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

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.

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]

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]

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]

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.