NPR News Now – August 29, 2025, 5AM EDT

Host: Dave Mattingly
Episode Theme:
A concise roundup of top U.S. and world news headlines, highlighting major policy actions, legal rulings, and urgent national events.

Key News Highlights

1. U.S. Military Aid to Ukraine & Diplomatic Efforts

[00:15]

• The Trump administration announced a new $825 million weapons and military equipment package for Ukraine, amid efforts to arrange a Russia-Ukraine presidential summit.
• Includes thousands of extended-range missiles and GPS units.
• The aid follows Russian night attacks on Kyiv, resulting in more than a dozen civilian deaths.

2. Executive Order Limiting Federal Workers’ Collective Bargaining

[00:39]

• President Trump issued an executive order stripping more federal employees of collective bargaining rights.
• Agencies Affected: NASA, National Weather Service, Patent and Trademark Office, among others.
• Legal Background: Trump relies on a provision allowing restriction of union rights in agencies tied to national security.
• Union Reactions: Multiple lawsuits have challenged a March order that affected 1 million federal workers; administration actions allowed to proceed as litigation continues.
• Notable Quote:
  • Andrea Hsu: “Past presidents have used that authority sparingly. Unions have already filed a half dozen lawsuits... arguing that Trump is retaliating against them for opposing parts of his agenda.” ([00:58])

3. Minnesota Church Shooting: Aftermath and Guidance for Parents

[01:40]

• Deadly shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis:
  • 2 children killed, 18 injured (including 3 adults in their 80s).
  • Shooter, Robin Westman, 23, had attended the church’s school; mother previously worked in the parish.
• Investigative Status: No specific motive identified.
• Parental Guidance:
  • NPR’s Kadia Riddle and expert Melissa Breimer urge parents to honestly address such tragedies with their children rather than shielding them.
• Notable Quotes:
  • Melissa Breimer: “If parents don't talk to their kids about it, they risk them finding out through social media or their peers.” ([02:16])
  • “There's a reason for that, because that's one way your school is trying to make sure that you stay safe at school.” ([02:39])
  • “Children... can handle the truth even when it's difficult.” ([02:50])

4. 20th Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina

[02:56]

• Marking two decades since Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans and the Gulf Coast, causing 1,400 deaths.
• National Hurricane Center reflects on the event’s scale and impact.

5. New Trial in Tyre Nichols Police Beating Case

[03:32]

• A federal judge has ordered a new trial for three former Memphis officers convicted in the 2023 beating death of Tyre Nichols:
  • Previous judge, Mark Norris, recused himself after suspecting potential links between defendants and a shooting involving his law clerk.
  • Judge Cheryl Lipman granted the new trial citing risk of judicial bias.
• Notable Quote:
  • Christopher Blank: “Norris suspected a defendant had been involved. He told a federal investigator that the Memphis Police Department was, quote, infiltrated to the top with gang members.” ([03:32])

6. Detention of Undocumented Firefighters in Washington State

[04:14]

• Two firefighters, found to be in the U.S. illegally, detained while battling the Bear Gulch fire on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula.
• Federal agencies involved: Department of Homeland Security and Border Patrol.
• Political Reaction: Washington Senator Patty Murray condemned the arrests as “immoral and dangerous.”

7. Market Update

[04:42]

• Dow futures are down by 174 points as Wall Street prepares for market open.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Past presidents have used that authority sparingly. Unions have already filed a half dozen lawsuits challenging the March order, arguing that Trump is retaliating against them for opposing parts of his agenda.”
  — Andrea Hsu ([00:58])

• “If parents don't talk to their kids about it, they risk them finding out through social media or their peers.”
  — Melissa Breimer ([02:16])

• "Do you see sometimes that the doors are locked at school? There's a reason for that because that's one way your school is trying to make sure that you stay safe at school."
  — Melissa Breimer ([02:39])

• “Norris suspected a defendant had been involved. He told a federal investigator that the Memphis Police Department was, quote, infiltrated to the top with gang members.”
  — Christopher Blank ([03:32])

Timestamps of Key Segments

• U.S. Military Aid to Ukraine – [00:15]
• Federal Collective Bargaining Rights – [00:39] to [01:40]
• Minnesota Church Shooting & Parental Guidance – [01:40] to [02:56]
• Hurricane Katrina 20th Anniversary – [02:56]
• Memphis Police Officers’ New Trial – [03:32]
• Undocumented Firefighters Detained in Washington – [04:14]
• Market Update – [04:42]

This episode delivered a brisk, focused rundown of consequential news—from decisions affecting international conflicts to national debates on labor rights, public safety, immigration, and reflections on past disasters. Each segment provided timely expertise and direct commentary to keep listeners informed on critical developments.