The O'Reilly Update, August 30, 2025

Summary

Podcast Summary

Podcast: Bill O’Reilly’s No Spin News and Analysis
Episode: The O'Reilly Update, August 30, 2025
Host: Bill O’Reilly (with Mike Slater and Co-Host filling in)
Original Air Date: August 30, 2025

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Overview

This episode of The O'Reilly Update tackles pressing news events from around the United States, including a tragic school shooting in Minneapolis targeting Christians, a federal judge’s intervention in a high-profile deportation case, research on smartphone cleanliness, and a look at America’s obesity epidemic. In the Message of the Day, Mike Slater explores societal responses to tragedy—specifically faith-based responses versus skepticism—and examines the resurgence of debate over flag burning and First Amendment rights.

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Key Discussion Points

1. Tragedy in Minneapolis: School Shooting

• [01:04] Mike Slater opens with a detailed report about a recent shooting at a Catholic school in Minneapolis.
  • Incident Summary: A shooter identified as Robin (formerly Robert) Westman opened fire, killing two children and injuring at least 20.
  • Suspect Details: The shooter had posted weapon footage and a manifesto online; YouTube subsequently removed the content.
  • Quote: “A shooter opened fire on a Catholic school, killing two children, injuring at least 20 more... a handwritten manifesto and a gun magazine featuring the words ‘where is your God?’ and ‘kill Donald Trump,’ among other things.” — Mike Slater [01:04]
  • The shooter died by suicide at the scene.

2. Judicial Block on Trump’s Deportation Order

• [01:43] Mike Slater discusses a U.S. District Judge’s decision to block the Trump administration’s attempt to deport Kilmar Abrego Garcia, alleged MS-13 gang member.
  • Legal Process: The court demands more evidence and has scheduled a hearing for October 6th.
  • Quote: "Geez, the efforts that the courts have taken to protect this guy, this illegal alien MS-13 gang member." — Mike Slater [01:43]
  • Garcia’s background includes connections to gang activity and previous deportation.

3. Public Health: Smartphones Are Dirtier Than Toilets

• [02:27] University of Arizona research reveals the average smartphone contains 20,000 different types of bacteria—ten times more than the average toilet seat.
  • Hygiene Insight: Less than 10% of Americans clean their phones even once a month.
  • Expert Recommendation: Clean phones with disinfectant wipes daily.

4. America’s Obesity Problem—By the Numbers

• [02:49] CDC data ranks the most obese states: Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, and West Virginia leading at 67% overweight adults; 20% have clinical obesity.
  • The thinnest states include Colorado, Utah, Massachusetts, Hawaii, and Vermont.
  • Quote: "America's weight problems cost taxpayers $200 billion every year in health care expenses and premature death." — Mike Slater’s Co-Host [03:17]

5. Message of the Day: Faith, Prayer, and Public Response to Tragedy

• [04:40 – 08:35] Mike Slater delivers a reflection on the societal reaction to tragedy, focusing on the Minneapolis mayor’s response, which mocked religious expressions like “thoughts and prayers.”
  • Mayor’s Comment: “This is no time for thoughts and prayers. These kids were literally praying when they were shot.” — cited by Mike Slater [04:59]
  • Slater’s Analysis:
    • Critiques the trend among Democrats and some public figures to dismiss prayer in the wake of shooting tragedies.
    • Draws on personal experience: “That used to be me. So I get it. If you do think that prayer works? Then what else are you doing?” — Mike Slater [05:42]
    • Reads scriptural advice on continual prayer and rejoicing (1 Thessalonians 5:16).
    • Explains the difference between actions rooted in faith and societal expectations focused solely on feelings.
    • Quotes an 18th-century hymn about trusting God amid adversity.
      • “The clouds that you now dread are big with mercy and will break in blessings on your head... Blind unbelief is sure to err and scan His work in vain. God is His own interpreter and he will make it plain.” — [07:09-07:48]
    • Calls for a return to the spirit of “In God We Trust” and for humility in the face of tragedy.

