NPR News Now — August 29, 2025, 4AM EDT

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

Episode Overview

This fast-paced five-minute news briefing covers major breaking stories from overnight and the previous day. Key coverage includes a tragic school shooting in Minneapolis, national legal developments regarding the Federal Reserve, a significant arrest of firefighters in Washington State, fallout from Nvidia’s earnings, and the 20-year remembrance of Hurricane Katrina.

Key Stories & Discussion Points

1. Minneapolis Catholic School Shooting

[00:19 - 02:09]

• Incident Summary:
  • A 23-year-old former student opened fire at a Catholic school church in Minneapolis, killing two children and injuring 18.
  • Authorities are reviewing his social media, which suggest he idolized mass killers.
• Firsthand Account:
  • Rosie Stiggy, age 8, survivor:

    "We were like just in the middle of Mass and then like big, like the sounds went on and then it was like really smoky and we all had to like run to preschool rooms and the police came and got him."
    — Rosie Stiggy [00:49]

• Victims:
  • 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel and 10-year-old Harper Moisky.
  • Fletcher Merkel’s father asks the public to remember his son for who he was, not how he died.
• Impact on Community:
  • Renewed fears over school safety.
  • Families grappling with explaining the violence to children.
  • Mental health advice from 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 and what do they need before they go to school?"
    — Melissa Breimer [01:45]

  • Emphasis on allowing children to talk and process (Windsor Johnston reporting).

2. Federal Reserve Board Governor Lisa Cook's Dismissal

[02:09 - 03:01]

• Legal Hearing:
  • Today, a judge in Washington will consider whether President Trump’s firing of Lisa Cook, Fed Board Governor, was lawful.
• Allegations:
  • Trump cited alleged mortgage fraud, calling it "potentially criminal," though Cook faces no charges.
• Political Ramifications:
  • Cook’s lawsuit seeks to void the removal order.
  • Control of the Fed Board is at stake; outcome could reach the Supreme Court.
  • This case may redefine the Federal Reserve’s independence and presidential authority.
    — Reported by Franco Ordonez

3. Firefighters Arrested in Washington State

[03:01 - 03:20]

• Summary:
  • Two firefighters, working to contain a massive wildfire, were arrested by Border Patrol after a Bureau of Land Management request to check identities.
  • Details on reasons for arrest not expanded in the segment.

4. Trump Administration Settles with Ashley Babbitt’s Family

[03:20 - 03:37]

• Funeral Honors & Settlement:
  • The Trump administration offers military funeral honors to Ashley Babbitt, the Air Force veteran killed during the January 2021 Capitol riot.
  • Nearly $5 million settlement reached with Babbitt's family on their wrongful death claim.

5. Nvidia’s Stock Drop Despite Big Profits

[03:37 - 04:39]

• Financial Results:
  • Nvidia reported profits over $26 billion; shares still dropped.
• Significant Analysis:
  • The dip reflects nervousness about the "AI bubble" and the practical financial returns on AI investments.
  • Reference to a recent MIT survey highlighting doubts about profitability from AI.
• Broader Economic View:
  • Investor optimism is in question; Nvidia’s movements seen as a bellwether for the AI economy.
    — Maria Aspen, reporting

    "Its status as a big tech bellwether has put Nvidia squarely at the center of questions about politics, the US Government's private business and the huge AI bubble."
    — Maria Aspen [03:54]

6. 20th Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina

[04:39 - 04:58]

• Commemoration Events:
  • Thousands will gather in New Orleans to honor those who died or were affected.
  • Ceremonies to include a wreath at the memorial for dozens of unidentified victims.
  • Katrina made landfall in Louisiana 20 years ago today.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Rosie Stiggy’s account of the shooting: [00:49]

  "We were like just in the middle of Mass and then like big, like the sounds went on and then it was like really smoky and we all had to like run to preschool rooms and the police came and got him."

• Psychologist Melissa Breimer on talking to kids after tragedy: [01:45]

  "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 and what do they need before they go to school?"

• Maria Aspen on Nvidia and the AI market: [03:54]

  "Its status as a big tech bellwether has put Nvidia squarely at the center of questions about politics, the US Government's private business and the huge AI bubble."

Segment Timestamps

• Minneapolis School Shooting Coverage: 00:19 – 02:09
• Lisa Cook/Federal Reserve Dismissal: 02:09 – 03:01
• Firefighters Arrested in Washington: 03:01 – 03:20
• Ashley Babbitt Settlement: 03:20 – 03:37
• Nvidia Profits & Market Analysis: 03:37 – 04:39
• Hurricane Katrina Remembrance: 04:39 – 04:58

NPR News Now remains steadfast in delivering concise, impactful news updates, tackling both breaking developments and moments of national remembrance.