NPR News Now: August 16, 2025, 9AM EDT

Host: Dwahalisa Kowtel (NPR News Anchor)
Length: 5 minutes
Theme: Top U.S. and world headlines – diplomacy, politics, international conflict, redistricting battles, and severe weather.

Episode Overview

This brisk NPR News Now update covers rapidly evolving global diplomacy—including direct negotiations for peace in Ukraine and new redistricting efforts in Texas and California that could reshape national politics. Other highlights include a historic WWII commemoration in Japan, the latest on governance in D.C. after a federal standoff, rare footage of a high-profile Palestinian prisoner, and the deadly impact of monsoon rains in South Asia.

Key Stories, Segments, and Insights

1. White House to Host Peace Talks on Ukraine

[00:16–01:21]

• President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announce upcoming White House talks focused on “ending the killing and the war” in Ukraine.
• The announcement follows a U.S.-Russia summit in Alaska, where Trump met Vladimir Putin.
• Greg Myrey (NPR Correspondent in Kyiv):
  • Trump extended the invitation to Zelensky while en route from Alaska to D.C.
  • Both leaders show willingness for direct negotiations but skepticism remains:

    “That’s a very tall order. Trump has pushed for months without success to get a ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine war.” — Greg Myrey [00:51]

  • Ukraine supports Trump's approach for a peace deal, but Putin remains unmoved post-summit.

2. Redistricting Showdown: Texas vs California

[01:21–03:02]

Texas: Democrats Stall, Republicans Push

• Many Democratic state legislators remain out of Texas, denying a quorum and blocking a GOP-led redistricting plan likely to give Republicans up to five new U.S. House seats.
• House Speaker Dustin Burrows:

  “Do not think you have permission to return to Texas and enjoy a peaceful weekend before finally showing up to work. ... You will be compelled to this chamber.” [01:54]

• Critics call the plan gerrymandering, highlighting its likely impact on minority communities.

California: Counter-Move, Potential 5-Seat Gain

• California Democrats unveil their own redistricting proposal, aiming to flip up to five Republican-held congressional seats as a direct response to the Texas plan.
• Laura Fitzgerald (Cap Radio, Berkeley):

  “The new districts would make it easier for Democrats to pick up five congressional seats in the 2026 midterms.” [02:37]

• Governor Gavin Newsom states this could neutralize GOP gains from Texas.

3. International News Briefs

Japan Marks 80 Years Since WWII Surrender

[03:02–03:18]

• Prime Minister of Japan pays tribute to over 3 million war dead, commemorating the country’s WWII surrender anniversary.

D.C. Retains Local Control After Federal Standoff

[03:18–03:46]

• D.C. Police Chief Pamela Smith remains in command after a legal battle with the Trump administration over a federal “takeover” of local policing.
• D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser:

  “Chief Smith’s job during this week has been to make sure ... federal officers ... are being used strategically.” [03:34]

Rare Footage: Palestinian Prisoner Marwan Barghouti

[03:46–04:45]

• First new video in years of famed Palestinian figure Marwan Barghouti—thin, aged, serving life sentences in Israel.
• The video features Israel’s controversial national security minister Itamar Ben Gvir, reportedly lecturing Barghouti.
• Emily Feng (NPR, Tel Aviv):

  “Barghouti is pale, white haired and shrunken, nearly unrecognizable from the dark, rotund man he once was.” [04:01] “Ben GVIR says anyone who murders our women or children, we will wipe them out.” [04:32]

Flash Floods in South Asia

[04:45–04:55]

• Torrential monsoon rains trigger deadly floods and landslides in India and Pakistan—impact still unfolding.

Notable Quotes

• Greg Myrey on peace push in Ukraine:

  “Trump said in his own social media post they believed it was best to go directly to a peace agreement rather than a mere ceasefire. But that's a very tall order.” [00:49]

• Speaker Dustin Burrows to absent Texas Democrats:

  “Dps will remain active and civil arrest warrants will be reissued. If you are located, you will be compelled to this chamber.” [01:54]

• Laura Fitzgerald on California’s map:

  “The new map would drastically change the political makeup of four GOP held congressional districts, essentially flipping them to blue.” [02:27]

• Emily Feng on Marwan Barghouti:

  “Barghouti is pale, white haired and shrunken, nearly unrecognizable...” [04:01]
  “...the minister lecturing Barghouti in the video is Itamar Ben gvir, himself convicted in Israel on at least eight criminal charges, including supporting a terrorism organization and who is now the country's national security minister.” [04:19]

Segment Timestamps

• Ukraine Peace Talks Announced: 00:16–01:21
• Texas Redistricting Battle: 01:21–02:08
• California Redistricting Counter: 02:08–03:02
• Japan WWII Commemoration: 03:02–03:18
• D.C. Police Control Restored: 03:18–03:46
• Barghouti Video in Israel: 03:46–04:45
• South Asia Floods: 04:45–04:55

Summary

In a concise yet impactful news roundup, NPR News Now chronicles consequential diplomatic, political, and social shifts—from a headline-making White House summit aimed at peace in Ukraine, to fiercely partisan redistricting in Texas and California, high-stakes policing politics in D.C., poignant footage of a storied Palestinian prisoner, and the deadly toll of extreme weather in South Asia. The episode is packed with essential context, direct quotes from key figures, and expert on-the-ground reporting, making it an informative listen for anyone seeking to stay on top of the day’s most pressing developments.