6. Flag Burning, Free Speech, and American Symbols

• [09:08] Mike Slater addresses the recent executive order on flag burning and unpacks why the conservative defense of flag burning as a First Amendment right is misplaced.
  • Provides historical context:
    • Burning the flag was illegal in almost all states until two narrow (5-4) Supreme Court decisions (1989, 1990).
    • Congress responded with federal law, which was also struck down.
    • Quote: “It was only in 1990 and just... barely... a 5 to 4 decision that this was deemed someone’s First Amendment right.” — Mike Slater [11:07]
  • Discusses contemporary inconsistency in prosecuting damage to other symbols (e.g., pride flags, rainbow crosswalks) versus the American flag.
  • Quote: “It is time we reprioritize our national symbols.” — Mike Slater [11:44]

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Notable Quotes and Moments

• On Prayer and Tragedy:
  • “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.” — Mike Slater [05:41]
  • “Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. Give thanks in all circumstances.” — Mike Slater [06:00] (quoting 1 Thessalonians)
  • “Blind unbelief is sure to err and scan his work in vain. God is his own interpreter and he will make it plain.” — Mike Slater’s Co-Host [07:48]
• On Flag Burning:
  • “This was almost never believed to be the case for most of our history... It was only in 1990... that this was deemed someone's First Amendment right.” — Mike Slater [11:07]
  • “If you deface the rainbow crosswalk in any one of our cities or heaven forbid, tear down a pride flag, you'll be arrested for all sorts of crimes.... It is time we reprioritize our national symbols.” — Mike Slater [11:44]

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• Minneapolis Catholic School Shooting: [01:04–01:36]
• Federal Judge Blocks Deportation: [01:43–02:27]
• Smartphones Dirtier than Toilets: [02:27–02:47]
• America’s Obesity Epidemic: [02:49–03:17]
• Message of the Day – Prayer & Tragedy: [04:40–08:35]
• Flag Burning & First Amendment: [09:08–11:44]

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Conclusion

The August 30, 2025, episode is a fast-paced review of current news punctuated by incisive commentary—the signature “No Spin” approach. The hosts blend hard facts with reflections on faith, public leadership, and the evolving landscape of American rights and values. With direct quotes, hymn readings, and scriptural references, the episode invites listeners to consider not only what happens in the world but also how to respond—both as individuals and as a nation.

Transcript

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[Bill O'Reilly]

Bill O'Reilly, here you are listening to the weekend edition of the O'Reilly update. Coming up next, the News with Mike Slater.

[Mike Slater]

Thanks, Bill. Here's what's happening this week in America, a gunman targets Christians in Minneapolis, a federal judge blocks Trump's deportation order. Researchers say the common smartphone is dirtier than a.

[Mike Slater's Co-Host]

We'll tell you in a moment.

[Mike Slater]

And a new survey ranks the most obese states in America. That's all coming up. And then my message of the day.

[Mike Slater's Co-Host]

About what happened in Minneapolis yesterday.

[Mike Slater]

A shooter opened fire on a Catholic school, killing two children, injuring at least 20 more. Multiple outlets identified the suspect as Robin Westman, his first name, his real name is Robert. Just a few years ago changed it to Robin. YouTube removed footage posted by 23 year old featuring multiple weapons, a handwritten manifesto and a gun magazine featuring the words where is your God? And kill Donald Trump, among other things.

[Mike Slater's Co-Host]

The murderer took his own life minutes after opening fire. Much more coming up in a moment.

[Mike Slater]

About that, a US District judge blocking the Trump administration's order to deport Kilmar Abrego Garcia. The court is now, Geez, the efforts that the courts have taken to protect this guy, this illegal alien ms.13 gang member. The court is now requiring the federal government to present evidence at a hearing scheduled for October 6th. Garcia, a Salvadorian native who's been living in Maryland. Maryland, dad was deported to El Salvador in March over allegations that he's a member of Ms. 13. Never forget that his girlfriend or wife, whatever, would post pictures of him and then cover up his hand that had.

