NPR News Now – August 18, 2025, 3PM EDT

Host: Lakshmi Singh, NPR
Episode Theme:
A concise roundup of national and global news, including diplomatic developments in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, a major defamation settlement involving Dominion Voting Systems, analysis of statements by a former Israeli intelligence chief, updates on a measles outbreak in Texas, and the financial challenges facing independent documentary filmmakers after the closure of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

Major Headlines and Key Topics

1. Russia-Ukraine Peace Talks at the White House

[00:23]

• President Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky are engaged in active discussions for a peace deal regarding the ongoing conflict with Russia.
• European leaders have joined the negotiations to help facilitate a smoother dialogue, pointedly attempting to avoid a repeat of previous disagreements—most notably, a tense Oval Office moment months earlier involving Trump and Zelensky over gratitude.

Notable Quotes

• President Zelensky:
  “Thank you very much for your efforts, personal efforts to stop killings and stop this war. Thank you. … you supported this format that after our meeting we can have leaders who are around us… all partners around Ukraine supporting us.”
  [00:54]

• Confirmation that Trump will soon speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin to further advance the talks.

• President Trump:
  “I spoke indirectly with President Putin today. We’re going to call President Putin right after this meeting. I’m sure we’re going to have a solid meeting, good meeting, maybe a great meeting. And we’re going to try and work out a try lat after that and see if we can get it finished.”
  [01:31]

2. Newsmax Settles Dominion Defamation Lawsuit

[01:47]

• Newsmax has agreed to pay $67 million to settle a lawsuit with Dominion Voting Systems, which accused the network of spreading false claims that Dominion rigged the 2020 election.
• This significant settlement coincides with President Trump’s ongoing public attack on voting machines and mail-in ballots ahead of the midterms—moves experts say are not within presidential authority.

3. Controversial Remarks from Former Israeli Intelligence Chief

[02:27]

• Aharon Khalifa, former head of Israeli military intelligence, was heard in leaked audio asserting that the high death toll in Gaza is intentional and meant as a deterrent.

NPR’s Daniel Estrin reports:

• Khalifa claimed, for every Israeli killed in the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack, “50 Palestinians must die.”
• He stated:
  “I am not speaking out of revenge. I am speaking about a message to the next generations.”
  [02:27]
• Khalifa also suggested Palestinians periodically need a “nakba,” alluding to the 1948 mass displacement.
• The recording’s authenticity was acknowledged by Khalifa, and it arrives amid growing international condemnation of Israeli actions in Gaza.

4. Texas Measles Outbreak Declared Over

[03:17]

• Texas officials declare an end to the recent measles outbreak in west Texas after 42 days without a new case.
• The outbreak saw 76,062 cases with two child fatalities—both unvaccinated—and 99 hospitalizations.
• Health officials warn that the risk remains significant due to ongoing global outbreaks.

Reporter:
“Just because the outbreak is over here, the threat is still very real due to ongoing outbreaks across the country and globally.”
—Gabriela Alcorta Solorio, [03:31]

5. Corporation for Public Broadcasting Closure and Impact on Documentaries

[04:04]

• The shutdown of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting is prompting deep budget cuts at PBS, forcing documentary filmmakers to search for new funding and distribution models.
• Streaming platforms such as Tubi and YouTube express openness to indie documentaries, but the competitive, commercial nature of their platforms poses challenges for visibility.

Notable Quotes

• Carrie Lozano (President & CEO, ITVS):
  “Independent documentary has by and large always been a non profit enterprise…”
  [04:42]
• Many filmmakers are increasingly seeking support from corporations, foundations, and individual donors.

6. Brief Market Update

[04:56]

• The Dow Jones is down 53 points at the time of reporting.

Memorable Moments & Tone

• The episode delivers urgent, globally minded reporting with NPR’s signature non-partisan, authoritative tone.
• Standout moments include the candid remarks by President Zelensky ([00:54]) and the chilling honesty from Aharon Khalifa regarding Israeli military policy ([02:27]).
• The mounting anxiety among documentary filmmakers following the Corporation for Public Broadcasting closure is palpable, highlighting critical concerns about the future of independent journalism and storytelling ([04:04] – [04:56]).

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Russia-Ukraine Peace Talks & Zelensky/Trump Quotes: [00:23] – [01:31]
• Newsmax/Dominion Settlement & Voting Machines: [01:47] – [02:27]
• Israeli Intelligence Chief on Gaza Death Toll: [02:27] – [03:17]
• Texas Measles Outbreak Over: [03:17] – [04:04]
• Public Broadcasting Closure & Indie Documentaries: [04:04] – [04:56]
• Market Update: [04:56]

This episode offers a swift yet powerful overview of world and domestic news, blending critical updates with revealing direct quotes and a sense of urgency around ongoing crises and media changes.