NPR News Now – August 28, 2025, 10AM EDT

Host: Windsor Johnston (NPR News)
Date: August 28, 2025
Length: 5 minutes

Brief Overview

This concise NPR News Now episode covers major breaking news and significant stories of the morning, including updates on a tragic church shooting in Minneapolis, legal fallout at the Federal Reserve, developments in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the unveiling of a historic civil rights artifact, new COVID-19 vaccine regulations, and a quick check on financial markets. The episode balances somber reporting with essential updates, featuring direct voices from affected individuals and officials.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Minneapolis Church Shooting: Community in Mourning

Segment Start: 00:16

• Incident: Two children (ages 8 and 10) were killed and 17 others wounded during Mass at the Annunciation Catholic Church; the shooter died by suicide.
• Community Response: Vigils held at a nearby Catholic high school and city park.
  • Archbishop Bernard Hebda spoke on the power of communal support.

    "Coming together of so many people from so many places and so many traditions would provide some support, some consolation to those who have lost loved ones." (Archbishop Bernard Hebda – 00:56)

• Witnessing Grief: The report described children and families holding candles and supporting one another.

2. Federal Reserve Lawsuit: Governance in Turmoil

Segment Start: 01:23

• Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook has filed a lawsuit against President Trump’s attempt to fire her, naming the president, the Fed Board, and Chairman Jerome Powell as defendants.

3. Russia-Ukraine War: EU Outrage After Airstrikes

Segment Start: 01:23

• EU Response:
  • The latest Russian airstrikes in Kyiv damaged diplomatic offices but did not cause EU casualties.
  • EU foreign policy chief summoned Russia’s top diplomat in Brussels.
  • Arianna Podesta (European Commission Spokesperson):

    "[T]he EU's ambassador and diplomatic staff are safe and staying put in Kyiv after their offices were severely damaged in the latest round of Russian airstrikes, described as the second most severe since the start of Russia's war more than three years ago." (Arianna Podesta – 01:51)
    "[T]he EU support is unshakeable." (Arianna Podesta – 02:11)

4. Economic Update: US GDP & Nvidia Boom

Segment Start: 02:15

• US GDP Revision:
  • Growth revised up to 3.3% for spring, reflecting stronger consumer spending and investment, but weaker government spending.
  • International trade fluctuations driven by Trump's tariffs policies.
• Nvidia’s Surge:
  • Demand for AI drives nearly 60% leap in quarterly income.
• Market Snapshot:
  • Dow down 47 points in early trading.

5. 70 Years Since Emmett Till’s Lynching: New Artifact Unveiled

Segment Start: 03:13

• Commemoration:
  • Marks the 70th anniversary of Emmett Till’s killing—a pivotal event in civil rights history.
• Artifact Unveiling:
  • The presumed murder weapon—a pistol—displayed at the Civil Rights Museum.
    • Nan Prince, Mississippi Department of Archives and History:

      "This is a pistol that we believe is the weapon that was used to kill Emmett Till." (Nan Prince – 03:58)

    • Wheeler Parker, Emmett Till’s cousin:

      "It's been something that I've always wondered about for 70 years." (Wheeler Parker – 04:06)
      "I think it gives validity to it. It helped bring closure, far as I'm concerned." (Wheeler Parker – 04:15)

6. COVID-19: New Vaccine Approvals and Restrictions

Segment Start: 04:23

• FDA Approvals:
  • Latest COVID-19 vaccines targeting new strain approved, but restrictions mean only seniors – and children/adults with underlying conditions – have immediate access.
• Manufacturers:
  • Pfizer, Moderna, and Novavax produce the new vaccines.
• Update:
  • Stocks continuing to trade lower (Dow down 82; NASDAQ down 11).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "Coming together... would provide some support, some consolation to those who have lost loved ones."
  – Archbishop Bernard Hebda [00:56], speaking at the Minneapolis vigil

• "This is a pistol that we believe is the weapon that was used to kill Emmett Till."
  – Nan Prince, museum director [03:58]

• "It's been something that I've always wondered about for 70 years."
  – Wheeler Parker, Emmett Till’s cousin [04:06]

Timeline: Timestamps of Major Segments

| Timestamp | Segment | |-----------|----------------------------------------------| | 00:16 | Minneapolis church shooting & community vigils | | 01:23 | Fed Governor lawsuit; Russia-Ukraine, EU outrage | | 02:15 | US economy, tariffs, Nvidia boom, stock update| | 03:13 | Emmett Till: 70 years & museum artifact | | 04:23 | FDA COVID-19 vaccine approvals & market update|

This episode delivers a rapid-fire, yet respectful, roundup of morning headlines. If you missed it, you’ll walk away informed on today’s top stories—from tragedies and courtrooms to Wall Street and historic reckonings—directly in the voices of those affected.