NPR News Now – August 19, 2025, 11PM EDT

Episode Overview

This five-minute news update covers major national and international stories, offering concise reporting on U.S. foreign policy toward Ukraine, California’s redistricting efforts, Home Depot’s financial update, diverging COVID vaccine guidelines, and Hurricane Erin. Each story is reported by NPR correspondents and includes direct quotes from key figures and officials.

Key Stories and Discussion Points

1. U.S. Policy on Ukraine and Security Guarantees

• Context: President Trump clarifies the U.S. position regarding military involvement in Ukraine amidst peace deal discussions with Russia. The White House signals air support remains possible.
  • President Trump: U.S. troops will not be deployed to Ukraine, even if European troops are.
  • The U.S. is willing to “help them with things, especially probably if you could talk about by air because there's nobody has the kind of stuff we have.” (President Trump, 00:54)
  • White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt confirms air support is “on the table” and emphasizes the importance of working with European partners for security guarantees.
• Memorable Quote:
  • “We're willing to help them with things, especially probably if you could talk about by air because there's nobody has the kind of stuff we have.”
    — President Trump (00:54)
• Timestamps:
  • [00:19] – [01:25]

2. California Redistricting Legislation

• Context: Democratic leaders in California move to redraw congressional maps, aiming to secure up to five new seats—responding to a GOP-driven redistricting plan in Texas.
  • The proposal bypasses California's independent commission, provoking GOP criticism.
  • Assembly Republican Minority Leader James Gallagher denounces the move: “We should not abandon the principle of fair and independent redistricting here in California just for political expediency. But that is exactly what these maps do.” (01:59)
  • The proposal is expected to pass and will go to a statewide ballot for voter approval on November 4th.
• Memorable Quote:
  • “We should not abandon the principle of fair and independent redistricting here in California just for political expediency. But that is exactly what these maps do.” — James Gallagher (01:59)
• Timestamps:
  • [01:25] – [02:19]

3. Home Depot Sees Sales Rebound

• Context: Home Depot reports improved sales from early May to early August, breaking a prior slowdown as more shoppers undertake small-scale projects.
  • U.S. sales up 1.4%; global sales up 1%.
  • Major renovations are still being deferred due to persistent economic uncertainty.
  • Small renovations—appliances, gardening, and building materials—show increased activity.
  • Executives signal some prices may rise due to tariffs, despite previous denials.
• Timestamps:
  • [02:19] – [03:12]

4. Vaccine Guidelines Split: AAP vs. Federal Government

• Context: The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) releases new COVID vaccine guidelines that diverge from recent federal guidance.
  • AAP recommends COVID vaccines for children aged 6 months–2 years.
  • For older children, an annual dose is suggested only for those at high risk or upon parental request.
  • The shift comes as Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. alters federal guidelines, questioning vaccine safety without scientific evidence, causing concern among public health officials.
  • Former CDC officials are spearheading efforts to build evidence-based guidance for local policies.
• Memorable Quote:
  • “Kennedy has claimed that Covid vaccines are not safe or effective without providing scientific evidence to back those claims. Public health advocates have been alarmed by Kennedy's changes.”
    — Ping Wang (03:28)
• Timestamps:
  • [03:12] – [04:13]

5. Hurricane Erin Update

• Context: Hurricane Erin escalates to Category 2, threatening the U.S. East Coast with strong winds and surf.
  • Wind speeds reach 100 mph, storm located 540 miles south-southeast of Cape Hatteras.
  • North Carolina Governor Josh Stein declares a state of emergency to coordinate preparations and resources.
  • Damaging winds, large swells, and dangerous rip currents are expected, with the most significant impacts forecasted from Wednesday to Thursday.
• Timestamps:
  • [04:13] – [04:56]

Notable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)

• “We're willing to help them with things, especially probably if you could talk about by air because there's nobody has the kind of stuff we have.”
  — President Trump (00:54)

• “We should not abandon the principle of fair and independent redistricting here in California just for political expediency. But that is exactly what these maps do.”
  — James Gallagher (01:59)

• “Kennedy has claimed that Covid vaccines are not safe or effective without providing scientific evidence to back those claims. Public health advocates have been alarmed by Kennedy's changes.”
  — Ping Wang (03:28)

Timeline of Key Segments

| Time | Segment | |---------|------------------------------------------------------| | 00:19 | U.S.-Ukraine security guarantees (Trump/White House) | | 01:25 | California redistricting proposal | | 02:19 | Home Depot sales rebound | | 03:12 | COVID vaccine guideline divide (AAP vs. federal) | | 04:13 | Hurricane Erin update |

The episode combines swift, clear reporting with direct quotations and essential updates, making it a valuable listen for those seeking to stay quickly informed about top stories across politics, economics, health, and weather.