NPR News Now - 08-19-2025 7PM EDT

Date: August 19, 2025
Host: Windsor Johnston
Duration: 5 minutes

Episode Overview

This episode of NPR News Now delivers concise updates on top national and international news as of August 19, 2025. The broadcast covers ongoing diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict in Ukraine, issues within the IRS workforce, warnings ahead of Hurricane Erin’s impact, the latest trends on Wall Street, the cessation of funding for renewable energy in agriculture, and growing controversy over federal pushback on museums and cultural institutions.

Key News Stories & Discussion Points

1. Ukraine Peace Talks Stalled

[00:20 – 01:06]

• Diplomatic Efforts:
  Despite significant diplomatic activity—including talks involving President Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky—no progress or agreements have been achieved toward a Ukraine peace deal.
• Persistent Obstacles:
  Greg Myre from Kyiv reports that no side has made concessions and even basic negotiation logistics are lacking.
  • Quote (Greg Myre, 00:43):
    “All the obstacles are still there after these two high profile meetings. There have been no breakthroughs, no concessions by either side, no agreements reached.”
• Skepticism:
  Analysts remain doubtful that current efforts will generate momentum.

2. IRS Firing Controversy

[01:07 – 02:18]

• Inspector General Report:
  The IRS fired over 7,300 probationary employees earlier in 2025, allegedly for performance reasons.
• Procedural Violations:
  Over half did not receive any performance evaluation, and most of the rest were rated "fully successful or higher." After court challenges, rehiring occurred, but future layoffs appear possible after a recent Supreme Court decision.
  • Quote (Scott Horsley, 01:38):
    “The IRS fired more than 7,300 probationary employees...but the inspector general found more than half of those employees never received a performance evaluation, and nearly all the rest have been rated fully successful or higher.”
• Impact:
  The IRS has reduced its workforce by roughly 25%, including staff intended to pursue high-income tax fraud.

3. Hurricane Erin Threatens East Coast

[02:19 – 03:07]

• Storm Warnings:
  Hurricane Erin is expected to bring tropical storm conditions to North Carolina and dangerous riptides along much of the Eastern seaboard.
• Warnings Issued:
  The Outer Banks faces tropical storm and storm surge warnings, with potential inundation reaching 2–4 feet above ground.
  • Quote (National Hurricane Center Director Michael Brennan via Greg Myre, 02:54):
    “Threatening inundation of 2 to 4 ft of inundation above ground level.”
• Broader Impact:
  Although Erin has weakened, its size increases risk for communities far from its center.

4. Market Recap

[03:08 – 03:19]

• Stock Market:
  Mixed trading on Wall Street. The Dow Jones closed up by 10 points; the Nasdaq fell by 314.

5. USDA Ends Renewable Energy Grants on Farmland

[03:20 – 04:05]

• Policy Shift:
  The Department of Agriculture will no longer fund solar and wind projects on productive farmland.
• Reasoning:
  The Trump administration claims these projects have raised farmland costs, though many farmers view energy leasing as vital income.
  • USDA’s Perspective:
    Its website highlights grants as tools for energy independence and lowered costs.

6. Museums Face Federal Pressure

[04:06 – 04:52]

• President’s Criticism:
  President Trump criticized the Smithsonian Institution on social media, labeling museums as “the last remaining segment of woke” (all caps).
  • Quote (Neta Ulaby, 04:05):
    “In his post, the president called the Smithsonian Institution out of control. All caps. He said museums throughout Washington and all over the country are essentially the last remaining segment of woke.”
• Auditing Directive:
  The administration intends to audit eight Smithsonian museums to ensure alignment with rhetoric promoting American exceptionalism and the removal of "divisive narratives."
• Pushback:
  The museum community and the American Alliance of Museums publicly oppose what they call growing censorship threats.

Notable Quotes

• Greg Myre (00:43):
  “All the obstacles are still there after these two high profile meetings. There have been no breakthroughs, no concessions by either side, no agreements reached.”
• Scott Horsley (01:38):
  “...more than half of those employees never received a performance evaluation, and nearly all the rest have been rated fully successful or higher.”
• National Hurricane Center Director (Michael Brennan) via Greg Myre (02:54):
  “Threatening inundation of 2 to 4 ft of inundation above ground level.”
• Neta Ulaby (04:05):
  “In his post, the president called the Smithsonian Institution out of control. All caps. He said museums throughout Washington and all over the country are essentially the last remaining segment of woke.”

Important Timestamps

• Ukraine Diplomacy: 00:20 – 01:06
• IRS Layoffs: 01:07 – 02:18
• Hurricane Erin: 02:19 – 03:07
• Markets: 03:08 – 03:19
• USDA Renewable Energy: 03:20 – 04:05
• Museum Controversy: 04:06 – 04:52

This crisp, informative update captures the major political, economic, and environmental stories as they unfold, reflecting both urgency and the diverse concerns shaping the headlines on August 19, 2025.