NPR News Now

Episode: NPR News: 08-26-2025 4PM EDT
Date: August 26, 2025
Host: Lakshmi Singh
Duration: 5 minutes

Brief Overview

This episode of NPR News Now delivers concise updates on major national and international developments, touching on the latest actions and controversies in the Trump administration, violence in the Middle East, the rollback of anti-violence programs in the U.S., a high-profile celebrity engagement, and seasonal cultural trends. The tone is brisk, informative, and factual, aiming to keep listeners current in just five minutes.

Key News Segments & Insights

1. Trump Administration Legal & Political Maneuvers

• Host Lakshmi Singh reports:
  • President Trump’s efforts to immediately deport migrants faced a setback as a federal judge dismissed his lawsuit against Maryland’s federal bench.
  • Trump is seeking to exert greater influence over the Federal Reserve, notably by attempting to fire Governor Lisa Cook.

Notable Coverage: Federal Reserve Controversy

• Marie Aspen [00:54]:
  • Trump’s attempt to dismiss Lisa Cook is purportedly due to allegations of false statements on a mortgage application.
  • Cook refuses to resign, stating Trump lacks the authority to remove her.
  • The President's push for lower interest rates is part of his broader public campaign to sway the Fed, which is intended to remain independent.
  • “Yet investors are mostly shrugging off the latest threats to the Fed's independence.”
  • [01:21] Notable Quote:

    “It’s the latest effort by Trump to exert more control over the Fed, which is designed to be independent.” – Marie Aspen

2. Mideast Violence & Media Casualties

• West Bank and Gaza Strip Conflict
  • Israeli raids were reported in Ramallah, with local medics citing dozens wounded.
  • Israel claims strikes targeted Hamas-linked entities.
• Gaza Hospital Strikes:
  • At least 22 died following Israeli strikes on a hospital.
• Impact on Journalists:
  • Daniel Estrin [01:57]:
    • Monday's attacks marked one of the deadliest days for journalists covering the Gaza war.
    • “The military says its initial inquiry found that infantry soldiers targeted what they believed was a Hamas camera at a hospital observing troops. The military would not provide a photo or evidence.”
    • Calls for a transparent investigation have followed from outlets like AP and Reuters.
    • [02:07] Notable Quote:

      “The military says it's examining who authorized the strikes, the timing and the ammunition.” – Daniel Estrin

3. Dismantling Anti-Violence Programs in the U.S.

• Overview:

  • Violence prevention funding, long directed to local initiatives, is facing cuts under President Trump.

• Expert Insight:

  • Zodet Youssef [02:50]:
    • Features Ryan Grier, head of nonprofit Bedrock, citing reductions to programs targeting hate-fueled violence.
    • [03:08] Notable Quote:

      “Nonprofits with antisemitism programs in South Carolina or Christian pastors in Texas looking to reduce hate and reduce the likelihood that people engage in ideologically motivated violence. Those programs have largely been cut or in the process of being cut by this administration.” – Ryan Grier

• Administration Response:

  • DHS did not reply to NPR’s inquiries on the grant reductions.

4. Culture & Entertainment: Major Celebrity Engagement

• Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce Announce Engagement:
  • Pop star Swift announced her engagement to the Kansas City Chiefs’ Travis Kelce via Instagram.
  • Isabella Gomez Armiento [03:46]:
    • “Your English teacher and your gym teacher are getting married.”
    • Their relationship began in 2023, sparked after Kelce attended Swift’s record-breaking “Eras Tour.”
    • Swift teased her new album, "The Life of a Showgirl," described as upbeat and inspired by her recent experiences.
    • [04:08] Memorable Moment:

      “Swift is entering a new era. She's a fiance.” – Isabella Gomez Armiento

5. Seasonal & Business Update

• Pumpkin Spice Season Launches Early:
  • Starbucks brings back the pumpkin spice latte, joined by other chains like McDonald's and Dunkin’.
  • Lakshmi Singh [04:33]:
    • “If pumpkin is your thing, well, it’s your week.”
    • The segment notes the cultural impact and healthy competition among chains for seasonal drinks.

Stock Market Summary:

• Dow up 135 points at 45,418
• S&P up 26 points
• NASDAQ up 94

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote / Moment | |-----------|-----------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 01:21 | Marie Aspen | “It’s the latest effort by Trump to exert more control over the Fed, which is designed to be independent.” | | 02:07 | Daniel Estrin | “The military says it's examining who authorized the strikes, the timing and the ammunition.” | | 03:08 | Ryan Grier (quoted) | “Nonprofits ... looking to reduce hate ... have largely been cut or in the process of being cut by this administration.” | | 04:08 | Isabella G. Armiento | “Swift is entering a new era. She's a fiance.” | | 04:33 | Lakshmi Singh | “If pumpkin is your thing, well, it’s your week.” |

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Segment | Start Time | |-------------------------------------------------|------------| | Trump vs. Federal Reserve & Legal Update | 00:32 | | Middle East Violence & Press Risks | 01:36 | | Cuts to US Anti-Violence Programs | 02:44 | | Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce Engagement | 03:33 | | Pumpkin Spice Returns & Market Close | 04:33 |

Summary

The August 26, 2025, 4PM NPR News Now succinctly covered pivotal national issues—Trump administration controversies, Middle East violence and journalistic risks, anti-violence funding rollbacks, and lighter news about celebrity engagement and seasonal retail trends. The reporting balances serious global concerns with news reflecting U.S. culture, all delivered in NPR’s straightforward, professional tone.