NPR News Now — August 31, 2025, 12AM EDT

Host: Dale Willman
Duration: ~5 minutes
Episode Type: Top hourly national and international headlines

Episode Overview

This episode of NPR News Now delivers a rapid update of major news stories from both the U.S. and abroad. Key topics include a federal court ruling on Trump-era tariffs, enhanced security in Minneapolis after a tragic church shooting, a landmark labor deal for Uber and Lyft drivers in California, violent political unrest in Indonesia, drastic staff cuts at Voice of America, and racist incidents at an international basketball tournament.

Key News Stories & Insights

1. Federal Appeals Court Rules Many Trump Tariffs Illegal

[00:18-01:10]

• Summary:
  A federal appeals court has ruled that many tariffs imposed under President Trump are illegal, affirming that only Congress has the constitutional right to levy certain tariffs. The implementation of the ruling is delayed to allow the administration to appeal.
• Analysis:
  NPR's Ron Elving highlights that Republican lawmakers are not challenging Trump’s tariff policies, due in part to political considerations ahead of the 2026 midterms.
• Quote:
  • "Congress, at least so far, has shown no willingness to buck the president on any of these major policy matters, even when his moves seem to challenge or ignore the role of Congress itself." — Ron Elving, [00:40]
  • "Trump's influence over the Republican voting base can mean life or death for a member of Congress." — Ron Elving, [00:55]

2. Minneapolis Heightens Security After Deadly Church Shooting

[01:10-02:08]

• Summary:
  Following a mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis that left two children dead and at least 18 injured, police are increasing patrols around schools and religious institutions.
• Incident Details:
  A 23-year-old former student fired over 100 rounds into the church during a Mass for the start of the school year, but did not enter the building.
• Police Response:
  • "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." — Assistant Police Chief Christopher Gaiters, [01:46]
• Prevention:
  Locking church doors after services began is credited with saving many lives.

3. Uber and Lyft Drivers in California Win Unionization Rights

[02:08-02:57]

• Summary:
  Over 800,000 drivers will gain collective bargaining rights under a breakthrough deal between gig companies and Governor Gavin Newsom.
• Details:
  • Drivers, previously classified as independent contractors, can now unionize and negotiate better pay and conditions.
  • In return, companies secured reduced insurance coverage mandates.
• Politician's View:
  • "I think it's a win for the workers, obviously, it's a win for the companies because they won't have these fights all the time. And it's a win for consumers who will hope [for] cheaper rides." — Assemblymember Buffy Wicks, [02:47]
• Uber Statement:
  • The deal demonstrates the ability of lawmakers, labor, and industry to create "practical solutions for the way people live, work and move today." (Paraphrased from Uber's head of public policy for California, [02:57])

4. Deadly Parliament Fire During Indonesian Political Protests

[03:13-03:54]

• Summary:
  An angry mob in Indonesia set fire to a local parliament, resulting in at least three deaths and dozens of injuries. Protests rage over lawmakers' housing allowances, which reportedly exceed the annual average income of most citizens.

5. Major Layoffs at Voice of America Spark Legal Battle

[03:54-04:31]

• Summary:
  Former Trump official Kari Lake is moving to lay off hundreds at Voice of America and its parent agency, in alignment with executive orders to shrink the broadcaster.
• Legal Concerns:
  • Previous efforts led to rules or laws being broken.
  • Judge Royce Lamberth suggested Lake is "verging on contempt of court" for repeated attempts at large-scale firings despite ongoing litigation.
• Quote:
  • "Each time she has broken rules or laws. In doing so, she fired all the contractors. Most employees are now on paid leave." — David Folkenflick, [03:54]

6. Anti-Racism Actions at EuroBasket Tournament in Finland

[04:31-04:57]

• Summary:
  After two fans racially abused a German basketball player, one was banned from the remainder of the tournament.
• Player Performance:
  German team captain Dennis Schröder scored 26 points, leading his team to a third consecutive win.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Congressional Deference:
  • "Now with the midterms of 2026 just around the corner, right now is the season for members of Congress to worry about challengers not just for their reelection, but for their renomination by their own party." — Ron Elving, [00:48]
• On Police Safety Measures:
  • "Making certain that they're being seen and people are being kept safe." — Christopher Gaiters, [01:46]
• On Gig Labor Bargain:
  • "A win for the workers...the companies...consumers." — Buffy Wicks, [02:47]
• On Legal Tensions at Voice of America:
  • "Judge Royce Lamberth...said in a Monday court hearing hearing that Lake is verging on contempt of court." — David Folkenflick, [04:26]

Timestamps for Major Segments

• [00:18] — Tariffs ruling and Congress's hesitancy
• [01:10] — Minneapolis school/church shooting and safety actions
• [02:08] — Uber/Lyft driver unionization deal in California
• [03:13] — Indonesian parliament fire amid protests
• [03:54] — Massive layoffs at Voice of America and related legal fight
• [04:31] — Racism incident and game results at EuroBasket Finland

This episode provides a brisk yet thorough briefing on a range of pressing issues, combining clear reporting with insights from NPR correspondents and experts.