NPR News Now: September 7, 2025, 1PM EDT

Host: Windsor Johnston
Duration: ~5 minutes
Main Theme: Major developments in U.S. politics, international affairs, and cultural news from the past hour.

1. Growing Tensions in Chicago Over National Guard Threats

[00:18 – 01:21]

• President Trump has escalated threats to send National Guard and immigration officials into Chicago, causing rising tensions.

• Protests in Chicago:

  • Thousands marched downtown, notably by Trump Tower, expressing opposition to federal intervention.
  • Protesters carried signs and banners denouncing the potential deployment.

• Local & State Officials Strongly Oppose:

  • Governor J.B. Pritzker shared on social media:
    • "The president of the United States is threatening to go to war with an American city. This is not a joke. This is not normal." (Quote, [00:59])
  • Mayor Brandon Johnson stated:
    • "Trump wants to occupy our city and break our constitution", urging residents to "protect each other." (Paraphrased by Kat Lonsdorf, [01:08])

• Police Data: Violent crime is actually down in recent years, contradicting Trump’s rationale.

Notable Quote

• Governor Pritzker:
  "The president of the United States is threatening to go to war with an American city. This is not a joke. This is not normal." [00:59]

2. President Trump Responds to War Accusations

[01:21 – 01:51]

• In response to press questions about "threatening war" with Chicago, President Trump denied it:
  • "That's not war, but common sense. The goal is to clean up the nation's cities." ([01:32])

3. Political Upheaval in Japan: Prime Minister to Resign

[01:51 – 02:33]
Reported by: Anthony Kuhn

• Prime Minister Ichiba announces plans to resign to avoid further division within the ruling LDP (Liberal Democratic Party).
• Background:
  • LDP lost its majority in both houses for the first time since its founding in 1955, due to public discontent over inflation and corruption.
• Rise of Sanseto: Nationalist, anti-immigrant party making gains.
• Instability: 8 of past 10 PMs have lasted only about a year.

4. Russian Missile Attack Hits Kyiv Government Building

[02:33 – 03:10]
Reported by: Sarah Rainsford (BBC)

• Russian Forces hit a main government building in Ukraine’s capital for the first time since the war’s start (over two years ago).
• Scale of Attack: More than 800 missiles/drones launched; at least 11 killed, dozens injured.
• Symbolic Impact:
  • "An attack, a strike right on the heart of government in Kyiv does matter because it shows that Russia can get through... [the] air defenses." (Sarah Rainsford, [02:59])

Notable Quote

• Sarah Rainsford:
  "An attack, a strike right on the heart of government in Kyiv does matter because it shows that Russia can get through, it can make it through the air defenses." [02:59]

5. Biden Presidential Library to be Built in Delaware

[03:10 – 03:45]

• Former President Joe Biden’s Library:
  • Announced for Delaware, emphasizing his decades-long service in the Senate and presidency.

6. Shakespeare Mystery: Miniature May Reveal 'Fair Youth'

[03:45 – 04:32]
Reported by: Vicki Barker (London)

• A newly-discovered 400-year-old miniature possibly depicts the inspiration behind Shakespeare’s famous ‘Fair Youth’ sonnets.
  • Features an androgynous young man, linked to the Earl of Southampton.
  • The miniature’s reverse: a red heart speared by a black shape, likely referencing Shakespeare's family crest.
• Scholarly Excitement: Theory that the portrait symbolizes a romance and later fallout between Shakespeare and the Earl.

7. London Protest Crackdown: Nearly 900 Arrests

[04:32 – 04:57]

• London Police arrested nearly 900 demonstrators outside Parliament.
• Context:
  • Protesters defied a ban on Palestine Action, now labeled a terrorist group.
  • Arrests made within minutes; bystanders cheered and displayed signs in support.

Notable Quotes

• Governor J.B. Pritzker on Trump’s threats:
  "The president of the United States is threatening to go to war with an American city. This is not a joke. This is not normal." [00:59]

• President Trump:
  "That's not war, but common sense. The goal is to clean up the nation's cities." [01:32]

• Sarah Rainsford (BBC) on Russian strike:
  "An attack, a strike right on the heart of government in Kyiv does matter because it shows that Russia can get through, it can make it through the air defenses." [02:59]

Episode Flow & Tone

• Crisp, urgent, and factual news update, moving rapidly between stories of national and international significance.
• Voices are authoritative and composed, matching the seriousness of the events.

For listeners who missed the episode:
This newscast provides a rapid overview of political disputes in Chicago amid Trump’s threats, major change in Japanese leadership, escalation in Ukraine’s capital, legacy news on Biden, literary discoveries related to Shakespeare, and mass protest arrests in London — each centered around the latest breaking headlines as of September 7, 2025.