NPR News Now: August 21, 2025 – 6:00 AM EDT

Overview

This five-minute NPR News Now segment, anchored by Korva Coleman, delivers concise updates on major national and international events. Topics include the latest on Hurricane Erin on the East Coast, a political showdown over redistricting and the Ten Commandments law in Texas, initiatives by national intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard, new Israeli settlements in the West Bank, highlights from the upcoming Broadway season, and the passing of a beloved judge.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Hurricane Erin Nears North Carolina Coast

(00:18 – 00:46)

• Storm Status: Hurricane Erin is pulling away from the North Carolina coast. Although it never made landfall, its outer winds have prompted tropical storm warnings from the Outer Banks up to southern Virginia.
• Primary Threat: Dangerous rip currents present the biggest hazard along the shoreline, with risks extending as far as New England and expected to last all day.
• Governor's Warning:
  • Quote:

    "Don't do it. You do not know how deep the water is or how fast it is running."
    — North Carolina Governor Josh Stein (00:41)

• Additional Details: Erin remains a Category 2 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 105 mph.

2. Texas Politics: Redistricting and Ten Commandments Law

(00:46 – 02:12)

A. Congressional Redistricting Plan

• Development: Texas House passes a Republican-backed plan to redraw congressional districts, aiming to send five more Republicans to the U.S. House in the upcoming midterms.
• Democratic Opposition: Texas Democrats initially left the state to block the vote but later returned; the bill now heads to the Texas Senate.

B. Ten Commandments in Public Schools

• Court Block: A federal judge temporarily blocks a new Texas law (Senate Bill 10) that requires the Ten Commandments to be posted in every public school classroom.
• Constitutional Concerns:
  • Judge Fred Beery finds the law likely violates the First Amendment’s establishment and free exercise clauses.
• Plaintiffs' Perspective:
  • Quote:

    "Children's religious beliefs should be instilled by parents and faith communities, not politicians and public schools."
    — Rabbi Mara Nathan, Plaintiff (01:50)

• Ruling Status: The decision currently applies only to 11 school districts named in the lawsuit, but the plaintiffs seek wider application.

3. Intelligence Community Shake-Up

(02:12 – 03:13)

• Announcement: Tulsi Gabbard, the Director of National Intelligence under President Trump, pledges to cut her office’s budget by more than 40% before the end of September.
• Context: Gabbard, a former Democratic lawmaker, aligns pledged reforms with the Trump administration’s policy aims. The role was established post-9/11 to enhance intelligence sharing.
• Concerns:
  • Quote:

    "Gabbard has a track record of politicizing intelligence."
    — Senator Mark Warner, Democratic Vice Chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee (02:50)

• Lack of Detail: Specific planned cuts were not identified.

4. Israeli Settlement Expansion

(03:13 – 03:57)

• New Construction: Israeli government gives the green light for thousands more homes in the West Bank, particularly east of Jerusalem—an action endorsed by the far-right finance minister.
• Impact: The construction would physically divide the West Bank and is meant, according to Israeli officials, to undermine the idea of a Palestinian state.
• International Response: Growth of West Bank settlements continues despite growing international condemnation.

5. Upcoming Broadway Highlights

(03:57 – 04:36)

• Celebrity Debuts and Revivals: Notable television and film stars set to headline Broadway’s new season:
  • Carrie Coon (The White Lotus, The Gilded Age) will star in a revival of Bug, a tense thriller by her husband, Tracy Letts.
  • Don Cheadle and Ayo Edebiri (The Bear) will make their Broadway debuts in the Pulitzer Prize–winning play Proof.
• Analysis:

  "The formula worked well last season. Several revivals were the most popular tickets all year."
  — Jeff London (04:21)

6. In Memoriam: Judge Frank Caprio

(04:36 – 04:57)

• Passing: Retired Rhode Island Municipal Judge Frank Caprio dies at 88 from pancreatic cancer.
• Legacy: Gained online fame for his compassionate and humane approach in the courtroom.
• Memorable Note:

  Caprio "was often seen displaying kindness and compassion."
  — Korva Coleman (04:43)

Notable Quotes & Segments

• Governor Josh Stein (NC) on rip current safety:

  "Don't do it. You do not know how deep the water is or how fast it is running." (00:41)

• Plaintiff Rabbi Mara Nathan on religious teachings:

  "Children's religious beliefs should be instilled by parents and faith communities, not politicians and public schools." (01:50)

• Sen. Mark Warner on Gabbard’s changes:

  "[She] has a track record of politicizing intelligence." (02:50)

• Jeff London (on Broadway revivals):

  "Several revivals were the most popular tickets all year." (04:21)

• Korva Coleman (on Frank Caprio):

  He "was often seen displaying kindness and compassion." (04:43)

Summary Table of Timestamps

| Topic | Speaker(s) | Timestamp | |---------------------------------------------|------------------------------|------------| | Hurricane Erin & Rip Currents | Korva Coleman, Gov. Stein | 00:18–00:46| | Texas Redistricting & Democrats | Korva Coleman | 00:46–01:14| | Ten Commandments Law Blocked | Gabriela Alcorta Solorio | 01:14–02:12| | Intelligence Budget Cuts (Gabbard) | Korva Coleman, J. McLaughlin |02:12–03:13 | | Israeli West Bank Settlements | Korva Coleman |03:13–03:57 | | Broadway Season Highlights | Jeff London |03:57–04:36 | | Judge Frank Caprio Obituary | Korva Coleman |04:36–04:57 |

Conclusion

This NPR News Now edition delivers a swift, information-rich overview of significant political, weather, and cultural developments—providing clear context and notable voices for each story. It's an efficient way for listeners to get up-to-date on evolving headlines and major societal trends.