NPR News Now - NPR News: 08-21-2025 4AM EDT

Episode Date: August 21, 2025

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Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Dan Ronan. Hurricane Aaron is moving toward the outer banks of North Carolina prompting evacuation orders in some areas. Cherie's Piggott of Member Station WUNC reports, Errant is expected to bring a storm surge that could cause potential flooding and a dangerous tropical winds to the area along the east coast. A storm surge warning and a tropical storm warning remain in effect for parts of the coast of North Carolina. Scarborough with the local rescue squad in the Outer Banks says although emergency officials are ready, the storm surge could potentially limit their ability. While we are ready, we are also concerned

that with the impacts we are expected to see, we may not be able to. With two to four feet of storm surge and large breaking waves pushing water inland over the next couple of days, we may not be able to respond. The National Weather Service says the greatest hazards in North Carolina continue to be life-threatening rip currents and ocean overwash. For NPR News, I'm Cherise Piggott in Chapel Hill. Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook says she won't be bullied and she will not resign her seat. After a Trump appointee that regulates federal mortgages made accusations that Cook committed mortgage fraud. NPR Scott Horsley says Trump's calls for Cook to resign send her on interest rates and the president's desire to get his own pick on the Fed's board of governors.

If Cook were to resign or otherwise leave the Fed board, it would give Trump another. opportunity to name a replacement. He's already got one opening to fill on the Fed Board, thanks to the surprise departure of Adrona Kugler earlier this month. And it's not really clear how many more vacancies might come up on the Fed Board during Trump's time in office. The President has made it very clear he wants much lower interest rates. Most Fed policymakers are cautious, though, in part because they're worried that Trump's own tariffs might rekindle inflation. Meanwhile, Fed policy makers are meeting in Wyoming this week. for a major meeting to discuss the economy. President Trump's chief spy, Tulsi Gabbard, says

she'll cut her agency's budget by over 40 percent by the end of 2025. NPR's Jenna McLaughlin reports. Career intelligence officials say their mission is to speak truth to power. However, the former Democratic lawmaker turned head of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, or ODNI, has expressed her commitment to aligning the agency with President Trump's policy goals. The OD&I was created after the September 11th terrorist attacks to foster intelligence sharing between U.S. government agencies. Gabbard says she'll slash the agency's cost by over 40% by the end of September, though she didn't identify specific cuts. In a statement, the Democratic Vice Chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, Mark Warner of Virginia, says he would welcome the chance to review Gabbard's plans, but expresses concern arguing Gabbard has a track record of politicizing intelligence. And you're listening to NPR.

The discount retailer Target is getting a new CEO who hopes to turn around the company's slumping sales down or flat for almost three years. Many on Wall Street had hoped for an outsider to take over the top spot. NPR's Elena Sukkuk has more. Target's current CEO, Brian Cornell, has run the company for over a decade and plans to retire early next year. His most obvious successor is the man who's getting the job. Michael Fidelke, the chief operating officer and former top financial executive who's been with a company over 20 years starting out as an intern. Target's share price fell on the news that came alongside an earnings report showing that Target sales fell yet again in the latest

quarter by almost 2%. The retailer has been losing shoppers to rivals as many people search for cheaper prices or more unique offerings. Plus, the chain has faced several boycotts over its LGBTQ-themed merchandise, as well as changes to its diversity, equity, and inclusion policies. Alina Selyu, NPR News. The Texas House Representatives has approved in new congressional voting districts that would likely give Republicans an advantage in five districts in next year's midterm elections. The measure will now be sent to the state Senate for approval and ultimately Governor Greg

Abbott for his signature. However, Democrats in California, including Governor Gavin Newsom, are pushing a similar plan in Sacramento that could net Democrats an advantage in five congressional races in that state to counter the GOP effort in Texas. The Texas Democrats are bowing. They will file lawsuits against the redistricting plan. From Washington, you're listening to NPR News. Support for