NPR News Now – 08-23-2025 7PM EDT

Host: Jeanine Hurst | Duration: ~5 minutes
Date: August 23, 2025

Episode Overview

This concise NPR News Now episode delivers key updates on the latest national and international stories. Topics range from controversial Texas redistricting, new U.S. import tariffs and European postal pauses, a sudden halt to a major East Coast wind farm, alarming Antarctic ice melt findings, and the most recent eruption of Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Texas Redistricting Sparks Controversy

(00:20 – 01:21)

• Republican-Favored Congressional Maps: Texas lawmakers passed new congressional maps that would give Republicans an advantage in five previously Democratic districts.

• Governor’s Likely Signature: Governor Greg Abbott is expected to sign the bill, following encouragement from former President Trump to redistrict.

• Allegations of Racial Gerrymandering:

  • Senator Boris Miles (Houston) claims the maps “racially gerrymander” Houston, diluting minority voting power by packing and cracking various districts.
  • Potential legal battle looms as Democrats prepare to challenge the maps.

  “I want you to know I thoroughly disagree with you because Senate District 18 is more than packed. Senator District 9 was cracked.”
  — Senator Boris Miles (00:53)

• Legal Challenges Expected: The new districts will likely be litigated in court.

2. European Postal Services Pause U.S. Shipments Over New De Minimis Tariff Rule

(01:21 – 02:16)

• End of De Minimis Rule: Tariff exemptions for imported packages valued under $800 are being revoked by the U.S. This follows previous rule changes for China and Hong Kong and now extends to all countries.
• European Reactions:
  • Major European postal services (Deutsche Post, La Poste, Correios) announced a pause in business shipments to the U.S. as they adapt to new processes.
  • Only gifts and smaller-value packages (under $100) are still being shipped.
• Concerns over Logistics and Compliance: European companies seek clarity and technical readiness amid these sudden changes.

3. Federal Government Halts Major New England Wind Farm

(02:16 – 03:16)

• Revolution Wind Project Stalled:
  • The federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management ordered an immediate stop to construction, citing unspecified national security concerns.
  • The project, off the coast of Connecticut and Rhode Island, was nearly finished and intended to provide renewable energy to about 350,000 homes.
• Economic and Legal Fallout:
  • Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee warns the halt threatens “hundreds of American jobs.”
  • Project developer Orsted and state leaders consider legal action.
  • A local factory in Providence, built for manufacturing turbine foundations, is also at risk.

4. Antarctic Ice Sheet Faces Collapse Risk

(03:16 – 04:21)

• Accelerated Melting: A new report in Nature documents unexpectedly rapid melting of floating glaciers in the Southern Ocean.

• Widespread Affects Projected:

  • Professor Jan Strugnall (James Cook University) warns that upwards of 750 million people in coastal zones could be impacted by rising seas, though conservative estimates suggest closer to 200 million.

• Urgency for Action:

  • Professor Strugnall emphasizes the need for immediate global emissions cuts.

  “And what happens in Antarctica really doesn’t stay there.”
  — Professor Jan Strugnall, quoted by NPR Host (04:07)

5. Kilauea Volcano Erupts Again in Hawaii

(04:21 – 04:59)

• Ongoing Eruptive Activity:
  • Kilauea, among the world’s most active volcanoes, erupted for the 31st time since December—an arc of lava shot across part of the crater floor.
  • Only four such dramatic “fountain events” have occurred in the volcano’s 200-year monitored history.
• Safety Warnings:
  • Park officials expect an influx of visitors and urge them to avoid unstable cliff edges and cracks by sticking to marked trails and overlooks.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Texas Redistricting Dispute:

  “I want you to know I thoroughly disagree with you because Senate District 18 is more than packed. Senator District 9 was cracked.”
  — Senator Boris Miles (00:53)

• Antarctic Ice Sheet Global Consequence:

  “And what happens in Antarctica really doesn’t stay there.”
  — Professor Jan Strugnall, as quoted by NPR Host (04:07)

Timeline of Major Segments

| Timestamp | Segment | |-----------|-----------------------------------------------------| | 00:20 | Texas redistricting controversy | | 01:21 | EU postal services pause US shipments (tariff rule) | | 02:16 | New England wind farm construction halted | | 03:16 | Antarctic ice report | | 04:21 | Kilauea volcano eruption |

This brisk NPR News episode encapsulates crucial policy, environmental, and global economic stories, highlighting fundamental changes and urgent challenges affecting communities across the U.S. and abroad.