NPR News Now – August 27, 2025, 2PM EDT

Host: Lakshmi Singh
Date: August 27, 2025
Duration: 5 minutes

Episode Overview

This tightly packed newscast covers major breaking stories and national updates, including a tragic mass shooting at a Minneapolis church and school, legal debates over the deportation of a controversial figure, international postal disruptions stemming from changes in U.S. customs policy, the ongoing crisis in Gaza, and the suspension of a vaccine for the mosquito-borne chikungunya virus.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Minneapolis Mass Shooting at Annunciation Church

• [00:21] Lakshmi Singh breaks the news of a mass shooting at Annunciation Church, Minneapolis.
  • Shooter fired on students and teachers during morning Mass.
  • Outcome: At least 2 children dead, 17 people injured (most are children).
  • Shooter took own life.
• Neighborhood Impact:
  • [00:55] John Collins (Minnesota Public Radio) describes local shock, emphasizing that the church was a neighborhood monument in a safe, quiet, upper-middle-class area.

    “Annunciation Church was kind of a monument in this neighborhood. It was a location where festivals happened, where the Boy Scouts met, that sort of thing.” — John Collins [00:59]

  • Police report: Shooter in early 20s, armed with a rifle, shotgun, and pistol; all used.

2. Deportation Case: Kilmar Abrego Garcia

• [01:18] Update on Abrego Garcia, facing deportation despite lack of ties to Uganda (where DHS wishes to send him).
• [01:47] Scott Newman reports:
  • Abrego Garcia faces human smuggling charges; accused by the White House of being an MS-13 member (denied by Garcia).
  • Legal experts note this accusation could influence Uganda's stance.

    “There's no reason why Ugandan officials could not look at the public statements that Trump administration officials have made and decide that he's too dangerous to be let free.” — Prof. Cesar Cuatemoc Garcia Hernandez [02:04]

  • Uganda generally refuses U.S. migrants with criminal records; Garcia’s future destination uncertain (possibly El Salvador).

3. Disruption in International Postal Deliveries to the U.S.

• [02:29] Many international postal services pause shipments to America.
• [02:35] Bill Chappell explains:
  • Background: “De minimis” rule allowed small-value imports (up to $800) duty-free, creating a flood of lightly inspected packages.
  • Courtney Griffin (Consumer Federation of America):

    “And we're talking about 4 million de minimis packages being processed today.” — Courtney Griffin [02:48]

  • Critics say rule brings unsafe products, hurts U.S. industry.
  • New policy: President Trump ends “de minimis” for imports as of Friday.
  • Result: Major international postal and shipping services halting deliveries while adapting to new customs protocols.

4. U.S.-Israel Talks, Gaza Conflict Update

• [03:21] Ongoing U.S.-Israeli talks on postwar Gaza despite stalling ceasefire efforts.
  • Continued Israeli bombardment of Gaza following deadly hospital strike (20+ killed, including medics and journalists).
  • Rising protests in Israel demanding government secure ceasefire, return hostages.

5. FDA Suspension of Chikungunya Vaccine License

• [03:55] Jonathan Lambert reports:
  • Chikungunya causes severe joint pain, mostly outside U.S.; U.S. primarily administers the vaccine to travelers.
  • 2023: FDA approved Valneva’s vaccine (Ixchiq).
  • May 2025: FDA and EU recommended pause for older adults due to reports of vaccine causing similar symptoms to the disease.
  • Early August: Agencies reversed pause.
  • Last week: FDA suspended vaccine’s license altogether.
  • Manufacturer Valneva claims adverse event rates were as expected pre-approval.

6. Business Update

• [04:55] The Dow Jones Industrial Average is up 139 points at 45,557.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the Minneapolis shooting:

  “So seeing this happen so close to home, I think, of course, has been really shocking.” – John Collins [01:10]

• On the de minimis package rule:

  “And we're talking about 4 million de minimis packages being processed today.” – Courtney Griffin [02:48]

• On international policy:

  “There's no reason why Ugandan officials could not look at the public statements … and decide that he's too dangerous to be let free.” – Prof. Cesar Cuatemoc Garcia Hernandez [02:04]

Timestamps for Major Segments

• Minneapolis Shooting: 00:21 – 01:18
• Abrego Garcia Deportation Case: 01:18 – 02:29
• International Postal Delays: 02:29 – 03:21
• Gaza/Israel Update: 03:21 – 03:55
• Chikungunya Vaccine Suspension: 03:55 – 04:55
• Market Update: 04:55 – 05:04

Tone and Delivery

The episode delivers urgent news with factual clarity, somberness regarding tragedy, and directness in covering complex international and policy issues. Speaker commentary is concise and authoritative, with subtle undercurrents of empathy in community-focused reporting.

This summary encapsulates the critical events and policy changes of August 27, 2025, as presented on NPR News Now.