NPR News Now – August 28, 2025, 6PM EDT

Host: Jeanine Herbst
Length: 5 minutes

Episode Overview

This episode provides a concise update on several major news stories from August 28, 2025, covering national tragedy, international conflict, a significant civil rights anniversary, and financial updates. Key focus is given to the aftermath of a mass shooting at a Minneapolis church, ongoing humanitarian concerns in Gaza, the unveiling of a major artifact in the Emmett Till case, and updates on mortgage rates and stock markets.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Minneapolis Church Shooting (00:32–02:22)

• Incident Summary:
  A mass shooting occurred during a Catholic church service in Minneapolis, resulting in the deaths of two schoolchildren and injuries to 18 others, mostly children.

  • The shooter, Robin Westman, was reported to have a "deranged fascination with past mass shooters."
  • Evidence: Authorities found 116 shotgun rounds and three rifle casings at the scene.

• Law Enforcement Response:

  • [00:57] Police Chief Brian O'Harris:

    "This is an unthinkable, completely senseless act, violence perpetrated against children worshiping at mass and no investigation, no evidence will be ever be able to make sense of such an unthinkable tragedy."

• Aftermath & Public Response:
  The nation is grappling with how to explain repeated school shootings to children and is increasingly worried about school safety.

• Parenting and Mental Health Guidance:

  • [01:56] Psychologist Melissa Breimer:

    "Take that breath, acknowledge that what feelings are coming up and then have that conversation with your child about first, what have they heard about the event and what do they need before they go to school?"

  • Experts emphasize open communication, allowing children to express questions and emotions.

2. Gaza Conflict & Humanitarian Crisis (02:22–03:24)

• UN Concerns:
  UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres raised alarm over Israel's military movements in Gaza City, warning of "devastating consequences for civilians already traumatized by war."

• Call for Action:

  • [02:57] Antonio Guterres:

    "No more excuses, no more obstacles, no more lies."

• US Involvement & Statements:

  • Former President Trump described the situation as "coming to a head," predicting a "conclusive ending in two to three weeks" and mentioning meetings with Israeli officials to discuss Gaza's post-war future.

• Israel’s Position:
  Israel continues to deny famine conditions in northern Gaza while international pressure mounts regarding humanitarian access.

3. 70th Anniversary of the Emmett Till Lynching (03:24–04:36)

• Anniversary Recognition:
  On the 70th anniversary, the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum unveiled the gun believed to have been used in Emmett Till’s murder—a case that galvanized the U.S. civil rights movement.

• Artifact Details:

  • [04:14] Nan Prince (Director of Collections, MS Department of Archives and History):

    "This is a pistol that we believe is the weapon that was used to kill Emmett Till."

• Personal Reflection:

  • [04:22 & 04:32] Wheeler Parker (Till’s cousin and last living witness):

    "It's been something that I've always wondered about for 70 years."
    "I think it gives validity to it. It helps brings closure as far as I'm concerned."

4. Economic & Market Updates (04:40–05:11)

• Mortgage Rates:

  • The average 30-year mortgage rate fell to 6.56%, the lowest in 10 months.
  • The 15-year mortgage held steady at 5.69%.

• Stock Market:

  • The Dow Jones closed up by 71 points, Nasdaq up by 115, and S&P 500 up by 20 to a new record high.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the Minneapolis shooting:
  Police Chief Brian O'Harris (00:57):

  "This is an unthinkable, completely senseless act, violence perpetrated against children worshiping at mass..."

• On supporting children after gun violence:
  Psychologist Melissa Breimer (01:56):

  "Take that breath, acknowledge ... feelings... have that conversation with your child about ... what have they heard ... what do they need..."

• On the humanitarian crisis in Gaza:
  Antonio Guterres (02:57):

  "No more excuses, no more obstacles, no more lies."

• On the significance of the Emmett Till artifact:
  Wheeler Parker (04:32):

  "I think it gives validity to it. It helps brings closure as far as I'm concerned."

Timestamps of Important Segments

• Mass shooting in Minneapolis report: 00:32–02:22
• Quote: Police Chief Brian O'Harris: 00:57
• Mental health guidance (Melissa Breimer): 01:56
• Gaza conflict update: 02:22–03:24
• Quote: Antonio Guterres: 02:57
• Emmett Till anniversary/weapon unveiling: 03:24–04:36
• Quotes: Nan Prince & Wheeler Parker: 04:14–04:36
• Mortgage rates and market update: 04:40–05:11

This efficient but impactful update delivers critical developments from multiple fronts, thoughtfully incorporating voices of officials, survivors, and experts, with a tone of empathy and gravity throughout.