NPR News Now

Episode: NPR News: 09-07-2025 7PM EDT
Host: Jeanine Herbst
Date: September 7, 2025
Length: ~5 minutes
Summary: The latest headlines from national and international news, focusing on presidential actions in Chicago, global responses to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, U.S. postal traffic disruptions, Broadway news, and Hurricane Kiko.

Main Theme & Episode Purpose

A concise roundup of top news stories shaping U.S. and international affairs, providing listeners rapid updates on political, cultural, and weather events as the evening of September 7, 2025 unfolds.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. President Trump’s Remarks on Chicago & National Guard Deployment

• Context: President Trump faces backlash for referring to the “Department of War,” referencing efforts to rebrand the Department of Defense, and his threat to send the National Guard to Chicago.

• Legal & Political Nuance:

  • Challenges in deploying federal troops stem from state vs. federal control of National Guards.
  • There has been a court ruling against Trump attempting similar action in Los Angeles.
  • Analyst Mara Liasson interprets these efforts largely through a political lens, as Trump seeks to make “crime” the focal issue for the midterms, diverting attention from controversies like Jeffrey Epstein or pandemic issues.

• Quote:

  • “He says the midterm elections will be about crime. He wants them to be about crime. He says the crime issue is good for Republicans, and he doesn't want them to be about the Jeffrey Epstein files or vaccines or the economy.”
    —Mara Liasson [00:55]

• Public Response:

  • Thousands marched in D.C. urging withdrawal of troops from the capital.

2. EU Condemnation of Russian Strikes on Ukraine

• Event: Russia’s largest air attack on Ukraine since the full invasion 3+ years ago; EU leaders forcefully respond.
• EU Leadership’s Stance:
  • European Council President Antonio Costa condemns attacks as mock diplomacy, targeting civilians and government buildings.
  • EU Foreign Policy Chief Kayakalis notes every Russian attack is “a deliberate choice,” countering Russian peace rhetoric.
  • The EU aims for quick approval of a 19th sanctions package against Russia.
• Quote:
  • “Talking about peace while escalating bombings and targeting government buildings and homes. This is Putin's version of peace.”
    —Terry Schultz, summarizing Antonio Costa [01:37]
  • “Russia does not want peace.”
    —Terry Schultz, citing Kayakalis [01:49]

3. U.S. Postal Traffic Disruption After Trade Rule Change

• Policy Change: Trump administration ended the “de minimis” trade exemption (exempted packages under $800 from tariffs) on August 29th, 2025.
• Impact:
  • International postal traffic to the U.S. plummeted by 81%.
  • 88 global postal operators suspended or limited service to the U.S.
  • The Trump administration’s stated objective: crack down on counterfeit products.
• Quote:
  • “Postal traffic to the US came to a near halt, dropping 81% after August 29th. That's when the de minimis trade exemption... ended.”
    —Chandelyse Duster [02:31]

4. Broadway’s “Cabaret” Revival Closing Early

• Details:
  • The $24 million revival at the August Wilson Theatre will close nearly a month early due to the withdrawal of Billy Porter (who was ill with sepsis).
  • The production had the highest price tag for a Broadway revival, included major theater renovations, but suffered from mixed reviews and low ticket sales following Eddie Redmayne’s departure.
  • Financial struggles ultimately sealed the show’s fate.
• Quote:
  • “The final cast replacement in the role was Billy Porter, but he had to withdraw due to sepsis. While Porter is expected to recover, the production is closing at a loss.”
    —Jeff Lunden [03:49]

5. Hurricane Kiko Threatens Hawaii With Dangerous Surf

• Current Status:
  • Category 2 storm, 110 mph sustained winds, expected to weaken soon.
  • Will pass north of the Hawaiian Islands; outer bands already causing hazardous conditions, with potentially life-threatening surf.
• Timeframe:
  • Expected to weaken to a tropical storm by Tuesday.
  • Northward passage by midweek.
• Notable Facts:
  • Swells could be dangerous even as the hurricane weakens.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “He says the midterm elections will be about crime. He wants them to be about crime...he doesn't want them to be about the Jeffrey Epstein files or vaccines or the economy.”
  —Mara Liasson [00:55]

• “Talking about peace while escalating bombings and targeting government buildings and homes. This is Putin's version of peace.”
  —Terry Schultz, summarizing Antonio Costa [01:37]

• “Postal traffic to the US came to a near halt, dropping 81% after August 29th...”
  —Chandelyse Duster [02:31]

• “The final cast replacement in the role was Billy Porter, but he had to withdraw due to sepsis. While Porter is expected to recover, the production is closing at a loss.”
  —Jeff Lunden [03:49]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:11 — Trump’s Chicago remarks and National Guard controversy
• 00:39–01:09 — Mara Liasson on political and legal implications
• 01:09 — Protests in D.C. for removal of federal troops
• 01:31–02:16 — EU response to Russia’s strikes on Ukraine
• 02:16–03:08 — Postal disruption following US trade exemption changes
• 03:08–03:31 — Broadway news: “Cabaret” closing early
• 03:31–04:17 — Details on the “Cabaret” production and closure
• 04:17–04:53 — Hurricane Kiko threatens Hawaii

Tone & Language

The episode maintains a brisk, factual tone, relaying news with clarity and urgency. Correspondents balance explanatory context with direct reporting, featuring direct quotations from affected leaders and official sources.

For those who missed it, this five-minute episode encapsulates the day’s critical stories—political maneuvering, global strife, major postal and cultural disruptions, and a looming natural hazard—all with authoritative brevity and NPR’s signature clarity.