NPR News Now: Episode Summary – August 14, 2025

Released on August 14, 2025

Kennedy Center Honorees Announced in Unconventional Manner

In a departure from tradition, the Kennedy Center announced its honorees through a press conference rather than the usual press release. President Donald Trump took center stage to announce the winners, which included notable figures such as Grammy Award winner George Strait, Phantom of the Opera singer Michael Crawford, and iconic singer Gloria Gaynor.

Gloria Gaynor reflected on her honor, stating, “I Will Survive is an unbelievable song. I've heard it, you know, like everyone else here thousands of times. And it's one of those few that get better every time you hear it and nobody can sing it like her. And that's an honor" ([00:44]).

In an unexpected revelation, President Trump expressed his desire to be honored in the future, mentioning, “Next year will honor Trump" ([01:03]). This statement marks a significant shift in the Kennedy Center's recognition process under his chairmanship.

Wisconsin Grapples with Severe Flooding and Seeks Federal Assistance

Wisconsin has been severely impacted by extreme storms and flooding, prompting Governor Tony Evers to request a formal preliminary assessment from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). According to Mayan Silver from WWM in Milwaukee:

“In a 24-hour period last weekend, torrential rain fell in Wisconsin, causing rivers to flood, vehicles to wash out and power to be cut to thousands. In hard-hit southeastern Wisconsin, where Milwaukee is, there were more than 3,000 reports of structural damage” ([01:35]).

Governor Evers has declared a state of emergency, a necessary step towards securing federal aid. The initial review by Wisconsin Emergency Management indicates that the state meets the criteria for federal assistance. However, the final approval for federal relief lies with President Trump.

Juneau Faces Flooding with Improved Defenses Compared to Last Year

The city of Juneau is assessing the extent of home damages caused by recent glacial meltwater floods, which peaked on Wednesday. Despite significant challenges, the city reports better outcomes compared to the previous year, attributing this improvement to newly installed temporary levees.

Alex Solomon from KTOO highlights the efforts of residents like Locke and Melissa Brown:

“Locke and Melissa Brown are pumping water out of the crawl space of their home. The Menenhall river hit a record-breaking crest of more than 16 and a half feet before starting to recede Wednesday morning. But the Browns say their home fared better than it did when it flooded the past two years. That's because of the city's new levee, which is made of steel baskets filled with sand stacked between their house and the river" ([02:42]).

City officials emphasize that without these barriers, hundreds of homes would have suffered extensive damage, underscoring the effectiveness of the temporary levees in mitigating flood impact.

Conflict in Gaza Escalates Amid Humanitarian Challenges

Hospital officials in Gaza have reported that Israeli strikes on Tuesday resulted in the deaths of at least 123 Palestinians. Concurrently, humanitarian organizations have conveyed to Reuters that trucks carrying essential aid, including medicine, are being denied entry at the Gaza border. This blockage has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis, with the Health Ministry reporting that “at least eight people died from starvation or malnutrition" within the last 24 hours ([03:14]).

The ongoing restrictions on aid delivery compound the dire situation for residents in Gaza, highlighting the urgent need for humanitarian intervention.

Amazon Expands into Grocery Delivery, Intensifying Market Competition

Amazon is making significant strides in the grocery delivery sector by introducing same-day delivery for perishable items across approximately 2,300 cities by the end of the year. This expansion includes a wide range of products such as produce, dairy, meat, bakery items, and frozen goods, requiring substantial investment in storage and warehousing infrastructure.

Alina Selyuk from NPR reports:

“Spent years trying to take a bite out of the grocery market that's dominated by Walmart. Now it's touting its most significant grocery expansion to date, saying it plans to do same day delivery in 2,300 cities by the end of the year. This will include produce, dairy, meat and bakery, as well as frozen items, all of which have required much work to set up storage and warehousing.”

Additionally, Amazon is lowering participation barriers by eliminating the need for a separate subscription for grocery delivery, offering services to non-Prime members for a fee of $13 per order. This strategic move positions Amazon as a formidable competitor to Walmart and established food delivery services.

Tennessee Endures Devastating Floods Leading to Fatalities

Chattanooga, Tennessee, is bracing for more heavy rainfall following overnight flooding that disrupted several interstates. The Hamilton County Office of Emergency Management reported tragic losses, stating that a large tree fell during the storms, resulting in the deaths of two adults and one child.

This incident underscores the severe weather patterns currently affecting the region, with authorities urging residents to stay vigilant as additional rain is forecasted.

Conclusion

This episode of NPR News Now delivered comprehensive coverage of diverse topics ranging from cultural honors and severe weather impacts to international conflicts and corporate expansions. Notable insights include President Trump's unconventional role in honor announcements and Amazon's strategic moves to penetrate the grocery market. The reporting highlights the widespread effects of natural disasters on communities across the United States and the escalating humanitarian issues in Gaza.

For more detailed reports and updates, listeners are encouraged to tune into NPR News Now or visit the NPR website.