NPR News Now – August 29, 2025, 12AM EDT

Host: Shea Stevens
Podcast: NPR News Now
Date: August 29, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode delivers a concise roundup of the latest major stories in U.S. and world news, covering tragic events, agency upheaval, policy changes, legal developments, public health emergencies, and market updates—all in just under five minutes.

Key News Stories & Discussion Points

1. Minneapolis Church Mass Shooting ([00:19]–[01:18])

• Main Incident:
  • Authorities shared new details about a mass shooting at Annunciation Church in Minneapolis.
  • Victims: Two children killed; 18 others injured, the majority of whom are children.
• Suspect:
  • Robin Westman, 23, previously attended the church and its associated school.
  • Westman left behind extensive written material expressing animosity toward various groups and admiring other mass shooters.
• Notable Quote:
  • Joe Thompson (Acting U.S. Attorney for District of Minnesota):
    “The shooter expressed hate towards black people. The shooter expressed hate towards Mexican people. The shooter expressed hate towards Christian people. The shooter expressed hate towards Jewish people. In short, the shooter appeared to hate all of us.” ([00:52])
• Insight: Authorities are piecing together the suspect’s motives and background, highlighting a disturbing obsession with harming children.

2. CDC Leadership Crisis ([01:18]–[02:04])

• Context:
  • CDC Director Susan Manares was fired after refusing to resign.
  • The decision has led to the resignation of several top CDC scientists.
  • Staff at CDC’s Atlanta headquarters held a gathering to honor those who resigned.
• Implications:
  • The CDC’s operational readiness is questioned amid internal disarray with no clear replacement.
  • Notable Quote:
    • Selena Simmons Duffin (NPR Reporter):
      “There’s no replacement for the federal government, not just in terms of resources but in terms of legal authority.” ([01:54])
• Concern: The nation faces a potentially vulnerable moment in public health emergency preparedness.

3. Closure of Florida Everglades Immigration Detention Facility ([02:04]–[02:44])

• Event:
  • A federal judge ordered the phasing out of the Everglades immigration facility, citing violations in its hasty construction—lack of public input and environmental review.
  • Florida and the Trump administration must stop admitting new detainees and shut down operations within 60 days.
• Stakeholder Reaction:
  • Eve Samples (Friends of the Everglades):
    “When the last detainee leaves, the state should turn off the lights and shut the door behind them. This is not an appropriate place for a detention center.” ([02:30])
• Financial Note:
  • Despite its closure, the state committed $245 million in contracts related to its operation.

4. End of ‘De Minimis’ Tax Exemption on Low-Value Imports ([02:51])

• Key Policy Change:
  • The U.S. has ended the $800 de minimis exemption for duty-free imports.
  • Consumers must now pay import levies (10-50% or a flat fee) on purchases below $800, especially affecting clothing and other commonly imported goods.

5. Retrial for Former Memphis Police Officers ([03:25])

• Legal Developments:
  • Three ex-Memphis police officers convicted of beating a motorist to death (2023) have been granted a new trial.
  • Defense argued the original trial judge was biased.
  • The three had previously been acquitted of state charges but were convicted on federal obstruction grounds.

6. Africa’s Cholera Emergency Response ([03:57]–[04:41])

• Situation:
  • Over 200,000 cases and nearly 5,000 deaths from cholera reported in 23 African countries this year.
• Urgency:
  • Yap Boom (Africa CDC):
    “Action is needed not tomorrow, but really now.” ([04:05])
• Initiative:
  • African leaders have formed a presidential task force to fight cholera, aiming to control the outbreak within six months.
  • Focus on cross-country coordination and upgrading water infrastructure.
  • Notable Quote:
    • Yap Boom:
      “What is changing now is to bring the issue of cholera at the highest level.” ([04:28])

7. Market & Economic Update ([04:41]–[04:57])

• Stocks:
  • Dow up by 71 points, Nasdaq up by 115.
  • U.S. futures steady; Asia-Pacific shares mostly lower.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Hate-Fueled Violence:
  • “The shooter appeared to hate all of us.” — Joe Thompson ([00:52])
• CDC Leadership Vacuum:
  • “There’s no replacement for the federal government, not just in terms of resources but in terms of legal authority.” — Selena Simmons Duffin ([01:54])
• Environmental Justice:
  • “When the last detainee leaves, the state should turn off the lights and shut the door behind them.” — Eve Samples ([02:30])
• Cholera Crisis Call to Action:
  • “Action is needed not tomorrow, but really now.” — Yap Boom ([04:05])

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Minneapolis Shooting: 00:19–01:18
• CDC Turmoil: 01:18–02:04
• Everglades Detention Center Closure: 02:04–02:44
• Import Tax Change: 02:51
• Memphis Police Retrial: 03:25
• Cholera in Africa: 03:57–04:41
• Market Update: 04:41–04:57

For listeners seeking a rapid, thorough understanding of today’s most important headlines, this episode delivers clear, sober reporting on public safety, governance, public health, legal issues, and economic updates.