NPR News Now – September 2, 2025, 9AM EDT

Host: Windsor Johnston | Duration: ~5 minutes

Episode Overview

This tightly packed news update provides the top headlines from around the globe, including major diplomatic developments in East Asia, a deadly earthquake in Afghanistan, climate science controversy, a tragic shooting incident in Texas, social turmoil in Indonesia, shifting U.S. immigration patterns, and a massive shake-up in the food industry.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Kim Jong Un in China for WWII Parade

[00:19–01:17]

• Kim Jong Un has arrived in Beijing to join the 80th anniversary parade marking the end of WWII.
• Notably, this is Kim's first appearance at a multilateral diplomatic event alongside Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
• South Korea’s intelligence agency says a three-way leaders’ summit is unlikely, despite possible bilateral meetings.
• Significance: The visit is seen as Kim’s opportunity to recalibrate relations with China after signing a defense pact with Russia in 2024, shifting traditional alliances.

Memorable Quote:

• Anthony Kuhn: “Analysts see the parade as a chance for Kim to reset ties with China.” [01:13]

2. Afghanistan Earthquake: Grim Toll Rises

[01:17–01:53]

• A powerful earthquake in Afghanistan has left over 1,400 dead and 3,000+ injured.
• The region was struck by another quake this morning, compounding the devastation.
• Search and rescue operations continue amid mounting casualties.

3. Scientists Rebuke DOE Climate Report

[01:53–02:34]

• Dozens of climate scientists have jointly rebutted a recent U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) report, calling out numerous errors.
• Core criticism: The DOE report claims CO₂ benefits agriculture but fails to account for the negative impact of heat and drought.

Memorable Quotes:

• John Cook, University of Melbourne: “The report says carbon dioxide benefits agriculture but doesn't account for how heat and droughts actually harm crops.” [01:53]
• (paraphrased by John Cook): “The DOE report is basically arguing climate change is no big deal, therefore we shouldn't act.” [02:13]
• DOE’s report was recently cited in an EPA effort to roll back regulations on climate pollution.
• DOE spokesperson tells NPR the report was “reviewed internally.”

4. Texas Shooting After Doorbell Prank

[02:34–03:05]

• A Houston homeowner is expected to face charges after allegedly shooting and killing an 11-year-old boy who was participating in a doorbell prank.
• Kids were ringing doorbells and running as part of a birthday party.
• Law enforcement is reviewing surveillance footage and collecting neighbor videos.

Memorable Quote:

• Sgt. Michael Kass: "Someone ran out of that house and was shooting at the kids running down the street. And unfortunately and sadly enough, one of the boys, who was 11 years old, was shot in the back.” [02:53]

5. TikTok Suspends Live Stream in Indonesia After Violent Protests

[03:05–03:51]

• TikTok halts live streaming in Indonesia following violent demonstrations sparked by public outrage over excessive parliamentary perks.
• At least six people dead amid the unrest.
• Protests ignited after revelations about lawmakers’ housing allowances far above minimum wage.

6. U.S. Immigration Downturn Impacts Workforce

[03:51–04:25]

• Immigrants now comprise nearly 20% of the U.S. workforce, but this group is shrinking after decades of growth.
• A 2025 Pew Research Center analysis found over 1.2 million immigrants left the workforce (Jan–July 2025), including both legal and undocumented individuals.
• Remittances to Mexico declined by nearly 5% year-over-year in July, reflecting broader labor force changes.

7. Kraft Heinz Will Split Into Two Businesses

[04:25–04:56]

• Kraft Heinz announces plan to split into two companies:
  • One will keep “Oscar Mayer, Kraft Singles, and Lunchables.”
  • The other will manage “condiments and sauces, including Heinz Ketchup.”
• The move is a response to slowing sales as consumers cut back amid inflation.

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• “Analysts see the parade as a chance for Kim to reset ties with China.”
  — Anthony Kuhn [01:13]

• “The report says carbon dioxide benefits agriculture but doesn't account for how heat and droughts actually harm crops.”
  — John Cook [01:53]

• “Someone ran out of that house and was shooting at the kids running down the street. And unfortunately and sadly enough, one of the boys, who was 11 years old, was shot in the back.”
  — Sgt. Michael Kass [02:53]

Important Timestamps

• 00:19: Kim Jong Un in China for WWII parade
• 01:17: Afghanistan earthquake death toll rises
• 01:53: Climate scientists challenge DOE report
• 02:34: Fatal shooting following doorbell prank in Texas
• 03:05: TikTok suspends Indonesian live streams amid protests
• 03:51: Shrinking U.S. immigrant workforce
• 04:25: Kraft Heinz announces corporate split

This NPR News Now update delivers concise yet impactful coverage of global and domestic news, highlighting urgent developments with direct eyewitness accounts and expert analysis.