NPR News Now – August 28, 2025, 11AM EDT

Podcast: NPR News Now
Host: Windsor Johnston
Length: ~5 minutes
Date: August 28, 2025

Brief Overview

This episode of NPR News Now delivers concise updates on major national news stories, including the aftermath of a deadly school shooting in Minneapolis, Washington D.C.'s latest homeless count following government crackdowns, political battles over redistricting in California and Texas, a lawsuit in the Federal Reserve, technological advancements in electric vehicle charging, and the rollout of faster Amtrak trains in the Northeast corridor. Each segment provides direct quotes, expert commentary, and recent data, maintaining NPR's informative and measured tone.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Minneapolis School Shooting & Child Trauma

• Tragedy and Response:
  A deadly shooting at the Annunciation Catholic Church and school in Minneapolis has left two children dead and seventeen injured.

• Impact on Families:
  National concern over school safety is renewed as families and caregivers grapple with difficult conversations with children.

• Expert Guidance:
  Melissa Breimer, a clinical psychologist specializing in child traumatic stress, offered advice on NPR's Morning Edition for engaging children post-trauma.

  “Younger kids bring it closer to home. They may wonder, could this happen at my school? And this is where we want to let them know that they’re currently safe and help them to point out some of those safety measures that there are already in place at school.”
  – Melissa Breimer [00:51]

2. DC Homelessness Survey Following Federal Crackdowns

• Background:
  DC conducts a new count of its homeless population to determine the whereabouts of people displaced after federal security removed homeless encampments.
• Displacement & City Goals:
  Reports indicate many displaced individuals are scattered throughout the city.

  “We want to know where they are so that we can connect them to services and get them to come inside.”
  – Mayor Muriel Bowser [01:50]

• Sheltering and Uncertainty:
  81 more people have moved into shelter beds, but their prior locations remain unclear. The city’s goal is to provide housing or shelter for all.

3. California Redistricting Ballot Battle

• Supreme Court Decision:
  The California Supreme Court rejected a Republican attempt to stop a special election ballot measure on redistricting.

• Political Maneuvering:
  The ballot is a response to redistricting in Texas, intended to offset gains that could favor Republicans in Congress.

  • California Democrats want voters to approve bypassing the independent Redistricting Commission, allowing the state to use a new, lawmaker-drawn map.

• Legal Context:
  The Texas map is facing multiple lawsuits on grounds of racial discrimination.

  “Some California Republicans asked the state Supreme Court to remove that measure, arguing it violates the state’s constitution, but the court has now denied that request.”
  – Hansi Lo Wang [02:36]

4. Federal Reserve Controversy

• Dismissal and Lawsuit:
  Fed Governor Lisa Cook sues President Trump, who fired her via social media.
• Legal Questions:
  Cook claims this violates her legal rights and the Federal Reserve Act; both the Fed Board and Jerome Powell are named as defendants.

5. Electric Vehicle Charging Advances

• ChargePoint Breakthrough:
  ChargePoint introduces a new line of ultra-fast chargers, with speeds up to 600 kilowatts for passenger vehicles – nearly double the current fastest in the US.

  “350 kilowatts is considered hyper fast. There are EVs sold in China that can charge at 600 kilowatts, but those cars aren’t available in the U.S., at least not for now.”
  – Camila Domonosky [03:54]

• Heavy Duty Potential:
  New technology can also deliver up to 3.75 megawatts for trucks and buses, and send power back to the grid. Deliveries begin next year.

6. Northeast Corridor Train Upgrade

• Amtrak Next Gen:
  New Acela trains debut, running at up to 160 mph—10 mph faster than previous trains, signaling improvements in rail travel for the Northeast.

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Minneapolis School Shooting / Trauma Guidance:
  [00:18] – [01:09]
• DC Homelessness Count:
  [01:09] – [02:16]
• California Redistricting Legal Fight:
  [02:16] – [03:14]
• Federal Reserve Lawsuit:
  [03:14] – [03:54]
• EV Charging Innovation:
  [03:54] – [04:34]
• Amtrak Train Upgrade:
  [04:34] – [04:57]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Child Trauma after Shootings:

  “Younger kids bring it closer to home. They may wonder, could this happen at my school?”
  – Melissa Breimer [00:51]

• On the Homeless Survey Objective:

  “We want to know where they are so that we can connect them to services and get them to come inside.”
  – Mayor Muriel Bowser [01:50]

• On the Republican Court Challenge in California:

  “Some California Republicans asked the state Supreme Court to remove that measure, arguing it violates the state’s constitution, but the court has now denied that request.”
  – Hansi Lo Wang [02:36]

• On the State of Fast EV Charging:

  “350 kilowatts is considered hyper fast. There are EVs sold in China that can charge at 600 kilowatts, but those cars aren’t available in the U.S., at least not for now.”
  – Camila Domonosky [03:54]

This episode efficiently covers key national developments, providing essential context and expert perspectives for each story.