NPR News: August 11, 2025 – Comprehensive Episode Summary

Release Date: August 12, 2025
Host: Louise Schiavone
Source: NPR News Now

1. US-China Trade Relations Extend Temporary Truce

Louise Schiavone opens the episode with significant developments in US-China trade relations. President Donald Trump has extended the temporary truce in his trade war with China by signing an executive order that pushes the deadline out by another 90 days earlier this year. Tamara Keith provides an in-depth analysis of the situation:

“A series of retaliatory tariff announcements pushed US tariffs on Chinese goods up to 145%. Talks de-escalated tensions and brought the tariffs on US imports from China to 30%. Trump said those talks are continuing.”
(Timestamp: 00:30)

President Trump commented on the ongoing negotiations:

“We've been dealing very nicely with China, as you probably have heard. They have tremendous tariffs that they're paying to the United States of America. And we'll see what happens. They've been dealing quite nicely. The relationship is very good with President Xi.”
(Timestamp: 00:47)

Tamara Keith adds that the White House views this extension as essential for resolving trade imbalances and addressing what they describe as unfair practices by China:

“The White House says this extension is necessary to facilitate the ongoing discussions with China aimed at resolving trade imbalances and unfair practices.”
(Timestamp: 01:03)

2. Federal Judge Blocks Release of Epstein Grand Jury Records

In a notable legal development, Louise Schiavone reports that a federal judge has rejected the Justice Department's request to release grand jury records related to the Jeffrey Epstein sex trafficking case and that of his convicted accomplice, Ghislaine Maxwell.

Carrie Johnson elaborates on the judge's decision:

“Judge Paul Angelmeier says the entire premise of the Justice Department that the grand jury records would bring to light new information is demonstrably false. There is no there there,” the judge wrote.
(Timestamp: 01:33)

Johnson further explains that the grand jury materials do not reveal any new information about Epstein's crimes or implicate additional individuals:

“The papers don't identify any other person as having sexual contact with a minor.”
(Timestamp: 01:33)

Ghislaine Maxwell, who is serving a 20-year sentence, is currently appealing her conviction. Last month, she participated in interviews with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanch, which led to her being moved to a less restrictive federal prison.

3. National Guard Deployed to Washington D.C. Amid Crime Concerns

Louise Schiavone continues with President Trump's recent announcement to deploy hundreds of National Guard troops to Washington D.C. to address rising crime rates. Trump declared a public safety emergency and outlined plans to remove homeless encampments in the capital.

Criticism comes from Jan Williams of the homeless advocacy group Shepherd's Table:

“Being criminalized because of that kind of situation makes it even much worse for not only for the people themselves who are experiencing it, but also for the community as a whole.”
(Timestamp: 02:34)

The deployment includes 800 National Guardsmen, highlighting the administration's commitment to enhancing public safety in the nation's capital.

4. Natural Disasters and Environmental Concerns

A. Tropical Storm Aran and Milwaukee Flooding

The National Hurricane Center is monitoring Tropical Storm Aran, which has formed in the eastern tropical Atlantic Ocean. Forecasts suggest it could become the first hurricane of the 2025 Atlantic season this week, currently positioned about 2° west-northwest of the Cabo Verde Islands.

Meanwhile, Milwaukee is recovering from unprecedented rainfall. Although no fatalities have been reported, the region experienced over 14 inches of rain in less than 24 hours, leading to:

• River flooding
• Washed-out vehicles
• Thousands losing power

Four rivers in the Milwaukee area reached record high levels over the weekend, underscoring the severity of the weather event.

B. Mojave Desert Tortoise Conservation Efforts

Nate Perez reports on the plight of the Mojave Desert tortoise, a species considered threatened nationally. Habitat loss extends beyond California into parts of Nevada, Arizona, and northwestern Mexico, with estimates indicating that up to 90% of these tortoises have disappeared.

Patrick Imblage from the conservation nonprofit Mojave Desert Land Trust emphasizes the broader environmental implications:

“If tortoises are going extinct, we're doing something wrong and everything else is suffering as well.”
(Timestamp: 04:05)

In response, California's Fish and Wildlife Department has designated the tortoise as endangered, aiming to secure more federal funds for protection and recovery efforts. However, conservationists express skepticism about the effectiveness of this move due to federal budget cuts and staffing losses, which have weakened agencies responsible for protecting endangered species.

5. Europe Faces Extreme Heatwaves

Louise Schiavone reports that various parts of Europe are experiencing unusually high temperatures. Notable highlights include:

• Southern France: Temperatures soared to 43°C (109°F), raising concerns about wildfires.
• Hungary and Bulgaria: Increased risks of wildfires due to the extreme heat.
• United Kingdom: Expected to endure a hot week, further straining power grids and water supplies.

These heatwaves not only pose immediate health risks but also exacerbate environmental challenges across the continent.

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the critical news covered in the August 11, 2025, episode of NPR News Now, providing listeners with detailed insights into international trade tensions, significant legal rulings, public safety measures in the US capital, environmental crises, and extreme weather events in Europe.