NPR News Now – Episode Summary

Podcast: NPR News Now
Episode: NPR News: 08-29-2025 4PM EDT
Date: August 29, 2025
Host: Lakshmi Singh

Overview

This episode delivers a concise roundup of major national and global news events as of August 29, 2025, highlighting political maneuvers, human tragedies, and policy shifts across the United States and internationally. Special focus is given to Texas’s redistricting, a mass shooting in Minneapolis, U.S. foreign policy moves on Palestine, Hurricane Katrina’s 20th anniversary, and a surprising reversal in military honors policy for a January 6 participant.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Texas Redistricting Intensifies Political Tensions

• Main Story [00:26-01:15]
  • Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed a new congressional redistricting bill, potentially granting the GOP five additional seats.
  • Democrats had left the state in protest, delaying the bill and alleging the mid-decade redistricting is an "unlawful attempt" to sway the upcoming midterms.
  • The Democratic Party also put forward a competing redistricting plan.
  • Quote:
    • "Texas is now more red in the United States Congress." – Reporter [00:36]
• White House moves to unilaterally retract nearly $5 billion in previously approved foreign aid using a “pocket rescission,” limiting congressional response time before fiscal year's end (September 30th).

2. Twin Tragedy: Mass Shooting at Minneapolis Catholic Church

• Incident & Eyewitness Accounts [01:16-02:19]
  • A deadly shooting occurred during mass at Annunciation Church, claiming two lives, including eight-year-old Fletcher Merkel, and injuring at least 18 (mostly children).
  • Kathryn Spandel, a former student, recounts the harrowing moments and her efforts to find solace in prayer amidst chaos.
  • Notable Quote:
    • "As I lay there on the ground, I looked forward and the young woman two rows ahead who is our pastoral minister for the children, she was facing me and we reached towards each other and we prayed the Hail Mary together and we were both crying." – Kathryn Spandel [01:55]
  • Memorable Moment: The shooting interrupted the congregation just after finishing the psalm: "You have searched me and you know me, Lord." [01:36]

3. U.S. Revokes Palestinian Officials’ Visas Ahead of UN Assembly

• Policy Shift & Diplomatic Fallout [02:19-03:18]
  • Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced visa denials and revocations for Palestinian Authority and PLO officials to block participation in the upcoming UN General Assembly.
  • Rubio’s Justification:
    • "They must, quote, consistently repudiate terrorism, including the October 7 Hamas led attack on Israel." – Marco Rubio, via NPR [02:43]
  • The U.S.-UN Headquarters agreement exempts the Palestinian diplomatic mission itself; President Mahmoud Abbas still plans to attend the assembly.

4. Remembering Hurricane Katrina: 20 Years Later

• Reflection & Recovery [03:18-03:58]
  • The 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina spotlights stories of loss, resilience, and ongoing community recovery.
  • Dr. Glenn Johnson of New Orleans recalls the indelible impact of caring for patients during the disaster.
  • Quote:
    • "When I look back on my career, this might have been the highlight of me actually making a difference. And that's the part when I go to bed August 29th. That's the part I'm going to remember." – Dr. Glenn Johnson [03:43]

5. Air Force Reverses Decision on Military Honors for January 6th Rioter

• Controversial Honors [03:58-05:01]
  • The Air Force will now extend military funeral honors to Ashley Babbitt, an Air Force veteran fatally shot during the Capitol riot.
  • Details:
    • Babbitt was draped in a Trump flag and killed while attempting to enter the Speaker’s chamber during the riot.
    • Previously denied honors due to riot involvement. Biden administration’s denial reversed.
    • Trump awarded pardons and clemency to most January 6th defendants; Babbitt's family will receive nearly $5 million in a wrongful death settlement.
    • Officer who shot Babbitt was cleared by a federal court, citing self-defense and protection of lawmakers.

Notable Quotes

• “Texas is now more red in the United States Congress.” – Reporter [00:36]
• “As I lay there on the ground, I looked forward and the young woman two rows ahead who is our pastoral minister... we prayed the Hail Mary together and we were both crying.” – Kathryn Spandel, Minneapolis shooting survivor [01:55]
• “They must, quote, consistently repudiate terrorism, including the October 7 Hamas led attack on Israel.” – Secretary of State Marco Rubio [02:43]
• “When I look back on my career, this might have been the highlight of me actually making a difference.” – Dr. Glenn Johnson, reflecting on Hurricane Katrina [03:43]

Quick Segment Guide (Timestamps)

• Texas Redistricting, Foreign Aid: 00:26-01:36
• Minneapolis Church Shooting: 01:36-02:19
• U.S./Palestinian Diplomacy: 02:19-03:18
• Hurricane Katrina 20th Anniversary: 03:18-03:58
• Jan. 6th Military Honors Reversal: 03:58-05:01

This summary aims to distill the episode’s essential news, moments, and voices, offering a clear, chronological overview for quick yet comprehensive catching-up.