NPR News: August 13, 2025 | 5AM EDT
Delivered by NPR, this summary captures the key discussions and insights from the August 13, 2025, episode of "NPR News Now." Covering international relations, legal battles, science funding, public health updates, economic indicators, and severe weather developments, this overview provides a comprehensive look at the day's most pressing news.
International Relations: U.S.-Russia Summit on Ukraine War
Host: Dave Mattingly
The White House has tempered expectations regarding the upcoming summit between President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, scheduled for Friday in Alaska. The primary agenda is to discuss the cessation of Russia's ongoing war with Ukraine. Notably, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will not be attending the meeting.
Dave Mattingly reported, “...the talks as a listening exercise for Trump to get a better understanding of what it will take to bring that war to an end” (00:18). White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt emphasized the low likelihood of a peace agreement being reached during this initial discussion, focusing instead on understanding the complexities of the conflict.
Legal Battle Over Florida Immigration Detention Center
Reporter: Greg Allen
A contentious lawsuit aiming to temporarily shut down the Alligator Alcatraz immigration detention center in the Florida Everglades is set to resume today in Miami. U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams has expressed frustration over the Trump administration and state officials' inability to clarify who manages the facility.
Greg Allen detailed, “...who's running the show at the detention center, dubbed Alligator Alcatraz” (01:14). Despite requests, representatives from the Trump administration and Florida's lawyers have evaded clear answers about the facility’s administration. Environmental groups argue that the rushed construction of the detention center violated federal laws due to the absence of public input and an environmental impact assessment. Plaintiffs are seeking an immediate shutdown of the center pending further legal review.
UCLA Science Funding Reinstate Order
Reporter: Steve Futterman
A federal judge in California has mandated the Trump administration to restore approximately one-third of nearly 800 federal science grants to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), totaling over half a billion dollars. This decision specifically affects grants associated with the National Science Foundation.
Steve Futterman reported, “...Justice Department attorneys call it a suspension. The judge said it was essentially the same thing” (02:03). Despite the administration's efforts to categorize the termination of these grants as a suspension, Judge Rita Lynn countered that both actions serve the same purpose. The Justice Department has the option to appeal this ruling. In the interim, the administration must demonstrate progress in reinstating the affected grants by next week.
Public Health Update: Pfizer’s COVID-19 Vaccine Authorization
Host: Dave Mattingly
Pfizer has announced that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) may withdraw its emergency use authorization for the company's COVID-19 vaccine administered to very young children, specifically those aged six months to four years. The company cites that young children remain at risk for severe complications from the virus.
“Pfizer says the FDA is now advising the company it may not, may not be renewed” (02:51), reported Dave Mattingly. This potential withdrawal comes amidst evolving data on vaccine efficacy and safety in the youngest age groups.
Economic Indicators: Wall Street’s Positive Surge
Host: Dave Mattingly
Wall Street experienced a robust day with the S&P 500 and NASDAQ reaching record highs, each gaining over 1%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average also saw a significant uptick.
Economists attribute this optimism to the Labor Department's report indicating that U.S. consumer prices rose by 2.7% in July compared to the previous year, aligning with June's annual inflation rate. This data has bolstered investor confidence in the likelihood of the Federal Reserve lowering interest rates in its upcoming September meeting.
Severe Weather: Tropical Storm Aran and Typhoon Podol
Reporter: Joe Hernandez
Tropical Storm Aran is intensifying and is projected to strengthen into a hurricane by tomorrow. Currently moving westward towards the Caribbean, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and the northern Leeward Islands may experience significant impacts from the storm.
Joe Hernandez reported, “...it may also be felt on the east coast” (04:04), with the National Hurricane Center noting that Aran possesses top sustained winds of 45 mph. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) anticipates an above-average Atlantic hurricane season for 2025, driven by warmer ocean temperatures and weak wind shear.
Host: Dave Mattingly
In related weather news, Typhoon Podol made landfall in Taiwan today, leading to the closure of schools and government offices. The typhoon has also caused delays and cancellations of numerous airline flights, disrupting travel plans across the region.
This summary encapsulates the critical moments and discussions from the NPR News episode released on August 13, 2025. For more detailed coverage, listeners are encouraged to tune into the full broadcast.