NPR News Now - NPR News: 09-01-2025 6AM EDT

Episode Date: September 1, 2025

NPR News: 09-01-2025 6AM EDTLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

On the plus side, you get sponsor-free listening to over 25 NPR podcasts. On the minus side, you get fewer chances to tap fast forward on your podcast player. On the plus side, you get to support something you care about. On the minus side, you like challenges and think this makes it too easy. So why don't you join us on the plus side of things with NPR Plus? Learn more and sign up at plus.npr.org. Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Windsor Johnston. The Trump administration is preparing to ramp up immigration enforcement in Chicago and possibly other U.S. cities.

Speaking on CBS, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Christine Nome defended the agency's decision to expand federal deployments. I'd encourage every single big city, San Francisco, Boston, Chicago, whatever they are, if they want to help make their cities safer, more prosperous, allow people the opportunity to walk in freedom like the people of Washington, D.C. are. now and enjoying going out to eat at night and not having to worry if they're going to be a victim of a carjacking or a robbery. They should call us. Her comments came a day after the mayor of Chicago signed an executive order directing the city's legal team to explore ways to push back on a potential influx of federal law enforcement and national guard troops in the city. Search and rescue operations are continuing across eastern Afghanistan after a powerful magnitude 6.0 earthquake struck the region.

Omkar Kandikar reports the Taliban say at least 800 people have died and more than 2,500 others were injured. The earthquake hit the remote Kunar province around midnight, burying several people living in mud and stone houses in the mountain villages. Videos reviewed by NPR showed a helicopter evacuating the affected areas and residents helping soldiers and medics carry the wounded to ambulances. A health department spokesperson said rescue teams from Kabul which is around 100 miles away, have reached the affected areas.

A disaster management officer said they are looking to international NGOs for help. This is the second deadliest earthquake in Afghanistan since 2023, which had killed thousands in the countries west at the time. Omkar-Kandekar, NPR News, Mumbai. Lawmakers are back on Capitol Hill this week after an August recess that was marked by voter frustration. NPR's Claudia Grasala's reports, many constituents are voicing concerns over the economy and other hot-button issues.

Voters at town halls across the country raised alarm over a faltering economy, putting the squeeze on American families. Lawmakers faced blowback from constituents to address rising prices fueled in part by President Trump's tariffs and concerns that changes at the Federal Reserve could put further strain on the economy. Many also pushed back on Trump's signature bill past this summer, concerned about cuts to Medicaid, and other government spending. However, the hardest job on tap for lawmakers may be averting a government shutdown tied to a September 30th deadline. Both parties are deeply divided and it's unclear if they can reach a deal. Claudia Rizales, NPR News. You're listening to NPR News from Washington.

President Trump says he plans to sign an executive order this week requiring every voter to show identification. He says it would severely restrict mail-in voting with exceptions for people who are very ill and members of the military. But federal elections are run by state and local officials, and it's unclear whether the president has the constitutional authority to enforce such a rule. Democrats are hoping to win back control of Congress after next year's midterm elections. A widely anticipated rematch is happening today in Flushing Meadows. NPR's Amy Held reports tennis stars Cocoa Gough and Naomi Osaka are set to play in the fourth round of the U.S. Open. She's like the main star of the U.S. Open. That's four-time major title winner Naomi Osaka talking about her opponent today, Cocoa, six years after Osaka beat Goff.

But perhaps more memorable was what Osaka did afterward. consoling a tearful golf who was just 15 and inviting her to speak. It was a demonstration of solidarity between black women in a sport where they are often underrepresented. The U.S. Tennis Association says overall black participation is growing up 25% in recent years. Venus Williams, the first black woman to be ranked world number one in the open era more than two decades ago, says everyone will be watching today. And that's what tennis needs. Golf is also anticipating it. It would be a cool kind of a deja vu type of situation.

but hopefully it'll be a different result. At stake, a spot in the quarterfinal. Amy held NPR News. Hi, Windsor Johnston, and you're listening to NPR News from Washington.