NPR News Now – August 28, 2025, 4PM EDT

Episode Overview

This episode delivers a succinct update on the latest national news, focusing on the aftermath of a Minneapolis church shooting, changes at the CDC under the Trump administration, and economic trends amid rising tariffs. The broadcast features reactions from officials, expert advice for parents, and insights into consumer habits from top retailers.

Key News Highlights and Insights

1. Minneapolis Mass Shooting Update (00:25–01:35)

• New Injury Count Confirmed
  • Minneapolis police announced that the number of people injured in the previous day’s mass shooting is now 18, with a total of 20 victims affected by gunfire.
  • Victims included children and elderly adults attending a church service tied to the start of the school year for Annunciation Catholic School.
• Notable Quotes:
  • Chief Brian O'Hara (00:38):
    "We have identified a total of 20 victims that had injuries resulting from gunfire, including the 8 and 10 year old who were killed yesterday."
• Attack Details:
  • 15 of the wounded were children ages 6–15; three adults were in their 80s.
  • The shooter was found dead by suicide.
  • Police executed four search warrants, confiscating 116 rifle rounds, three shotgun shells, and a live pistol round from an apparent misfire.
  • Hundreds of pieces of evidence recovered from the scene and the shooter’s residences.

2. Guidance for Parents Discussing Tragedy with Children (01:35–02:10)

• Expert Recommendations:
  • Parents are advised to have honest discussions with their children about traumatic events to avoid misinformation from peers or social media.
  • Melissa Breimer (Director, National Center for Child Traumatic Stress) suggests reminding kids about school safety protocols.
• Notable Quotes:
  • White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt (01:59):
    "Do you see sometimes that the doors are locked at school? There's a reason for that because that's one way your school is trying to make sure that you stay safe at school."
  • Katie Riddle, NPR (02:10):
    "Children, she says, can handle the truth, even when it's difficult."

3. CDC Leadership Shakeup (02:16–03:12)

• Leadership Change:
  • President Trump fired CDC Director Susan Minares, who served less than a month.
  • Several top CDC officials resigned in protest.
  • Minares’ legal team claims she was dismissed for refusing to endorse "unscientific, reckless directives" and to fire experts.
• White House and Health Secretary Responses:
  • Press Secretary Caroline Levitt (02:53):
    "It was President Trump who was overwhelmingly reelected...and the president has the authority to fire those who are not aligned with his mission."
  • White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt (03:03):
    "The job of administration officials is to execute on the vision and promises of President Trump."

4. CDC Staff Reaction (03:12–04:12)

• Applause for Resigned Officials:
  • CDC staff in Atlanta publicly expressed gratitude to leaders who resigned following Minares' removal.
  • Minares’ attorney restates her commitment to science-based initiatives.
  • Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. defended the ouster, asserting the CDC is a “troubled agency.”

5. Retailers & Consumer Trends Amid Tariffs (04:12–04:55)

• Economic Resilience:
  • Major retailers (Best Buy, Dollar General, Dick’s Sporting Goods) reported continued strong consumer spending despite higher prices due to new tariffs.
  • Chains are selectively raising prices, often absorbing costs to limit impact on shoppers.
  • Alina Selyukh, NPR (04:12):
    "Price increases for shoppers have so far been sporadic and surgical. As Dick's Sporting Goods executives put it, that chain is actually raising its financial forecast for the year, as it says people are visiting more often and spending more when they do."
  • All income brackets are reported to be shopping more; demand for deals and select big-ticket items remains high.

6. Stock Market Update (04:55–05:04)

• Closing Numbers:
  • Dow up 71 points (45,635)
  • S&P up 20 points
  • Nasdaq up 115 points (about 0.5%)

Memorable Moments & Notable Quotes

• Police Chief Brian O'Hara (00:38):
  "We have identified a total of 20 victims that had injuries resulting from gunfire, including the 8 and 10 year old who were killed yesterday."
• Caroline Levitt, Press Secretary (01:59):
  "Do you see sometimes that the doors are locked at school? There's a reason for that because that's one way your school is trying to make sure that you stay safe at school."
• Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (02:53):
  "It was President Trump who was overwhelmingly reelected on November 5th. This woman has never received a vote in her life. And the president has the authority to fire those who are not aligned with his mission."
• Alina Selyukh, NPR (04:12):
  "Price increases for shoppers have so far been sporadic and surgical."

Timestamps of Key Segments

• Minneapolis Shooting Update: 00:25–01:35
• Parent Guidance: 01:35–02:10
• CDC Director Firing: 02:16–03:12
• CDC Staff Reaction: 03:12–04:12
• Retail and Tariffs: 04:12–04:55
• Market Update: 04:55–05:04

This concise but impactful five-minute news roundup covers ongoing national trauma, political shakeups in public health leadership, economic adaptation to tariffs, and stock market optimism.