[Mike Slater's Co-Host]

The MS.13 the symbols written on them. But he was eventually brought back to the United States.

[Mike Slater]

Now may go to Uganda. Probably would have been happier. In El Salvador, researchers at the University of Arizona find the common smartphone is dirtier than a toilet seat. Scientists say a single digital device contains 20,000 different types of bacteria, germs and viruses. That's 10 times more than the toilet Experts recommend cleaning the phones with a disinfectant wipe at least once a day.

[Mike Slater's Co-Host]

Fewer than 10% of Americans clean their.

[Mike Slater]

Phones once a month. Data from the CDC revealing the most obese states in America. They are Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Mississippi. And the most rotund remains, W.V. 67% of adults are overweight. 20% of adults have clinically diagnosed obesity. The thinnest states in America, Colorado, Utah, Massachusetts, Hawaii and Vermont. America's weight problems cost taxpayers $200 billion.

[Mike Slater's Co-Host]

Every year in health care expenses and premature death.

[Mike Slater]

We have more coming up on the.

[Mike Slater's Co-Host]

Tragedy in Minnesota, including two ways that one can respond to a tragedy like this. We'll break it down next.

[Bill O'Reilly]

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[Mike Slater's Co-Host]

Mike Slater filling in for Bill O'Reilly. It's time for the O'Reilly update message of the day. After a horrible tragedy like what happened in Minnesota, one way that a leader or anyone could respond is by mocking the faith of the people who were killed. So the mayor of Minneapolis decided to do.

[Mike Slater]

He said, this is no time for thoughts and prayers. These kids were literally praying when they were shot, mocking prayer. The Democrats have used that talking point.

[Mike Slater's Co-Host]

For a while now.

[Mike Slater]

Whenever there's a school shooting or in.

[Mike Slater's Co-Host]

This case a church shooting or both.

[Mike Slater]

They'Ll always debate, oh, we don't need your thoughts and prayers, we need action. Kids were literally praying when evil walked in. And the mayor's bed big message was.

[Mike Slater's Co-Host]

To sneer at prayer.

[Mike Slater]

Kids were praying when this evil came in. And the mayor's instinct was to mock prayer. That's one approach. Now, if you don't think prayer works, then I can see why you think.

[Mike Slater's Co-Host]

It'S a very silly thing to do. That used to be me. So I get it.

[Mike Slater]

If you do think that prayer works? Then what else are you doing? The Bible says to pray without ceasing first. Thessalonians 5:16. Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. Give thanks in all circumstances.

[Mike Slater's Co-Host]

This is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

[Mike Slater]

Rejoice always. Rejoice always.

[Mike Slater's Co-Host]

Yes, it's a command in the Bible.

[Mike Slater]

Now, we have a tough time with that in our culture because we're told.

[Mike Slater's Co-Host]

That everything's about feelings. And you may be feeling a certain way, maybe feeling sad, but rejoicing is not about feelings. You can feel sadness, you can be heartbroken and still rejoice. The tense is actually in the continual tense. It's a keep on rejoicing.

[Mike Slater]

If you don't believe in God, then you won't rejoice in God. You won't pray to God, you won't give thanks to God. If you are sort of a religious person, then you'll rejoice sometimes.

[Mike Slater's Co-Host]

Pray when you feel like it, and.

[Mike Slater]

Give thanks when things are going well. But Christians are commanded to rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and give thanks in all circumstances.

[Mike Slater's Co-Host]

See the difference?

[Mike Slater]

And the reason why Christians can rejoice.

[Mike Slater's Co-Host]

In all circumstances is because of John 16:34. In the world you will face tribulation, but take heart, I have overcome the world.

[Mike Slater]

There's an old hymn that was written.

[Mike Slater's Co-Host]

In 1774, right before we became a nation.

[Mike Slater]

It says, o fearful saints, new courage take.

