NPR News Now – August 22, 2025, 7PM EDT

Host: Jeanine Herbst
Runtime: Approx. 5 minutes
Format: Brief, top-of-the-hour news roundup

Episode Overview

This tightly packed NPR News Now episode delivers updates on major global and national stories across politics, international affairs, public safety, business, and weather. The top headlines: the UN confirms famine in Gaza amid contention with Israel, a deadly tour bus crash near Buffalo, the U.S. taking an investment stake in Intel, developments in the case of a wrongfully deported man, an FBI search involving John Bolton, and a record-setting Southwestern heat wave.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Famine Confirmed in Northern Gaza

[00:20 – 01:24]

• UN-backed experts have confirmed famine in northern Gaza, a finding Israel disputes.
  • Israel’s aid monitoring body (COGAT) claims the report ignores Israeli data and portrays the humanitarian efforts unfairly.
  • COGAT argues recent U.S. and Israeli-supported deliveries have increased food supplies via the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation.
• Contradicting Israel, over 100 aid groups state Israeli regulations are so restrictive that essential supplies remain stranded as Palestinians continue to starve.
• Notable Quote:

  “Over 100 aid organizations recently said increasingly restrictive Israeli regulation on their operations in Gaza is leaving millions of dollars worth of food, medicine, water and shelter items stranded in warehouses while Palestinians starve.” – Ruth Sherlock [01:08]

2. Deadly Tour Bus Crash in New York

[01:24 – 02:09]

• A tour bus en route to New York City from Niagara Falls crashed near Pembroke, NY, killing at least five and sending about 24 people to hospitals.
• Crash Details:
  • Occurred 25 miles east of Buffalo; the driver lost control, entered a ditch, and passengers were ejected as windows shattered.
  • The driver survived; the cause remains under investigation.
• No memorable direct quotes for this segment.

3. U.S. Government Takes Stake in Intel

[02:09 – 02:49]

• President Trump announced the U.S. will take a 10% stake in Intel, valued at $11 billion, to bolster domestic chip manufacturing.
  • This deal followed intense presidential pressure on Intel CEO Lip Bhutan after reports of the CEO’s China links.
  • After a White House meeting, the agreement was finalized.
• Key Points:
  • The U.S. won’t have board representation or governance rights.
  • The government commits to voting with Intel’s board, except in limited cases.
  • Trump praises the deal as vital for U.S. technological infrastructure.
• Notable Quote:

  “On social media, Trump called it a great deal for America and Intel and says building leading edge semiconductors and chips, which is what intel does, is fundamental to the future of our nation.” – John Ruich [02:39]

4. Kilmar Abrego Garcia: Wrongful Deportation and Ongoing Case

[02:49 – 03:40]

• Kilmar Abrego Garcia, previously deported by mistake to a notorious prison in El Salvador, has been released from Tennessee custody and is heading to Maryland.
  • He’s been held on human smuggling charges; trial set for January 2027.
• No notable direct quotes.

5. FBI Searches Property of John Bolton

[03:40 – 04:05]

• FBI searched the Maryland home and D.C. office of former Trump National Security Adviser John Bolton.
  • Bolton, originally a top Trump official, is now a known critic.
  • Trump denied knowledge of the search but emphasized his position as “the country’s chief law enforcement officer.”
• Context of ongoing tension between the Justice Department and Trump’s White House over the independence of investigations.
• DOJ is also investigating other Trump critics: Sen. Adam Schiff and NY AG Letitia James.
• Notable Quote:

  “Traditionally, the Justice Department has been independent from the White House when it comes to investigations and prosecutions… And so concerns about politics driving decisions now are not just because of Bolton.” – Ryan Lucas [03:43]

6. Historic Heat Wave in the U.S. Southwest

[04:05 – 04:51]

• The Southwest, especially Southern California, is enduring the most intense heat wave of the summer.
  • Temperatures are at or above 100°F, setting records in some locations.
  • Health officials urge caution, hydration, and reduced outdoor activity.
  • Nights remain hot, reducing the body’s ability to recover, and increasing wildfire risks (red flag warnings in place).
• Notable Quote:

  “Heat becomes increasingly dangerous for people when their bodies can't recover at night. It also raises the risk of extreme wildfire.” – Nate Rott [04:30]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Ruth Sherlock on Gaza humanitarian crisis:

  “...leaving millions of dollars worth of food, medicine, water, and shelter items stranded in warehouses while Palestinians starve.” [01:08]

• John Ruich paraphrasing Trump:

  “...building leading edge semiconductors and chips...is fundamental to the future of our nation.” [02:39]

• Ryan Lucas on DOJ independence:

  “Traditionally, the Justice Department has been independent from the White House...concerns about politics driving decisions now are not just because of Bolton.” [03:43]

• Nate Rott on the danger of nighttime heat:

  “Heat becomes increasingly dangerous for people when their bodies can't recover at night. It also raises the risk of extreme wildfire.” [04:30]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:20] Gaza famine confirmed; Israeli dispute (Ruth Sherlock)
• [01:24] Tour bus crash near Buffalo
• [02:09] U.S. government’s Intel deal (John Ruich)
• [02:49] Kilmar Abrego Garcia’s release and legal update
• [03:40] FBI searches John Bolton’s properties (Ryan Lucas)
• [04:05] Record Southwestern U.S. heat wave (Nate Rott)
• [04:51] Closing headlines, weather records

Summary

This concise edition of NPR News Now offers a snapshot of major stories: escalating humanitarian crises, political maneuvering over technology and investigations, dramatic accidents, and extreme weather. Listeners receive rapid, trustworthy context for the day’s top developments, with direct reporting and essential analysis.