• Supreme Court fast-tracks high-profile tariffs case: Nina Totenberg ([00:36])
• US official condemnation of Israeli strike in Qatar: Daniel Estrin ([01:25])
• Hostage family’s relief and President Trump's statement: Michelle Kellerman ([02:27])
• First-ever dynamic pricing for World Cup: Rafael Nam ([03:33])
• Banksy mural: Artistic protest and legal suppression: Lauren Frayer ([04:33])

Tone & Language

The newscast remained professional, urgent, and globally aware, with correspondents providing measured, precise reporting directly from key locations (Washington, Tel Aviv, State Dept.). Quotes capture the diplomatic gravity and emotional responses to fast-unfolding events.

Conclusion

This brief yet packed NPR News Now update spotlights breaking global developments, rapid legal action, international tensions, a compelling hostage release, major sporting news, and the intersection of art, law, and protest rights in the UK. With deft attribution and clear, direct language, the reporting delivers essential context for listeners seeking to stay informed in just a few minutes.