NPR News Now — August 29, 2025, 5PM EDT

Host: Jeanine Herbst
Date: August 29, 2025
Duration: 5 Minutes

Overview

This tightly-packed NPR News Now episode covers major political developments and economic updates from the United States, airing the latest headlines in just five minutes. Today’s key stories include administrative shifts following the dismantling of USAID, Texas’s controversial congressional map changes, legal tensions over Federal Reserve leadership, Secret Service protection policies for former Vice President Kamala Harris, and recent trends in gas prices and inflation.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. USAID Finalization and Russ Vogt’s New Role

[00:22–01:19]

• Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that Russ Vogt will oversee the closure of the fragmented U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).
  • Vogt currently leads both the Office of Management and Budget and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
  • The announcement was made on Trump-owned social media platform Truth Social.
  • USAID was effectively dismantled earlier in the year, with its programs merged into the State Department by July.
  • The Biden administration’s decision to eliminate almost $5 billion in congressionally-appropriated funds is “considered illegal by many lawmakers”.
• Notable quote:
  • “The move effectively goes around Congress's power over the purse and is considered illegal by many lawmakers.” — Jonathan Lambert [01:11]

2. Texas Congressional Redistricting and Republican Gains

[01:19–02:08]

• Governor Greg Abbott signed a new congressional map into law.
  • The map, requested by President Trump, is expected to give Republicans up to five more House seats in 2026.
  • Democrats protested by fleeing the state, only to return after California pledged to pass their own offsetting map.
  • Critics argue the map dilutes the voting power of minority communities in Texas cities.
  • Federal lawsuits have already been filed in response.
• Notable quote:
  • “Critics say the new map dilutes the voting power of minority communities.” — Lucio Vazquez [01:54]

3. Federal Reserve Independence Under Political Pressure

[02:08–03:06]

• Federal Reserve Board Governor Lisa Cook's legal attempt to prevent President Trump from firing her remains unresolved after oral arguments in federal court.
  • Trump accused Cook of mortgage fraud; the Federal Housing Finance Agency director (Bill Pulte) has made two criminal referrals to the DOJ.
  • Trump wants the Fed to cut rates as tariffs take effect, and has threatened to fire Fed Chair Jerome Powell over resistance.
  • Bloomberg’s Mike Reagan underscores the Fed’s intended independence.
• Notable quote:
  • “The news is meant to be basically an independent agency… Once they're appointed, they're supposed to be able to make decisions on their own without any political interference from the president.” — Mike Reagan [02:48]

4. Secret Service Protection for Former VP Kamala Harris Revoked

[03:06–04:06]

• President Trump revoked the extension of Secret Service protection for former Vice President Kamala Harris.
  • Standard protocol offers protection for six months post-office, but Biden had granted Harris an extension.
  • The revocation comes as Harris launches a nationwide book tour for "107 Days," reflecting on her brief 2024 presidential run.

5. Holiday Gasoline Prices and Oil Markets

[04:06–04:44]

• National average price for gasoline: slightly over $3.20, but expected to decrease.
  • Gas prices have been stable all summer (~$3.15).
  • Recent Midwest price spike due to Indiana refinery flooding; operations have since resumed.
  • OPEC’s increased output is credited for market stability.
• Notable quote:
  • “Gasoline prices have been low and steady this summer, in large part because of calm crude oil prices.” — Camila Domonosky [04:32]

6. Core Inflation Rises Slightly

[04:44–05:01]

• The Personal Consumption Expenditures Price Index (the Fed’s preferred measure) saw core inflation increase to 2.9% in the past month.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On executive overreach:
  “The move effectively goes around Congress's power over the purse and is considered illegal by many lawmakers.”
  — Jonathan Lambert [01:11]

• On Federal Reserve independence:
  “The news is meant to be basically an independent agency… Once they're appointed, they're supposed to be able to make decisions on their own without any political interference from the president.”
  — Mike Reagan [02:48]

• On redistricting and minority voting power:
  “Critics say the new map dilutes the voting power of minority communities.”
  — Lucio Vazquez [01:54]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• USAID closure and Russ Vogt’s appointment: 00:22–01:19
• Texas congressional map and political fallout: 01:19–02:08
• Federal Reserve board legal challenge & independence: 02:08–03:06
• Kamala Harris Secret Service protection revoked: 03:06–04:06
• Gasoline price trends and oil market: 04:06–04:44
• Core inflation update: 04:44–05:01

Summary:
This episode delivers fast-moving coverage of significant federal power shifts, state political battles, legal disputes over independent institutions, and timely economic updates, all traced with NPR’s commitment to clarity and conciseness. If you missed recent headlines, this briefing gets you up to speed on the political maneuvers and economic signals shaping the national conversation as summer draws to a close.