NPR News Now – August 28, 2025, 8AM EDT

Host: Windsor Johnston
Episode Length: 5 minutes
Date: August 28, 2025

Overview

This episode of NPR News Now presents a concise roundup of major headlines in the U.S. and abroad. The biggest stories include the aftermath of a tragic mass shooting at a Minneapolis church, new restrictions on COVID-19 vaccine eligibility, Russian airstrikes in Ukraine, wildfire containment challenges in California, upgrades to Amtrak’s Acela fleet, and the rapidly growing Powerball jackpot.

Key News Items & Discussion

1. Minneapolis Church Shooting

[00:11–01:21]

• Event: Communities in Minneapolis held vigils following a shooting at Annunciation Catholic School during a mass marking the first week of classes.
  • Two children were killed.
  • Fourteen other children and three adults in their 80s were wounded.
• Shooter: 23-year-old former student; shot through the windows from outside the church and subsequently died by suicide.
• Eyewitness Account: Pat Scallon, a local parishioner, gave a firsthand account of comforting wounded children.
  • “She was conscious, her eyes were good and she was just brave little. Then there was another boy who got grazed in the arm. I think another brave kid. They're all around fourth or fifth grade.” – Pat Scallon [00:58]
• Severity: All 17 wounded are expected to survive. Motive is under investigation.

2. New COVID-19 Vaccine Restrictions

[01:21–02:08]

• Decision: The FDA approved another round of COVID-19 vaccines (Pfizer, BioNTech, Moderna, Novavax) but with new access limitations.
• New Requirements:
  • Only people at higher risk for severe illness (65+ and people with certain health conditions) can receive the shot.
  • Previous access was for anyone over 6 months old.
  • Rationale: Growing population immunity.
• Concerns:
  • Some public health experts fear the tighter restrictions might make it “too hard for other people to get vaccines.”
  • “Many public health experts worry the restrictions will make it too hard for other people to get vaccines.” – Rob Stein [01:52]

3. Russian Airstrikes in Ukraine

[02:08–03:00]

• Incident: Overnight Russian missile and drone attacks hit multiple Ukrainian cities, with Kyiv suffering the most significant impact.
  • An apartment building in Kyiv took a direct missile hit, partially collapsing.
  • A shopping mall and other residential areas were also targeted.
  • Several deaths and more than 20 injuries were reported.
• Context: Despite Kyiv’s strong air defenses, attacks continue as peace talks stall.
  • “The latest Russian attack comes as diplomatic efforts to end the war appear stalled.” – Greg Myre [02:52]

4. Asian Market Updates

[03:00–03:12]

• Stock Markets:
  • Asia closed mixed.
  • Gains in China and Japan, losses in Hong Kong.

5. California Wildfires

[03:12–03:45]

• Threat:
  • Several large wildfires burning “out of control.”
  • Garnet Fire in Fresno County: Zero containment; growing rapidly.
  • Picket Fire in Napa County: Less than one-third contained.
  • Emergency services continue efforts to curb the spread.

6. Amtrak Launches New Acela Trains

[03:45–04:24]

• Highlights:

  • New “next-gen” Acela trains begin operations in the Northeast Corridor (Washington–New York–Boston).
  • Capabilities: Top speeds up to 160 mph (10 mph faster than older trains).
  • 27% more seats; trains are both lighter and larger.

• Memorable Quote:

  • “They're beautiful, faster, but most importantly, a better experience for the traveling public.” – Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy [04:03]

• Challenges:

  • Despite record ridership, high-speed rail in the U.S. faces uncertainty due to proposed withdrawal of federal funds from a struggling California project.

7. Powerball Jackpot Soars

[04:24–04:54]

• Current Jackpot: $950 million—sixth largest in Powerball history.
• No winner from last night’s draw, next chance on Saturday.

Notable Quotes

• “She was conscious, her eyes were good, and she was just brave little. Then there was another boy who got grazed in the arm. I think another brave kid. They're all around fourth or fifth grade.”
  — Pat Scallon, Minneapolis parishioner [00:58]

• “Many public health experts worry the restrictions will make it too hard for other people to get vaccines.”
  — Rob Stein, NPR [01:52]

• “The latest Russian attack comes as diplomatic efforts to end the war appear stalled.”
  — Greg Myre, NPR [02:52]

• “They're beautiful, faster, but most importantly, a better experience for the traveling public.”
  — Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy [04:03]

Timestamps by Segment

• Minneapolis shooting & vigils: 00:11–01:21
• COVID-19 vaccine restrictions: 01:21–02:08
• Russian airstrikes in Ukraine: 02:08–03:00
• Asian market wrap-up: 03:00–03:12
• California wildfires: 03:12–03:45
• Amtrak Acela trains: 03:45–04:24
• Powerball update: 04:24–04:54

This brisk but thorough bulletin keeps listeners updated on nationally and globally significant events as they unfold, in NPR's signature balanced and clear tone.