NPR News Now – August 31, 2025, 1PM EDT

Brief Overview

This episode delivers a concise roundup of the top national and international headlines of the hour. Topics include stepped-up security in Minneapolis after a church shooting, a federal ruling on Trump’s use of tariffs, political unrest and violence in Indonesia over lawmakers' perks, updates from Israel and Gaza, the passing of respected White House correspondent Mark Knoller, and concerns about declining international student enrollment in U.S. universities.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Minneapolis Church Shooting & Community Response

[00:18–01:17]

• Police in Minneapolis have increased patrols around houses of worship following a shooting during Mass at Annunciation Catholic Church and School.
• NPR’s Jason DeRose covers the clergy’s efforts to comfort a grieving community:
  • Pastor Sarah Jensen (Lutheran Church of Christ Redeemer) challenges common theological platitudes:
    "I don't believe that God gives us things one way or the other. The world gives us things, and often the world gives us things we can't handle." — Church Member, [00:45]
  • Emphasis on Community Support: "God gives us each other because we can't handle everything on our own. We weren't created for that. We were created to lean on each other." — Church Member, [00:56]
  • Pastor Jensen encourages neighbors, friends, and congregations to support one another in distressing times.

2. Limits on Presidential Emergency Powers for Tariffs

[01:17–02:19]

• A federal appeals court declared President Trump exceeded his authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to impose sweeping tariffs.
• NPR’s Franco Ordoñez explains the broader implications:
  • Trump’s liberal use of emergency powers for border, crime, drugs, and trade has previously justified military deployments domestically.
  • The White House will appeal the decision to the Supreme Court.
  • The outcome may set precedent for legal challenges to the president's emergency powers in other areas.

3. Political Unrest & Violence in Indonesia

[02:19–03:09]

• President Prabopo Suburanto announces a reduction in perks for politicians after public outrage over extra pay and allowances fuels widespread protests and violence.
• Some politicians’ homes have been looted.
• Statement from President Suburanto via BBC interpreter: "We cannot deny that there are signs of actions outside the law, even against the law, even leaning towards treason and terrorism. To the national police and the Indonesian military, I instruct you to take the sternest actions based on applicable laws against the destruction of public facilities, the looting of private houses and economic centers." — President Prabopo Suburanto, [02:48]
• At least five people have died since last week’s protests.

4. Updates in Israel and Gaza

[03:09–03:36]

• Israeli military has recovered the bodies of two Israelis killed in the Hamas attack of October 2023.
• Officials estimate 48 hostages remain in Gaza, with around 20 potentially still alive.

5. Mark Knoller, White House Correspondent, Dies at 73

[03:36–04:39]

• Mark Knoller, revered CBS News White House correspondent and “number guy,” passes away.
• NPR’s Amy Held & archival audio:
  • Known for meticulous record-keeping of presidential activities, he became the “Wikipedia of the White House.”
  • Memorable moment:
    "I'm one of those lucky people that gets to work at something he loves doing." — Mark Knoller in conversation with Katie Couric, [04:26]
  • Retired from radio in 2020 but stayed active on Twitter, beloved by journalists and news followers.

6. Fewer International Students in U.S. Colleges

[04:39–04:57]

• With the start of the school year, U.S. colleges and universities anticipate a major drop in international students.
• The Trump administration has revoked over 6,000 student visas and delayed thousands more.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "God gives us each other because we can't handle everything on our own." — Church Member, Minneapolis shooting story [00:56]
• "We cannot deny that there are signs of actions outside the law... leaning towards treason and terrorism." — President Suburanto, [02:48]
• "I'm one of those lucky people that gets to work at something he loves doing." — Mark Knoller, [04:26]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Minneapolis church shooting & community response: [00:18–01:17]
• Federal court ruling on Trump's tariffs: [01:17–02:19]
• Indonesian protests & presidential address: [02:19–03:09]
• Israel hostage news: [03:09–03:36]
• Mark Knoller obituary: [03:36–04:39]
• International student visa issues: [04:39–04:57]

Tone and Language

NPR maintains a measured, informative, and empathetic tone throughout, with clear efforts to inform listeners succinctly about the most urgent issues of the day, while including human perspectives and impactful moments from those directly involved in the stories.