NPR News Now – 08-27-2025 10PM EDT

Host: Nora Ramm (NPR)

Date: August 28, 2025
Theme: Breaking national and international news, with focus on a shooting at a Minneapolis church and school, US-India trade developments, Nvidia’s financial results, Missouri paid sick leave repeal, and health policy updates.

Main Theme and Episode Purpose

This five-minute newscast delivers the most critical news updates at the hour, covering breaking stories in the US and abroad. Highlights include a tragic shooting at a church and school in Minneapolis, new US tariffs on India, Nvidia’s record-setting but volatile financial results, legislative setbacks for worker rights in Missouri, and important announcements from health agencies regarding COVID vaccines and CDC leadership.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Tragic Shooting at Minneapolis Church and School

[00:20–01:15]

• Incident: A shooter opened fire at Annunciation Church and School in Minneapolis during a morning mass marking the school year’s start.
• Casualties: Two children killed, 17 wounded (most were children).
• Suspect: Died of a self-inflicted wound.
• Details:
  • Took place during morning mass with both children and adults present.
  • Shooter fired from outside, using a rifle, shotgun, and pistol—all legally obtained weapons.
  • Dozens of rounds were fired.
• Quote:
  • “The church is right next to the school ... the shooter appeared to do most or all shooting from outside through windows. They had a rifle, shotgun and a pistol, and police say the shooter used all three, firing dozens of rounds.” – Peter Cox, Minnesota Public Radio [00:41]

2. New US Tariffs on Indian Goods

[01:15–02:11]

• Policy: US imposes a 50% tariff on goods from India starting today.
• Reason: Penalty for India’s continued purchase of Russian oil.
• Trade Impact:
  • Major exports like textiles, gems, and jewelry affected.
  • Exemptions include pharmaceuticals and electronics (e.g., iPhones).
  • Lesser impact on US consumers; significant blow for Indian exporters.
• Quote:
  • “The US has exempted some of India’s other big exports, including pharmaceuticals and electronics like iPhones. That means the potential impact… could be a little more limited.” – Rafael Naam, NPR [01:33]

3. Nvidia’s Soaring Sales and Cautious Outlook

[02:11–03:07]

• Highlights:
  • Nvidia’s July-quarter sales: $46.7 billion, up 56% year-over-year.
  • Data center sales grew at the same rate.
  • Despite strong growth, shares dipped due to results being slightly below expectations.
  • AI demand is fueling growth; company faces China market uncertainties.
  • No H20 chip sales to China this past quarter or next.
• Quote:
  • “Nvidia is the world’s leader in chips for developing artificial intelligence… The company’s shares dipped in aftermarket trading, though, because the results were slightly lower than expected.” – John Ruich, NPR [02:23]

4. Missouri Workers Lose Paid Sick Days

[03:07–04:15]

• Background:
  • Proposition A (voter-approved) raised the minimum wage, allowed employees to earn sick days.
  • Lawmakers repealed the sick leave portion, as it was a statutory (not constitutional) change.
  • Workers’ groups plan to push for a constitutional amendment (requiring 170,000+ signatures).
• Worker’s Commentary:
  • “We workers aren’t going to stop fighting either. We’re going to keep trying to get these things that we feel that all workers are entitled to.” – Richard Eicher, Stand up KC [03:57]

5. Health Headlines: New COVID Vaccines and CDC Leadership Confusion

[04:15–04:59]

• COVID Vaccine Policy:
  • FDA approves next round of vaccines, restricted to those at risk (age 65+ or with qualifying health conditions).
• CDC Leadership Turmoil:
  • Conflicting reports about the status of Director Susan Menarez. HHS announced her departure on social media but offered no explanation. Menarez’s lawyers say she remains in the job, having only just been confirmed last month.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “The shooter appeared to do most or all shooting from outside through windows. They had a rifle, shotgun and a pistol, and police say the shooter used all three, firing dozens of rounds.”
  – Peter Cox [00:41]

• “The US has exempted some of India’s other big exports, including pharmaceuticals and electronics like iPhones. That means the potential impact of Indian tariffs on the US consumer could be a little more limited.”
  – Rafael Naam [01:33]

• “Nvidia is the world’s leader in chips for developing artificial intelligence… The company’s shares dipped in aftermarket trading, though, because the results were slightly lower than expected.”
  – John Ruich [02:23]

• “We workers aren’t going to stop fighting either. We’re going to keep trying to get these things that we feel that all workers are entitled to.”
  – Richard Eicher [03:57]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Minneapolis shooting: [00:20–01:15]
• US tariffs on India: [01:15–02:11]
• Nvidia financial report: [02:11–03:07]
• Missouri sick leave repeal: [03:07–04:15]
• COVID vaccine update/CDC leadership: [04:15–04:59]

This concise newscast covers urgent headlines across national security, global trade, technology, worker policy, and health, providing listeners with necessary context and on-the-ground voices for each issue.