Bill O’Reilly’s No Spin News and Analysis
Episode: The O'Reilly Update, August 28, 2025
Guest Host: Mike Slater (filling in for Bill O’Reilly)
Episode Overview
This episode of The O’Reilly Update, hosted by Mike Slater, delivers a sharp, fact-based briefing on prominent American news stories, focusing particularly on a tragic shooting at a Catholic school in Minneapolis. Slater provides critical commentary on cultural and political reactions to tragedy—especially the place of faith and prayer—while blending top news, social insights, and philosophical reflection.
Key News Highlights
Minneapolis Shooting (00:39–02:10)
- Incident Summary:
A gunman targeted a Catholic school in Minneapolis, killing 2 children and injuring at least 20 others. - Details:
- Suspect identified as Robin (Robert) Westman.
- Posted online videos displaying weapons, a manifesto, and disturbing messages:
“Where is your God?” and “Kill Donald Trump.”
- The shooter took his own life shortly after the attack.
- YouTube’s Response:
Footage and content linked to the shooter has been removed from YouTube.
Legal Update: Trump Administration Deportation Blocked (02:10–03:03)
- Federal Judge's Ruling:
Blocked deportation of alleged MS-13 gang member, Kilmar Abrego Garcia. - Details:
- Garcia is a Salvadoran native with MS-13 ties, living in Maryland.
- Previously deported but returned to the US; now court is demanding further evidence.
- Irony noted: "Now may go to Uganda. Probably would have been happier in El Salvador."
Study: Smartphones Dirtier Than Toilet Seats (03:03–03:20)
- University of Arizona Findings:
- Average smartphone hosts 20,000 varieties of germs and viruses—over ten times the bacteria found on a toilet seat.
- Less than 10% of Americans clean their phones even monthly.
- Recommendation: Clean phones daily with disinfectant.
America’s Obesity Problem (03:20–03:33)
- CDC Data:
- States with highest obesity: Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, and West Virginia (67% overweight, 20% clinically obese).
- Thinnest states: Colorado, Utah, Massachusetts, Hawaii, Vermont.
- Economic Impact: $200 billion annually in healthcare and lost productivity.
In-Depth: Responding to Tragedy and the Role of Prayer
Commentary on Public Officials' Response (04:35–06:38)
-
Slater Critiques Minneapolis Mayor:
After the school shooting, the mayor declared,“This is no time for thoughts and prayers. These kids were literally praying when they were shot.”
- Slater's Take: This is a “mocking [of] prayer,” typical of a political tendency to deride religious gestures after tragedies.
-
Religious Reflection:
Slater shares a personal shift in perspective:“Now, if you don't think prayer works, then I can see why you think it's a very silly thing to do. That used to be me. So I get it.” (06:38)
- Cites Biblical Instruction:
- 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18:
“Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. Give thanks in all circumstances.”
- 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18:
- On Grief and Faith:
“You can feel sadness, you can be heartbroken and still rejoice.”
- Cites Biblical Instruction:
Reflection on Suffering, Faith, and Historical Hymns (06:39–08:31)
- Quote from Hymn (1774):
“O fearful saints, new courage take. The clouds that you now dread
Are big with mercy and will break and blessings on your head.
Judge not the Lord by feeble sense, but trust him for his grace…” - National Mottos Cited:
“We have two: E Pluribus unum—out of many, one. And In God We Trust.”
- Conclusion on Response:
“We all have a choice in how we respond to tragedy. I would recommend against sneering and mocking those who pray, especially children. That’s the path the mayor decided to go. Instead, I would use this tragedy to get closer to God.” (08:25)
Cultural & Psychological Reflections
On News Consumption & Human Nature (09:38–11:05)
- Media Overload:
- “We humans were not made to take in this much awful news every day.”
- Historical Example:
- Juneteenth: demonstrates how long news once took to travel, emphasizing that today’s always-on cycle is overwhelming.
- Worldview Contrast:
“Most people in our postmodern culture today believe that people are born good… But the Christian worldview says, no, no, this is a broken world.”
- Literary Insight – 'East of Eden':
“Una’s death struck Samuel [her father] like a silent earthquake. And now his tissue, which had fought joyously against time, gave up a little…” (Literary quotation paraphrased from Steinbeck, 11:00)
On Coping with Tragedy (11:05–12:21)
- Philosophical Take:
- Suffering is part of the broken world, but Christianity offers hope and purpose even in grief.
- Empathy:
“This doesn't mean that I'm indifferent to horrible things… makes me mourn even more for the brokenness of the world and makes me crave even more that people find a savior.”
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- Minneapolis Mayor’s Reaction:
“These kids were literally praying when they were shot.” (05:05)
- Slater’s Reflection on Mocking Faith:
“If you don't believe in God, then you won’t rejoice in God… But Christians are commanded to rejoice always, pray without ceasing and give thanks in all circumstances.” (06:50)
- On News Overload:
“We humans were not made to take in this much awful news every day.” (09:40)
- On the Purpose of Faith Amid Suffering:
“I would use this tragedy to get closer to God. In a fallen, broken world, he’s where the joy is.” (08:25)
Structure & Timestamps
| Segment | Timestamp | |-----------------------------------------------|-------------| | News Headlines | 00:39–03:33 | | Tragedy in Minneapolis | 04:35–06:38 | | Religious & Cultural Reflection | 06:38–08:31 | | On News Overload & Human Nature | 09:38–12:21 | | Podcast Conclusion / Next Steps | 12:50 |
Host Information:
Mike Slater, filling in for Bill O’Reilly, concludes by inviting listeners to his personal podcast, "Politics by Faith."
This summary distills the major news, commentary, and reflective moments from the August 28, 2025 edition of The O’Reilly Update, providing a comprehensive outline for listeners and non-listeners alike.