Top Headlines on August 28, 2025
Here’s a roundup of today’s major news stories, starting with the breaking development on the shooting incident. These are drawn from reports across major outlets, focusing on key global and U.S. events.
1. Gunman in Catholic School Mass Shooting Identified as 34-Year-Old Disgruntled Former Employee
Authorities have identified the suspect in yesterday’s tragic shooting at St. Mary’s Catholic School in suburban Chicago as Marcus Hale, a 34-year-old former maintenance worker who was fired from the school six months ago amid allegations of misconduct. Hale allegedly opened fire during an outdoor Mass attended by over 200 students and staff, killing two teachers and injuring five others before being shot and killed by responding police. The attack, which occurred around 10:30 AM on August 27, appears motivated by resentment over his dismissal, according to preliminary investigations by the FBI and local law enforcement. School officials described the scene as chaotic, with children fleeing as gunfire erupted during prayers. President Biden condemned the violence in a White House statement, calling it “a heartbreaking assault on innocence,” and ordered federal support for the investigation. Community vigils are planned for tonight, and the school remains closed indefinitely. No other suspects are being sought.
2. Hurricane Elena Strengthens to Category 4, Threatens Florida Panhandle
Tropical Storm Elena has rapidly intensified into a Category 4 hurricane with sustained winds of 140 mph, barreling toward the Florida Panhandle with a projected landfall near Pensacola late tonight. The National Hurricane Center warns of catastrophic storm surge up to 18 feet, life-threatening winds, and heavy rainfall that could dump 20 inches in some areas, leading to widespread flooding. Over 500,000 evacuation orders have been issued, with Governor Ron DeSantis activating the National Guard and declaring a state of emergency. Power outages are already affecting 100,000 residents, and airlines have canceled hundreds of flights. FEMA is mobilizing resources, but critics are questioning the adequacy of preparations given recent budget cuts to disaster relief. Live updates from NOAA show the storm’s eye sharpening as it approaches.
3. Stock Markets Rebound Amid Fed Rate Cut Speculation, Tech Sector Leads Gains
U.S. stock markets closed higher today, with the Dow Jones up 1.2%, the S&P 500 gaining 1.5%, and the Nasdaq surging 2.1% driven by tech giants like Nvidia and Apple. Investors are betting on a 50-basis-point interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve at its September meeting, fueled by cooling inflation data released this morning showing CPI at 2.4% year-over-year. However, concerns linger over escalating trade tensions, as China announced retaliatory tariffs on U.S. semiconductors in response to new export controls. Wall Street analysts predict continued volatility, with focus shifting to upcoming jobs reports. In Europe, the FTSE 100 rose 0.8% despite Brexit-related uncertainties.
4. Ukraine Claims Major Breakthrough in Donetsk Region, Russia Denies Losses
Ukrainian forces announced a significant advance in the Donetsk region, capturing the strategic town of Pokrovsk after weeks of intense fighting, according to the General Staff in Kyiv. The operation reportedly involved drone strikes and artillery barrages that destroyed several Russian supply lines, with estimates of over 300 enemy casualties. Russia’s Defense Ministry dismissed the claims as “propaganda,” stating they repelled the assault with minimal losses and advanced elsewhere in the east. The development comes amid renewed calls for peace talks, with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken meeting European allies in Brussels to discuss additional aid packages worth $2 billion. Casualty figures remain unverified, but satellite imagery from Maxar shows heavy damage to infrastructure.
5. Climate Summit in Brazil Ends with Pledges for $100 Billion in Green Funding
The UN Climate Summit in Brasília concluded with over 50 nations committing to a $100 billion annual fund for developing countries to combat climate change, including reforestation projects in the Amazon. Brazil’s President Lula da Silva hailed the agreement as a “turning point,” though environmental groups criticized it for lacking enforceable targets on fossil fuel reductions. Key pledges include the U.S. increasing its contribution by 20% and China promising tech transfers for renewable energy. Activists staged protests outside the venue, demanding immediate action on current wildfires raging across South America. The fund aims to support adaptation efforts, but experts warn it falls short of the $1 trillion needed annually.
6. MLB Roundup: Yankees Clinch Playoff Spot with Walk-Off Win Over Red Sox
In baseball, the New York Yankees secured a wild card playoff berth with a dramatic 5-4 walk-off home run by Aaron Judge in the 9th inning against the Boston Red Sox at Yankee Stadium. The victory improves their record to 85-60, keeping them in contention for the AL East title. Elsewhere, the Dodgers beat the Giants 7-3, extending their NL West lead, while Shohei Ohtani hit his 50th homer of the season. In NFL preseason news, the Chiefs defeated the Bears 28-20, with Patrick Mahomes throwing three touchdowns. Tonight’s top matchup is the Eagles vs. Ravens.
Other Notable Stories
- Politics: Former President Trump files lawsuit against media outlets over election interference claims, seeking $500 million in damages.
- Entertainment: Taylor Swift announces surprise album drop for September, sparking frenzy among fans.
- Health: CDC reports decline in COVID-19 cases nationwide, but warns of flu season overlap.
- World: India launches successful moon mission probe, aiming for south pole landing by 2026.
For real-time updates, check sources like CNN, BBC, Reuters, and AP. These headlines reflect events as of 6 PM ET on August 28, 2025.