NPR News Now: September 8, 2025, 8AM EDT – Episode Summary
Overview
In this concise five-minute news update, NPR covers breaking international and domestic developments, political drama in Europe, economic strain from troop deployments in the U.S., and the canonization of the first millennial saint. NPR’s reporting is direct, focusing on the escalating conflict between Russia and Ukraine, President Trump’s controversial posts and policy threats, and pressing political shifts in France and Norway.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Russia’s Largest Drone Strike Yet in Ukraine
[00:15 – 01:16]
- Escalation: Russia launched its largest drone attack on Ukraine over the weekend, killing at least eight and damaging a government building.
- U.S. Response: President Trump threatens increased sanctions against Russia.
- Ukrainian Perspective: President Zelenskyy, in his nightly address, accused Putin of testing world resolve and called for real action, urging for tariffs and sanctions against Russia and its supporters.
- Ukrainian Defenses: Ukraine is focusing on air defense, increasing production of interceptor drones.
“Will they put up with it?” — President Zelenskyy, as reported by Joanna Kakissis, referring to world leaders’ tolerance for Russian aggression. [00:38]
2. President Trump’s Post and Domestic Reaction
[01:16 – 02:03]
- Viral Image: Trump posted an image of himself before a burning Chicago skyline, invoking “Apocalypse Now,” sparking outrage among city and state officials.
- Clarification: Trump claims his intent is to “clean up” American cities, not ignite conflict.
- Community Response: Tanya Woods of Chicago’s West Side Justice Center says her organization is preparing residents with legal and safety training in case of military presence.
“We have collaborated to pull together a training program… so that we can inform and educate people about their resources, their rights, and their risks.” — Tanya Woods [01:50]
3. Possible Immigration Enforcement in Sanctuary Cities
[02:03 – 02:25]
- Border Policy: Trump’s border czar, Tom Homan, signals imminent immigration enforcement in Chicago and other sanctuary cities.
4. Labor Market Strain from National Guard Deployments
[02:25 – 03:10]
- Record Absences: Over 90,000 week-long absences for National Guard/civil service deployments from January to August — double last year’s rate and highest since 2006.
- Economic Impact: Employers and workers struggle with planning and lost productivity, especially as deployments increase.
“Economists warn the burden is growing, not just for the workers… but for employers as well. They say it’s getting harder to plan around deployments, especially in a shaky job market with slower hiring and fewer openings.” — Windsor Johnston [02:45]
5. France Faces Political Turmoil
[03:10 – 03:44]
- No Confidence Vote: Prime Minister Francois Bieru faces a possible ouster; if it happens, President Macron would need to appoint a new PM, complicated by a lack of a parliamentary majority.
6. Norway’s Tight Parliamentary Race
[03:44 – 04:28]
- Polling: Incumbent PM Jonas Gahr Støre and Labour likely to hold by a slim margin. The right is making gains, with economic issues dominating the debate.
- Arctic & Security: Norway shares a border with Russia, heightening international interest. Labour promises a review of controversial wealth taxes.
“Opinion polls show right wing parties… are expected to gain seats in the 169 member Parliament.” — Terry Schultz [03:51]
7. Catholic Church Canonizes Peer of the Millennials
[04:28 – 04:54]
- Saint Carlos Acutis: Canonized as the first millennial saint, Acutis died at 15 after launching a website documenting Catholic miracles. Pope Francis hoped this would inspire younger generations.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- Zelenskyy’s challenge to world leaders: “Will they put up with it?” [00:38]
- Tanya Woods on Chicago’s community workshops: “So that we can inform and educate people about their resources, their rights, and their risks.” [01:50]
- Windsor Johnston on labor strain: “It’s getting harder to plan around deployments, especially in a shaky job market.” [02:45]
- Terry Schultz on Norwegian politics: “Labour’s finance minister promises a review of Norway’s tax laws if his party stays in power.” [04:14]
Timestamps for Important Segments
- [00:15] Russia–Ukraine escalation
- [00:38] Zelenskyy’s call for action
- [01:16] Trump’s controversial post and local reaction
- [01:50] Chicago’s community legal training
- [02:25] National Guard deployment labor market impact
- [03:10] French political crisis
- [03:44] Norway’s tight election
- [04:28] Canonization of millennial saint Carlos Acutis
This episode delivers a brisk but comprehensive update on urgent global crises, U.S. domestic tensions, shifting European politics, and a rare religious milestone, offering listeners a snapshot of the world in early September 2025.