[Mike Slater's Co-Host]

The clouds that you now dread are big with mercy and will break in blessings on your head.

[Mike Slater]

Judge not the Lord by feeble sense.

[Mike Slater's Co-Host]

But trust him for his grace. Behind a frowning providence he hides a smiling face. But God's purposes will ripen fast, unfolding every hour. The bud may have a bitter taste, but sweet will be the flower. Blind unbelief is sure to err and.

[Mike Slater]

Scan his work in vain.

[Mike Slater's Co-Host]

God is his own interpreter and he will make it plain.

[Mike Slater]

So God, we trust in you.

[Mike Slater's Co-Host]

O God, we trust in you. When tears are great and comforts few, we hope and mercies ever new we trust in you. That phrase happens to be one of our mottos of this country. We have two E pluribus unum out of many one and in God we trust. We all have a choice in how we respond to tragedy.

[Mike Slater]

I would recommend against sneering and mocking.

[Mike Slater's Co-Host]

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. In a fallen, broken world, he's where the joy is. More coming up.

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[Mike Slater]

Get [e-mail] Mike Slater filling it for Bill O'Reilly. Now it's time for something you might not know.

[Mike Slater's Co-Host]

We talked in the morning edition about this flag burning executive order that the president signed.

[Mike Slater]

He said, among other things, that his administration will prosecute anyone who incites violence or otherwise violates our laws while desecrating this symbol of our country. I want to push back here on this automatic libertarian response that has become the go to conservative response for a lot of people. And that is burning the flag, as much as I hate it is someone's First Amendment right. Where did that come from? 1984, there was a communist. He was a member of the Revolutionary Communist Youth Brigade. He burned the American flag outside of.

[Mike Slater's Co-Host]

The 1984 Republican convention in Dallas.

[Mike Slater]

He stole it and then burned it.

[Mike Slater's Co-Host]

He was fined $2,000 and a year.

[Mike Slater]

In jail based on Texas law. And it worked its way up to the Supreme Court because at the time, 48 states had a law that said you cannot burn the American flag. 48 states. So that's fact number one. When people say this is wrong of President Trump to do this. Know that in 1989, 48 states had.

[Mike Slater's Co-Host]

This law on the books.

[Mike Slater]

So the Supreme Court ruled And they said 5 to 4 that that law is unconstitutional. It's a very close decision. Five to four wasn't a nine nothing slam dunk. Congress, in response, passed a bill making it a federal crime to burn the American flag. That bill passed overwhelmingly, 380 to 38 in the House and in the Senate, 91 to 9. Then the Supreme Court ruled again that a federal law is unconstitutional as well.

[Mike Slater's Co-Host]

Again, a 5 to 4 decision.

[Mike Slater]

This was 1990. So what I want to push back on is this, this idea. Again, a lot of conservatives still hold this as like a libertarian kind of view that, oh yeah, like obviously burning.

[Mike Slater's Co-Host]

The flag is someone's First Amendment right?

[Mike Slater]

No, not obviously. And this was almost never believed to be the case for most of our history is unfathomable that anyone would ever burn the flag. But then for another giant part of.

[Mike Slater's Co-Host]

Our history it was illegal to burn the flag.

[Mike Slater]

It was only in 1990 and just.

[Mike Slater's Co-Host]

Barely a 5 to 4 decision that this was deemed someone's First Amendment right.

[Mike Slater]

Also worth noting that today in America, if you deface the rainbow crosswalk in any one of our cities or heaven forbid, tear down a pride flag, you'll be arrested for all sorts of crimes. Just a month ago, the New York Times wrote about four teenagers arrested when they tore down some pride flags in Atlanta. They were charged with obstruction, criminal damage to property, conspiracy and prowling so offensive that the 16 year old's dad was charged with failing to supervise his son. It is time we reprioritize our national symbols.

[Mike Slater's Co-Host]

More coming up.

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[Bill O'Reilly]

That is the weekend edition of the O'Reilly Update. No spin, just facts. We are always looking out for you.

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