NPR News Now – August 31, 2025, 4AM EDT

Host: Dale Willman
Duration: ~5 minutes
Theme: Concise morning update on key global and US news stories, focusing on international diplomacy, US domestic issues, community responses to violence, scientific developments, and immigration matters.

European Union Pressuring Russia and Urging US Cooperation

[00:11–01:13]

• Main Story:
  European Union foreign ministers discussed measures to intensify pressure on Russia to end the war in Ukraine. They also called on the Trump administration to join their efforts.
  • French Foreign Minister Jean Noel Barron emphasized the need for joint US–EU action if direct diplomatic efforts with Russia fail.
    • Suggested further sanctions ("targeting the energy sector, ... the financial sector," and potentially impacting civilian sectors indirectly supporting Russia’s war).
  • Finland’s Elina Valtonen added that "all freedom loving countries must make sure ... what has happened in Ukraine will never happen again."
• Notable Quote:
  • “If President Trump’s efforts to persuade Russian President Vladimir Putin to get serious about a peace deal fail, the EU and US must together force Putin to reconsider by targeting the energy sector, ... financial sector, but perhaps also some civilian sectors.” — Terry Schultz reporting, quoting Jean Noel Barron [00:29]
• Reporter: Terry Schultz, Brussels

Chicago Resists Potential National Guard Deployment

[01:13–01:56]

• Main Story:
  Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson signed an executive order (dubbed the “Protecting Chicago initiative”) in response to President Trump’s threat to deploy National Guard troops to address city crime.
  • The order directs the city’s law department to pursue legal action if federal forces are sent.
  • Asserts that Chicago police will remain under city—not federal—control.
  • Explicit prohibition on city police collaboration with military personnel for patrols or immigration enforcement.
• Notable Quote:
  • “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.” — Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson [01:36]

Minneapolis Responds to Church and School Shooting

[01:56–02:46]

• Main Story:
  Authorities are increasing patrols near schools and houses of worship in the wake of a mass shooting at a Catholic church and school.
  • Most religious institutions typically lack significant security, so this heightened police presence is welcome.
  • Local clergy are preparing services sensitive to a traumatized community.
  • St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, close to the targeted Annunciation School, will host a service with opportunities for parishioners to express their grief.
  • Special elements, like a “litany of lament,” typically reserved for funerals, will be included.
• Notable Quote:
  • “And then we have open mics for people to come up, express what they want to say. And our parish is not afraid to express what they want to say.” — Pastor Jim DeBraker [02:31]

Russia’s Intensified Attacks on Southern Ukraine

[02:46–03:27]

• Main Story:
  Russia launched over 500 drones/decoys and 45 missiles at Southern Ukraine.
  • Ukrainian air defenses intercepted the majority, but a residential building was hit: at least one person killed, 28 injured.
  • This barrage closely follows a deadly attack in Kyiv two days prior (23 killed).
• Host Summary: Dale Willman notes the scale and ongoing escalation of attacks.

International Space Agencies Target Asteroid Apophis

[03:27–04:14]

• Main Story:
  The European and Japanese space agencies, plus NASA, are organizing missions to observe the 2029 close flyby of asteroid Apophis.
  • Apophis: ~4 football fields in size; won't hit Earth but will pass within 20,000 miles—close enough for Earth's gravity to potentially reshape it.
  • Upcoming missions aim to track and study the asteroid's passage, including NASA’s Osiris-Ape probe (set to trail Apophis by about one hour at closest approach).
• Notable Quote:
  • “So close, in fact, that Earth’s gravity may actually deform the asteroid, causing it to change its shape.” — Joe Palka [03:27]

ICE Detention of Wildfire Firefighters & US Agency Layoffs

[04:14–04:54]

• Main Story (1):
  Lawyers are demanding release of a man arrested by ICE while fighting wildfires in Oregon; the man is awaiting a visa decision.
  • U.S. Rep. Emily Randall: 2 workers (out of a 44-person crew) detained during firefighting efforts.
• Main Story (2):
  The agency overseeing Voice of America and other US government-funded international broadcasters to eliminate over 500 jobs.

Notable Quotes

• “All freedom loving countries must make sure, in her words, what has happened in Ukraine will never happen again.” — Terry Schultz quoting Elina Valtonen [00:55]
• “This order affirms that the Chicago Police Department will not collaborate with military personnel on police patrols or civil immigration enforcement.” — Mayor Brandon Johnson [01:36]
• “And our parish is not afraid to express what they want to say.” — Pastor Jim DeBraker [02:31]
• “So close, in fact, that Earth’s gravity may actually deform the asteroid, causing it to change its shape.” — Joe Palka [03:27]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• EU and Russia/US Diplomacy: [00:11–01:13]
• Chicago National Guard Dispute: [01:13–01:56]
• Minneapolis Shooting Aftermath: [01:56–02:46]
• Russia Attacks Southern Ukraine: [02:46–03:27]
• Asteroid Apophis Missions: [03:27–04:14]
• ICE Wildfire Arrest & US Agency Layoffs: [04:14–04:54]

Tone and Language

• Factual, measured, and direct—typical of NPR’s news delivery.
• Emphasizes clarity, public-interest focus, and the gravity of major global and national events.
• Soundbites from officials and clergy add emotional and human resonance, especially when addressing trauma and legal resistance.

This episode of NPR News Now gives a brisk but comprehensive scan of urgent international diplomacy, domestic legal and social conflict, community healing after violence, front-line science, and challenges for immigrant workers and government agencies.