NPR News Now: August 30, 2025, 4AM EDT
Host: Dale Willman, NPR
Date: August 30, 2025
Episode Description: The latest national and international headlines from NPR News, delivered in five minutes.

Episode Overview

This fast-paced NPR News Now episode highlights critical stories of the day in U.S. politics, public safety, and judicial developments. The biggest stories include heightened security in Minneapolis following a church shooting, legal battles over the removal of a Federal Reserve governor, the White House's attempt to rescind foreign aid, shifts in the Wisconsin Supreme Court, and major political maneuvering over congressional districts. The episode closes with a tribute to ESPN’s Lee Corso ahead of his retirement.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Heightened Security in Minneapolis After Church Shooting

[00:18 – 01:15]

• Incident: A shooting at Annunciation Catholic School's adjacent church resulted in two children dead and 18 injured.
• Details:
  • Shooter: 23-year-old former student fired over 100 rounds during a children’s Mass, did not enter the church.
  • Police response: Increased patrols by Minneapolis police at schools and religious facilities.
  • Safety measures: Locked church doors “likely saved many lives.”
• Quote:
  • “Officers from his and other agencies are boosting their presence at schools and religious institutions in their downtime, where they will be patrolling facilities of worship, school facilities, and making certain that they're being seen and people are being kept safe.” – Christopher Gaters, Assistant Minneapolis Police Chief [00:53]
• Notable Statement:
  • “Police say its practice of locking doors after the start of services likely saved many lives.” – Matt Sepik [01:03]

2. White House Efforts to Remove Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook

[01:15 – 02:06]

• Issue: President Trump is seeking to fire Fed Governor Lisa Cook based on allegations she falsified a mortgage application.
• Legal Context: Fed governors can be removed only for cause. Debate centers on what constitutes “cause.”
• Arguments Presented:
  • Lisa Cook: Claims accusations are unproven and do not meet the standard for removal.
  • Justice Department: Argues it’s at the president’s discretion to define removable offenses.
• Quote:
  • “Cook says unproven claims from a Trump loyalist that she made false statements on a mortgage application don't meet that standard... Critics say the attack on Cook is simply a way for Trump to exert more control over the central bank.” – Scott Horsley [01:26]
• Outcome: Judge has not yet ruled; Fed asks for a quick resolution.

3. White House Uses Pocket Rescission to Cut Foreign Aid

[02:06 – 03:02]

• Action: Administration attempting to rescind almost $5 billion in previously approved foreign aid near end of fiscal year.
• Mechanism: Pocket rescission bypasses Congress due to timing; move targets funds for UN Peacekeepers and development.
• Critique:
  • Legal and Constitutional Issues: Seen by experts and the Government Accountability Office as illegal.
  • Political Stakes: Raises questions about executive control over federal budget and foreign assistance.
• Quote:
  • “This is fundamentally about who controls the federal budget.” – Mitchell Warren, Head of AVAC [02:39]
• Contextual Note: Trump administration ready to defend move in court.

4. Market Close Update

[03:02 – 03:27]

• Market Losses:
  • Dow Jones: -92 points
  • S&P 500: -41 points
  • NASDAQ: -249 points

5. Wisconsin Supreme Court Conservative Justice Announces Retirement

[03:27 – 04:08]

• Announcement: Justice Rebecca Bradley will not seek reelection, citing increased partisanship.
• Impact:
  • Leaves seat open, ensuring highly contested race.
  • Notes on the court's shift to liberal majority and context of expensive judicial elections.
• Quote:
  • “She will seek a different path to, quote, rebuild the conservative movement and fight for liberty.” – Anya Van Wagtendonk [03:27]

6. Redistricting Battles in Missouri and Texas

[04:08 – 04:34]

• Missouri: Special session called to redraw House districts at Trump’s urging.
• Political Context: Strategy to help Republicans keep control of House.
• Texas: New law could net GOP five new House seats.
• Quote:
  • “Trump wants to increase the chances that his party will maintain control of the House.” – Dale Willman [04:08]

7. Lee Corso’s Retirement from ESPN’s College GameDay

[04:34 – 04:57]

• Milestone: Corso retires at age 90 after participating in ESPN’s GameDay since 1987.
• Signature Move: Known for mascot headgear predictions.
• Final Prediction: Set before Ohio State vs. Texas Longhorns game.
• Quote:
  • “His last prediction comes just before the Ohio State Buckeyes take on the Texas Longhorns at Ohio Stadium.” – Dale Willman [04:53]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Police say its practice of locking doors after the start of services likely saved many lives.” – Matt Sepik [01:03]
• “This is fundamentally about who controls the federal budget.” – Mitchell Warren [02:39]
• “She will seek a different path to, quote, rebuild the conservative movement and fight for liberty.” – Anya Van Wagtendonk quoting Justice Rebecca Bradley [03:27]

Key Timestamps

• 00:18: News update begins; Minneapolis church shooting coverage
• 01:15: Trump's effort to oust Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook
• 02:06: White House attempts to block $5B in foreign aid
• 03:02: Market closing numbers
• 03:27: Wisconsin Supreme Court justice’s retirement announcement
• 04:08: Missouri and Texas redistricting news
• 04:34: Lee Corso’s ESPN College GameDay retirement
• 04:57: End of news segment

Summary:
This NPR News Now segment delivers a concise but comprehensive set of headlines spanning public safety, political maneuvering, constitutional questions over budget power, and significant personnel changes in the judiciary and media. Each report is delivered in recognizable NPR style: direct, factual, and with focused updates on the national implications of each story.