NPR News Now – August 26, 2025, 9AM EDT

Brief Overview:
This episode delivers a concise, five-minute snapshot of breaking news and key developments in the U.S. and globally. Major stories this hour include: a halted deportation case in Maryland, legal battles over redistricting in Texas and California, heightened security concerns at D.C. schools, lack of global progress on clean water access, and a record-setting basketball card sale.

Key Stories & Discussion Points

1. Maryland Deportation Case Halted

• [00:19 – 01:10]
• Federal judge halts the deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland man previously detained and wrongfully deported.
• His case centers on broader questions of due process during President Trump’s intensified immigration crackdowns.
• Abrego Garcia, who fled El Salvador as a teen to escape gang violence, was deported in violation of a 2019 court order barring such action.
• Notable Quote:
  “At the core of this case are questions about due process under President Trump’s ongoing crackdown on undocumented immigrants.”
  — Sergio Martinez Beltran, NPR Reporter [00:41]
• Abrego Garcia was detained after a traffic stop, not for any criminal conviction.

2. Redistricting Wars in Texas and California

• [01:10 – 02:11]
• New congressional maps in Texas and California have sparked legal showdowns.
• Texas Legislature (Republican-controlled) passed a map that could help Republicans gain five House seats; now faces lawsuits over alleged dilution of Latino and Black voting power in key metro areas.
• California Democrats responded with a November special election ballot measure for a new map, aiming to offset Texas’s changes — this could grant Democrats five new House seats.
• Some California Republicans are moving to remove the measure via the state’s Supreme Court.
• Notable Quote:
  “The Republican controlled state legislature of Texas recently passed a redistricting map that could help Republicans win five more seats in the U.S. House of Representatives. That map now faces at least three lawsuits claiming it violates the US Constitution by diluting the collective voting power of Latino and black voters in the Houston and Dallas Fort Worth areas.”
  — Hansi Lo Wang, NPR Reporter [01:33]

3. Security and School Safety Fears in D.C.

• [02:11 – 03:14]
• D.C. Mayor asks White House not to target schools amid a surge of federal troops and agents in the city.
• Parents are afraid to send children to school, while volunteers help escort students as National Guard troops patrol with weapons.
• Reports of arrests for minor infractions and immigration enforcement. Even some with legal status fear venturing outside.
• Mayor Muriel Bowser acknowledges families are keeping kids home out of fear, though federal agencies claim schools aren't targets.
• Notable Quote:
  “Advocates say even some immigrants with legal status are fearful of going out. Mayor Muriel Bowser says she knows some anxious families are keeping children home.”
  — Jennifer Ludden, NPR Reporter [02:29]

4. UN Goal for Universal Safe Water Off Track

• [03:14 – 04:17]
• Global progress is lagging toward the UN’s 2030 goal for universal access to safe drinking water.
• Since 2000, over two billion gained access, but billions remain underserved; over 100 million still drink from unsafe surface water, and 350 million practice open defecation.
• Low-income countries face the gravest challenges; report stresses urgent need for investment to avoid failure of the 2030 goal.
• Notable Quote:
  “Without acceleration in investment in these areas, universal access to safe water and sanitation appears out of reach.”
  — Jonathan Lambert, NPR Reporter [03:36]

5. Record-Breaking Basketball Card Sale

• [04:17 – 04:56]
• A one-of-a-kind collectible signed by Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant — featuring game-worn NBA uniform patches — sells for nearly $13 million, setting a new world record for a sports card.
• Beats the previous basketball card record: a Steph Curry 2009 Panini card, sold privately for nearly $6 million.

Notable Quotes and Moments

• On due process and immigration:
  “At the core of this case are questions about due process under President Trump’s ongoing crackdown on undocumented immigrants.” — Sergio Martinez Beltran [00:41]

• On redistricting lawsuits:
  “That map now faces at least three lawsuits claiming it violates the US Constitution by diluting the collective voting power of Latino and black voters…” — Hansi Lo Wang [01:33]

• On school safety in D.C.:
  “Advocates say even some immigrants with legal status are fearful of going out…” — Jennifer Ludden [02:29]

• On global water scarcity:
  “Without acceleration in investment in these areas, universal access to safe water and sanitation appears out of reach.” — Jonathan Lambert [03:36]

Additional Highlights

• [Throughout] Market update: Asian markets closed lower; Dow futures are down.
• [04:56] (Sponsor/Outro content omitted.)

This episode offers a rapid-fire yet comprehensive overview of urgent U.S. political, legal, and public health headlines, adding a record-breaking moment from the sports memorabilia world, and underscoring global disparities in basic needs.