NPR News Now: August 10, 2025, 5 PM EDT

Hosted by Jeanine Herbst

President Trump Targets D.C. Crime, Promises Federal Action

[00:18] President Donald Trump has labeled Washington D.C. as a "dangerous city," vowing swift federal measures to enhance safety. In a recent social media post, Trump drew parallels between his proposed initiatives for D.C. and his strategies employed at the southern border. He showcased unsettling images depicting tents and trash along city roads, declaring his intention to relocate homeless individuals away from the city and incarcerate criminals. "I will move homeless people far from the city and jail criminals," Trump stated, promising detailed plans to be unveiled on Monday morning.

In response, nearly 450 federal officers have been activated in D.C., as confirmed by a White House official who spoke to NPR. This move follows Trump's threat to seize federal control of the city after a former Doge employee was assaulted by a group of teenagers last week.

However, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser disputes Trump's claims, asserting that violent crime in the district is on the decline. "We are not experiencing a spike in crime," Bowser told MSNBC. She emphasized that Trump lacks the authority to take over D.C. police forces, noting that crime rates have decreased by 26% compared to last year. While Trump retains the power to deploy the National Guard, the Guard has confirmed that no troops have been dispatched to D.C. thus far.

Trump Prepares for Pivotal Meeting with Putin on Ukraine Conflict

[01:26] As tensions persist in Eastern Europe, President Trump is gearing up for a significant meeting in Alaska with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The primary agenda revolves around Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine and the role of NATO in the region.

Mark Mark Ruda, Secretary General, highlighted the critical nature of these talks: "It will be about territory. It will be, of course, about security guarantees, but also about the absolute need to acknowledge that Ukraine decides on its own future, that Ukraine has to be a sovereign nation deciding on its own geopolitical future." This statement underscores the emphasis on Ukraine's autonomy and sovereignty in resolving the conflict.

European leaders have expressed support for the Trump-Putin discussions, contingent upon Ukraine's inclusion in any ceasefire negotiations. Vice President Vance revealed to Fox News that the White House is actively coordinating to arrange a meeting between Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to discuss a potential ceasefire. Meanwhile, President Zelensky took to social media to accuse Russia of deliberately prolonging hostilities.

Colorado's Lee Fire Rages On Amidst Challenging Conditions

[02:33] In western Colorado, firefighters are battling the relentless Lee Fire, which has now expanded to over 100,000 acres. The blaze threatens homes and critical infrastructure in the vicinity of the small ranching and hunting town of Meeker.

Kirk Zigler reports that firefighters are finding it difficult to establish containment lines due to strong winds and exceptionally dry vegetation. "The concern continues to be trying to stop it from burning east toward the small ranching and hunting town of Meeker," Zigler explained. Climate change-induced overgrown forests with reduced moisture levels leave limited options for containment until favorable weather conditions emerge. Consequently, fire management efforts are concentrated on safeguarding structures where feasible.

On a positive note, the fire season in the western United States has been relatively quieter than anticipated, allowing for more resources to be allocated to the Lee Fire. "Some good news is that resources are pouring into the region," Zigler added.

Significant Alterations to Environmental Government Websites Under Trump Administration

[03:15] An in-depth analysis reveals that governmental environmental websites underwent more substantial and numerous changes during President Trump's second term compared to his first. Jeff Brady of NPR highlights that these modifications were not only frequent but also more radical in nature.

The Environmental Data and Governance Initiative discovered a 70% increase in changes to environmental websites within the first 100 days of Trump's second term. Gretchen Gerke, a lead author of the report, expressed surprise over the extensive removal of information related to environmental justice: "I am surprised by the extent of the removal of information about environmental justice. That level of kind of total erasure we didn't see with any topic under the first Trump administration."

In contrast, the Biden administration had prioritized environmental justice as a cornerstone of its climate change strategy, advocating for "equal access to a healthy environment for everyone." Responding to NPR inquiries, Trump's White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers stated that the current focus is on agency missions rather than "ideological activism."

Weekend Box Office Highlights: Horror Dominates

[04:18] The weekend box office saw horror films taking the lead. "Weapons" surged to the top spot, amassing an estimated $42 million in ticket sales and totaling $70 million globally. The film transports viewers to the quiet town of Maybrook, where 17 teenagers mysteriously vanish at 2:17 AM, leaving their families bewildered.

In the second position, Disney's sequel to the 2003 hit "Freaky Friday", titled "Freakier Friday," earned an estimated $29 million. This installment reunites Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis, who portray a mother-daughter duo undergoing a double body-swap, adding a chaotic twist to their characters' dynamics.

This summary provides an overview of the key discussions and insights presented in the NPR News Now episode released on August 10, 2025.