THE PRIVY POST

The text-only internet newspaper.

Volume 1 • Issue No. 217 • Updated Tuesday, August 5, 2025 at 12:09 PM UTC

Texas Democrats block GOP redistricting plan by fleeing the state

Texas House Democrats fled to Illinois and New York to prevent a vote on a GOP-favored redistricting bill, breaking the quorum needed for legislative business.

Sources: NPR


Brazil's Supreme Court orders house arrest for former President Bolsonaro

Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro was ordered to house arrest for allegedly masterminding a coup plot, amid a trade war with the U.S.

Sources: NPR


Tennessee readies for execution of man with working implanted defibrillator

Tennessee prepares to execute Byron Black, potentially the first person with a working defibrillator to be put to death, despite legal and ethical concerns.

Sources: NPR


State Department may require some visa applicants to post bond of up to $15,000

The U.S. State Department proposes a pilot program requiring business and tourist visa applicants from certain countries to post bonds up to $15,000, aiming to reduce overstay rates.

Sources: NPR


Wildfire smoke is like smoking 'half a pack a day.' Here's how to protect yourself

Canadian wildfire smoke prompts air quality alerts in the U.S., with health risks compared to smoking half a pack of cigarettes a day, and tips on protection.

Sources: NPR


Hurricane Katrina was a catalyst for change in New Orleans' public defender office

The chaos post-Hurricane Katrina exposed flaws in New Orleans' criminal justice system, leading to significant reforms in the public defender's office.

Sources: NPR


Big Freedia takes bounce music to church on new album, 'Pressing Onward'

Big Freedia, known as the queen of bounce music, releases a gospel album, blending her musical roots with messages of faith and inclusivity.

Sources: NPR


He said, she said, it said: I used ChatGPT as a couple's counselor. How did we fare?

Exploring the use of AI chatbots like ChatGPT for relationship advice, highlighting both the potential benefits and limitations in mediating human conflicts.

Sources: NPR


This Tuscan startup sold all its olive oil in the U.S. Then came Trump's tariffs

A Tuscan olive oil startup pivots from the U.S. market due to Trump's tariffs, seeking stability in other countries amidst trade uncertainties.

Sources: NPR


New books this week: unconventional novels and an oral history of Hiroshima, Nagasaki

This week's publishing highlights include an oral history of the atomic bomb detonations in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, alongside unconventional novels.

Sources: NPR