NPR News Now - August 30, 2025 7AM EDT

Main Theme:
This NPR News Now episode delivers a concise round-up of top news stories as of August 30th, 2025, covering developments in U.S. domestic issues, international affairs, and economic updates. The reporting is focused and fast-paced, providing essential context and key facts on each topic.

1. Minneapolis Church Shooting and Police Response

• Summary:
  Police in Minneapolis will increase patrols near schools and houses of worship following a mass shooting at a Catholic church on Wednesday that resulted in the deaths of two children and multiple injuries.

• Key Details:

  • The shooter, a 23-year-old former student, fired over 100 rounds into Annunciation Catholic Church during a children’s Mass.
  • Doors were locked after Mass began; the perpetrator did not enter the church.
  • The assailant died by suicide at the scene.

• Police Response:

  • Minneapolis Assistant Police Chief Christopher Gators emphasized increased visibility and protection at vulnerable sites:

    "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 Gators [00:58]

  • The church’s security protocol is credited with saving many lives.

• Quote Highlight:

  "[The] practice of locking doors after the start of services likely saved many lives."
  — Matt Sepik, reporting [01:06]

2. USAID Leadership Overhaul and Program Closure

• Summary:
  The U.S. Secretary of State announced Russ Vogt will head the remaining functions of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), as the agency's programs are being wound down.

• Key Details:

  • Russ Vogt already leads the Office of Management and Budget and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
  • Most USAID programs merged with the State Department in July.
  • Remaining funds—nearly $5 billion—are being targeted for elimination, sparking legal challenges as Congress's control over appropriations is circumvented.

• Notable Quote:

  "The move effectively goes around Congress's power over the purse and is considered illegal by many lawmakers."
  — Jonathan Lambert [01:37]

3. EU Position on Russian Assets and Reparations

• Summary:
  The EU’s foreign policy chief, Kaikala, voiced strong opposition to returning frozen Russian assets without reparations to Ukraine, ahead of a meeting of EU foreign ministers.

• Key Details:

  • Over $245 billion in Russian assets are frozen under EU sanctions.
  • Ukraine and some EU members advocate for confiscation to support Ukrainian rebuilding.
  • Kaikala stresses the need for a thorough debate and a clear exit strategy.

• Memorable Quotes:

  "There are pros and cons. There are some sensitivities regarding this, but we really have to have argumented debate... We can't possibly imagine that, you know, if there is ceasefire or a peace deal that these assets are giving back to Russia if they haven't paid for the reparations."
  — Kaikala [02:25]

4. Developments in Ukraine

• Summary:
  Ukraine endured another major Russian attack overnight, resulting in casualties.

• Key Details:

  • At least one person killed and about two dozen injured.
  • Notification follows the ongoing discussion of Russian sanctions and asset freezes.

5. Trump Tariffs Struck Down

• Summary:
  A federal judge struck down most of the global tariffs imposed by President Trump in April, ruling that executive power was overstepped.

• Key Details:

  • Trump responded on social media, claiming the ruling could "destroy the country."
  • Enforcement of the decision is on hold, pending a possible Supreme Court appeal.

6. Congressional Redistricting Moves to Missouri

• Summary:
  Redistricting battles intensify as Missouri’s Republican Governor calls a special session, following a new law in Texas that benefits Republican House races.

7. Stock Market and Economic Update

• Summary:
  Despite new record highs midweek, the Dow and S&P 500 ended the week slightly down, following mild core inflation data and mixed corporate earnings.

• Key Details:

  • Core inflation up 2.9% year-over-year to July; the figure excludes food and energy.
  • The Fed is expected to lower interest rates soon; President Trump criticizes the Fed’s pace.
  • Nvidia reports strong earnings but doesn't meet investor expectations.

• Quote Highlight:

  "The Fed is still expected to lower its benchmark interest rate when policymakers meet in mid September. President Trump has criticized the Fed for not cutting rates more aggressively. Trump tried to fire a Fed governor this week."
  — Scott Horsley [04:14]

8. Closing Note

• Host Sign-off:
  "And I'm Giles Snyder. This is NPR News." [04:55]

For listeners seeking a succinct, objective briefing on national and international affairs, this 5-minute NPR News Now episode provided the most current updates on security, politics, and markets, punctuated by direct quotes from officials and reporters.