NPR News Now – August 31, 2025 1AM EDT

Host: Dale Willman
Date: August 31, 2025
Episode Theme:
A concise roundup of major political, local, and scientific headlines shaping the U.S. and world news at the start of August 31, 2025. The briefing covers U.S. foreign policy, domestic tensions over federal troop deployments, heightened community security after a mass shooting, wildfire updates, new research in Yellowstone, and college football highlights.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. U.S. Blocks Palestinian Delegation from United Nations General Assembly

[00:18 – 01:16]

• Trump Administration Decision:
  The U.S. government is refusing to allow Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and ~80 other Palestinian officials to attend the upcoming annual UN General Assembly session in New York.
• Rationale:
  Secretary of State Marco Rubio cites the Palestinians' “actions undermining peace efforts with Israel and seeking recognition of a Palestinian state” as cause for the ban (Terry Schultz, [00:43]).
• International Reaction:
  Many European nations, including France, plan to recognize a Palestinian state at the UN session.
  EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaya Kallis urges the U.S. to reconsider, referencing international law and the 1947 agreement that obliges the U.S. to allow foreign officials access to the UN headquarters.
  • Quote:
    “We all urge for this decision to be reconsidered, considering the international law and the way United Nations has been built up.” — Kaya Kallis ([01:08]).
• Legal Implication:
  The long-standing UN Headquarters Agreement does not permit the U.S. to block foreign officials' attendance at UN meetings (Terry Schultz, [01:16]).

2. Chicago’s Response to Threatened Federal Troop Deployment

[01:27 – 02:12]

• Mayor Brandon Johnson’s Executive Order:
  Preemptive action before potential National Guard deployment by President Trump, who claims troops are needed to combat city crime.
• Protecting Chicago Initiative:
  Demands Trump “stop his deployment threat or face legal or legislative action,” while affirming that the city will maintain control over its own police.
• Legal Stand & Civil Rights:
  The order directs legal departments to use every mechanism possible to oppose federal overreach and prevents Chicago police from collaborating with military personnel or on immigration enforcement.
  • Quote (Chicago Official):
    “This sweeping executive order directs our department of law to pursue any and every legal mechanism to hold this administration accountable for violating the rights of Chicagoans. This order affirms that the Chicago Police Department will not collaborate with military personnel on police patrols or civil immigration enforcement.” ([01:52])
• Community Outreach:
  The initiative also aims to help residents know their rights if stopped by immigration agents ([02:12]).

3. Minneapolis Community Reacts to Mass Shooting

[02:12 – 03:13]

• Increased Security:
  Authorities step up patrols around schools and houses of worship following a mass shooting at a Catholic church and school.
• Impact on Faith Community:
  Clergy, especially at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, support parishioners emotionally.
  • Quote (Pastor Jim DeBraker):
    “And then we'll have open mics for people to come up and express what they want to say. And our parish is not afraid to express what they want to say.” ([02:58])
• Pastoral Support:
  Pastor DeBraker plans to use a “litany of lament” usually reserved for funerals, underlining the depth of community grief.

4. Wildfire Updates in Western U.S.

[03:13 – 03:49]

• Garnet Fire, Sierra National Forest (California):
  Has burned 14 square miles; crews are working to contain the expanding blaze.
• Flat Fire, Central Oregon:
  Cooler, wetter weather helps efforts; fire is now 13% contained.

5. Yellowstone Bison Study – Ecological Benefits

[03:49 – 04:30]

• Overview:
  Yellowstone’s 5,000 bison roaming across the park have significant positive effects on grassland ecology.
• Research Findings:
  The bison improve soil microbes and protein content in plants, crucial for native herbivores to survive winter and breed (Nate Rott).
  • Quote (Bill Hamilton, Study Author):
    “And crude protein is what the herbivores, the elk, the bison, the pronghorn, the deer are honing in on because they need that to put on fat to…” ([04:10])
• Implication:
  Expanding bison populations and habitats could enhance overall grassland health.

6. College Football Season Highlights

[04:30 – 04:57]

• Penn State:
  Wins over Nevada, 46-11, with Nicholas Singleton scoring two touchdowns; defensive game overall.
• Ohio State:
  Defending champions beat Texas, 14-7, in the opener.
• Georgia:
  Overwhelms Marshall, 45-7.
• Georgetown:
  Beats Davidson, 51-14.

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• Kaya Kallis (EU Foreign Policy Chief), on U.S. UN decision:
  “We all urge for this decision to be reconsidered, considering the international law and the way United nations has been built up.” ([01:08])
• Chicago Official, defending city’s autonomy:
  “This sweeping executive order directs our department of law to pursue any and every legal mechanism to hold this administration accountable…” ([01:52])
• Pastor Jim DeBraker, fostering community healing:
  “Our parish is not afraid to express what they want to say.” ([02:58])
• Bill Hamilton, on the ecological role of bison:
  “Crude protein is what the herbivores...are honing in on because they need that to put on fat to…” ([04:10])

Noteworthy Timestamps

• 00:18 – U.S. blocks Palestinian officials from UN
• 01:08 – EU official urges reversal of U.S. decision
• 01:27 – Chicago executive order response
• 01:52 – City official explains order’s legal stance
• 02:35 – Minneapolis church addresses mass shooting trauma
• 03:13 – Wildfire updates
• 03:49 – Yellowstone bison study findings
• 04:30 – Football game recaps

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