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.
