NPR News Now – 09-02-2025 12AM EDT

Hosted by Shea Stevens
Date: September 2, 2025
Duration: 5 minutes

Episode Overview

This NPR News Now episode delivers a concise roundup of the latest global and U.S. news, with reports covering a deadly earthquake in Afghanistan, diplomatic developments in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, updates on the Democratic National Committee's primary calendar for 2028, government actions on Guatemalan minors in the U.S., congressional activity related to the Jeffrey Epstein case, new research on creatine supplements, and escalating rhetoric from Venezuela amid increased U.S. military presence in the region.

Key News Highlights & Segments

1. Afghanistan Earthquake Devastation

[00:19–01:02]

• Rescuers continue searching for survivors after a severe earthquake in Afghanistan left over 800 dead and thousands injured.
• Sherene Ibrahim, Director, International Rescue Committee for Afghanistan, underscores the dire situation in remote communities:
  • "Concerned about the isolated communities in particular locations that are now partially or fully decimated. So houses, infrastructure, all gone. Travel time would be about three to five hours and unfortunately prolonged now because of the destruction that we are currently seeing." — Sherene Ibrahim [00:42]
• Pre-existing food insecurity and insufficient healthcare in Afghanistan are now compounded by the disaster.

2. Russia-Ukraine Peace Efforts at China Summit

[01:02–02:01]

• Russian President Vladimir Putin signals hope that U.S.-backed efforts might end the war in Ukraine, following U.S.-Russia talks in Alaska.
• Charles Maynes (NPR):
  • Putin blames "Western meddling in Ukraine and NATO's expansion" for Russia's full-scale invasion.
  • Talks with former President Trump resulted in Russia's willingness to make security concessions for Ukraine in exchange for territorial concessions.
  • Kremlin has delayed a proposed summit with President Zelenskyy and rebuffed Western security proposals for Ukraine.
  • "Trump and his negotiators say the Alaska talks marked a breakthrough, with Putin agreeing to concessions towards Ukraine's future security in exchange for forfeiting land." — Charles Maynes [01:35]

3. DNC Preps for 2028 Presidential Primaries

[02:01–02:49]

• Stephen Fowler (NPR) reports from the DNC summer meeting in Minneapolis:
  • The party’s rules and bylaws committee is launching the planning process for the next primary cycle.
  • Ken Martin, DNC Chair:
    • "We will be holding a series of meetings this year. We're planning for meetings throughout the fall and winter and through the spring to make sure that we have a rigorous, effective, fair calendar and process." — Ken Martin [02:19]
  • The order of early states may be reconsidered again, but no proposals will be finalized until after the 2026 midterms.
  • Reference to Biden-inspired changes in the 2024 cycle, such as elevating South Carolina and dropping Iowa and New Hampshire.

4. U.S. Reunites Guatemalan Children Blocked from Deportation

[02:49–03:45]

• The Trump administration announces it is reuniting Guatemalan minors it had attempted to deport, after a federal judge halted the deportations for two weeks.
• The Guatemalan government advocates for the return of the children rather than their retention in shelters/foster care.

5. Mueller Subpoena Withdrawn in Epstein Investigation

[03:45–03:49]

• House committee withdraws subpoena for former FBI Director Robert Mueller, intended for questioning on the DOJ's Epstein case, citing health concerns.

6. Mixed Reviews on Creatine Supplement Benefits

[03:45–04:32]

• Maria Godoy (NPR) reports on the debate over creatine’s effectiveness:
  • Creatine aids muscle energy; supplementation with resistance training increases lean muscle by 2–3 pounds.
  • Other benefits, like cognitive improvements, lack robust evidence.
  • Jose Antonio, Nova Southeastern University:
    • "The way I would frame it is it definitely won't hurt you, and it probably will help you if you do." — Jose Antonio [04:19]
  • Recommendation: Use third-party certified supplements.

7. Venezuela's Maduro Threatens "Republic in Arms"

[04:32–04:57]

• President Nicolás Maduro says Venezuela may declare a "republic in arms" if attacked by the U.S.
• Rising tensions as U.S. increases warship presence in the Caribbean and Pacific, with intent cited as targeting drug cartels.

Notable Quotes

• Sherene Ibrahim (IRC, Afghanistan relief):
  "Concerned about the isolated communities... all gone. Travel time would be about three to five hours and unfortunately prolonged now because of the destruction that we are currently seeing." [00:42]

• Charles Maynes (on Russia-Ukraine):
  "Trump and his negotiators say the Alaska talks marked a breakthrough, with Putin agreeing to concessions towards Ukraine's future security in exchange for forfeiting land." [01:35]

• Ken Martin (DNC Chair):
  "We will be holding a series of meetings this year. We're planning for meetings throughout the fall and winter and through the spring to make sure that we have a rigorous, effective, fair calendar and process." [02:19]

• Jose Antonio (creatine researcher):
  "The way I would frame it is it definitely won't hurt you, and it probably will help you if you do." [04:19]

Useful Timestamps

• [00:19]—Afghanistan earthquake response
• [01:22]—Putin’s comments on Ukraine, update on Alaska summit
• [02:09]—DNC starts 2028 primary planning
• [02:49]—Guatemalan children reunification
• [03:45]—Creatine supplement research
• [04:32]—Venezuela–U.S. tensions

This episode blends urgent international headlines with significant developments in U.S. politics and health, marked by authoritative soundbites from primary sources and NPR correspondents.