NPR News Now – August 24, 2025, 8AM EDT

Episode Overview

This five-minute edition of NPR News Now delivers concise updates on major world and U.S. news, covering international affairs in Ukraine and the Korean Peninsula, hurricane forecasting progress and concerns, U.S. labor negotiations, debate over military intervention in Chicago, and the readiness of pandemic-era children entering kindergarten.

Key Topics & Insights

1. Ukraine’s Independence Day & Global Responses

[00:16–01:00]

• President Zelenskyy's Speech:
  • Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the nation from Kyiv’s Independence Square, reaffirming Ukraine’s resolve amid the ongoing conflict.
  • Notable quote (Zelenskyy, via BBC interpreter, 00:34):

    “We are building a Ukraine that will have enough strength and power to live in security and peace, so that ... our children and our grandchildren will celebrate Independence Day in peace, tranquility, with confidence in the future, and with respect and gratitude to all who defended Ukraine in this war, the war for independence.”

• International Reaction:
  • U.S. President Trump and other world leaders congratulated Ukraine. Trump sent a letter praising Ukraine's courage and supporting a “negotiated settlement.”
• Russian Accusations:
  • Russia accuses Ukraine of drone strikes at a nuclear plant in its Kursk region.

2. South Korea–U.S. Summit and Regional Alliances

[01:00–02:15]

• Diplomatic Visit:
  • South Korean President Lee Jae Myung travels to Washington for a summit with President Trump, seeking to solidify last month’s trade deal, which involves $350 billion in South Korean investment in exchange for lowered U.S. tariffs.
• Shift in Alliance Focus:
  • The U.S. wants to “modernize” alliances with South Korea, emphasizing China over North Korea.
• Coordination with Japan:
  • Lee visited Tokyo first, meeting with Japanese PM Shigeru Ishiba to coordinate ahead of the U.S. summit.
• Regional Context:

  • Both Japan and South Korea host large American troop presences and depend on U.S. trade.

    Notable moment (Anthony Kuhn, 01:31):

    “Lee apparently wanted to coordinate with Ishiba before meeting Trump.”

3. Hurricane Forecasting: Progress and Uncertainty

[02:15–03:12]

• Post-Katrina Improvements:
  • Scientists have improved hurricane forecasts post-Katrina using better models and data, credited with saving ~$2B per hurricane.
  • Notable quote (Gabe Veecke, via NPR, 02:46):

    “That was one of those investments in research that paid off.”

• Funding Cuts Threaten Progress:

  • Recent Trump administration budget cuts risk stalling these advances.

    Notable moment (Alejandro Varunda, 02:50):

    “Forecasts are so much better now. They saved the country about $2 billion per hurricane … But the Trump administration has cut funding and support … now scientists worry progress could stall.”

4. Labor & Politics: Boeing Strike, Chicago Military Plans

[03:12–04:10]

• Boeing Machinists Strike:
  • 3,200 machinists in St. Louis remain on strike, seeking a deal akin to Boeing’s agreement with Seattle workers.
• Military Deployment in Chicago:
  • Illinois leaders criticize plans reported by the Washington Post that the Trump administration may deploy the military to address crime in Chicago.
  • Governor J.B. Pritzker insists there’s “no emergency.”
  • Mayor Brandon Johnson cites data showing violent crime is down this year.

5. Pandemic Babies Enter Kindergarten

[04:10–04:53]

• Readiness Concerns:
  • 3.6 million children born in 2020 are starting school. Studies show fewer are arriving “kindergarten ready” in reading (81% vs. 89% in 2019).
• Expert Commentary:

  • Curriculum Associates' Kristin Huff notes even those too young for pandemic-era schooling lack skills.

  • Supports are needed to help students catch up.

    Notable insight (Vanessa Romo, 04:35):

    “Just 81% of five year olds are arriving kindergarten ready in reading. That’s down from 89% in 2019.”

Memorable Quotes & Key Moments

| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote/Highlight | |-----------|----------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 00:34 | Zelenskyy (interpreter) | “We are building a Ukraine that will have enough strength and power to live in security and peace...” | | 01:31 | Anthony Kuhn | “Lee apparently wanted to coordinate with Ishiba before meeting Trump.” | | 02:46 | Gabe Veecke | “That was one of those investments in research that paid off.” | | 02:50 | Alejandro Varunda | “Forecasts are so much better now... But the Trump administration has cut funding and support...”| | 04:35 | Vanessa Romo | “Just 81% of five year olds are arriving kindergarten ready in reading. That’s down from 89% in 2019.” |

Segment Timeline

• 00:16 — Ukraine’s Independence Day & President Zelenskyy’s remarks
• 01:00 — U.S. and global reactions; Russian accusations
• 01:31 — South Korean President’s U.S. visit and trade talks
• 02:15 — Hurricane forecasting advances and funding risks
• 03:12 — Boeing machinists strike update
• 03:50 — Illinois leaders push back on military deployment to Chicago
• 04:10 — Study: Pandemic-born kindergartners less prepared for school

Tone & Delivery

The tone is brisk, factual, and balanced, characteristic of NPR’s “headline news” style. Quotes and comments are delivered with journalistic clarity and are focused on key facts and stakeholder perspectives.