NPR News Now: September 3, 2025, 4PM EDT

Host: Lakshmi Singh

Overview

This five-minute NPR News Now episode, updated hourly, delivers concise coverage of major news developments as of 4PM EDT on September 3, 2025. The episode highlights Congressional action on the Jeffrey Epstein case, tributes in Minneapolis following a tragic mass shooting, a brewing policy shift in Florida on vaccine mandates, Pfizer's response to COVID-19 vaccine scrutiny, National Guard deployment debates, California wildfire destruction, and Macy’s surprising financial results.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Congressional Rally for Jeffrey Epstein Case Transparency

[00:26–01:35]

• Survivors and supporters rallied at the U.S. Capitol, urging Congress to pass a bill to release records related to the late Jeffrey Epstein’s criminal case.

• The bipartisan bill, led by Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) and Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA), still lacks sufficient Republican backing.

• Survivors spoke publicly, seeking transparency and recognition of their experiences.

  • Notable Quote:
    “We are here. We want this bill to pass. It is very important, okay? And we need transparency. We are tired of looking at the news and seeing Jeffrey Epstein's name and saying that this is a hoax. We are tired of it.”
    — Marina Lacerda, Epstein survivor [01:09]

• House Republicans favor an oversight committee probe, which survivors and some lawmakers believe doesn't go far enough.

2. Minneapolis Mass Shooting: Vice President Vance’s Visit

[01:35–02:10]

• Vice President J.D. Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance made a somber visit to Minneapolis in the wake of a mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church.
• Without public remarks, the couple laid flowers for the child victims and met privately with affected families.
• The shooter, who died by suicide, killed two children and wounded 21 others; several remain hospitalized.

3. Florida Moves to Ban All Vaccine Mandates

[02:10–02:46]

• Florida, under Governor Ron DeSantis and Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Latabo, announced plans to end all vaccine mandates—potentially a first in the U.S.
• The initiative aligns with positions held by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a prominent vaccine critic.
• Public health experts voiced strong opposition, warning of risks in rejecting science-based safeguards against infectious diseases.

4. Pfizer Responds to COVID-19 Vaccine Scrutiny

[02:46–03:25]

• President Trump called for greater transparency from Pfizer on its COVID-19 vaccine data.

• Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla defended the company in a public statement, highlighting over 600 peer-reviewed studies and data sharing with regulators in 130 countries.

  • Notable Quote:
    "Pfizer's data has appeared in more than 600 published studies, and the company has provided detailed data to regulators in 130 countries, including the FDA."
    — Albert Bourla, Pfizer CEO (as reported by Rob Stein) [02:46]

• Bourla pledged to release more evidence amid ongoing vaccine restrictions and controversy.

5. Trump Suggests National Guard for New Orleans, Not Chicago

[03:25–03:47]

• President Trump floated the idea of sending National Guard troops to New Orleans to assist Republican leadership with crime, instead of Chicago.
• His previous use of federal law enforcement has been controversial; Democratic local leaders call it a disproportionate response to local issues.

6. California Wildfires Damage Historic Chinese-American Town

[03:47–04:08]

• Wildfires destroyed homes and burned historic sites in Chinese Camp, a town founded by Chinese immigrants during the Gold Rush.
• The fire in Chinese Camp is one of nearly two dozen currently impacting California.

7. Macy’s Sees Best Sales Quarter Since 2022

[04:08–05:01]

• Macy’s reported quarterly sales growth for the first time in three years, boosted by its brands Bloomingdale’s and Bluemercury.

• Despite overall losses from investments and store changes, executives raised the year’s financial forecast.

• Tariffs continue to affect the company, leading to higher consumer prices and changes in purchasing strategies.

  • Notable Quote:
    "Macy says tariffs are eating into its finances, pushing the company to raise prices on some items and re evaluate how much of specific affected products to order in the first place."
    — Alina Selyukh, NPR [04:19]

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• Epstein Survivor’s Public Statement:
  “We are here. We want this bill to pass. It is very important, okay? And we need transparency. We are tired of looking at the news and seeing Jeffrey Epstein's name and saying that this is a hoax. We are tired of it.” — Marina Lacerda [01:09]
• Pfizer CEO on Data Transparency:
  "Pfizer's data has appeared in more than 600 published studies, and the company has provided detailed data to regulators in 130 countries, including the FDA." — Albert Bourla (via Rob Stein) [02:46]
• Economic Note on Inflation Pressures:
  "Macy says tariffs are eating into its finances, pushing the company to raise prices on some items..." — Alina Selyukh [04:19]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:26] Epstein survivors urge Congress for transparency
• [01:09] Marina Lacerda’s first public statement
• [01:35] Vice President Vance visits Minneapolis mass shooting site
• [02:10] Florida plans to end vaccine mandates
• [02:46] Pfizer CEO defends COVID-19 vaccine data
• [03:25] Trump suggests National Guard for New Orleans
• [03:47] Wildfires destroy historic Chinese Camp, CA
• [04:19] Macy’s posts best financial quarter since 2022

This news summary captures the episode’s key developments, significant quotes, and impactful moments in a format useful for those seeking an at-a-glance understanding of the day's news.